The new and the old: new recruits. Left, Karen & Scott Turner (and Trav). Right, the Veteran Beam Brigade, Kris Harmston and Andy Wall.

Yesterday in Saigon, the Swannies kicked off our 2012 campaign. We had about 20 at training which was then followed up with a sensational meal deal at the Boomarang Bistro.

A number of wives and friends turned up which boosted our numbers to more than 30.

Among the people there was our new recruit, Scott Turner. He is a very good friend of sponsor and top bloke, Mark Greenshields. He has just arrived in Vietnam with Karen and their two children. Also there was Mr Andy Wall, original Jim Beam sponsor, with Kris Harmston.

Another drop-in was Chris O’Dempsey from Heart Reach Australia. Next Saturday 11 February, the Love Heart Concert will be held at the New World Hotel, to raise funds to support the work it does here in Vietnam. The Love Heart Concert starts at 6pm and costs VND1.5million.

Heart Reach Concert, 11 Feb, New World Hotel, Saigon

Unfortunately, most of the Swannies from Saigon won’t be able to go as we’ll be in Vung Tau for the ANZAC Boot Camp. Check for the latest information on the activities we’ll be doing next weekend at Matt Natalotto’s Saigon Sporting Life.

Swannie, Evo, was down in Vung Tau this weekend for his birthday. He says:

“One word for Vungers and (Club Sponsor) Tommy’s Sports Bar… ‘magic!’. Great to see (former Saigon Prez) Dez, Fleur, (Hanoi Prez) Crazy Dan et all on the walls too! (Tommy’s Bar has heaps of Swannie’s merchandise and photos on the walls). 

Can’t wait to be back down in Vungers again next week!”

It just keeps gettin’ bigger!