The Illawarra Chapter's President’s Picnic
22 September 2019 / Jeff Rowe
The day started bright and sunny just what you want for a morning drive with the roof down. The meeting place for our convoy to Ebenezer was McDonald’s Figtree at 7.00 am for a 7.30 am departure. Everyone was on time so our run leader, Barry Pope, got us all Signed On and issued with Run Notes. Let the fun begin.
It was a great drive along Picton Road picking up another car, the Racing Orange 30th Anniversary ND of Wayne and Karen Lowcock, at Wilton on the way through. Down onto the Hume Highway and along many other arterial roads with a comfort stop before we arrived at the Ebenezer church at 9.45 am.
There were lots of cars already there and the excitement of all the folks was contagious. Our registration was confirmed we got our Yellow Wrist Band, for lunch queuing, and a form to register our vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ winning car. We got directed where to park and the Illawarra Chapter in our RED Regalia with Bouquet Hats (Bucket Hats) had arrived. It was arranged for Wayne and Karen’s ND to be parked in a prominent spot. It was a very popular car on the day.
With chairs, tables and Eskies in hand an area in the shade was found. To our joy there were many Illawarra members already there and our group mixed in with so many members from different chapters.
Coffee and muffins were being served. After our drive this was most welcome.
The judging of cars in all categories started. There were some well-presented and much loved cars on display. Members from different chapters were assigned to judge cars across the range NA to ND. All members attending were asked to fill in their ‘People’s Choice’ forms. This all happened without any fuss and the votes were all collected.
Lunch time arrived. The yellow wrist band was called out first, much to the disappointment of some who had arrived much earlier and got a green wrist band. They were led to believe that green would be called first. Whether you got lunch first or last you were not going to go hungry. BBQ Sausages and Onions with Chicken and a large variety of salads made sure everyone was well fed.
Sometime during lunch being enjoyed and a few glasses of wine and water being consumed the judging was finalised, votes counted and things were ready for some official announcements.
The NSW Club Vice President, Lesa Bunn, told us all about a presentation of $2,982 that will be made to the club charity ‘Careflight’ on our behalf. The Club President, Keith Monaghan, thanked us all for coming to his picnic and the volunteers for their help to make it happen.
It was now time for award presentations. Illawarra Chapter member Phil Belcher has been working nearly all year on his red NA for this day to come. Phil had entered his car in the concours and we all held our breath as the winners were called out. Many members know how much work Phil has put into the car this year. The first three cars were separated by only one point. Phil was tied for second missing out by that one point.
More awards were presented and then it was down to the ‘People’s Choice’. Phil’s number plate was called out and we all thought he must have gone into shock. He took seconds to get up and then it was all excitement. His car was awarded ‘Winner People’s Choice President’s Picnic 2019.' He had won the category by a big margin. Congratulations Phil.
With one award left to be presented our excitement settled and another number plate was called out. Another Illawarra car. It was the black NC of Jeff and Pam Rowe. Jeff’s reaction was one of total surprise as he said ‘Holy Crap, that’s our car!.' They got the award for ‘Winner Best in Show President’s Picnic 2019.' Much more excitement as this award was presented. (photo of said car at the top of this post)
With the award presentations over and the warm sun taking the shade members started to say goodbye and head for home.
A good event, from start to finish, for our members with some trophies to boot.
