Sunday 21 May 2023 – Longwood Pub Run (Leanne McCready)
Once the dates and scheduled runs are put up on the website, I book all runs well in advance once they are announced.
So, I was checking the calendar to see what car runs we had booked in, and I had written Longford instead of Longwood. I checked the maps and Longford is over near Sale, 3 hours 12 minutes away. I was thinking we had to organise our dog/house sitter, book accommodation etc. Then I thought it seems a bit far for a normal car club run, so checked the website events section. Destination Longwood not Longford – BIG DIFFERENCE.
We made our way to Marmalade’s in Yea for morning tea with Phil leading the way and Ken at the back to ensure everyone didn’t get lost or make a wrong turn.
Then we were off to Longwood and what a beautiful drive the events team had organised over to the White Hart Hotel. We travelled via Highlands, Caveat, Ruffy and through the hills to Longwood. It wasn’t the quickest way to get to Longwood but extremely picturesque. You can always go the quickest way home. This was a great pub with your traditional fare and open fires for the cold weather.
Phil has decided that he needs a car club wife when Christine can’t attend as it is too hard to lead and remember the route. Thanks to Graham for helping on directions at a couple of road intersections.
Don’t forget to check the website for the upcoming events that will be posted soon for the next six months. Get in early so you are not disappointed as some events do book out.
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Sunday 21 May 2023 – Kellock Display (Sandra O’Pray)
Sunday 14 May 2023 – Mothers Day Fundraiser Display (Leanne McCready)
Murrindindi Historic Vehicle Register were invited to participate at this colourful event. I have never seen so much pink on show from participants of the run/walk.
We left home at Buxton at 8.00am and it was a slightly cool +2.5 degrees. On arriving at Rotary Park in Alexandra, some of the cars had already been set up and Allan drove into the carpark and proceeded to drive over the bollards that had been laid down on the ground for access. Unfortunately, the bollards were too high, and the car was too low, so with a few burn outs trying to get back off the bollards we were stuck!
So, with some help from some volunteers and car club members, one wheel was jacked up and a rock placed under it and then with jack removed, Allan was able to reverse. Rod advised that he also got stuck but was able to get off the bollards and come in another way. So then as cars arrived, drivers were advised of the tricky entrance and some had to ‘mount’ the curb or park on the road, as we did.
We had a total of 11 cars on display so thank you to members for participating.
Ken and Barb on leaving the event ran out of petrol. Barb had to go and get some so they could get home. I am sure this was because they weren’t initially bringing this car as the other car decided it wasn’t going to start, maybe it was too cold for it to be on show and wanted to stay at home!
Kent offered Allan to drive to his place to go up on the hoist to check the potential damage and fortunately there was only minor damage. Rod then rang in the afternoon to check to see if there was much damage to the car. Rod’s car also only had minor damage as well, thank goodness. What a great club with caring members looking after and checking up on each other.
Congratulations to the organizers and volunteers of the event and hope that you raised a lot of money to go towards a worthy charity.
Thursday 11 May 2023 – Yarck Hotel (Leanne McCready)
30 members met up at the Yarck Hotel for this social gathering. It was great to see so many members on a chilly night who made the effort to get out of their warm homes to travel to Yarck.
The Hotel has had a refurbishment recently so maybe that was the incentive for members to see what the new owners had achieved with the renovation.
It was bright and light, and the Bistro was able to accommodate us all with room to spare. The staff were friendly and had great customer service skills.
There was quite a variety of meals to suit all tastes and Bangers and Mash with peas and gravy seemed to be very popular. I think that it was the chilly night that prompted this choice.
If you look at the photos and wonder why there is a pink boa being worn by the members, this was in preparation for the car club participating with a display at the Alexandra, Yea and Districts Mother’s Day Classic to raise money for Breast Cancer on Sunday 14th May. Hope to see you at Rotary Park on the day to support this charity.
The next car club run is to Longwood on Sunday 21 May. Check the website’s Coming Events section for details.
