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Spoke 'n' WheelsSeptember 2015
Volume 14 Issue No. 48
Page 2
Spoke 'n' WheelsSeptember 2015
Volume 14 Issue No. 48
Newsletter of the Cooma Monaro Historic Automobile Club, Incorporating membership in Cooma, the Monaroand the Alpine towns of the Snowy Mountains Region
PO Box 758 Cooma, N.S.W. 2630Monthly meetings at 7pm, 1st Monday of the month at Bolaro Street Clubhouse
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEB www.coomacarclub.com.au
Links
http://www.actmotorclubs.org.au/ Council of ACT Motor Clubs
http://www.motoring.org.au/index.html Australian Historic Motoring Federation
http://www.councilofmotorclubs.org.au/default.php The Council of Motor Clubs NSW (City)
www.bushcouncil.com.au The Council of Motor Clubs NSW (Country)
http://www.aomc.asn.au/ Association of Motoring Clubs Victoria
http://www.thebegavalley.org.au/index.php?id=historiccars Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle
Club www.cacmc.org.au/ Canberra Antique and Classic Motor Club
President) Rob$Wolf$ 0402$202$187$ $Vice)President) Max$Talbot$ 6453$3234$$ [email protected]$Secretary) Steve$Redden$ $ [email protected]$Treasurer) Darrel$Gaukroger$ 6452$1159$ $Clubhouse)Hire/Functions/)Assets/Bar)
Peter$Quodling$&$John$Neilson$
6452$1707$0418$643$008$
Membership) Peter$Longhurst$ 6452$1619$ $Plates)Registrars)) Roy$Rees$&$
John$Evans$6452$3173$6452$1584$
[email protected][email protected]$
Newsletter) Sarah$Wolf$&$$Glynn$Pendergast$
0403$428$747$0412$760$336$
Vehicle)Fleet)Manager)
Glynn$Pendergast$ 0412$760$336$ $
Website)&)Publicity) Ian$Hampton$ 0400$528$115$ $Events)Coordinator) Rogan$&$Beverley$
Corbett$$ $
Fines)Sergent) Ron$Knight$ $ $Two)Year)Directors) Jenny$Fraser$
Maree$Burchall$Glen$Gumley$
$ $
!
Welcome to our new look newsletter. Jim Appleby has stepped down from the role due to his pending
move to Canberra. We wish Jim and Jill all the best for the future and thank him for his valued
contribution over many years. Sarah Wolf has filled Jim’s void and will still be ably assisted by Popeye
who has many years experience with the newsletter. We thank Sarah for taking on this position and
Popeye for continuing his contribution.
We are hoping to produce a newsletter each quarter. I encourage members with any news or articles
of interest to contact Sarah or Popeye to have them included in the newsletter.
Some past events have been our very successful inaugural preO1960’s car rally. We had 28 entries from
a wide area and whilst the weather for this weekend was pretty ordinary, many entrants wanted to
know when the next rally was being held as they want to come back. This rally is run on exactly the
same format as the Girder Fork Motor Bike Rally and I would like to thank everyone who helped with
this event.
Rogan and Beverly Corbett are our new events people and they organised a great run to Canberra at
the end of June which was well attended with some great attractions being visited. Thank you Rogan
and Beverly.
Saturday the 8th of August was a curry and casserole night. This was a great night with plenty of tasty
food. Music was by Dave Wilkins. It was also a farewell for Jim and Jill Appleby and Mick and Kate
Roberts. These 4 people have been great club members and will be sadly missed. We wish them well in
the future in their new locations. Thanks you to everyone who helped out with the event.
A huge thank you must go to Peter Quodling and everyone who helped out at the bar the Monaro
Committee for Cancer Research, Strictly Musical fundraiser. It was a big commitment and a massive
effort from all our members who helped out, especially the ones who worked all 3 nights. Thank you to
all involved. We donated approximately $6000 back to the MCCR.
Whilst I’m writing this, about 24 of our members are having a week at Cessnock, no doubt enjoying
themselves.
We had our AGM in July and welcomed some new faces and some familiar faces to the various
committee positions. Thank you to all who put their hand up to fill these positions.
We are now coming in to our busy period with plenty of things happening. Motorfest and Chrisco to
name just 2, We’ll keep you updated with events via email and general meetings.
