Stories and pictures from events will be published here when provided
(see the History page for items from earlier years)
Saturday 2 December 2023 – Christmas Party at Little River (Leanne McCready)
What a ‘cracker’ of a day.
Despite the forecast for rain on Saturday, we had our fingers crossed hoping that the rain would pass us by. If it did rain, we would have all been up close and personal, huddled under the extensive verandas at the venue.
When we left home at Buxton and were travelling to Taggerty it literally bucketed down. As people arrived from different areas, they commented that they had also come through heavy rain, however no rain arrived at Little River Wines all day. So, fingers being crossed does work!
Unfortunately, with the weather forecast, many of the members decided not to bring their ‘car club cars’ however there was one vehicle that is one of only a few in Australia, Andrew’s Grenadere. This vehicle created much interest with the members.
With 72 members in attendance, a great day was had by all with a wonderful BBQ and salads for lunch. Oh, my goodness, the array and abundance of sweets that the ladies brought and didn’t they get gobbled up quickly by members with a sweet tooth.
There were lots of catching up and talk about the year passed and the possible future events for car club runs in 2024. It was a great day to end the year.
Thank you to Phil and Christine, Little River Wines for hosting the event, the events team, the contingency on Friday helping to set up, Rod and David cooking up a great BBQ, Marg making sure everything was running like clockwork, and to those that worked to set up the event on Friday.
Thank you also to those that contributed with equipment and to the wonderful ladies who brought a sweet plate. Also, the members who returned on Sunday to pick up equipment that was delivered for the event.
Looking forward to 2024 events and don’t forget to check out the website for upcoming events. A bit of advice, look at the calendar and make sure you book early. Don’t be disappointed when you leave it to the last minute to book and you are unable to attend due to venue number limitations.
See you in 2024 and Merry Christmas.
Sunday 26 November 2023 – Tallarook Pub Run (Leanne McCready)
There were 17 members who met at Alexandra Rotary Park with Allan, Phil and myself being hosts for the day. Phil asked ‘why he was a host’, reply, ‘because you are with us in the car’.
I gave a rundown of the route. Heading to Yea via Whanregarwen for morning tea at Marmalades. Then leaving Marmalades rather than heading to Tallarook via Goulburn Valley Highway we are taking the scenic route via Flowerdale, Strath Creek and then Kerrisdale.
I also politely reminded people to ensure that they fill out their logbook prior to a run and show the hosts, (thank you Kent) as recently Police pulled over a Car Club whilst on a run and 7 members hadn’t filled out their logbooks. This reflected badly on the Car Club and their members.
We set off with Kent and Jan at the back to ensure everyone didn’t get lost or make a wrong turn.
We arrived at Tallarook Hotel arriving right on the scheduled time of 12.30pm. As the saying goes, staff were wearing T Shirts with writing on the back – Things Crook?
New members, Brian and Jill commented on the lovely scenic drive to Tallarook which is very picturesque when you are the passenger and can have a look around.
Thank you to Phil for being the tour guide for Allan and I, with commentary and pointing out places of interest on the way. So much local knowledge. Maybe we should hire him out as a tour guide to earn some revenue for the Car Club?
With limited menu, many of the members chose the Cajun flathead but unfortunately, they had run out and swapped for squid which wasn’t a huge success. Phil decided to go for the most interesting main dish on the menu, BBQ Jackfruit, spicey bbq, salad and chips which was good and also very spicy.
Members made their way home independently and, on the way, home we did a rescue of a tortoise.
Another great day and Thank you to the events team for organizing this day.
Thursday 23 October 2023 – Black Spur Inn Lunch (Leanne McCready)
This was a social event where 26 members met at the Black Spur Inn at Narbethong with hosts/owners, Di and Jim who are also car club members.
Doug was diligent with his ‘ticking off’ of people on the guest list as they arrived with Jen’s able assistance.
Being a warm day there were a few members with convertible cars that had their tops down enjoying the breeze in their hair, well over their hats as they were all practicing good sunscreen principles.
The Black Spur Inn dates back to 1863 when it first opened its doors as a licensed hotel but has been upgraded many times to a modern venue located just at the start of the Black Spur heading to Healesville.
Where we sat in the restaurant, it felt like you were at one with nature with the huge windows looking out over the bush with very old trees standing tall and a small creek running beside the property.
