Event News

Stories and pictures from events will be published here when provided

(see the History page for items from earlier years)

Wednesday 8 May – Kilmore Run

There were 14 members who went on this car run starting at the Alexandra Rotary Park with Ken doing the introduction and hosting with Barb. Rod nominated to be ‘tail end Charlie’.

Unfortunately, there were several members that had booked this run, but had to decline their participation for various reasons. So, we were a small but exclusive group that headed over to Yea for morning tea.

We went to a Bakery for a change as our usual spot wasn’t available due to staff shortages. A very nice cup of coffee and some members had a bite to eat. The bakery coped well with all of us just arriving with out pre warning and were able to continue to serve their walk-in customers.

It was agreed that we would stop at Murchison Gap lookout on the way, and this didn’t disappoint with the spectacular view, although it was still a little foggy with the crisp, cold morning.

The shire was grading the car park and all the cars had to line up on the road, a minor inconvenience to the members to witness the view. It did provide some interesting turning for cars without going over the edge, before returning to the main road and over to Kilmore.

We arrived at Kilmore Trackside and shown to our table. Table service was provided with payment on ordering. With plenty of options, the large plates started to arrive. The members agreed that the meals were very good with great presentation and prompt service.

Jan had some information maps on Kilmore for those members that wanted to explore further whilst they were visiting.

Another great run and looking forward to future runs. Don’t forget to keep an eye out on the website for the advertised runs for the rest of the year starting in July.

Sunday 28 April – Euroa Run

Gathering later at 10.30am on a cold and not quite frosty morn at Rotary Park and expecting the weather to be much as it had been for a few mornings – misty until the sun came through – about 14 or 15 of us examined closely the reasoning behind the event being designated a NO COFFEE BREAK run. No-one having come up with the remotest possible reason why, the unanimous decision – not a unilateral one made by Kent! – was to stop at Dindi Naturals in Yarck to partake of their good coffee and delicious cakes. The sun was out, the drive through to Euroa with autumn leaves in evidence everywhere was beautiful despite the inexplicable 60k speed limit now on much of that road. We all eventually found the picnic tables near the loo at Seven Creeks park in Euroa – the one with the Big Magpie, and a bit further on, the VC statues and their stories.

We were fortunate to have all the tables at our disposal; not a lot of other people were picnicking. After much leisurely chat and eating – no-one ventured to the barbeques in pristine condition – we set off homeward individually. Another convivial MHVR drive.

Tuesday 16 April – Chrismont Run

We had 24 members who met at an earlier time of 9.30am at Alexandra Rotary Park to give us plenty of time to travel to the beautiful King Valley. We lined up with much excitement in anticipation of the drive over the mountains to Chrismont for lunch at a premium winery.

In convoy, with Sandra and Steve leading, we left Alexandra and drove towards Mansfield with a few ‘go slows points’ 40kms at Yarck where sections of the road were being repaired so hopefully no more bumps and lumps or potholes in the future.

Being a beautiful sunny autumn day, Mansfield greeted us with deciduous trees changing colours putting on a great display. We stopped off for morning tea at the very popular Mansfield Coffee Merchant.

We lined up just out of Mansfield and then set off in convoy with Bernie and Jill at the back making sure that we all made it to the venue safely.

We arrived at Chrismont with 4 helicopters sitting at the venue. Certainly, one way to get to the winery, have lunch and then depart flying over the King Valley. Not a booze bus in sight! I am sure that the pilots didn’t have a drink.

Now to describe the lunch – FANTASTIC. We had fresh warm bread with beautiful, infused oil to accompany it on arrival. We then had either chicken or barramundi accompanied with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. So yummy I forgot to take a photo. We then had dessert and what a piece of art as well as melt in your mouth moment. I remembered to take photos of the desserts. YUM.

Of course, there was the wine with plenty of choices of styles and this proved very popular with some of the members making purchases before leaving.

Always a great run and lunch at this winery and the owner and staff were very professional and looked after us ensuring we enjoyed our experience.

Another great event and thank you to the events team for organising this great event.

Tuesday 10 April – Buxton Pub (Leanne McCready)

There were 29 members who met up at the Buxton Pub for this social event. There were familiar faces and new faces and some members attending that haven’t been able to attend for a while.

There was quite a bit of discussion about the recent car enthusiasts’ event at ‘Erindale’ at Taggerty with members participating and being part of over 350 cars on display. Monies from the gate were donated to Taggerty and Buxton CFA’s.

The raffle, as always, was very popular and conducted by members Rod and David with our table having four wins. Rod reminded people that they need to get in their three events before the end of the financial year. We embarrassed Rod and acknowledged him for recently having a significant birthday.

So don’t forget to book in advance as events will be getting booked out with the rush between now and June. Thank you to the committee and events team for providing opportunities for car enthusiasts to get together.

Sunday April 7 – Erindale Car Display Day (Steve O’Pray and Chris Smith)

18 members registered their cars for the Erindale Display Day (it must have been the whiff of celebrity that did it) Our small band joined about 300 other enthusiasts for what is becoming quite a big cars and coffee event. Everything there from historics, exotics, hot rods, hot hatches and more. This is a country edition of a cars and coffee event that operates frequently in the Melbourne Metro area.