Till the next newsletter,
President Rob
President's Prose
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Our official newsletter ‘Spoken Wheels’ began in 2002 and prepared by Keith Montague and Glynn
(Popeye) Pendergast. In 2006 a call for more input resulted in Jim Appleby joining the team to co-edit,
they have gone gang busters ever since keeping us informed and entertaining us with amazing articles,
photos, jokes, and many stories and emails hard to believe. So, as with many of us, other commitments
come into play, which brings Jim and Jill moving to Canberra in the near future. That doesn’t mean to
say we won’t be hearing from Jim no doubt he will continue to contribute as will Keith and Glynn, and
their efforts need to be applauded. But, as in 2002, we have once again called for more input, which
leads us to welcome a new recruit, Sarah Wolf, who will be compiling the magazine with a little help
from Bev to start with. We have already had a great response, as you will see when reading the mag.,
and Sarah is keen to hear from anyone with an interesting article, topic of discussion, photos, jokes,
anything of interest from other clubs or trips away, just email them through. Don’t hold back!
Must give our Sydney members an apology for no Xmas in July this year (Santa was tired) Due to other
commitments it didn’t happen but we managed to hold a very successful social evening which you can
read about further on, maybe we could have alternate Xmas in July then themed social gathering the
next year, thoughts?
Just a mention about “Back to Cooma” Celebrations next Easter 2016. Keep the date free for a huge
weekend, lots of exciting events on the programme and a reminder that if you have friends and/or
family wanting to come, they should think about booking accommodation soon as it will be difficult to
find somewhere as it gets closer. Even though this is not a car club event, we are hoping to build a Float
for the big Street Parade, so hope many of you can participate. Any history you may wish to share
would also be most welcome, just contact Rogan as he is the Chair person for the ‘Back to Cooma’
committee
Also want to mention that on the weekend of the 12/13th March 2016, a group called Just4kids, who
arrange trips to various areas of Australia, much like a BASH, and they will be touring our area and
heading for the Snowy Mtns., and asked if we could help by providing a Treasure Hunt on the Sunday
13th with lunch. The benefactors of their visit to Cooma will be Community Chest, and a local school, so
we have agreed to do so. Yes, it is the weekend of the Show, but we will be helping a great cause. More
on this as it gets closer.
New awning on back verandah over bar-b-cue area looks great! We will be able to cook rain hail or
shine. Well done to all who made it happen!
We have recently received some great stories about travelling through outback NSW and other parts of
Australia which are a good read. We had a brilliant suggestion, that because our newsletter is mostly
compiled of short stories, we create a special edition featuring the stories about places travelled and the
experiences of some of our members, these will specially appeal to 4WD enthusiasts, looking for that
trip with a difference! We will keep you informed, and if you have an interesting story let your editors
know.
Still waiting on some quotes to come back in re. ceiling options.
Feedback from members about the Big Wheel proposal would be welcome
Give us your thoughts.
Editorial
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Upcoming Events
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September26th - Yallambee Run Saturday26th & 27th - Pambula Motorfest
October17th & 18th - Girder Fork Rally25th - Hillclimb
November7th - Cooma Motorfest8th - Snowy Ride Kid's Thredbo21st & 22nd - Queanbeyan Swap Meet22nd - Chrisco (5.00 am start)29th - Hillclimb
December12th - Christmas Party/Treasure Hunt
Remember to check the Car Club website events page to see any updates oradditional events.
Event ReportsSocial Night at the Clubhouse Sat 11 July 2015An enjoyable social night was held at the clubhouse, starting at 5 pm.
The ladies catered with a mixture of hot and cold “nibbles” and coffee – thankyou, and some ofthe men operated the bar.
Being an Australian function the ladies talked cars & museum extensions & hill climbs and themen talked grand children and fancy work, or so they say. Kel was celebrating the anticipatedarrival of a new grandchild.
Around 25 members and friends attended the evening.
When Car Club members visited some of the manyattractions in Canberra there was considerableinterest shown at Tidbinbilla deep space trackingstation and Mt Stromlo Observatory. For this issuelet us talk about Stromlo Observatory. The domeshaped building housing the telescope was in thepath of the disastrous 2003 bushfire and became agiant oven melting and destroying everthing insidethe building.
The former editor and his mate were seen gawpingthrough the doorway window looking for signs ofmelted or mangled metal of the telescope. Nothing!Not a sign other than a grubby floor & odd items.
The mystery was solved in an article of EngineersAustralia March 2015 prepared by the VictorianHeritage Branch of EA. What was left of thetelescope after the fire had been removed, taken toMelbourne where it is being rebuilt and will be readyfor display to the public in working orderat the site of the original Melbourne Observatory inthe Botanic Gardens in time for the 150thanniversary of its original commissioning inMelbourne.
In 1944 the telescope was sold to Mt StromloObservatory where it was modified several timesover the years. Built in Dublin in 1868 the telescopehas the distinction of being the first in the world todiscover "Black Holes" in the universe following arebuild in the 1990's. A great effort by the recoveryand restoration teams in saving this old telescope -a part of our history.
