CAPRICORN CHAPTER
Established 24 May, 2008
Capricorn Chapter MGCC country members living in the Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Biloela and Moura districts can now enjoy more social activities with the Capricorn Chapter being officially recognised following the meeting in Rockhampton.
Founding members from these existing Chapters joined club President David Miles and Assistant Treasurer Kevin Ponting in Rockhampton for the occasion. Gurney Clamp was appointed Co-ordinator of the club's newest regional Chapter, joining Wide Bay and Darling Downs. After holding that position for 10 years, he resigned at the end of 2018 and the role has been taken over by Gary Kunst.
As from 19 January, 2020, Jim Armstrong is the Coordinator of the Capricorn Chapter.
His contact details are :
Phone: 0417 544 222
Email: james.armstrong@bigpond.com
The latest version (No 3) calendar of the Capricorn Chapter events for 2020 is available for download
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THE BIRTH OF THE CAPRICORN CHAPTER
by founding Chapter Coordinator, Gurney T Clamp
After purchasing my 1972 MG B in Brisbane and shipped back to Yeppoon, I started driving it on every opportunity I got in and around Yeppoon and its surrounding area.
Then, one day I came across a couple driving in their red MG B doing as I was, so I caught up to them and found that they were from Rockhampton and doing a cruise around Yeppoon. Their names were Dale & Margaret Volling. I told them that I was going to try to form a MG Car club in Central Queensland and asked them if they were interested in joining a club such as I was trying to form. They agreed that they would be interested, gave me their contact details and I told them that they would be number 2 members. On arriving back home, one of my neighbors, Robert Hanson, called over to have a good look at my MG and told me that he knew of another MG owner, Trevor Williams, who lived in Yeppoon. He agreed to take me to meet him and this visit turned out to be very important as he tried unsuccessfully to form a MG car club several years ago. He had a list of names and contact details of people that owned an MG in Central Queensland, which he gave to me.
I returned home and started making contact with everyone on the list, asking them if they were interested in forming an MG car club in Central Queensland. The response was just what I was hoping for so then, I had to contact them all again informing them that on Sunday, 4 May 2008, a meeting of all interested MG owners was going to be held at Beaman Park Yeppoon at 9.00 a.m.
On Sunday, 4 May I was overjoyed by the number of MG’s and their owners that arrived at Beaman Park. They had come from as far away as Moura, Biloela and Rockhampton. All present indicted that an MG car club should be formed. I was elected as chairman and spoke on how we should go about forming the club. Jim Armstrong and Gary Kunst who were current members of the MG Car Club of Queensland, suggested that we should seriously look at becoming a chapter of the MG car club of Queensland if this club had any chance of survival. The MQCC of Qld already had two chapters operating quite successfully called the Darling Downs and Wide Bay Chapters. In doing this, we would have the back up of the MGCC of Qld’s support in legal liability, financial matters etc., if successful and accepted by the MGCC of Qld. All present agreed that this was the path that we should take and indicated that I should continue as an unofficial chairman of this fledgling organization.
On Monday, 5 May 2008, I contacted the MG Car Club of Queensland’s then President, David Miles, informing him of the outcome of our meeting at Beaman Park in Yeppoon. I then asked him what steps needed to be done for the MG owners of Central Queensland to become a chapter of their club. The response was an overwhelming “We will be glad to welcome you into our club”. He indicated that information would be forwarded to me and he asked me to call a meeting of all interested MG car owners to attend another meeting at a time and venue suitable to all concerned.
It was agreed that a meeting should be called on Saturday, 24 May, 2008 at the Rockhampton Golf Club, and the club president David Miles would attend. He was supported by Brisbane members, Val Horgan, Kevin Ponting, Wide Bay chapter coordinator Ian Bryant and Darling Downs coordinator Trevor Watkins, all arriving in Rockhampton on Friday, 23 May in their MGs. My wife Gloria and I were invited to attend a dinner at the motel they were staying at in Rockhampton. And of course we attended.
On the day of the meeting at the Rockhampton Golf Club premises, David Miles addressed all present on functioning and policies of the MG Car Club of Queensland and what was expected of the chapters that are affiliated with them.
These discussions were well supported by the Brisbane members and the chapter coordinators, the late Ian Bryant and Trevor Watkins.
A vote was taken to accept that all Central Queensland MG owners become a chapter of the MG Car Club of Queensland, the result was unanimous. Next step was that we now need to find a name for our chapter. A few names were suggested but Capricorn Chapter was selected.
