September 2015 - Cooma Car Club

Spoke 'n' Wheels
September 2015
Volume 14 Issue No. 48
www.coomacarclub.com.au
Spoke 'n' Wheels
September 2015
Volume 14 Issue No. 48
Newsletter of the Cooma Monaro Historic Automobile Club, Incorporating membership in Cooma, the Monaro
and the Alpine towns of the Snowy Mountains Region
PO Box 758 Cooma, N.S.W. 2630
Monthly meetings at 7pm, 1st Monday of the month at Bolaro Street Clubhouse
EMAIL: info@coomacarclub.com.au
WEB www.coomacarclub.com.au
President)
Vice)President)
Secretary)
Treasurer)
Clubhouse)
Hire/Functions/)
Assets/Bar)
Membership)
Plates)Registrars))
Newsletter)
Rob$Wolf$
Max$Talbot$
Steve$Redden$
Darrel$Gaukroger$
Peter$Quodling$&$John$
Neilson$
0402$202$187$
6453$3234$$
$
6452$1159$
6452$1707$
0418$643$008$
$
talbot.sunnycorner@gmail.com$
info@coomacarclub.com.au$
$
jneilson1@bigpond.com$
Peter$Longhurst$
Roy$Rees$&$
John$Evans$
Sarah$Wolf$&$$
Glynn$Pendergast$
Glynn$Pendergast$
6452$1619$
6452$3173$
6452$1584$
0403$428$747$
0412$760$336$
0412$760$336$
$
roy.rees@bigpond.com$
john@snowliner.com.au$
sarah.wolf@live.com.au$
$
$
0400$528$115$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Vehicle)Fleet)
Manager)
Website)&)Publicity) Ian$Hampton$
Events)Coordinator) Rogan$&$Beverley$
Corbett$
Fines)Sergent)
Ron$Knight$
Two)Year)Directors) Jenny$Fraser$
Maree$Burchall$
Glen$Gumley$
!
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
Page 2
President's Prose
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
Page 3
Editorial
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.
Page 4
Upcoming Events
September
26th - Yallambee Run Saturday
26th & 27th - Pambula Motorfest
October
17th & 18th - Girder Fork Rally
25th - Hillclimb
November
7th - Cooma Motorfest
8th - Snowy Ride Kid's Thredbo
21st & 22nd - Queanbeyan Swap Meet
22nd - Chrisco (5.00 am start)
29th - Hillclimb
December
12th - Christmas Party/Treasure Hunt
Remember to check the Car Club website events page to see any updates or
additional events.
Page 5
Event Reports
Social Night at the Clubhouse Sat 11 July 2015
An 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 of
the men operated the bar.
Being an Australian function the ladies talked cars & museum extensions & hill climbs and the
men talked grand children and fancy work, or so they say. Kel was celebrating the anticipated
arrival of a new grandchild.
Around 25 members and friends attended the evening.
Mt Stromlo Visit
When Car Club members visited some of the many
attractions in Canberra there was considerable
interest shown at Tidbinbilla deep space tracking
station and Mt Stromlo Observatory. For this issue
let us talk about Stromlo Observatory. The dome
shaped building housing the telescope was in the
path of the disastrous 2003 bushfire and became a
giant oven melting and destroying everthing inside
the building.
The former editor and his mate were seen gawping
through the doorway window looking for signs of
melted 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 Engineers
Australia March 2015 prepared by the Victorian
Heritage Branch of EA. What was left of the
telescope after the fire had been removed, taken to
Melbourne where it is being rebuilt and will be ready
for display to the public in working order
at the site of the original Melbourne Observatory in
the Botanic Gardens in time for the 150th
anniversary of its original commissioning in
Melbourne.
In 1944 the telescope was sold to Mt Stromlo
Observatory where it was modified several times
over the years. Built in Dublin in 1868 the telescope
has the distinction of being the first in the world to
discover "Black Holes" in the universe following a
rebuild in the 1990's. A great effort by the recovery
and restoration teams in saving this old telescope a part of our history.