Mt Stromlo Visit
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Porsche Day Out
A very successful gathering of
Porsche enthusiasts and like
minded people attended a
wonderful bbq lunch on the 20th
of June in the gardens of
Sherwood. 15 patrons were
hosted by Henry and Julia
Bridgewater, Henry bought Bede
Nicholls' 911.
Wonderful beef ribs,salads
cakes and coffee and high
octane.
The locals in attendance were
Henry, Ross, Macca and Peter
Bright. Peter's 928s new paint
job was to be commended. Well
done by Monaro Panel Beaters.
Reg Percy the informed Porsche
mechanic and former Porsche
car racer was in attendance
paying particular attention to
Ross's car.
Several Pambula car club
members came along in Jenson
Intercepters a rare S model.
John Cursleys 993 was there
Georges 914 is undergoing
some TLC .He turned up in one
of those Japanese 4x4s
6 other would be attendees
including a D.Burchall didn't
make it, although Mr Burchall
was busy during the week with
renovation at Parliament House
in Hawkins street, Cooma.
The next gathering in 3 months
is being planned for a stay over
at Bemm river
Wollongong Trip May 2015
On 8thMay five cars were farewelled from Cooma Clubhouse including Tex &Jenni, Roy & Glenda, Jannene & Ricco, Jonsey & Leanne, Richie & Maree. We metRocket Rodney & Suzzie at the Paragon Café in Goulburn for lunch before heading
to Fitzroy Falls.Kangaroo Valley was the next stop for some retail therapy.
The Shellharbour Resort was our accommodation for the weekend. We went tothe Warilla Sports Club for dinner on Friday night and cleaned up in the meat and
fruit and vegetable raffles! Saturday morning was a little hike with our fitnesstrainers Jannene and Ricco for a yummy breakfast at Shellharbour Village with
water views, then off to The Australian Motorlife Museum where Col and Sue metus for our tour, then back to Shellharbour Village for fish and chips and beers atthe local. Our fitness regime continued with a quick hike back to the Resort forcarpark “happy hour” followed by dinner at the impressive Shellharbour Club.
Sunday saw us travel through Wollongong a number of times trying to findparking for all the cars while a fun run and the local markets proved our effortsfruitless. We split into a few groups for our run across the Sea Cliff Bridge and
onto Bald Hill Lookout for some windy views. Our windy run home included lunchat The Goulburn Workers Club.
August General Meeting was held in Bombala with good attendance andsome new faces. Cooma members left the club house at 10 am, and weather wasn’ttoo unkind for a winter’s day. A good trip, no Red beasts along the way, but theflying purple petrol eaters made their presence felt (full moon that weekend?normal bad behaviour? maybe it was the hit of hot coffee at the Bell?) However wedid arrive in one piece and on time for the very successful meeting that followedwith plenty of discussion on many topicscovered, after which we were treated to a delicious lunch provided by Lions clubBombala, thanks to Lions President Graham Hampshire and his many helpers, welldone and thank you! Good news that Eileen Hampshire has taken on the role oforganising the Relay For Life to be held in Bombala this year, this came as nosurprise, Eileen is such a dedicated person and will do a fabulous job, whichbrought Rogan to suggest that the Car Club make a donation of $500 to the causewhich was moved and seconded without hesitation. If anyone would like to enterin the Relay individually, or as a team please contact Eileen on 64583276.Thanks to Pres. Rob and stand in Secretary Chris for an excellent meeting.Everyone arrived home safely.
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History
Used Cars 1937This is what your prized vintage car mighthave cost you in 1937 (two years beforeRoss Johnson’s Willys was built) and itwould have been near new. £1 = $2 forthose who are not old enough toremember the money used in the oldendays. The newspaper came from undersome old linoleum
Other makes advertised included: - Alvis,Austin 7 £40, Auburn, Bean Truck 30 cwtin splendid order £55, Bugatti type 40 Sports Roadster £135, 1935 Citroen 14 hp£225, 1936 Chevrolet £250, Chrysler 70Roadster 1930 £ 115, Clyno 10hp justoverhauled £40, De Soto 8 - cyl Sedan£135, 1936 Dodge 7 passenger £345, DKWmost amazing car ever built Williams MotorHouse City and Foorscray. Essex challengertourer, gift £79, Erskine, Ford A Roadster£88, Ford V8 coupe 1935 de-luxe £189.Hudson, MG N type Magnette as new £550,Minerva tourer, 7pass, very powerful, £30,Nash sedan 1934 definitely as new £268,La Salle all enclosed coupe £128, 1935Hillman 6 carries our 60 Days or 2000miles guarantee only £ 268,1931 Graham8 £!20, Rover, Rugby 4 – cyl , 12- cwt ute£98, 1928 Pontiac tourer £98, Panel VanWhippett 1930 £57/10/- , Rolls Royce 20Hp £270, Standard 1928, as traded, £18,The biggest bargain in Melbourne Willys77,late 1936 model £100, 1933 Vauxhalltourer £165, Stutz Black Hawk £185,Pontiac, Paige £69, Peugeot 10hp £35,Lancia Lambda 7th series £145. BSASaloon 1934 £105.