Wednesday 3 May 2023 – Dark Horse Cafe at Watsons Creek (Leanne McCready)
There were 22 members who met at the sunny Alexandra Rotary Park even though the wind was chilly and there were black clouds forming in the distance. Sandra welcomed everyone and members were then keen to get moving to our first stop.
We made our way to Marmalade’s in Yea for morning tea with Steve leading the way and Kent at the back to ensure everyone didn’t get lost or break down unnoticed.
Morning tea was again great and a way for members to catch up. We appreciate that Marmalades open especially for the Car Club on their ‘rest day’. Allan enjoyed the table we were sitting at as he had good vibrations from the fridge on the other side of the wall!
As we were making our way to Watsons Creek, the skies were starting to get very dark, so it was fitting with the name of the Café,
Members were seated in a L shape table with a good variety of food on offer. After our meal Allan and Phil had a tasting of some local beverages with the owner and of course Allan came home with some bottles of Gin Liqueur from Imbue Distillery, but thankfully no wine club to join!
Unfortunately, some members got caught in the rain as left the cafe. The skies opened up and it absolutely poured, even getting the best of the two tradies on the roof doing repairs.
On the way home we decided to stop off at Healesville at Aldi and ran into other car members who obviously had the same idea.
Another great day and Thank you to Sandra for organizing and achieving the numbers required for Marmalades to open especially for us. See you at the next event, dinner at Yarck.
Wednesday 19 April 2023 – Buxton Pub Dinner (Leanne McCready)
There were 25 members who met up at the Buxton Pub for this social event.
It was great to catch up with people for a meal and a wine (or two) at the hotel.
The raffle is always popular, conducted by members Rod and David and our host Linda was lucky with two door prizes! Linda does buy a lot of tickets so well done.
During the meal there was lots of chatter, laughter, and discussion of previous car club events.
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.
5 April – Chrismont (Bernie and Jill McKeegan)
The day started out at the usual place in Alexandra. Sandra had called for a slightly earlier start due to the distance to be travelled. (approx.335km return from Eildon.) This is always one of the more popular club runs. To me both the journey and the venue are equally great.
Our first stop for those on board (18 members and 10 cars) was for morning a natter at Dindi Naturals in Yarck. From here we travelled through Bonnie Doon and Mansfield through flat country. It was great to see the water level at Bonnie Doon so high. I can’t remember it so high after Easter in many years.
From Mansfield the country through Tolmie and Whitfield changes with winding roads and many elevated sections. (A great place to drive if you don’t have the hand brake in the car.) At Cheshunt we turned right for the short drive through some of the King Valley’s many vineyards to Chrismont, our lunch destination.
After a few tastings at the bar we settled down to a great lunch, chosen from a very comprehensive and varied menu. About 4.00 pm it was time for the return trip. For many of us this involved picking up our purchases on the way out. A GREAT DAY WITH A FUN GROUP. Thanks to Sandra for organising the day.
28 & 29 March 2023
Tour the Deniliquin Depot – Judy Maloney
Everyone arrived at Rotary Park early and were keen to get on their way for our first overnight trip in quite a while. With Ken and Barb leading the way, Peter and Marianne in the middle and Rod and Marg as tail end Charlie we headed off. The first stop via Euroa was at the Murchison Bakery for morning tea, a toilet break and further instructions from Ken who was keen to get going.
During the drive from Murchison to Deniliquin via Dhurringile (who knew there was a prison there!!), Tatura, Echuca, Mathoura a couple of cars didn’t make it through the green light at some roadworks, after eventually catching up with the rest of us we all arrived at The Depot’s Cruizin Diner for lunch. No sooner had we settled ourselves down when our pre ordered lunch and drinks arrived giving us plenty of time after lunch to enjoy the highlight of our trip The Depot.
Stories flew as we made our way around the museum about once owning this or that car; pieces of memorabilia on display that we had at home or remembered. Our accomodation for the night was at the Coach House where we also had an enjoyable evening meal, although the dining room was unexpectedly full and our meal was a tad late it gave us plenty of time to catch up.
Wednesday morning saw Jim and Di needing a push start by several of the fellas for their AH Sprite before heading to the Crossing Cafe for breakfast after which we headed homeward.