Page 6
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
August General Meeting was held in Bombala with good attendance and
some new faces. Cooma members left the club house at 10 am, and weather wasn’t
too unkind for a winter’s day. A good trip, no Red beasts along the way, but the
flying 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 we
did arrive in one piece and on time for the very successful meeting that followed
with plenty of discussion on many topics
covered, after which we were treated to a delicious lunch provided by Lions club
Bombala, thanks to Lions President Graham Hampshire and his many helpers, well
done and thank you! Good news that Eileen Hampshire has taken on the role of
organising the Relay For Life to be held in Bombala this year, this came as no
surprise, Eileen is such a dedicated person and will do a fabulous job, which
brought Rogan to suggest that the Car Club make a donation of $500 to the cause
which was moved and seconded without hesitation. If anyone would like to enter
in 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.
Wollongong Trip May 2015
On 8th May five cars were farewelled from Cooma Clubhouse including Tex &
Jenni, Roy & Glenda, Jannene & Ricco, Jonsey & Leanne, Richie & Maree. We met
Rocket 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 to
the 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 fitness
trainers Jannene and Ricco for a yummy breakfast at Shellharbour Village with
water views, then off to The Australian Motorlife Museum where Col and Sue met
us for our tour, then back to Shellharbour Village for fish and chips and beers at
the local. Our fitness regime continued with a quick hike back to the Resort for
carpark “happy hour” followed by dinner at the impressive Shellharbour Club.
Sunday saw us travel through Wollongong a number of times trying to find
parking for all the cars while a fun run and the local markets proved our efforts
fruitless. 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 lunch
at The Goulburn Workers Club.
Page 7
MEMBER PROFILE
Rob 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’Shannessey
I had left a business card under his windscreen wiper in the Woden Plaza carpark some years before. Although the car was
going and registered it needed major restoration work. The floor was rusted out and all the front section from the
windscreen 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 by
Frank 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 on
many runs the furthest being to Beechworth and back in a weekend. Whilst it is not the fastest car in the Club, it runs well
and has been very reliable.
Amazingly, the EH has had a starring role in the Canberra Stage Production of ‘Ghosts in the Scheme’ which will commence
this coming week. All this came about when production manager of the Big hART programme approached Rogan looking for
a 1960’s car for filming ads and had their heart set on a Holden EH. Rogan pointed them in the right direction and
discovered 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 Marinos
sitting in the boot. Well Done Rob and Tanya!
Used Cars 1937
This is what your prized vintage car might
have cost you in 1937 (two years before
Ross Johnson’s Willys was built) and it
would have been near new. £1 = $2 for
those who are not old enough to
remember the money used in the olden
days. The newspaper came from under
some old linoleum
History
Car built in Bombala.
The late Brian Hampshire told your editor that there was a car built in
Bombala in the early 1900s. It was built over several years and the
builder brought what he had completed each year to the Bombala show
to exhibit. Brian said that the newsagent has some records of the car.
Brian thought that the car still exists, somewhere in the Canberra
district. He had been hoping to get it brought to Bombala for the
Centenary show, but he got too sick to follow it up.
Just think, if the pioneering builder had got into mass production, the
FJ might have been built in Bombala and they might all have been fuel
injected. We hope that Brian’s widow Eileen and his brother Graham
(who owns the fuel injected FJ)and others in Bombala, may be able to
find more information and the car. Graham assures me that a factory
in Bombala would not have been named “Fisherman’s Bend” as there
are not enough fish in the Bombala River.
Page 8
Other makes advertised included: - Alvis,
Austin 7 £40, Auburn, Bean Truck 30 cwt
in splendid order £55, Bugatti type 40 S
ports Roadster £135, 1935 Citroen 14 hp
£225, 1936 Chevrolet £250, Chrysler 70
Roadster 1930 £ 115, Clyno 10hp just
overhauled £40, De Soto 8 - cyl Sedan
£135, 1936 Dodge 7 passenger £345, DKW
most amazing car ever built Williams Motor
House City and Foorscray. Essex challenger
tourer, 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, 1935
Hillman 6 carries our 60 Days or 2000
miles guarantee only £ 268,1931 Graham
8 £!20, Rover, Rugby 4 – cyl , 12- cwt ute
£98, 1928 Pontiac tourer £98, Panel Van
Whippett 1930 £57/10/- , Rolls Royce 20
Hp £270, Standard 1928, as traded, £18,
The biggest bargain in Melbourne Willys
77,late 1936 model £100, 1933 Vauxhall
tourer £165, Stutz Black Hawk £185,
Pontiac, Paige £69, Peugeot 10hp £35,
Lancia Lambda 7th series £145. BSA
Saloon 1934 £105.