The meals were fantastic with traditional fare on offer and specials which a lot of people chose, including the ribs that fell off the bones, barramundi or the chicken and leek pie.
Many members mentioned that they had driven past this venue many times and hadn’t stopped or had visited many, many years ago but will definitely be back.
It was great to catch up with people for a meal and a wine (or two) and discuss the next car club events, especially the end of year event at Little River Wines with Christine and Phil hosting on Saturday 2 December. If you haven’t already booked, get in quick to secure your spot.
Thank you to the committee and events team for providing opportunities for car enthusiasts to get together and we look forward to future car club events in 2024.
Sunday 22 October 2023 – Flowerdale Pub Run (Leanne McCready)
There were 21 members who met at Alexandra Rotary Park at 10.00am with Ken D leading the way. Convoy was via Wharnregarwen, Molesworth and then onto Yea.
Morning tea was at Marmalades with an extended time at the venue giving members plenty of time for a yarn. Kent was made very special for his birthday with everyone singing Happy Birthday to him, lead by Rod.
With only a short drive to Flowerdale, members arrived prior to 12noon at the Flowerdale Hotel. Allan and I met the members at the hotel.
I wonder if the walls could talk what would they say, as it was a very old pub.
Information from the website:
‘The Flowerdale Hotel has been a favourite stopping point from Melbourne and surrounding areas, approximately 1 hour from Melbourne; since the days of Cobb and Co, Ned Kelly, and Squizzy Taylor—to name a few rubbing shoulders with Flowerdale Locals’.
Apparently also very popular with people on motorbikes or car clubs to stop and quench their thirst after being in the beautiful Murrindindi area.
Members were seated on three large tables and table service was provided efficiently with lots of choices on the menu.
Because it was Kent’s birthday, Rod again acknowledged Kent and thanked those members who were at the Yarck CFA Display the previous day. Another great day and thank you to Sandra and her team for organising this car run.
Don’t forget to book for the upcoming events, especially the end of the year celebration with Phil and Christine at Little River Wines.
Saturday 21 October 2023 – Yarck CFA Car Display (thank you note from the CFA)
It was good to see the Murrindindi Historic Vehicle Register at the expo, It was a good turn up, with a great variety of vehicles. We would like to thank the club members for attending. Your cars were very popular having well over 100 votes all up, not bad for a smaller country type show.
We appreciate your members’ support and have a certificate of appreciation for the club. Could you let me know the best address to send it to.
Kind regards
Maureen Bond
Community Engagement Coordinator – Yarck Rural Fire Brigade
Wednesday 11 October 2023 – Buxton Pub Dinner (Leanne McCready)
There were 25 members who met up at the Buxton Pub for a social event. Car club members made their way to Buxton independently. Some members like us, only had to travel a short distance.
It was great to catch up with people for a meal and a wine (or two) at the hotel.
During the meal there was lots of chatter, laughter, and discussion of previous and future car club events. Especially as the months are moving closer to the end of the year with the ‘end of year event’ at Little River Wines. Check the website’s Events page for more information of events coming up.
The highlight of the evening was the raffle. Instead of the dynamic duo Rod and David it was Rod and Kent. It started off with Kent issuing extra tickets for payment (which were returned of course) and after everyone finished their meal, the raffle draw commenced.
It was the longest raffle draw in the history of the Car Club. People who had won a prize initially and then had another one of their tickets drawn, called out – redraw. This went on for some time with the same people getting their tickets being drawn and shouting – redraw. I think Allan and Jan R could have each had 4 prizes each!
As always, some fantastic prizes were shared amongst the group.
Thank you to the committee and events team for providing opportunities for car enthusiasts to get together and looking forward to future car club events.
Saturday and Sunday 7-8 October 2023 – Historic Machinery Event Display (Phil Challen)
Wednesday 4 October 2023 – Lobley Wines Run (Sandra and Steve O’Pray)
After a dark and stormy night 17 hardy souls met up at Rotary Park for our annual run over to Kinglake to visit Lobleys for delicious pizzas and wine (or other drinks if you prefer) Sandra gave the customary departure instructions with UT Creek roaring in the back ground and light rain still falling.
