History of "L.K.C. THE STIRRERS"

More detailed information regarding the STIRRERS and their activities.

The Stirrers main aim is to keep the colourful and so very enjoyable tradition of celebrating CARNAVAL (as celebrated in part of the Netherlands, Germany and other places) alive here in Queensland.

Carnaval has a long history some say it dates back to pre Christian times (Carni-vale meaning farewell to meat).

It was held the three days before Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent (for Catholics forty day fasting and no parties).

In the past under the harsh rule of kings, the ruling class and a very strict influence from the Church of Rome it was very hard for people to voice their opinion about the authorities.

The Carnaval celebrations made people shed their inhibitions, many dressed as Court Jesters so they were able to ridicule and engage in political satire at the expense of their rulers with no fear of reprisals.

In later years the preparation for Carnaval started at St Martins Day, the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

It follows from this that eleven and multiples of eleven years are important dates in any Carnaval club and are cause for lots of celebrating (Clubs also have a Council of Eleven).

At present their are many Carnaval clubs in Australia with people from many countries including dinky di Aussies.

The Stirrers organise two carnaval nights in a a year, first in November (the beginning of the Carnaval season) we have our "PRINSEN BALL", at which we dispose of our reigning prince in all sorts of funny ways and the new prince is brought in with a fair bit of pomp and ceremony.

Then we have the FANCY DRESS "CARNAVAL BALL", when everybody can dress-up the way they like, there are always prizes or trophies for best fancy dressed.

The Stirrers dancing girls perform at these functions, while other members put on a floorshow. The venue for these functions was held for many years at the Mary Mac Hall 616 Ipswich Rd, Annerley, but in recent years and currently are held at the NAQ (the Dutch Club), 123 Pine Road Richlands.

Official meetings are held once a month, in between we might have social barbecues, get togethers to organise shows, when to rehearse and so on, we also get invited and visit other Carnaval Clubs.

An additional function in recent years has been the STIRRERS--N.A.Q. combined "NEARLY SPRING BALL" held in late July or early August.

We always take part in the HOLLAND FESTIVAL, where we usually have a stall to do some of our fund-raising.

As you can see we are not only a carnaval club we are also a social club where a group of people come together for certain activities and at the same time enjoy themselves.