April Cub Captains Report

What a pleasant surprise after horrendous weather conditions, the day of the clubman run to Terrigal  dawned clear and sunny and fortunately continued that way . After leaving MGHQ six cars made the brisk drive to our morning tea stop at Wyong where another three cars met with us and we enjoyed sitting in the sun and enjoying our coffee etc.This route is very popular for car and motorcycle clubs and along the way I spotted several  "blasts from the past" including what appeared to be an as new XB Falcon with full GS Rallye pack in metallic blue ,she certainly sparkled when cruising by and  as I reflected back to the mid 70s when our car parks were full of cars like these  I began to wonder if we ,or more likely our kids/grandkids will remember Camrys and Mazda3s with such affection in 40 years time.
 
Continuing on the run after our break we travelled on the old highway and then crossed the  Ridgeway  from Lisarow to Erina.This is a great drive but the heavy rain had damaged the road surface in lots of places and thus us boy racers in our sports cars had to drive less briskly than we may have done in perfect conditions .Upon our arrival in Terrigal I suddenly realised  that this area was probably the last place we should have visited in the middle of the school holidays as parking was near impossible and the queue for a  seafood lunch was  unbelievable but I'm sure was worth the wait .Luckily we were all eventually able to park and sit together and enjoy our surroundings.
On my return trip I stopped at Long Jetty to rug up and quite by chance started to chat with a guy who was telling me he had an MGA roadster and after some further conversation I realised that I had worked with him 15 years ago at Windsor and had in fact driven his car,if I hadn't been in the MG we wouldn't have spoken and enjoyed our short nostalgia trip.

By the time you read this we would have had what I'm sure will be another brilliant Euro Motorfest

Our next run is to Paterson Park and will include a morning tea stop.

See you all on the run.

Captain Colin

March Club Captains Report

In the words of my alter ego from" One Foot in the Grave" one Victor Meldrew, "I don't believe it",how could two consecutive runs be rain free ? I fear a conspiracy. Seriously though what a splendid day at Hawks Nest ,a brilliant drive sunny weather a top location and the pleasure of looking at other marques including some I have never encountered before. I was also pleased to see a very well presented Lancia Beta which previously belonged to friends of mine and which I had enjoyed driving in a very brisk manner around the winding country roads of the Central West of NSW over a decade ago .It was pleasing that our club won the best club  display award on the day and my thanks go to the hard working Brad and Julie Tipper for setting up our display prior to our arrival.
    Our well attended St Patricks day run was another rain free day and even though it seemed there were two or more runs at the same time with some stopping for morning tea , we eventually all arrived at Steve and Eileen Doyles lovely home at Fennell Bay for a superb "Burger on the Balcony" lunch and although there was no rain the howling southerly ensured we remained inside.In fact the wind was so strong it blew the head of my Guinness and no, that is not an Irish joke. A big thanks to the Doyles for the day and thanks to Steve for showing the menfolk his workshop and toy box under the house.
    Our next clubman run will be to the Central Coast on April 21st and we will be stopping for morning tea along the way and then lunching at The Skillion at Terrigal.Those members from the Central Coast who wish to join the run en route may want to join us at our morning tea stop , Woodbury Park which is on the corner of Yarramalong Road and Old Maitland Road at around 11.15 or meet us for lunch at around 1pm.As usual the run will commence from MGHQ at 10am bring your own morning tea and lunch. I have made a special request that the days weather conditions be perfect so heres hoping someone out there is listening.
      See you all soon
      
 
       Captain Colin

February Club Captains Report

Happy belated New Year to one and all and now that the festive season is well behind us we can look forward to another fun packed year of activities.
Unfortunately I have now been given the official title of "Rainman" as with the exception of one run in the past 12 months we have had wet weather and in fact the january run was cancelled due to torrential rain.
Our February run started dry and we had a great run firstly to Riverside Park Raymond Terrace for morning tea where we met up with some local members, and then onto Lemon Tree Passage,the roads were clear with little traffic and the ability to cruise at a comfortable speed allowing us to take in the beauty of our surroundings.As we approached the lunch venue the black clouds rolled in and once parked it was a race to see whose roof went up first. I can envisage a contest at a future event for the fastest erection of a pack away hood. Luckily we had good shelter from the rain but the sudden fall in temperature and strong winds made it more like winter than summer so an earlier departure was necessary.
The March run will finish at the home of Steve and Eileen Doyle 6 Blandford Street Fennell Bay  where we will enjoy a "Burgers on the Balcony" lunch overlooking the water,as the run falls on St Patricks day green will be the colour of the day and I'm sure Guinness will make an appearance from some eskys.Members from other areas may wish to go straight to the Doyles to arrive at noon.A gold coin donation would be appreciated which will be given to charity.