We joined the traffic on Whanregarwen Road which had become the highway detour as Cathkin-Molesworth was closed by flooding and everyone was coming into Alex and then along Whanregarwen to pop back out at Molesworth. Things slowly dried out as we got to Yea to enjoy coffee, fluffy scones and tasty muffins at Marmalades. Thanks again to the owners, Jane and Byron, for opening up just for our group on what is normally a closed Wednesday.
After coffee we managed to get back into a more relaxed convoy away from the highway. We headed out via Flowerdale , swerving as gracefully as possible around the assorted potholes, finally getting to Kinglake West and going along the top into Kinglake which was shrouded in low cloud. Then partly back down again to Lobleys. They have a lovely rustic setting with a pavilion overlooking a lake , which is a great outlook.
After an initial round of drinks and much chatting the pizzas started rolling out and it suddenly became much quieter as people enjoyed their meals. The menu special on the day was “Chicken Honolulu” which was odd but in a good way. Looked like a pizza but carried Asian flavours through it. After much eating, drinking and chatting the group disbanded and went home in assorted directions, some back to Yea and others looping back via Healesville and the Spur. Thanks to Lynne and Phillip Lobley for opening up for us on a weekday, another business that make an extra effort to support our weekday events. Given the sub par weather we got a good turnout of club permit cars to the event. Some pictures below taken at Lobleys.
Sunday 17 September 2023 – Tatong Pub Run (Rod Hanscomb and Leanne McCready)
Two reports for this run.
From Rod: Rippa run! good weather, good group and good food!
From Leanne:
We started the car run from Alexandra Rotary Park with 20 members in attendance with a beautiful sunny day. Ken B arrived with his roof down and while we were waiting for people to arrive, he watched all the blossom flowers floating into his car.
Rod our leader, gave us a quick rundown on the run and a reminder to avoid the potholes. We had a stop for morning tea at Dindi Naturals in Yarck. With the beautiful weather, ‘Spring has Sprung’ with the majority of the members outside in the courtyard with a few couples choosing to stay inside.
After some attempts with one of the umbrellas one of the staff showed us the trick. A metal tea pot filled with stones to put some weight on the handle, so it didn’t shut down on the people on the seating. Obviously ‘keep it simple’ engineering and beyond our pay grade!
On leaving Dindi Naturals, David also decided to put his top down on his car to take advantage of the weather.
We had a great drive over to Tatong where Carol and Bruce met us for lunch. Again, taking advantage of the weather, we were outside but mostly undercover with a roof over the seating area.
Meals were prompt and delicious, with an extensive menu offering numerous options including the traditional pub style meals.
Tracey, one of the member’s guests came out of the pub with a photo of her grandfather, Charlie Waters from approximately 1928. In the photo it shows him standing on a very large, tall tree, the information is – rigging the bull wheel to a lopped tree to winch logs from a steep gully.
After lots of conversation, great food and a few drinks, everyone made their own way home independently.
Reminder to look at the website events section to check out what is coming up and get in early to book, we are getting to warmer weather and the end of the year.
Thursday 14 September 2023 – Corner Hotel Alexandra (Leanne McCready)
There were 19 members who met at the Corner Hotel for a social event. Car club members made their way to the venue with some taking the opportunity to walk a short distance in the balmy weather from their home to the hotel.
We were in the Goldfields Room arriving at 6.00pm as there was another big group in for a meal. However, meals were very prompt and staff were very attentive.
It was great to catch up with people for a meal and a wine (or two).
During the meal there was lots of chatter, laughter, with people moving around the long, large table to catch up and socialise.
The entertainment was interesting with a man loitering at the door and then came in, said a few ‘off’ jokes and left. It wasn’t until he left the room that someone realised that it was Rex Hunt.
Hope the events team didn’t pay him too much money for his ‘guest’ appearance as you didn’t get your monies worth!
A good night had by all.
Looking forward to future car club events.
Thursday 7 September 2023 – Spinners Restaurant Healesville (Leanne McCready)
This car run had a smaller contingent. What do they say? Quality over Quantity with majority of regulars attending.
10 members met at Keppel’s Café in Marysville for morning tea. The day was sunny at Marysville, but forecast for rain in the afternoon. It was only John who brought his sports car with top down who was confident enough to be back home before the rain hit.
After morning tea, we went via the Black Spur and lucky for the Lyrebird crossing the road, there were no incidences.