Tent Hire
With the weather warming up and party season upon us don't
forget that we have 3 outdoor party options avaliable for hire.
We have the large tent - 10m x 7m which can come with or without
side 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 freinds
that want to, please contact our asset manager Peter Quodling.
Internal Advertisments
If you're a facebooker don't forget to 'Like' our
page.
You can post photos of events, your cars, your
works-in-progress.
Page 9
MOTOREX \ 25th 26th July
Mark, Leanne Lyn & Myself travelled to Sydney for the weekend to look at Motorex, which is the Elite in Car Shows. Plus
more\ On Friday night after Booking into our posh Motel, which turned out to be where the Sydney Roosters were
staying also. Whilst we were in the Lift, Jared Waerea\Hargreaves was also in the lift, so Mark offered a little advice as
to how they could beat the Tigers. We then went to ANZ Stadium to watch West Tigers & Roosters play (Mark is West
Tigers 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 – Col
Cunningham. We were blown away by the quality & quantity of cars inside the Dome. The space around each exhibit
was good, and the $$$ value on some of these vehicles, unbelievable!! The owners of the cars were happy to stand &
talk about their cars. One that took our eye was a small Fiat Bambino, 7 years to build, Convertible & more. There was
also a display of old movie vehicles, eg\ Batmobile, Herbie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bobs Ute from Country Practice,
Mad Max, and plenty more. So much to see, and plenty of great ideas, if you had the $$$. 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.
Kidney Kar Rally For Kids
Local car club member Brian (Mick) Hayden teamed up wtih Bob Barker from Tathra in the Kidney
Kar Rally for kids Variety Bash During August 2015. The rally started in Alice Springs (NT) on the
11th 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 bars
leak in the radiator, and a puncture, they had a trouble free run. Their car, an XR8 Ford performed
admirably 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 seen
plenty of sand, bull dust, mud and very rough roads. They travelled through may outback areas and
towns 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 changing
scenery, paying $2.45 for a litre of fuel and raising $780,000 for the Kidney Kar Rally for Kids.
Page 10
More Event Reports
FATHER'S DAY FISH & CHIP RUN
6th September
What a great roll up of members, families and friends (close to 60). Heading off from the Car Club
at 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 some
morning 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, which
was freshly cooked Blue Grenadier caught that morning, and of course chips. Some had to wait
longer 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 afternoon
perusing 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.
The Impromptu Curry Party
There 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 without
a celebration at the clubhouse. Bev back from a sojourn in Queensland felt an urge for a party and she hatched
a plan supported by a loyal group of supporters. The internet buzzed with invitations to a social function on
Saturday 8th August '15 and billed as a Curry & Casserole Social night. With little time to prepare, Bev's creative
talents went into overdrive – Simple & Spectacular was the key to success and in flowed the responses, 70 had
accepted!
Corbo led the Tuesday gang of old fellows into action & erected the black folding screens, the new dance
floor, the tables & chairs. Out came the bain maree, electrical leads abounded, Dave Wilkins our resident Music
Man was contacted and agreed to provide the music for the evening. Then came the "Piece de Resistance'. Bev
raided 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 that
there was a harem or a bunch of Egyptian Belly Dancers behind the screen – certain to appear during the
evening and delight the fellas! Bev and her helpers had that covered too! What they did was turn on the flat
screen 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 wrapped
baked potatoes was superb let alone the dessert to follow. The hungry 70 queued in orderly fashion & were
Royally 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 mixing
together and enjoying each others company.
Page 11
Hunter Valley Trip
24th - 28th August
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 Valley
region. Spot on 9-00 am, our Tour Leader Ross had us on the road. Light to heavy rain with occasional dry overcast sky – was the
order of the day and Sutton Forest was a welcome lunch break. By the time we reached Hawkesbury River we had our full
compliment of 12 cars & 24 people, our “out of town” members having joined the procession. En route we had struck some very
wet conditions which were testing drivers – aquaplaning always being a possibility. Pelicans at Hawkesbury River were looking
down 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 7
hrs on the road.
