Did I have you pups fooled and ringing ya balls? You think I would let the last newsletter of the year ‘Funky 99’ to end without me blurting! C’mon you know better my hard-nosed pups. As I recall – right to the beginning of this absolutely fab. year, Rene B. and myself got out there and put up signs for TRAMPS – and what a shit-load we got! You’re the biggest and best pack of mongrels I’ve ever come across. It’s been an absolute blast if I think of all the experiences we have taken together and places we’ve travelled. You pups ‘the club’ have travelled the length and breadth of the South Island and scaled it too – think back on all the times you’ve enjoyed and thank yourself, because without each of your characters it wouldn’t have been half as much fun.

I have come to know a lot of ‘really slick’ people this year. From the likes of ‘Wobbling Tom’ to ‘Tina the Bee’ and ‘Goat Owen’. Not to forget all the rest of you ‘Sausages’ - ‘How’s my hairs’ – ‘Nice arse’ – and other deviants! From the beginning, I wished for a social feeling running through the club – the committee a.k.a ‘the big freeze’ has been most cool and dedicated to achieving this. I must say that this year would not have gone half as well – if at all - without the support and dedication of all the committee members – cheers Eski’s.

This last and final comment is written with a happy memory but sad afterthought, because my Uni days are over and tramping in the CUTC I’ve come to know well has also come to an end. The University years and tramping in the CUTC have been the best of my life and I wouldn’t have traded them for the world (or more study!). I will go away proud of such a wonderful bunch of folks as the lass’ and lads in the CUTC, proud because you have the character and desire to make your Uni days the most memorable, and proud because so many of you are so open about having fun! No tight arsed ‘you can’t do that’ in the CUTC baby – YEAH!!!! And that’s the way I hope you continue to go. Many of you will stay and be back next year so you have two objectives: 1) try to beat a 1000m descent in 45 minutes plus 2) try to eat 7 sizzlers, two eggs, 8 pieces of toast bread with beer for breakfast before committing yourself to two tramps in one day, and finally!!! 3) join the committee and keep the club ‘pumping’ baby! Uh huh, we have elections in the fourth term for committee positions – if you’re coming back next year please consider jumping on board ‘the steering wheel’ and make a difference – the thrill of the ‘steering wheel’ rocks and also it kicks arse in your C.V baby! So don’t be shy and come on over on the night of elections. We’ll vote you in even if you have no friends! So don’t worry a thing pups!

A few big ‘smilies’ have to be made especially for Tina the Bee who has contributed a lot of her time, energy and personality to the club this year – for you guys that may not know her personally, she has given us many a great spirit and great feeds. She has helped Jonno and Shenahnah out on the social side and has done this all with a shitload of fun in the process. You get the big ‘fingers up’ award girl for your dedication and just being you. We should also look at those that have done a lot for the club over many years – Rene B., Dazzle Razzle Matazz, Little Ben and Smilie Em. – The grooves from these guys have been shithot. For years and years these stalwarts have been with the club and have contributed an outstanding amount of their goodwill and bloody great personas! It’s that important ‘x’ factor of dedication and positivism (new word for me) that have deserved them also a big ‘fingers up’ award!!! A humble cheers.

So what’s going to be happening for the final term of ‘Funky 99’ – well my little hounds…we’re planning plenty of good night and day trips for you to get out under the stars whilst still giving ya heaps of time to study on Saturday. Also big focus on quality day trips as I understand that there are a few exams to think about later on in the term – but I tell you from experience! – There ain’t anything better than getting out there and enjoying the big hills and trees for a refresher from study. So keep coming to the meetings as they’re a great place to find out who’s got the party on Friday night and also to catch up after the weekend – remember its only often an hour or so out of your week – and a bloody good one at that!

At the end of the year and heading into the summer vacation think about passing on your new numbers to one another and organise a few good big trips to distant places. I had a great time doing this last year and with Dazza’s expert planning (i.e "we will see a rare blue elephant to your right side of the unmarked road we’re travelling on in 1.45 minutes – the sun will be setting for perfect photo opportunities at this time…the locals call this road…). He is the man if you have any queries on where’s happening to go – so if you’re a wondering – go see the man – I’m sure he put on a big smile for ya anyway!! Remember also guys – get those TROG stories into me for your big Cadbury bar of chocolate and the wicked pressies drawn from all contributors at the end of the year! – I can’t stress enough the importance of this for your old age when you can come back to the stirring stories of when you were once a young las or fella! So get in there and contribute to the book – it’s for your benefit! Plus the chocolate and pressies just for writing it... yummmmmm!!!!

What else do I have to say before the end of the millennium – well – hold on to your club newsletters! These kick-arse doodackies are full of memories and moments – things you’ll treasure later on if you’ve been involved! Also – why not do something wicked in the bush on New Years eve – like watching the sun rise for the first time in the year 2000 from a great mountain or lonely beach and spend time reflecting on your goals and aspirations for the future! Go out there and achieve – and do it with enthusiasm – my motto is… ‘Always do it even if you don’t feel like it’ for it nearly always works out wonderful and you’ll know at the end of your years that you lived life! One more word of advice form the ‘ol possum – Live life positively – go fast – go unheard of – and go with a smile – you’ll always be busy, but most of all, you’ll always be happy! Well, that’s the best I have to offer – I hope you have all enjoyed a fulfilling year with the CUTC – I have certainly enjoyed your excellent company and hope to keep your friendship wherever we are! I wish you all a happy and exciting life – I will always remember ‘Funky 99’ and the hip folk I shared it with - I wish you pups all the best in the future.

Live it long, Live it positive and Live it hard.