Along the way Jim and Di’s Sprite had canopy trouble causing them to eventually pull over and put it away and rug up, they found that as semi’s passed them the force of air pressure caused the canopy to dislodge from the windshield. Having a tail end Charlie meant that Jim and Di had Rod’s support when they had to stop and the rest of the group were able to pull over and wait until they caught up.
We arrived at the Euroa Hotel for lunch after which everyone made their way back home.
Thanks Ken for organising a great couple of days.
Sunday 19 March 2023
Alexandra CFA Tour and Eildon Pondage Picnic – Rod Hanscomb
The day started with a slight shower of rain and bit overcast, temperature cooler than Saturday. Everyone gathered at Rotary park on time and we set off to the fire station, where the troops were given a run through the vehicles and the gear we use and how much specialized training we do to keep the community safe.
l think everybody was surprised how much training we do and the gear we carry on the trucks. After the tour we set off to Eildon via U T Creek Road, with a stop at the top for a look at the view over the lake. Then on to Eildon over the dam wall a U turn at the spillway and down to the pondage.
Luckily there was no one at the Rotunda except us. Everybody enjoyed the picnic and run and agreed we should do another one sometime. Some of the picnic arrangements were special. Michelle even had a nice little table cloth for her and Allan! Thanks to all those who attended.
Saturday 18 March 2023
Yarck CFA Car Display – Leanne McCready
The initial scheduled Yarck CFA Open Day was last year but had to be postponed due to floods in the area.
On Saturday, there was a Total Fire Ban announced and everyone was hoping that the day would go ahead, which it did.
Thankfully, with cooler conditions than were forecast (initially 34 degrees) and with cloud cover, the CFA brigades on display didn’t have to go off and fight any fires. It also made the day quite pleasant for those that were involved with displays and people visiting the Open Day.
Many of the local CFA fire brigades were represented providing important information about Fire Plans, selling fire extinguishers, displays of showing the process of how they put out fires from the moving CFA trucks, getting children involved with how to use a fire hose and obviously the mandatory sitting in the fire truck and putting on the lights and siren.
It was great to be able to support the Yarck CFA Open Day with 10 vehicles on display by members. This created quite a bit of interest from people seeing some classic cars on display and chatting with members about their cars.
Congratulations to the organizers of the day and our appreciation goes out to all the volunteers involved with our local CFA’s and their commitment to ensure that our communities are kept safe.
Thursday 16 March 2023 – Thornton Pub Dinner – No report or pics received
Sunday 5 March 2023
Seymour Club – Seymour via the back roads (Ian Magor)
Our leaders, Phil & Chris Challan met with the occupants of 4 other cars at Rotary Park on a coolish morning, after pleasantries were exchanged, we formed a convoy and headed off to Dindi Naturals at Yarck.
On entering Dindi Naturals, we were greeted with a strong but pleasant odour of soap and skin care products, the café area was at the other end of the building where a morning tea/coffee/hot chocolate and a variety of cakes were consumed.
We were given a bar of soap each and a talk on the how the enterprise was founded with a vision of providing a quality range of skin care products from ethically sourced materials. The business started in the kitchen at home and progressed through a variety of sheds and work places up to their current premises.
The day had warmed considerably as we returned to our vehicles, an extra vehicle joined our convoy at this point and we headed of up the hills.
The convoy were very orderly and together with excellent trip notes the trip went remarkably smoothly, so much so that our leader made a deliberate straight ahead instead of turning right, this and I stress again deliberate maneuver was a test to see if the members of the convoy had paid attention to their notes!
A U turn was made and the convoy made an uneventful completion of the journey to the Seymour Club for lunch.
Two more members met us in Seymour. The allotted dining area was relatively spacious and we didn’t have a lot of noise to contend with so conversation was easier than at many other venues. The food was very good and excellent value when selected from the Seniors Menu.
If you’ve never been to the Seymour Club you’re missing out on a worthwhile dining experience.
Signing in is as easy as slipping your drivers licence into a reader and pressing a button, no licence with you then you manually enter your name and town on a touch screen.