Car built in Bombala.The late Brian Hampshire told your editor that there was a car built inBombala in the early 1900s. It was built over several years and thebuilder brought what he had completed each year to the Bombala showto exhibit. Brian said that the newsagent has some records of the car.Brian thought that the car still exists, somewhere in the Canberradistrict. He had been hoping to get it brought to Bombala for theCentenary show, but he got too sick to follow it up.
Just think, if the pioneering builder had got into mass production, theFJ might have been built in Bombala and they might all have been fuelinjected. We hope that Brian’s widow Eileen and his brother Graham(who owns the fuel injected FJ)and others in Bombala, may be able tofind more information and the car. Graham assures me that a factoryin Bombala would not have been named “Fisherman’s Bend” as thereare not enough fish in the Bombala River.
MEMBER PROFILERob and Tanya Wolf’s Holden EH
The car is a 1964 Holden EH 179 manual sedan.Purchased the car in Canberra in 2005 from a fellow named Barry O’ShannesseyI had left a business card under his windscreen wiper in the Woden Plaza carpark some years before. Although the car wasgoing and registered it needed major restoration work. The floor was rusted out and all the front section from thewindscreen forward needed repairing due to rust and accident damage. All the interior needed re]trimming.The panel and rust work was done by myself and Dave LeBauer from Dave’s Panel Shop and the re]trimming was done byFrank Von der Burg from Classic Car Upholstery.The car still needs further body work but is respectable enough to take to car shows and drive on Club runs. It has been onmany runs the furthest being to Beechworth and back in a weekend. Whilst it is not the fastest car in the Club, it runs welland has been very reliable.Amazingly, the EH has had a starring role in the Canberra Stage Production of ‘Ghosts in the Scheme’ which will commencethis coming week. All this came about when production manager of the Big hART programme approached Rogan looking fora 1960’s car for filming ads and had their heart set on a Holden EH. Rogan pointed them in the right direction anddiscovered Rob’s EH filled the bill.You may have seen the ad on TV or have seen the front page of Panorama magazine with Rob’s EH and actor Rex Marinossitting in the boot. Well Done Rob and Tanya!
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Tent HireWith the weather warming up and party season upon us don'tforget that we have 3 outdoor party options avaliable for hire.
We have the large tent - 10m x 7m which can come with or withoutside curtains. A tent 4.5m x 4.5m (not pictured). Or two gazebos
measuring 6m x 3m.If you're interested in hiring these tents, or have family or freindsthat want to, please contact our asset manager Peter Quodling.
If you're a facebooker don't forget to 'Like' ourpage.You can post photos of events, your cars, yourworks-in-progress.
Internal Advertisments
MOTOREX \ 25th 26th JulyMark, Leanne Lyn & Myself travelled to Sydney for the weekend to look at Motorex, which is the Elite in Car Shows. Plusmore\ On Friday night after Booking into our posh Motel, which turned out to be where the Sydney Roosters werestaying also. Whilst we were in the Lift, Jared Waerea\Hargreaves was also in the lift, so Mark offered a little advice asto how they could beat the Tigers. We then went to ANZ Stadium to watch West Tigers & Roosters play (Mark is WestTigers Fan), unfortunately they lost, but was still a good night.
Saturday we made our way over to the Dome to Motorex, where we met up with another Club Member – ColCunningham. We were blown away by the quality & quantity of cars inside the Dome. The space around each exhibitwas good, and the $$$ value on some of these vehicles, unbelievable!! The owners of the cars were happy to stand &talk about their cars. One that took our eye was a small Fiat Bambino, 7 years to build, Convertible & more. There wasalso a display of old movie vehicles, eg\ Batmobile, Herbie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bobs Ute from Country Practice,Mad Max, and plenty more. So much to see, and plenty of great ideas, if you had the $$$. Overall it was a great day.