News from home. Cooma piddling with rain. Perisher heavy snow, Sydney hailing golf balls. We opened the door in the morning to
sunshine! John W offered his minibus to 10 of the 24 travellers to enjoy the drive to the Hunter Valley Gardens which are the
largest 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 6000
trees, 600,000 shrubs, 500,000 annuals, 100km of watering system, the gardens including lake being set on 16 hectares. It is a
wonderful 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 to
sample the delights of Mt Pleasant Winery. A knowledgeable hostess
plied us with samples, describing each, the subtle flavours, one of the
samples had won 10 gold medals! By the end of the afternoon the
connoisseurs in the group had bought up big while pretty well
everyone 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 winery
tasting was especially for the ladies (& the blokes) the scheduled
brewery 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 was
no problem for the highly experienced brewer to speak to an attentive (if somewhat sleepy eyed) audience about his trade. This
was a boutique brewery specialising in “small batches” of about 600 litre distinctive brews of 7 or was it 8 different beers? I
forget but it doesn’t matter. Unique malt barley, yeast, hops; water from around the world seemed to be the go when making
boutique beer. We learned a lot which we also forgot, but everyone was able to say “I like that one best”. Some continued sampling
of the brews as one does. But it was time for “Happy Hour” and so we re gathered together again for traditional drinks and snacks
to 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 perfect
opportunity for a presentation to our Tour Leader. We have had very few tour leaders in the Club but each do a great job & so Ross
was 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 also
record details of past tours & leaders too! Hmmmmm that wasn’t a bad day at all!
Page 12
A lack of hot water in some of the units didn’t draw comment from the washed as the great unwashed joined with the washed
for breakfast for yet another day on the road. Where to? Nelson Bay was the destination for a cruise to begin the morning’s
enjoyment. Lots of space between habitation in the Hunter and we took in the scenery as we went. For those who had not
visited Nelson bay for half a century the development has made the place unrecognizable. A large marina to rival that at Cairns
housed our craft a three story Catamaran named “Moonshadow”. What a great trip around the bay that was in sunshine - as we
came 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 a
day! 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 numerous
memorabilia of fighter aircraft from around the world. A display cabinet of many models of Japanese aircraft along with
British, US of A, German & Australian aircraft fascinated us. Being able to look into the cockpit of a number of the fighter jets
was a delight as were the Rocket launchers. Time after time modern jet fighter planes were flying overhead making a deafening
sound. Another great visit and one which produced interesting information for us all. A young Australian was featured in the
Advocate a RAAF Williamtown base newsletter in an article on the Battle for Britain. He surely must be our local hero – named
Pat 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 house
which they recommended as a venue for a meal. 14 decided to attend while 10
dined in Cessnock. The restaurant described as “Shakey Tables” was just down
the road (like about a country mile), off the main drag and identified by a white
table on a tall post with 3 ½ legs. Then up a bush track among the trees we
found our destination. What to expect? Well surprises can be fun and the old
style building was just that. On arrival we were offered a glass of champagne
courtesy of the management or even a beer. Our long table completed the setting
after 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 years
when lit for dinner. There was a sense of promise in the atmosphere of what
was to follow. After the wine came the champers, then a complimentary small
tasting 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 was
actually quite famous amongst connoisseurs of fine food! The real surprise was
that the owner had either grown or bred on his land much of that being offered
at the table. So suckling pig or Wagyu beef, which were two wonderful choices
from a number on the menu. Wagyu is Japanese for the cattle which provide
that heavily marbled steak that costs a motza. Every one at the table voted
their particular meal choice as being excellent including the desserts which
were highly praised for their taste and originality. This was a really great place
for 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, while
some 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 head
dress – all 24 were participating and what fun that was at our final dinner together. Our Tour Leader found a winner for the
quiz,& 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, a
couple of Hippies, Popeye in drag, a black plaited bewigged beauty behind a mask & tiara to name a few. It was a riot of fun. The
drive home next day probably capped the five day tour. Most chose the journey through the mountains to the Putty road with
its almost continuous bends and long winding road. It is a mecca for motor bikes and those who enjoy driving a vehicle rather
than 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 meter
high man, made of stainless steel, stood alone in the empty grounds next to an old petrol bowser shell, an amazing sight in the
middle 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’s
disappointment, 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, Glen
Grumley and Edie Flanagan, Keith and Andrea Montague, Baden and Meree Dumbrell, Richard Nichols and Maree Burchall.