Friday 26 January – Marysville Australia Day Parade

The Friday drive to Marysville was very well attended with 12 local cars including the Rolls Royce of Intended new members Ian and Chris Smith ( All the photos were taken by Chris who enjoys doing it and is happy to forward photos on to members if wanted. ) Also club guests John and Eileen Herridge in their very low Kilometer Gemini.

Members were Doug Cordes, Wes and Maggie Anderson, Mark Wallace, Jenny Pullen, Geoff Stott, Trevor and Sue Tucker, Ted and Mary Jones ,Ken Davies, Phil Challen, and Jan and Kent Radford. There was 4 local cars as well which when included made quiet a good parade.

I did not hear the speech by our councillor but was told it was excellent. Everyone dispersed after parking on the grass and all went off to listen to the speech’s or the music and have some lunch.

All in all a great day.

Wednesday 7 February – Eildon Twilight Picnic

A group of about 20 members met up at the Eildon Pondage Picnic Area for this twilight picnic and chat, on a beautiful summer evening. A pleasant , low key evening was had by all and we got to inspect a new members lovely old (but new to him) Alfa Romeo.

Wednesday 14 February – Buxton Pub Dinner (Leanne McCready)

It was so lovely that the events team organised an event for Valentines Day. I am sure that only for this event that most couples would have been at home rather than on a ‘date’.

Although there was another reason that members wanted to get out. After the devastating winds through the area the day before, most of the people from Alexandra still didn’t have power 24 hours after Mother Nature let rip. Telecommunications were also ‘offline’.

Buxton was especially hit with numerous trees over Maroondah Hwy at the entrance to Buxton, Alexandra end. (See Note below) Buxton was fortunate that most homes had their power come on early morning, however phones were out till late afternoon. So, people were excited when they got to the Pub as they could have a meal, connect with people, and catch up on messages on their mobile phones.

There were 25 members who met up at the Buxton Pub for this social event and the raffle, as always, was very popular and conducted by members Rod and David.

During the meal there was lots of chatter, laughter, and discussion of the future car club events for the year and obviously the question – when will we get power back on?

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.

Don’t forget to get in early and book the events for the future so you won’t be disappointed.

Note: After all the trees that came down over the highway in Buxton, four local businesses immediately sprang into action and organised crews with chainsaws and equipment and got the traffic moving along Maroondah Hwy very quickly. Hats off to them, love country community.

Sunday 18 February – Wandong Pub Lunch and Tram Heritage Museum (Leanne McCready)

There was a total of 20 members who went on this car run with three Kens. It is a popular name in the club.

Most met at the Alexandra Rotary Park with some catching up with us at morning tea or at the pub due to other commitments. Allan, Phil, and I were hosts for this run and I did the spiel, welcoming everyone and gave an outline of the day.

We made our way to Marmalade’s in Yea for morning tea with Allan leading the way and Tony and Judy nominating that they would be at the back to ensure everyone didn’t get lost or make a wrong turn.

Morning tea was yummy and a way for members to catch up. We were out in the Courtyard and the morning sun was extremely pleasant.

After morning tea, we then lined up at the edge of Yea until everyone was ready for the convoy. I told Allan and Phil that I was getting out to check the cars and left the door open. Allan then decided to move on until he heard an almighty shout!!!! It proved amusing to the members in the cars lined up and to Allan and Phil! Me as well.

We made our way to the pub and had a great meal with the members spread over two large tables.

Some members made their way home whilst others went on to the Tramway Heritage Centre about 15 minutes from the pub. The dirt road was very busy with traffic as there was a Sunflower Farm selling produce past the centre.

Our tour guide was exceptionally passionate about the centre and his love of trams shone through. We had an excellent time and the centre brought back lots of memories for us looking at the old trams and other equipment.

A big thank you to Chris, a new member who had a professional camera (rather than a phone) and took lots of photos at the centre and willingly shared to the club to accompany this story.

Another great car run and thank you to the events team. Don’t forget to get in early and book the events in advance to avoid disappointment as dates are getting booked out.

Wednesday March 6 – Run to Launching Place Home Hotel (Leanne McCready)

There were 24 members who went on this car run starting at the Alexandra Rotary Park with Sandra doing the introduction and hosting. Wes and Maggie nominated to be ‘tail end Charlie’.

Most met at the meeting point with some joining the run at morning tea at Marysville Bakery.

Members were impressed leaving Alexandra with the lead car or should I say truck as it led the members along Maroondah Highway towards Marysville.

It was a game for those that were waiting at Marysville Bakery as the cars arrived saying the names of the members. We welcomed a few new faces on the run.

As we were about to leave the Bakery, another truck went through Marysville and we followed this through to the Black Spur where the driver kindly pulled over just after Narbethong to let us all pass.

We all lined up at Boat O Craigo Winery and could see the new extension being built. Instead of going through Healesville we took the back way, missing the main street and then on to Launching Place via a scenic route.

As you come into Launching Place it is the Hotel at the intersection and with its bright colour of yellow – you can’t miss it. With extensive parking facilities it made it easy for people to park and walk a short distance to the hotel.

The hotel has recently undergone a massive renovation, and this is obvious in the presentation, both inside and in the beer gardens. The meals and the service were great, and the meals included your usual pub meals but also offered an extensive selection of other choices.

Rod was reminiscing as this was his ‘old stomping ground’ and use to frequent the hotel but hadn’t been back for years.

Another great car run and thank you to the events team. Don’t forget to get in early and book the events in advance to avoid disappointment as dates are getting booked out.