Saturday Night Col & Margaret arranged to have dinner at the Rosehill Bowling Club, great meal & good night of laughs.Sunday morning met up again with Col & Margaret for breakfast at Concord West before travelled home.Great weekend had by all, will do it again next Motorex.
Local car club member Brian (Mick) Hayden teamed up wtih Bob Barker from Tathra in the KidneyKar Rally for kids Variety Bash During August 2015. The rally started in Alice Springs (NT) on the11th of August and finished in Moama (VIC) 10 days later on the 21st of August.Apart from bull dust getting in to the electirc window winders (fixed by a 15 amp fuse), a bit of barsleak in the radiator, and a puncture, they had a trouble free run. Their car, an XR8 Ford performedadmirably doing a toatl of 9K kilometres, including 5K kms of rally stage.Bob Barker done the driving while Mick took care of the navigation. During their 10 days they seenplenty of sand, bull dust, mud and very rough roads. They travelled through may outback areas andtowns renowned for the old Redex trials of the 1950's uncluding Mt. Dare, Dalhousi Springs,Oodnagatta, Coober Pedy, William Creek, Marree and Leigh Creek. Highlights included the changingscenery, paying $2.45 for a litre of fuel and raising $780,000 for the Kidney Kar Rally for Kids.
Kidney Kar Rally For Kids
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The Impromptu Curry PartyThere was movement at the station, for the word had passed around,That the colt from Old Regret had got away,And had joined the wild bush horses – he was worth a thousand pound,So all the cracks had gathered to the fray.
A.B.Patterson.
It wasn't so much that Old Regret had got away, rather it was the fact that "Xmas in July" had got away withouta celebration at the clubhouse. Bev back from a sojourn in Queensland felt an urge for a party and she hatcheda plan supported by a loyal group of supporters. The internet buzzed with invitations to a social function onSaturday 8th August '15 and billed as a Curry & Casserole Social night. With little time to prepare, Bev's creativetalents went into overdrive – Simple & Spectacular was the key to success and in flowed the responses, 70 hadaccepted!Corbo led the Tuesday gang of old fellows into action & erected the black folding screens, the new dancefloor, the tables & chairs. Out came the bain maree, electrical leads abounded, Dave Wilkins our resident MusicMan was contacted and agreed to provide the music for the evening. Then came the "Piece de Resistance'. Bevraided her bottomless box of fabrics and surely must have borrowed some exotic fabrics from Marnie's Salon.It was both simple but spectacular the draping of fabrics over the screens and we were absolutely sure thatthere was a harem or a bunch of Egyptian Belly Dancers behind the screen – certain to appear during theevening and delight the fellas! Bev and her helpers had that covered too! What they did was turn on the flatscreen tv and dampen down the male ardour by featuring the Swans vs the Cats – dammit.
But the tucker! The selection of curries, casseroles, Cucumber in yoghurt, buttered buns, rice and wrappedbaked potatoes was superb let alone the dessert to follow. The hungry 70 queued in orderly fashion & wereRoyally fed. Dave the Music man struck up the music and dance floor was filled.
Congratulations to all our members who participated in making the winters night a great evening by mixingtogether and enjoying each others company.
More Event Reports
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FATHER'S DAY FISH & CHIP RUN6th September
What a great roll up of members, families and friends (close to 60). Heading off from the Car Clubat approximately 9.30 am for the Coast. With a bit of a chill in the air, and the sun peeping through
a partially clouded sky. We stopped at Bermagui oval for a pleasant break, a chat and somemorning tea.
With the flying purple petrol eater making a fast getaway, there otherwise wasn't too much'hooning' along the way. Arriving at the Co-op just after noon, placed our orders for lunch, whichwas freshly cooked Blue Grenadier caught that morning, and of course chips. Some had to waitlonger than the majority but no complaints. Our cars had many envious onlookers admiring the
array of different makes and models, there were also a few vehicles from Bega. A great afternoonperusing the boats at the marina, an ice-cream and taking in the smell of the sea in the air. We
reluctantly headed home with no dramas.
Hunter Valley Getaway – Corbo Version (With No Embellishments)Whooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooosssshh! It was almost over before it began. Great time – unbelievable!
Hunter Valley Getaway – 24th to 28th August 2013 Full version.A bright eyed bunch of adventurers gathered at the club house in anticipation of the days travel to Cessnock in the Hunter Valleyregion. Spot on 9-00 am, our Tour Leader Ross had us on the road. Light to heavy rain with occasional dry overcast sky – was theorder of the day and Sutton Forest was a welcome lunch break. By the time we reached Hawkesbury River we had our fullcompliment of 12 cars & 24 people, our “out of town” members having joined the procession. En route we had struck some verywet conditions which were testing drivers – aquaplaning always being a possibility. Pelicans at Hawkesbury River were lookingdown their noses at us on arrival. Wonder why? The drive on to Cessnock was accompanied by big trucks, little trucks, caravans,heaps of cars & even some well behaved P platers – all of which seemed to fill the motorway. The size of Cessnock surprised,20,000 inhabitants, while the accommodation at “The Old Brick Factory Hotel Resort” set on 11 acres was very pleasant after 7hrs on the road.
