PRESIDENT’S REPORT – May 2021 

Well who would have thought that we could go away on a Weekender at this time of year and not catch a drop of rain!   We even missed the dust storm that enveloped the mid North late last weekend.  Apart from everything else, Bill and Margie Berlemon organised some sensational weather for us, although the well prepared and seeded paddocks could have done with a good drenching.

Highlights and surprises for me from the Weekender were as follows:

• Before leaving Adelaide, the Vice President’s wife missed a freeway turn on the way to Bolivar. Guided by an expert navigator she took all the right turns from then on & made it safely (?) through the weekend.  Well done, Raelene!
• On the drive to Pt Wakefield 2 Stags were wedged between 2 Wedges
• My first finger bun for 3-5 years at the Pt Wakefield bakery. Heavenly!!
• The growth and community pride in the townships of Kadina, Wallaroo and Pt Broughton since I was last there 10-15 years ago
• At Wallaroo we were privileged to be briefed on the vital volunteer activities of the Sea Rescue Squadroneers. 50 years ago, they used tinnies for rescue and tin cans for communication.  Now you should see their equipment!  Top class vehicles for towing, the latest in communication equipment and 7.5m rescue vessels that are navy class!

• Duane learnt a new joke at the BBQ tea provided by PADARC (Pirie & Districts Automotive Restorers Club). So, book in early for our next meeting when Duane might just retell it.

To the left was the spectacular sunset on our first night in Pt Pirie

• The RSL Military Museum at Pt Pirie featuring memorabilia from all conflicts Aussies have been engaged in since the Boer War and a fully restored troop-carrying chopper used in Vietnam Opened in 2009 and a brilliant display!
• A delicious pasty at the Jamestown bakery. I should have had another one!
• A visit to Jack’s shed at Jamestown where he displays, with great joy, an incredible collection of minitiarised and motorised tractors, tanks, ferris wheels and belt driven apparatus as well as an impressive array of scaled outback dunnies with authentic redback spiders. All built and operated expertly by Jack himself.  And unlike many Triumphs all exhibits started first go!!
• Apart from our visit to the Gaol in Gladstone, the Smithson’s discovered a classy family restoration of the Booyoolee Hotel. Check it out for tea coffee, food, arts and craft, a relax or tour if you are anywhere near Gladstone.  This was the first time we’d been into the main township and it was well worth the visit.
• Damper and billy tea at Gulnare (do you know where that is?), prepared by Sandy and Harry Osborn of central Australian tourism fame. The Kaak family were stranded here momentarily but, with the help of the only local mechanic, were soon on their way to pizzas at the Olive Bus in Clare.

Well, that wraps up an excellent Weekender.  Credit to Bill and Margie who continue to amaze with what they uncover in regional South Australia. Enjoyed by all!

Jack’s Shed 

 

Booyooloo Hotel    

Numbers at our last meeting were swelled by members anxious to get their logbooks endorsed.  A smooth operation was conducted by Ian Rigby and Colin White aided by latest subscription information from Treasurer. Alex.  Thanks Ian, Colin, and Alex and Kevin Foster at home, on behalf of the Club, for guiding the process so beneficial to members.  The rest of the meeting was quite lively, with Stephen Wade facing some spirited interventions during his quiz and Tony Rutter talking about his rare black TR7 Spider.  Geoff Ellis won the quiz after he got carried away, expertly answering 2 Rover questions without realising this would qualify him to run the next quiz.  Well done, Geoff!

In the immediate future subs are due, logbooks need endorsing and check the social calendar as outlined below.   Beyond that, the AGM will be coming up in August and I would encourage members to think seriously about nominating for a Committee position.  Each position is well established, current incumbents are well versed in their roles and are more than willing to assist you in anyway if you are interested.  Think about it!  The ongoing strength of the Club relies heavily on members continuing to volunteer their support.

See you at the next meeting.  Kind regards,

Peter Davidge (President)