Walpole National Rally 2nd October till 11 October 2019
The Walpole National rally and AGM photographs; there are more photos in the Gallery
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WA's Rock Rendezvous Touring Rally
Rock Rendezvous Touring Rally in WA
21st to 27th November 2019
The weather for the "Rocks Rally" was absolutely fantastic - warm enough to go swimming but not too warm to be energy zapping for the rock walks. So, with the company of our illustrious President, Sandra, 18 RVs met up at Wyalkatchem on the Thursday for the start of the weeklong "Rock Run". We welcomed new members Brian and Keiko, and after celebrating Tom, the caravan park owners, 69th at Happy Hour, we drifted off to the pub for a great feast. The trip back to the park turned into an adventure for some!
The next morning, we convoyed along to Eaglestone Rock for two days of exploring and complete rest and relaxation. It was a great camp site right beside the extensive "white" Lake Brown and only a short walk to the Rock. Some very interesting caves were "discovered" along with sightings of Wedge-tailed Eagles and the last of the wildflowers. Happy Hours drifted into the night-time pastime of satellite spotting against the clear starry skies. The winner of the competition that developed was nicknamed, "Sputnik".
Sunday saw us convoy on to the comforts of the Mukinbudin Caravan Park, with some becoming a "little" lost along the way. The "Muka" Shire treated us to a special treat of pay for 2, stay for 3 nights at the caravan park, and that was after the special price they had already given us! The Shire's generosity did not stop there either as they also gave us free entry to the swimming pool for our entire stay. Most took up the swimming pool offer, with some even trying the three-metre diving board, whilst the other "chickens" just lazed around.
Monday and Tuesday were spent day tripping to Elachbutting Rock, Yanneymooning Rock, Beringbooding Rock and to the ghost town of Bonnie Rock. Unfortunately, we could not get to Eagle Rock. (That's the WA Eagle Rock not the Daddy Cool one!) Back at camp, the swimming pool was very inviting again, and it was noted that the Happy Hours started a little earlier and went a little later than usual. As the days had been a little taxing on the energy levels of everyone, evening activities at the camp kitchen were put on hold. The rally was all about the destination and not so much about extracurricular activities.
We all express our gratitude to Rally Hosts and Club stalwarts, Dennis and Beth, for the complete organisation of the rally and the great time we all had, not to mention the great weather. Dennis and Beth lived in "Muka" when they first married and we all thoroughly enjoyed the reminiscences of their experiences of the times. Thanks Guys.
Cheryl & Ron Jenkins
WA Delegates
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WA's Southerners Christmas Lunch
Christmas Lunch
WA’s Southerners
The Southerners held their Christmas Lunch at the Denmark Hotel overlooking the Denmark River.
What a great location.
There were 8 of us present, being a full contingent of ‘Southerners’.
If members are ever passing through, please give me a call and we will organise a catch up.
Ric Bennetts
0427512554
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Port Fairy Vic Rally
PORT FAIRY
Victorian Rally Report
19th to 26th November 2019
Tuesday 19th November – Ian Arnel
2 vans arrived on Sunday, another yesterday (Ian Nixon’s new van on its maiden voyage) and all of the others arrived today. There are now 8 units at the rally all set up in Southcombe Park Port Fairy. The park is in excellent condition with very neat trimmed green grass lawns and magnificent callistemon bushes in flower dividing the sites. The amenity block was opened up for our use and is very clean and well presented. We are all very impressed with this very large park. Happy Hour was held in the camp kitchen and plans were made for the rally with activities for most days. The only constant is Happy Hour at 4.30 pm each day where we will all get together for a yarn and decide on any changes to the program.
Wednesday 20th November - Wally & Lyn Mahoney
We woke up to a fresh but beautiful morning. A few members finished setting up their vans from yesterday. About 10.30am we all left but for 2 members (Ian & Bev had a family luncheon in Warrnambool and Stu had a few important phone calls to deal with) to go down to the wharf for a cruise on the “Malluca” with Captain James and his helper, Des. The half hour cruise on the Port Fairy Bay and the Moyne River, with a talk and information, was interesting. After lunch most of us sat around a talked until Happy Hour with more talking etc ‘til about 6.30pm. After, with the weather still warm and the sun shining brightly, we all gathered around our van for a little drink of Port etc to end another good day.
Thursday 21st November - Mimi Woods
As we had a free day today, some of us took it easy, went into town to look around and do some shopping. Others went for a walk along the wharf and to Griffiths Island, others took in the historic sites around Port Fairy, others went to do shopping in Warrnambool, everyone doing their own thing and enjoying the day their own way. Steve & Elaine arrived but they are at the Big 4 Park in town as this park does not have cabins. We all met up at the camp kitchen at 4.30 for Happy Hour, and by 6.30 we went back to our vans for tea and a relaxing evening.
Friday 22nd November - David & Lucy Sinderberry.
Morning tea in the sunshine consisted of freshly baked scones by Stewart and jam and cream supplied by Stewart. During the day members were free to check out the scenic waterfront, have lunch at the bakeries, pubs and take-aways, browse the shops or just relax and catch up with members over a coffee. Happy Hour was enjoyed by all and all members had a wonderful dinner at the local Chinese restaurant.
Saturday 23rd November - Graeme Fenton.