I was then elected as the coordinator for the newly formed Capricorn Chapter, the next step was to select a suitable time of each month to have a get together of members, once again a number of suggestions were put forward with the 3rd Sunday of each month be adopted, which was duly voted on and passed.
David Miles indicated that the results of this meeting would have to be approved by the MG car club of Queensland and I would be notified of the result by mail, A letter dated 28 May, 2008 was received from MG Car club that the management committee of the MG Car Club of Queensland had accepted our application to join as the Capricorn Chapter.
After a couple of years at a Christmas function, Ian Wilhelmsen and Phil White suggested that we all should find interested members to assist in the running of the chapter, to which I agreed. Ian Wilhelmsen was elected as assistant coordinator, Phil White and Terry Dwyer as event committee members. Since then I have found that this to be of a great assistance to myself, as we now prepare the following years calendar in November of each year with suggestions of places we should tour to coming from individual members.
FOUNDATION MEMBERS
ARMSTRONG Jim & Sandra - Moura / Yeppoon
BREED Peter & Tracey - Rockhampton Past members
CLAMP Gurney & Gloria - Yeppoon
CLARK Stuart & Ada - Goovigin
DWYER Terry - Rockhampton
FOX Bill - Yeppoon Past member
GUBBINS Tony (Deceased) & Merilyn WEST- Rockhampton Past members
KIRWAN Wayne - Biloela
KUNST Gary & Julie - Moura / Yeppoon
MADDEN Don -Yeppoon (Deceased)
O’DEA Tom & Kathy - Yeppoon Past members
PIDCOCK Ted & Margaret - Yeppoon Past members
RUSSELL Brian & Glenis - Biloela
SULLIVAN Pat & Stephanie - Rockhampton
VOLLING Dale & Margaret - Rockhampton Past members
WHITE Phil & Pam - Rockhampton
WILLIAMS Trevor - Rockhampton Past members
THE CAPRICORN CHAPTER FAREWELLS ROSCO JAMES – by Jim Armstrong, Capricorn Chapter Coordinator
We learnt on Monday afternoon (Jan 20) that, sadly, our mate Rosco James had passed away after a fairly long illness. Rosco’s family had indicated that his funeral was to be very private so, rather than us attending a funeral they asked if we, The Capricorn Chapter of the MGCC of Qld inc, could pay our respects by attending a small wake at his home.
After rallying around and at very short notice, 11 of our members gathered at Kershaw Gardens car park and then travelled to Rosco’s home, a short distance away. On our arrival, Rosco’s relatives, friends and some neighbours were waiting to witness the little convoy of MGs coming up the street and to welcome us. We were then invited in for some light refreshments. The family was presented with a sympathy card which was previously signed by those present on behalf of our Chapter.
During the gathering, we learned a few interesting things about Rosco - things that Rosco tended to keep to himself as he was a very quiet and unassuming man. For instance: Rosco’s association with the MGCC of Qld goes back as far as the seventies when he was involved with the development of the Hill Climb at Mt Cotton.
His name appears in the book “History of the Hill”, a book about the Mt Cotton Hill Climb.
Rosco and his mate built an open wheel hill climber and competed in events there in the early days.
Rosco had a keen interest in radio controlled air planes and had quite a sizeable collection, some of which were on display.
After what we thought was a respectable time, our members said their goodbyes and paid their respect once again. The family group then gathered around and all came out to watch us go (as did a lot of the neighbours in his street). They were taking videos as we slowly drove past his house.
Farewell Rosco. Rest in Peace old mate, you will be sadly missed.
Those in attendance were; Martin Adamson, Gary Kunst, Tom Coe, Robbie and Gary Galloway, Gurney Clamp, Clare Lynam, Jo Emmert, Neville Funch, Phil Henry, Jim Armstrong.
RUN REPORT – Mt Archer 1st Run 2020
Report by Jim Armstrong
Well the 40 degree heat didn’t deter 18 vehicles and 33 people to take the trek up Mt Archer for our yearly 1st run get together and Bar-b-Que.. A little different from previous years because of the election of a new Coordinator and sub sequentially a restructure of the Run Advisory Committee with yours truly being elected as Chapter Coordinator, Clare Lynam, Assistant Coordinator, Jo Emmert as committee member and Phil Henry rejoining the run advisory group as committee member. We (the run committee) are all looking forward to a fun filled year serving the chapter and its members.
The trip up the mountain claimed a few cars with overheating issues as normal however we all made it up there safe and sound looking forward to a really good catch up after the Christmas and New Year break.