News from home. Cooma piddling with rain. Perisher heavy snow, Sydney hailing golf balls. We opened the door in the morning tosunshine! John W offered his minibus to 10 of the 24 travellers to enjoy the drive to the Hunter Valley Gardens which are thelargest in Australia. The 10 separate garden themes are linked by 8 km of pathways and can only be described as magnificent.Privately funded by Mr Bill Roche these gardens provide employment for 30 gardeners, feature 8000 roses in addition to 6000trees, 600,000 shrubs, 500,000 annuals, 100km of watering system, the gardens including lake being set on 16 hectares. It is awonderful experience for anyone!After that visual feast what else could we do? Go to Harrigan’s Irish pub of course to enjoy their Guinness and a midday meal.Aaaaaaaaaaah! That was really good! Nice pub too! One meal selection was fish & chips served on a reproduction 1915 newspaper& a Guiness!
Many wanted to stay on at Harrigan’s but we were scheduled tosample the delights of Mt Pleasant Winery. A knowledgeable hostessplied us with samples, describing each, the subtle flavours, one of thesamples had won 10 gold medals! By the end of the afternoon theconnoisseurs in the group had bought up big while pretty welleveryone left with a smile and a nice taste in their mouth. Clever girl.
The program for the day included a brewery tour and while the winerytasting was especially for the ladies (& the blokes) the scheduledbrewery tour simply could not be missed.So somehow the drivers found their way to the brewery to which we all retired. Being already suitably “primed” with wine, it wasno problem for the highly experienced brewer to speak to an attentive (if somewhat sleepy eyed) audience about his trade. Thiswas a boutique brewery specialising in “small batches” of about 600 litre distinctive brews of 7 or was it 8 different beers? Iforget but it doesn’t matter. Unique malt barley, yeast, hops; water from around the world seemed to be the go when makingboutique beer. We learned a lot which we also forgot, but everyone was able to say “I like that one best”. Some continued samplingof the brews as one does. But it was time for “Happy Hour” and so we re gathered together again for traditional drinks and snacksto review the day. A feature of our car club on tour is to enjoy each other’s company at Happy Hour and it was the perfectopportunity for a presentation to our Tour Leader. We have had very few tour leaders in the Club but each do a great job & so Rosswas toasted on this occasion for organising another of his many successful tours. A very old but highly polished brass trumpet /horn had been dug out from amongst Jim Appleby’s junk and jazzed up for the presentation. Ross accepted this with due modesty& grace on behalf of all those who take on the task of Tour Leader. The horn will be used on each future tour occasion. We will alsorecord details of past tours & leaders too! Hmmmmm that wasn’t a bad day at all!
Hunter Valley Trip24th - 28th August
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A lack of hot water in some of the units didn’t draw comment from the washed as the great unwashed joined with the washedfor breakfast for yet another day on the road. Where to? Nelson Bay was the destination for a cruise to begin the morning’senjoyment. Lots of space between habitation in the Hunter and we took in the scenery as we went. For those who had notvisited Nelson bay for half a century the development has made the place unrecognizable. A large marina to rival that at Cairnshoused our craft a three story Catamaran named “Moonshadow”. What a great trip around the bay that was in sunshine - as wecame up alongside dolphins time after time. The skipper described the life habits of dolphins that swim in pods. male pods,female pods, nursery pods but somehow there must be some straying as the skipper told us females can mate up to 200 times aday! How does he know that?On to a light lunch at Williamtown RAAF base called “Fighter World” where the museum houses WWII fighter jets and numerousmemorabilia of fighter aircraft from around the world. A display cabinet of many models of Japanese aircraft along withBritish, US of A, German & Australian aircraft fascinated us. Being able to look into the cockpit of a number of the fighter jetswas a delight as were the Rocket launchers. Time after time modern jet fighter planes were flying overhead making a deafeningsound. Another great visit and one which produced interesting information for us all. A young Australian was featured in theAdvocate a RAAF Williamtown base newsletter in an article on the Battle for Britain. He surely must be our local hero – namedPat Hughes DFC - from Cooma who was credited with shooting down 14 enemy aircraft before he died at age 22.