Everyone had the chance to go to the morning market in town. There were stalls for food (very busy at lunch time), locally grown vegetables, locally made craft and preserves as well as the usual trinkets. Quite a lot of the people left when a shower passed over, but more came shortly after. The rest of the day was our own time until Happy Hour at. At 6 o’clock fish and chips, which had been ordered the day before and packed in individual wrapped parcels, were collected and distributed while they were hot and then devoured. After dinner a distribution of gifts that each person had provided, was made by a draw of club membership numbers. Many thanks to Wally and Lyn for wrapping up the gifts and arranging the Christmas theme table settings. A good day for all.
Sunday 24th November – John & Stacia Morter.
A bright sunny day found us rising late as there was nothing planned for early in the day.
By mid-morning we started preparing for our “Build a Hamburger” lunch in the camp kitchen. The ladies prepared the salads as the cooks and helpers readied the BBQs and meat ready for cooking.
3 cooks, Stewart Masters, David Sinderberry and myself cooked all of the locally made hamburgers and everyone helped themselves to whatever they desired in their rolls.
After an unexpected bowl of strawberries, cream and ice cream, each of us were full and contented.
Around 2.30 we all departed, some going back to their van for a sleep and others shopping or sightseeing.
We returned then to the camp kitchen for Happy Hour where there were lots of goodbyes to the two couples who had to leave a day early.
Monday 25th November – Ian & Fay Nixon
After a relaxing week in Port Fairy our rally is coming to an end. 2 members left for home today and the remaining started to pack up. 4 members are travelling on to the Wallaroo Rally in South Australia and will be travelling together. The Southcombe Park was a good choice. It is a huge park 499 sites and well kept. We ended the day with a BBQ tea.
A total of 73 nights for 9 members (17 persons) - Total expenditure was $5,974.41
Ian Arnel
Co-Vic Delegate
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SA Christmas Rally Wallaroo Holiday Park
Christmas Rally Report
Wallaroo Holiday Park, South Australia
November 29th to December 5th 2019
Friday 29th November
We had about 30 vans turn up to the seaside park including two couples as visitors who later joined the Club. Welcome Tim & Pauline Perkin and Kaye & Brian Kurtzer.
Later we attended a great Happy Hour and welcome from Anita and George in the very spacious Community Room.
Saturday
Many attended the Rotary Market in Kadina. That evening we went to the Prince Edward Hotel for a very enjoyable meal.
Sunday
A day and night of howling winds, so the Disc Bowls was cancelled.
The hamburger lunch which was scheduled still went ahead and was cooked by Club members in the excellent kitchen.
Monday
Another windy night which caused most members to take down their awnings & annexes.
At 10am we visited a unique garden called Camelot Gardens Stroll in Kadina, followed by scones jam and cream. All money raised goes to the Cancer Council.
In the evening, Don Skinner was the Taxi Man for us all to enjoy the Fish and Chips.
This was followed by the Grocery Grab game which was a lot of fun as usual.
Tuesday
Saw most of us journey to Moonta for a guided tour on the little open train which went around the historic copper mines. Followed by lunch at the Port Hughes Tavern.
Wednesday
Harry Rice and his helpers cooked an excellent Pancake Breakfast, enjoyed by all.
In the evening, we all dressed up for a wonderful Christmas meal organised by Anita and her many helpers. The Group Projects were judged by the new members with the Post Box being the winner. Many of the members on the other project teams have doubts about the judging ability of the new members! The popular Kris Kringle followed.
Thursday
Finally, the weather improved so the Disc Bowls was held. The competition was keenly fought and finally won by Anita and David who managed to hold off Pauline and Max.
Finger food was provided by the Club for our last Happy Hour.
Prior to the SA Meeting which was programmed, Anita and George addressed the gathered members and emotionally announced they were resigning as Club Delegates - very sad.
Later, Max asked for volunteers to form a Working Group to organise rallies for the coming year. An hour or two later the Group announced 3 upcoming rallies which are in the Rally and Luncheon Schedule section of this magazine.
The SA Group will continue to administer the affairs of the SA Region.
Cheryl and John Kestle
Aus 989
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Vic Christmas Lunch
Christmas Lunch in Victoria
28 members congregated at the Skyways Hotel in Airport West to celebrate our Christmas Luncheon.
We had a wonderful time catching up with friends who we had not seen for some time.
Notable people attending were, Bernadette Pitt (who had rejoined our club at Walpole after a gap of about 10 years) and Paul & Liz Dadswell travelling down from Cobram, a journey of
about 250 km. Most other members lived in greater Melbourne.
All attendees received a box of chocolates.
Delegates Ian and Bev, together with Wendy and Malcolm, would like to thank John Morter for organising the function which he has done for a number of years.
We would like to wish all members a healthy, safe and prosperous 2020 and, wherever you may be, travel safe.
We hope that we will see you all again on 12th February 2020 at our luncheon at the Lynbrook Hotel, 550 South Gippsland Highway, Lynbrook. (Please register with either Ian (0411 437 167) or Malcolm (0409 352 515) no later than one week before.
This will be followed by our Roving Rally on 11th to 27th March. Registration forms are available on the web site or contact by email at vicdelegates@atrvc.org.au .
Malcolm Carter
Co-Vic Delegate
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