We met at Spinners in Healesville and four more members met us there. Most of the members hadn’t been there before but on good authority from those members that had, we were advised to go for smaller rather than larger meals and they were right.
Lots of choices with different souvlaki, burgers, trio of dips, salad which of course had meat, provided lots of choices for everyone. I think that most of us were nearly defeated with the generous servings as the small servings weren’t necessarily small.
After a great lunch, and most members going to do some shopping, everyone made their own way home independently.
As Spring has Sprung, a reminder to look at the website events section to check out what is coming up and get in early to book.
Wednesday 20 August 2023 – Pyalong Pub Run (Leanne McCready)
We finally had some sunshine again for the car club run. The weather has been a bit miserable and wet the last few weeks, so meeting at Rotary Park in Alexandra with sunshine was a real treat. The 17 members were excited that another car run in winter promised to be warm and sunny.
President Rod came down to see us off and Sandra was offering free hugs from Rod, which of course I took advantage of. The hug….. not Rod! After COVID and the mandate to be 1.5m apart from another person, it is finally nice to get back to some sort of normality with informal greetings, or free hugs!
Morning tea was at Yea at Marmalades and we enjoyed the social aspect and morning tea with some people opting to wait to have a slice, scone or donut for a late breakfast.
We all lined up on the edge of town and headed towards Seymour in convey turning left at the Tallarook turn, 10km before Seymour. Again, the events team had mapped out a very scenic drive to Pyalong along the back roads.
When we arrived at the Hotel, there was another car club with several Monaro’s and old GTS’s having lunch.
Allan on arrival starting to talk to an older gentleman (95) and it turns out he was a Commander in the Police force and during his career was the boss of our ex next door neighbour in Frankston South and other ex-Police which they both knew. Small World!
Lunch was served which we all enjoyed and staff very attentive to ensure that we enjoyed our visit.
After lunch we all went our separate ways and being close to Heathcote and enjoying wine, we went for a drive to Peregrine Winery in Heathcote. Our google maps ran out of internet and directions giving us false information on the Cornella-Toolleen Road. We went back towards Toolleen and able to chat to some locals who gave us directions – just up the road on the hill, but they did advise that the winery might be closed due to a wedding in Melbourne.
They also told us about another winery halfway up the hill – Heathcote II. Yep, Peregrine Winery closed but beautiful wines on tasting at Heathcote II. So, after a few tastings we purchased and then stopped at the Toolleen Hotel doing some research for a potential car club run next year.
We were greeted by a gentleman with his two camels on a lead parked in one of the car parks out the front. Apparently, they are frequent visitors to the Toolleen Hotel and live down the road. As we were leaving, so was the gentleman and his two camels walking down the middle of the road. Only in the country can you see this sort of snapshot of people’s lives.
I would like to suggest that when you book a car club run, take advantage of the area that you are going to and discover what’s on offer in addition to the venue for lunch. You never know, you might meet a camel or two.
Wednesday 9 August 2023 – Buxton Pub Dinner (Leanne McCready)
There were 26 members who met up at the Buxton Pub for a social event. Car club members made their way to Buxton independently with a lot of the ‘locals’ who are members, bulking up the numbers.
It was great to catch up with people for a meal and a wine (or two) at the hotel.
During the meal there was lots of chatter, laughter, and discussion of previous and future car club events. Soon we will start to see Spring and some members coming out of hibernation to enjoy the fellowship of the car club runs.
The raffle is always popular, conducted by members Rod and David with both tables lucky with a door prize or two!
Thank you to the committee and events team for providing opportunities for car enthusiasts to get together and looking forward to future car club events.
Thursday 3 August 2023 – Healesville Boat O’Craigo Winery (Leanne McCready)
The day was forecast to be a stunning day with a very warm 19 degrees and it didn’t disappoint with sunshine welcoming us to Healesville area.
As the majority of members on the run had requested it, we all met up at the venue, so on this run we didn’t have a stop off for a morning tea. Just as well, as we had a ‘set menu’ and the staff made sure that we didn’t go away hungry.
A couple of the members, Dale, Jenni and Doug took the opportunity to have the top down on their vehicles driving there. This gave them the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular Black Spur with the trees and tree ferns soaring up to the sky.