Edie and Glen had previously visited Cessnock and knew of a good eating housewhich they recommended as a venue for a meal. 14 decided to attend while 10dined in Cessnock. The restaurant described as “Shakey Tables” was just downthe road (like about a country mile), off the main drag and identified by a whitetable on a tall post with 3 ½ legs. Then up a bush track among the trees wefound our destination. What to expect? Well surprises can be fun and the oldstyle building was just that. On arrival we were offered a glass of champagnecourtesy of the management or even a beer. Our long table completed the settingafter enjoying the artwork displayed by the lady Chef, the large display of wines,& the old candle which had dripped wax on the floor for over the last 17 yearswhen lit for dinner. There was a sense of promise in the atmosphere of whatwas to follow. After the wine came the champers, then a complimentary smalltasting of French Onion Soup which was to liven up the taste buds. Excellent!The options on the evening menu were for choices of entrée, main meal, dessert.This was to prove difficult – we had come to a Gourmet Restaurant which wasactually quite famous amongst connoisseurs of fine food! The real surprise wasthat the owner had either grown or bred on his land much of that being offeredat the table. So suckling pig or Wagyu beef, which were two wonderful choicesfrom a number on the menu. Wagyu is Japanese for the cattle which providethat heavily marbled steak that costs a motza. Every one at the table votedtheir particular meal choice as being excellent including the desserts whichwere highly praised for their taste and originality. This was a really great placefor a top class meal. Thanks Edie & Glenn & the restaurant staff. The cost?Don’t even ask! Enjoy!
The next day was wisely chosen as a “Lay day.” Some just lazed around, some successfully raided the pokies up town, whilesome chased up head decorations for the evening’s entertainment & some made a return trip to cellar doors at the wineries.Purely for their self education we were told. It was soon Happy Hour again & time for drinks & nibbles, discussion on headdress – all 24 were participating and what fun that was at our final dinner together. Our Tour Leader found a winner for thequiz,& prizes for the best head dress by Male, Female & Couple. The photos tell the story! We had Bobby Dazzler & his Floosie(silver glittered fluttering eyelids), a Turkish Sultan & his Aussie horned Missus, a long haired blonde & her Jester spouse, acouple of Hippies, Popeye in drag, a black plaited bewigged beauty behind a mask & tiara to name a few. It was a riot of fun. Thedrive home next day probably capped the five day tour. Most chose the journey through the mountains to the Putty road withits almost continuous bends and long winding road. It is a mecca for motor bikes and those who enjoy driving a vehicle ratherthan just steering! All returned home safely!An item of interest along the Putty road was in an old burnt out service station, where a sculpture of an approximately 6 meterhigh man, made of stainless steel, stood alone in the empty grounds next to an old petrol bowser shell, an amazing sight in themiddle of nowhere, we did get to talk to the sculptor though, Dave Thurston, who informed us that it took 5 years to construct,when Rogan spied a group of old cars up in the paddock, and asked Dave if there were any Chryslers there, to Rogan’sdisappointment, Dave replied ‘wouldn’t have a clue mate, I’m a yachtie!’
Thanks to all who participated, Ross and Pauline Johnson, Rogan and Bev Corbett, Glynn (Popeye) Pendergast, Craig Johnson,Roy and Glenda Rees, Peter and Marg Quodling, Robert and Betty Fuller, Ian and Liz Litchfield, John and Chris Williams, GlenGrumley and Edie Flanagan, Keith and Andrea Montague, Baden and Meree Dumbrell, Richard Nichols and Maree Burchall.
Page 13
GET THE GOSS
No doubt you have heard of the movie
“Lost”. Seems this guy gets lost in the desert
after missing a deadline to meet his family
so he uses a telephone route finding device
that doesn’t agree with his map… Sound
familiar?
We all know how sat. navs., TomTom’s, any
GPS can be of help, but sometimes the
frustration becomes too much. We don’t
want to hear that monotonous little voice
ever again, especially when we get lost.
On a not so recent trip, driver with GPS,
navigator on phone maps, backseat driver
with the iPad. Rolling in laughter, eyes filled
with tears, blaming someone else’s
instructions. Perhaps too much information,
still got lost, and not just once!
A more recent trip wasn’t any better when
it came to following instructions.
Don’t follow someone making out they
aren’t lost. Everybody follows the lost
person and then everyone is lost!
Sometimes you have to make your own
decision about if you want to be lost or not.
On the M7 you can become lost. Don’t blame
the weather, getting close to the destination
turn off, think you’ve missed it? Feeling
lost? You’re on the freeway, how could you
possibly be lost? Finally coming close to the
destination, too many dog legs en route,
lost! Next day, how easy is it to be lost in
7.9km looking for our destination 20 metres
down the road? You guessed it! We were
following someone who was lost! Following
the leader doesn’t always pay off.