Please refer to the website and the magazine for a list of other future events, as much is on offer.

On a final note I have decided not to nominate for a position on the committee for 2013/2014 and as such the Club Captains job is up for grabs.Please put some thought into nominating as fresh ideas are always welcome and remember "It's not what your club can do for you but what you can do for your club" with apologies to JFK.

See you on the next run

Captain Colin.

November Club Captains Report

As the year draws to a close we can reflect on what I think has been another activity packed calendar with plenty of interest to suit all members.I am sure that our plans for 2013 will be well received and runs will be well attended.All clubman runs will be on the third sunday of each month departing MGHQ at 10am unless otherwise notified ,a full calendar up until the AGM is published elsewhere in the magazine and also on our website.President Geoff has also been quite successful in sending a SMS to members mobile phones and in order for us to keep you up to date it is essential that we have current mobile numbers and email addresses.
Several members attended the spring Cruz-in to Hunter Valley Gardens and although we left Glendale under rainy skies the closer we got to the Gardens the weather improved and we enjoyed a dry day. It was good to catch up with our previous club captain John Flucker and Noeleen who were there  in their VW Camper, John tells me that repairs are underway to the "F" and it will soon be back on the road.
Our October clubman run took us to Ogishi Craft Centre where we enjoyed a most interesting and educational glassblowing demonstration,this certainly opened my eyes to the skill and patience of the blower.After coffee and chocolates in the gallery and with very dark threatening storm clouds we called it a day getting almost home before the heavens opened.
The Catalina Festival was well patronised and seeing the  big black Cat land and ramp at Rathmines was certainly an experience, lets hope that one is soon permanently based there as the base was, and should remain a very important part of our local history
 Tess and I were overseas the weekend of the concours and I'm told that even though numbers were down it was another successful event, as the Newcastle club had their concours on the following weekend I decided to cancel the November run so that members could attend .
Our December clubman run will be back to Rathmines Park and the club will provide eggs bacon and sausages,as it's nearly Christmas dress up yourselves and your car bring some drinks and enjoy the day.
We have during 2012 visited many places had a brilliant social long weekend,enjoyed a 25th Anniversary dinner and our two static events have been a great success.Lets make 2013 even bigger and better and remember" its the cars that bring us together but the people that keep us together"
A very merry Christmas and a happy new year to all.
 
 
Captain Colin

July Club Captains Report

It seems as though as I finish one report I have to think about writing the next ,the year is flying by at such a rate it will be Christmas party time again before we know it then into another year full of MG activities .As a club we are fortunate that we have such varied roads that we can drive and enjoy with lots of interest along the way whether near or far without the stress of traffic snarls that I'm sure that City dwelling MG owners have to endure and as such we were able to enjoy a drive that took in our beautiful beaches on the early month run to Poppys Garden Centre where 26 members had a great breakfast and were then able to wander around the centre and plan/dream about the beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces they have always promised themselves,we will revisit Poppys in the future when we can sit outside rather than on top of the gas heaters.
The clubman Christmas in July run was another big success with a brisk drive to Morpeth where we set up camp to cook our potato and leek soup followed by turkey and pork sausages cooked to perfection by some of our lady members .After our meal we were able to let off some steam playing toss the rolling pin which caused considerable laughter particularly when some players thought the object of the game was to hit the scorer at the far end of the pitch.Thanks to all those that assisted by bringing nibbles and the wonderful cake.
Our next date is another breakfast run to Jesmond on 5th August for Yum Cha (chinese smorgasbord breakfast) followed by the August clubman run to Nabiac Motorcycle museum on 19th August this is a fairly long drive and we will discuss it further at the next meeting.
Much is happening over the remainder of the year with the MGB 50th, our clubs 25th anniversary dinner and our AGM so check the website regularly so as you are up to date and watch for the text messages that President Geoff is sending to remind us all of events.
See you on the next run.
Captain Colin.