At the venue, you could have wine tastings on arrival and then the 17 members were escorted to the long table.
There was discussion around the winery name by members, so Allan asked a staff member who explained. Craigo is in Scotland where the owner’s family were boat builders many years ago, so a fitting name for the winery was Boat O’Craigo, honouring their ancestors.
We started off with many extensive platters with smoked meats, pickled vegetables, olives, cheese, and beautiful bread which they kept toping up for us.
Then the thin crust pizzas came out and I think they gave us at least one or more of everything on the pizza menu which were shared along the long table, along with bowls of the Pear and Pecorino salad with toasted almonds, mixed greens and honey mustard dressing. Yum. A great addition to the lunch.
Of course, this was all enjoyed with glasses of wine, great conversation and lots of laughs.
After a great lunch everyone made their own way home independently with most going into Healesville to do some shopping.
A reminder to look at the website events section to check out what is coming up and get in early to book.
As a number of members mentioned at the lunch, it is a great way to get out and explore our beautiful area and beyond, and enjoy going to venues that they would probably not visit. There is also the bonus of great company and great conversations.
Sunday 23 July 2023 – Violet Town , Ellen Frances Hotel (Leanne McCready)
Allan and I had the privilege of hosting the car club run to Violet Town with our co-pilot Phil.
We started the car run from Alexandra Rotary Park with 13 members in attendance. Small number but lots of personalities which always makes the car club events fun and conversations robust.
Jenni and Doug with the roof down on their vehicle, and wearing lots of layers, braved the cold leaving Marysville with temperatures around +2 degrees.
With the sun shining in Alexandra, we were all eagerly waiting to get on the road, and in my introduction, I reiterated that don’t turn left to Yea for morning tea at Marmalades, as we were mixing it up with morning tea at Dindi Naturals in Yarck.
The morning tea was served and Doug when he ordered HOT coffees ended up with one ice coffee. Obviously just wanting him to continue the experience of the cold conditions in preparation for the drive to Violet Town.
Judy and Tony were ‘tail end Charlie’ to ensure that everyone arrived at the venue without incidence which was achieved by all members.
After many swerves along the country roads to avoid the potholes, we arrived at our destination enjoying the landscape along the way.
Our event organizer had booked us into the beer garden, but even though it was sunny, the majority declined and luckily, they were able to accommodate us in the bistro.
The meals were great with lots of choices and were delivered promptly for a big group.
Everyone made their own way home independently.
Reminder to look at the website events section to check out what is coming up and get in early to book, especially as the days will be getting warmer and with extended sunshine time, it is an opportunity to get out and see the countryside, socialize with like minded people and blow the cobwebs off the vehicle if it has been sitting in the garage during winter.
Sunday 18 June 2023 – Wild Cattle Creek Estate (Leanne McCready)
The meeting point was Rotary Park in Alexandra. Even though it was partly sunny, with the wind chill factor, people were keen to get going to Marysville for morning tea. We picked up the Thorps along the way and then joined more members who went directly to Marysville. Once assembled we had 15 members for the run.
Morning tea was at the Bakery and there were lots of great conversations. After morning tea, we lined up ready for our trip to Seville. Sandra and Steve were in the lead and John and Beth were tail end Charlie.
This run took in the beautiful Black Spur over to Healesville. We then ducked around the back of Healesville to avoid the tourists, then through Worri Yallock and on via Seville to the Winery. This run was a feast for the eyes with all the beautiful landscape along the way. Obviously, the passengers enjoyed this and not the drivers as they were concentrating on the road. Doug was so optimistic with the weather and had the roof down on his car and was able to get there and back without any threat of rain to dampen his day out.
The Winery provided a great lunch although some members had trouble reading the menu with the tiny writing. I think that they were testing our eyesight! Reading glasses to the ready and we were able to conquer the menu. There was a variety of choices on offer to satisfy everyone’s appetites.
Adjacent to the restaurant there are two large alfresco dining areas which would be a great area to eat almost amongst the vineyard during the warmer months, but not today. At the end of the meal, people then made their own way home, with some adding some after lunch shopping missions while down near the suburbs.
Don’t forget to check out the car club’s website for upcoming events and get in early to book as some have limited numbers at the venues.
Murrindindi Historic Vehicle Register Inc 