Off to the coast, great run, not too many
hassles, get to destination, lost! Looking for
the right wharf, thank goodness the
dolphins didn’t have a schedule. New maps
for the trip home, can’t go wrong, right?
Approaching a built up area,
aaaaaahhhhhhh lost! Around and around
and around we go, which direction nobody
knows, finally the real navigator takes over,
she is spot on!
Some of you Mad Max fans would have gone to see the latestinstalment of the franchise, “Fury Road”, or perhaps you read thearticle in the June issue of Wheels magazine, and the local alternativearticle in the Post about some amazing and crazy vehicles (a few ofwhich originated out of Flynn’s wrecking yard). Great pics and thestory of the film making, let alone the making and design of the cars,some of which had two or three copies made to accommodate thedestruction scenes, out of this world! There may be a surprise at ourMotorfest, fingers crossed.
Déjà vu!Where is your name badge? Okay, okay, wheel him outforhisannualwhinge!Whydon’tweallwearour specialnametagto all club functions? Don’t have one? Then see your Committeemember and it will be arranged for you.We think that wearing abadge with your name below the photo of that precious crapheap that you feel so proudof associates you to our beloved clubtowhichweallbelong.WhetheryouproudlyownaFord,Holden,Valiant,Dodge,Chevvy,Austin, anyoldYankTank,Vdub,Roller,Sierra Cosworth, Humber, Honda, Rover, Daimler, Prince,Marc,Alfa, Wolseley, Triumph, Lotus, Jaguar, Caddy, P76, Nissan,Maserati, Jeep, LandRover,MilitaryVehicle, or oneof each–Weare all members of the CMHAC. While mostly I can’t rememberyour name, I can remember your car! Wear your badge! Don’twant to?Then riska fine fromour sergeant to fundourChristmasParty! You have been warned!
Great progress being made on the old VW donated by Don
Bottom. Roy Rees has been busy giving it a new lease of life
putting in his valuable time and expertise Thanks Roy for
your great effort!
There won’t be any stopping the old car club ute soon! Mick
Hayden came across some new extractors (yet to be fitted)
for the old girl, it is sure to be a real goer! Everyone will be
lining up to take her on a run.
In case you missed it! GREY chargerblowing off PURPLE charger at the lights inCanberra! Much to Popeye’s and Craig’s
delight (and possible surprise!) Came closeto a back end repair job. Solution? Don’tplay with things under the dash whilewaiting for the lights to change. Popeyethe proud owner of bragging rights, for
now.
Page 14
... thelastlaugh
I was driving with my friend. We come to a red lightand he speeds up and whips right through it. I startfreaking out "Hey, your going to get us killed!" Hereplies "Relax, my brother drives like this." We come toanother red light and he blazes right through. "You'regoing to get arrested, or get us killed!" "Relax, relax,this is how my brother drives." We come to a greenlight he stops dead looking both ways. "It's green youcan go." "No way, my brother might be coming theother way."
Officer: May I see your driver's license?
Driver: I don't have one. I had it
suspended when I got my 5th DUI.
Officer: May I see the owner's card for this
vehicle?
Driver: It's not my car. I stole it.
Officer: The car is stolen?
Driver: That's right. But come to think of it,
I think I saw the owner's card in the glove
box when I was putting my gun in there.
Officer: There's a gun in the glove box?
Driver: Yes sir. That's where I put it after I
shot and killed the woman who owns this
car and stuffed her in the trunk.
Officer: There's a BODY in the TRUNK?!?!?
Driver: Yes, sir.
Hearing this, the officer immediately called
his captain. The car was quickly surrounded
by police, and the captain approached the
driver to handle the tense situation:
Captain: Sir, can I see your license?
Driver: Sure. Here it is.
It was valid.
Captain: Who's car is this?
Driver: It's mine, officer. Here's the owner'
card.
The driver owned the car.
Captain: Could you slowly open your glove
box so I can see if there's a gun in it?
Driver: Yes, sir, but there's no gun in it.
Sure enough, there was nothing in the
glove box.
Captain: Would you mind opening your
trunk? I was told you said there's a body in
it.
Driver: No problem.
Trunk is opened; no body.
Captain: I don't understand it. The officer
who stopped you said you told him you
didn't have a license, stole the car, had a
gun in the glovebox, and that there was a
dead body in the trunk.
Driver: Yeah, I'll bet the liar told you I was
speeding, too.
Page 15