Thank you, Chris & Phil, for a great day out.
Nagambie Rowing Club (Leanne McCready)
Sunday 19 February 2023
Allan and I had the privilege of hosting the car run to the Nagambie Rowing Club. Thank you to the events team for researching the run and to Sandra for sending us a very comprehensive run sheet.
Today we started the car run from Alexandra Rotary Park with 20 members in attendance. A big shout out to Elaine and Paul who live in Yea. They travelled from Yea to Alexandra to be part of the convoy, then back to Yea to have morning tea at Marmalades.
Wes arrived in a different car today to his normal car run car, but he had the image of his beloved car all over his shirt as a treasured Christmas present. You can get in touch with Maggie to find out how you too can have a shirt with multiple pictures of your beloved car on a shirt.
It was a beautiful sunny day and we sat in the courtyard for morning tea with much chatting and laughter.
We then all lined up just outside Yea and we did have the choice of going to the races which were being held at Yea today or onto Seymour! As hosts we chose Seymour.
Everyone arrived at Nagambie with only one small obstacle – trying to find a park in the main street of Nagambie as there were lots of people out and about. Great for the businesses trying to recover from losses through COVID.
We enjoyed lunch and maybe a glass or two and then people made their own way home.
After lunch, Allan and I took the opportunity to check out the brewery next door to the Rowing Club for a future trip over to this area. No drinks were consumed as we had out sights on two wineries approx. 7km out of Nagambie.
The first was Mitchelton, which is known for its iconic tower and of course beautiful wines. We signed up to be wine members and came away with a dozen bottles of wines. The next stop was Tahbilk one of the oldest family winery and vineyard, dating back to 1860. It also has restaurant on site overlooking the beautiful wetlands. Yes, we also became a wine club member at this winery, and they had a very good deal (of course) and ended up with half a dozen bottles of wine.
Would highly recommend a visit to both these wineries if you are looking for options to give the car ‘a bit of a run’ and it isn’t that far from where we live!
Sunday 5 February 2023
Bonfire Station Microbrewery and Farmstay – Taggerty (Leanne McCready)
The MHVR run that wasn’t a car club run!
To welcome in 2023 and the first event of the year for the club, members were treated to a social event rather than meeting at Alexandra Rotary Park and doing the usual convoy ‘car club run’ to the venue.
There were 38 members that were in attendance which was the limit for the event. There were some familiar faces, and it was great to see some members that haven’t attended for a while. Maybe we are getting over the restrictions of COVID from the past and wanting to socialise more?
The weather was cooler than a normal summers day, but that’s Victoria’s weather for you! We were allocated a large undercover seating area and this protected us from the sun when it came out.
People enjoyed the home-made pizza’s with lots of variety on offer and thank you to Sandra who made the announcement, advising the extensive list of pizzas that were available. There were also Falafels, nachos and sweet potato chips on the menu for those that didn’t like pizza. But who doesn’t like a great pizza?
The local brew and wine went down a treat with some members trying the unique cherry cider with the cherries being grown on the property.
It was a great day and can I suggest to members to check out the MHVR website – events and check out what is coming up in the future. Don’t be disappointed, get in early to book your place at the events as most have limited numbers due to capacity at the venues.
Wednesday 15 February 2023
Buxton Pub Dinner (Leanne McCready)
The Buxton Hotel was another social event with 27 members who attended for a night of ‘catching up’ and having a meal and a drink (or two)!
There was no convoy from our usual Rotary Park in Alexandra and being in Buxton it was great to see some of the ‘locals’ joining us.
The raffle is always a highlight with fantastic prizes although there was some changes of prizes due to interests – Jan decided that a jigsaw was more suited to her needs than the beautiful rug that went to an appreciative recipient in the exchange.
Our table was the lucky table ending up with three prizes so we were very lucky compared to the other tables. Although each table had a lucky recipient of a prize and Linda owner of the Hotel, who also participated in the raffle and won a prize.
Meals were promptly cooked and brought to the table with the very efficient chef and staff.
Thank you to Linda and your team for your hospitality.
Murrindindi Historic Vehicle Register Inc 