All two of the council supplied bar-b-ques were working this year however, Neville and Barbara Funch, Laurie Chetter and his partner Beth Dunlop and Dave and Anna Temptest, had the foresight to bring their own portable bar-b-ques along as well. This sped up the cooking process somewhat and soon enough we were all were tucking into a hearty evening meal.
With the absence of Jo Emmert, who is currently holidaying in Hawaii with her daughter Katie, poor girls, Clare Lynam took over Jo’s famous poker run.Today’s winners were Ian and Rosemary Carleton who are most likely sitting on their lounge in their air conditioned living room, munching on their winnings.
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After dinner, most participants simply sat and chatted until the light started to fade. Then some started to dissipate particularly those who ventured up in their MGs and oh mustn’t forget, one bug eyed sprite, a Daimler Dart and a Chevy Corvette.
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Those who attended were; Terry Dywer and Anne Burbidge, Rick and Michell Taylor, Bob and Yvonne Holbeck, Gurney Clamp, Phil and Margaret Henry, Gary Kunst, Dave and Anna Temptest, Tom and Janelle Coe, Laurie Chetter and Beth Dunlop, Neville and Barbara Funch, Brian and Glenis Russel, Pat and Stephanie Sullivan, Ian and Rosemary Carleton, John Rowe, Trevor Andersen and Glenys Benson, Martin and Narelle Adamson, Clare and daughter Grace Lynman, Jim and Sandra Armstrong.
RUN REPORT – Christmas Party 6 December 2019
Well, this is my last report for the year. What a great night we had celebrating Christmas and the events and memories that we enjoyed during the year. There were 40 people in attendance at the Capricorn Tavern where we were treated to a great meal and merriment.
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As everyone arrived we were treated to some delicious finger food while everyone caught up with one another. It was great to see some members who we had not seen for some time due to distance and other commitments. The photo slide show running in the background brought back a lot of memories from throughout the year and sparked many a conversation.
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Following my welcome address, we were treated to an alternate drop main course which was enjoyed by all. While waiting for dessert, the secret Santa gifts were distributed and opened with much laughter and surprise. It’s amazing what gifts can be found for a mere $5 if one tries. Then more food as dessert was served. Once again, it was very delicious.
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Our next activity was to present awards to club members who were involved in a memorable moment during the year. While photos of the particular moments were displayed on the screen, I had the pleasure of making light hearted commentary and handing out laminated certificates and some relevant and humorous gifts to the recipients. A number of the memorable moments qualified for judging in the annual Broken MG award which was won by John Rowe who featured three times in the presentation.
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Next, it was time for voting for the Janelle Thomason Memorial Trophy for club person of the year. It was great to have Janelle’s mother Margaret as a guest for the evening and to present the award which was won by Jo Emmert.
Congratulations Jo, you are a worthy recipient.
Also included in the night’s entertainment were heaps of lucky spot and lucky door raffle prizes arranged by Jo, Katie and Clare. Thanks ladies for your efforts.
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The new committee for 2020 was announced with myself remaining as coordinator, Jim Armstrong as assistant coordinator, and Jo Emmert and Clare Lynam as committee members. I would like to thank Phil Henry for all of his help as assistant coordinator this year. Phil is heavily involved in other volunteer community work and decided to take a break if someone else was prepared to fill his spot on the committee. Thanks again Phil and welcome Clare to the committee.
All in all, it was a great night of fun and celebration of another successful year for the Capricorn Chapter. During the year we had 29 organised events with an average of 19 people in attendance. We had three away trips involving one or more overnight stays. This included our seven day Three Rivers Tour, a trip to Agnes Water, and an overnight stay at the Myella Farm Stay near Baralaba.
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Attendees on the night were:
Gary & Julie Kunst, Jim & Sandra Armstrong, Ian Wilhelmsen, Ian & Judy Hamilton, Jo Emmert, Terry Dwyer & Anne Burbidge, Bob Holbeck, Gurney & Gloria Clamp, Rick & Michele Taylor, Phil & Pam White, Neville Funch, Martin & Narelle Adamson, Tom & Janelle Coe, Laurie Chetter & Beth Dunlop, Daryl & Joy Penridge, Paul & Clare Lynam, Brian & Glenis Russell from Biloela, Phil & Margaret Henry, Robbie & Gary Galloway, Katie Emmert, Trevor Anderson & Glenys Benson, Pat & Stephanie Sullivan, and our special guest Margaret Thomason.
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Gary Kunst
Coordinator – Capricorn Chapter, MGCCQ