June Club Captains Report

What a busy month we've had,starting out with our monthly clubman run to Yarramalong which took in those great drivers roads through Wollombi and Mangrove Mountain.The weather god was once again smiling down on us as we enjoyed spectacular autumn scenery along the way, Wollombi was as usual becoming busy with motor cycles and an array of classic Fords which were arriving from every direction , I lost count of the number of Mustangs and GT Falcons that were heading towards us as we drove towards Laguna.Unfortunately the much publicised markets were a disappointment and it seems that many of the regulars had gone to work the Lovedale long lunch (perhaps a run for the future) but we took the opportunity to have our morning tea in the warm sunshine before heading off to Yarramalong.
Several of our members met us at Yarramalong, and what a delightful park/oval we enjoyed our lunch in ,we are so fortunate that we are able to enjoy areas such as this.Heading home the rain started and I just managed to get the B in the garage before it hammered down.
Our early month "Cream Tea" run was ,unfortunately held on what must have been the wettest and most miserable day of the year so  I decided that our tea stop was not an option and that as Tess had made 60 scones we would retreat to the Dunne residence after our short run.Those that came enjoyed their afternoon tea and a natter and all took a party bag of scones home.
The June long weekend saw us head to Bathurst for our weekend away and what a brilliant time we had ,our hotel was superb and the itinerary was A1. A full report with photos will appear elsewhere in the magazine. I must say a big thank from all attendees  to Geoff and Lyn for the professional organisation of this weekend  and I know their hard work was much appreciated
I'm sure we are all looking forward to next years event"
Please check the website on a regular basis to stay" in the loop" as extra runs and other information are updated frequently and remember that "it's the cars that bring us together but the people that keep us together.
See you all soon
 
Captain Colin

May Club Captains Report

Our invitation run to Ringwood Park  on Easter monday was a great success and those adventurous types that rode the Segways thoroughly enjoyed them and  I'm sure that they will reappear at a club event in the future.The track at Ringwood is excellent and with the planned future extension and upgrade of facilities there, planned by our friends at the Newcastle Club I hope that we can perhaps enjoy each others company on a more regular basis. Even the returning holiday traffic was kind to us and we had a good run home.
The run to Norah Head Lighthouse was very well attended and not only did we have a good drive but the weather was once again on our side. The Lighthouse guide was extremely knowledgable and his happy demeanour made the 96 steps to the lamp room a lot easier. The original keeper and his assistants lived a hard life,not earning a great deal of money but if you had a head for heights and were happy to be very isolated and self sufficient the provided cottages with panoramic ocean views were to die for. I did notice our president checking the quality of the paint job and asking when it was due to be done again ,a brave man indeed.
By the time most of you read this report we would have enjoyed what I'm sure will be a wonderful Euro Motorfest day and this magazine should have lots of reporting on the days events.We have lots planned for the future but please remember our club is what we all make of it and as stated many times before you only get out what you put in,so please check the updated club calendar on the website and elsewhere in this magazine and mark the dates in your diary .
See you at the next event
 
Captain Colin

April Club Captains Report

What a busy time we have coming up over the next few months, starting with the "Not the Nationals " run in lieu of the April twilight run, we have been invited by the Newcastle MG Club to join with them for a day of fun including I'm told a possibility of a ride on a Segway this will be held at Ringwood on the Easter monday 9th April between 10am to 4pm byo own food drinks etc , make your own way to Ringwood ( approx 12k north of Raymond Terrace roundabout turn left Italia Road then after 300m turn left then first right and follow road to hillclimb) ,watch the website and check your emails .
Our regular monthly sunday run will be to Norah Head Lighthouse on sunday 15th April. There is a tour of the lighthouse available for $10.00 per head, however booking as a group reduces the cost to $6.00 maximum of 10 on each tour which lasts for 30 minutes .There are 96 steps to reach the top ,bring cameras ,binoculars etc.I will need to get firm numbers at or before the next meeting so as I can make final arrangements.This will be a byo picnic lunch .
On the 29th April the Hunter Valley Steamfest is on once again and we will discuss this event at our April meeting.Also in April we have our midweek run hosted by Ros and Nev Roals,these runs are a lot of fun and attract a considerable number of cars ,in fact they seem to get more cars than on our sunday runs so I don't know if it's the formula for the run or the timing of it that attracts the members please let me know if perhaps  we need to modify our calendar.
As our Euro Motorfest falls on 6th May our twilight run has been cancelled and future " twilights" will commence in the spring, the sunday run on 20th May will see us drive to the Yarramalong Valley via Wollombi. there will be a morning tea stop at Laguna where the monthly markets can be visited byo everything for lunch or morning tea  or buy morning tea at the Old Northern Trading Post.
Our June long weekend away to Bathurst is rapidly approaching and I'm sure we will all have a brilliant time and soon after we will once again be travelling to Hunter Valley Gardens on the mid winter wander.
I will be attempting to organise another date for the drive in perhaps we can involve other clubs and choose a movie to reflect our interests.
Finally I am sure all those that came on the March run to Paterson had a good time, surprisingly the roads were in very good condition after all the rain and we were able to drive our cars in the manner they were designed, a little rain after morning tea required some roofs to be fitted but basically a good day out .
See you on the next run
Captain Colin