Page 13
GET THE GOSS
Some of you Mad Max fans would have gone to see the latest
instalment of the franchise, “Fury Road”, or perhaps you read the
article in the June issue of Wheels magazine, and the local alternative
article in the Post about some amazing and crazy vehicles (a few of
which originated out of Flynn’s wrecking yard). Great pics and the
story of the film making, let alone the making and design of the cars,
some of which had two or three copies made to accommodate the
destruction scenes, out of this world! There may be a surprise at our
Motorfest, fingers crossed.
Déjà vu! Where is your name badge? Okay, okay, wheel him out
for his annual whinge! Why don’t we all wear our special nametag
to all club functions? Don’t have one? Then see your Committee
member and it will be arranged for you. We think that wearing a
badge with your name below the photo of that precious crap
heap that you feel so proud of associates you to our beloved club
to which we all belong. Whether you proudly own a Ford, Holden,
Valiant, Dodge, Chevvy, Austin, any old Yank Tank, Vdub, Roller,
Sierra Cosworth, Humber, Honda, Rover, Daimler, Prince, Marc,
Alfa, Wolseley, Triumph, Lotus, Jaguar, Caddy, P76, Nissan,
Maserati, Jeep, Land Rover, Military Vehicle, or one of each – We
are all members of the CMHAC. While mostly I can’t remember
your name, I can remember your car! Wear your badge! Don’t
want to? Then risk a fine from our sergeant to fund our Christmas
Party!
You
have
been
warned!
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 charger
blowing off PURPLE charger at the lights in
Canberra! Much to Popeye’s and Craig’s
delight (and possible surprise!) Came close
to a back end repair job. Solution? Don’t
play with things under the dash while
waiting for the lights to change. Popeye
the proud owner of bragging rights, for
now.
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!
Page 14
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!
... the
last
laugh
Officer: May I see your driver's license?
Driver: Yes, sir.
Sure enough, there was nothing in the
Driver: I don't have one. I had it
Hearing this, the officer immediately called glove box.
suspended when I got my 5th DUI.
his captain. The car was quickly surrounded Captain: Would you mind opening your
Officer: May I see the owner's card for this by police, and the captain approached the
trunk? I was told you said there's a body in
vehicle?
driver to handle the tense situation:
it.
Driver: It's not my car. I stole it.
Captain: Sir, can I see your license?
Driver: No problem.
Officer: The car is stolen?
Driver: Sure. Here it is.
Trunk is opened; no body.
Driver: That's right. But come to think of it, It was valid.
Captain: I don't understand it. The officer
I think I saw the owner's card in the glove
Captain: Who's car is this?
who stopped you said you told him you
box when I was putting my gun in there.
Driver: It's mine, officer. Here's the owner' didn't have a license, stole the car, had a
Officer: There's a gun in the glove box?
card.
gun in the glovebox, and that there was a
Driver: Yes sir. That's where I put it after I The driver owned the car.
dead body in the trunk.
shot and killed the woman who owns this
Captain: Could you slowly open your glove Driver: Yeah, I'll bet the liar told you I was
car and stuffed her in the trunk.
box so I can see if there's a gun in it?
speeding, too.
Officer: There's a BODY in the TRUNK?!?!? Driver: Yes, sir, but there's no gun in it.
I was driving with my friend. We come to a red light
and he speeds up and whips right through it. I start
freaking out "Hey, your going to get us killed!" He
replies "Relax, my brother drives like this." We come to
another red light and he blazes right through. "You're
going to get arrested, or get us killed!" "Relax, relax,
this is how my brother drives." We come to a green
light he stops dead looking both ways. "It's green you
can go." "No way, my brother might be coming the
other way."
Page 15