Run to Tamworth & the Full Monty
23 March 2022 / Written: Barry & Jenny Luttrell, Photos: Jenny Luttrell & Wendy Mulholland
It’s Saturday morning at 8.00am and it is raining again! The group gathered at Riverside Park Raymond Terrace for the pre-run briefing not realising that the recent flooding of the Hunter River had deposited a layer of silt and rubbish across the road making it tricky trying to clean our shoes before getting into our cars. Mostly unsuccessfully!! Run briefing finished then with 11 cars and 20 participants we were on our way to Nundle for lunch via Gloucester, Thunderbolts Way and Pioneer Lookout.
Well, most were on their way as one vehicle suffered radio issues that delayed them at the start along with John (tail end charley), not to be outdone not far along Thunderbolts Way here was Josh changing a flat tyre (those dastardly potholes had struck again). The tail end group finally catching up just as everyone arrived at Billabong Park Gloucester for a picnic morning tea which provided a pleasant opportunity to socialise. With the rain stopping the remainder of the day was looking good.
Up thunderbolts Way, one of the great MX5 roads with almost 100km of twisty sealed road that climbs to the top of the Barrington Ranges. A left turn onto Topdale road and then another 80 Km of tight twisty road down the mountain into the Peel River valley.
Hunter Chapter member Steve Carter from Tamworth, and a member of the cast of The Full Monty, joined us on Ogunbil Road to accompany our group as we travelled into Nundle for lunch and a look round the historic township.
Lunch at Mount Misery Gold Mine Café Nundle was delicious but a little slow even with pre-ordering of meals. At this point some participants decided to leave the run at Nundle to make their own way to our accommodation at Tamworth for drinks and nibbles, reducing the group to 7 cars in the convoy to Tamworth. This final section of our run provided sweeping vistas of the Peel River Valley set against the mountain back drop.
A short walk took us to the Tutor Hotel for our dinner. Our pre-ordered meals were excellent and our host, Carla, and her team had all meals prepared and at our tables within 30 minutes of arrival. Many thanks for a great effort.
Another short walk took us to the show at the Capital Theatre.
Another totally professional performance, this time by the Tamworth Dramatic Society, provided a fantastic night of fun, laughter, cheering and entertainment. Hunter Chapter member, Steve Carter, was an outstanding and very brave member of the talented cast (yes, he did go Full Monty). Steve caught up with the group for a chat after the show before a leisurely stroll home.
After an early Sunday morning breakfast our members headed off in small groups to make their own way home, most choosing the New England Hwy route.
A huge thankyou to Steve for organising a block booking for the show and for being our host.
A great weekend was had by all.
