Hunter Chapter Convenor BBQ Run

29 January 2014 / Words by Mark Gray, Photos by Peter Hilkmann

With the preparation and organisation completed we were ready to open our Wine Barrel Inn to 40 plus friends of the MX-5 Hunter Chapter on 19 January.

A warm Sunday afternoon and the scene was set for a short drive from Beresfield to historic Kearsley Hotel, built in 1922. Twenty one (21) MX-5s and 40 people made the trip to the pub for a refreshing drink as well as surprising "Fletch" the barman, who hadn’t been briefed about our arrival, but he handled the "peak hour" rush well.

After a short stop we headed out around some of the Hunter’s winding back roads en-route to the Wine Barrel Inn.  Our quiet street was transformed into an MX5 parking lot (lucky the neighbours were warned) but everyone arrived with smiles ready to enjoy Hunter hospitality.

 Tables and chairs set, nibbles ready to go and the hot sun disappearing over the roof everyone settle in for a drink, a chat, BBQ dinner and desserts before the presentation of the 2013 MOTY awards and years of service badges were given out.

The first award of New Member of the Year unfortunately couldn’t be presented in person as the recipient was confined to a hospital bed but a quick phone call to Karl (Kaos Kurri) Mittmann and the verbal award was complete. Our next award was Hunter Chapter Member Of The Year for 2013 and our popular member, John Morgan took out the prize. For the last award, our unrecognisable Club President, Bryan Shedden, was on hand to present the Runner Up New Member Of The Year award for the entire Club to a well deserved and surprised John Morgan.

After a great afternoon/evening with friends, goodbyes were made and life at the Wine Barrel Inn returned to normal.

Congratulations to John and Karl,