Capricorn Chapter

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.

Phil Henry is the Coordinator of the Capricorn Chapter.
His contact details are :
Phone: 0434 017 132
Email: mgcapricornia@gmail.com

Click here for our Facebook page.

Here is the 2026 Calendar. to download in Excel. The committee has made provisions for any changes or additional outings, through listing some impromptu runs.

MGCC of QLD., Inc. Capricorn Chapter.

Run Report by: Phil Henry

Photos by: Phil Henry, Gordon Kelsey

A goodly sized group drifted into Fig Tree Creek carpark to commence the August run by starting off with coffee, cake and so on.

With only a leisurely short run to undertake, no-one was in any hurry to get on the road, so a choice was announced: the group could stay, chat and go straight to lunch, or leave on time and do the visit to Raspberry Creek homestead first. As per the run sheet.

The coordinator had ignored one of the key components of coordinating and left the choice on the table. One should never offer choices, should one? Anyway, most members didn’t hear the announcement and tootled past Byfield Store to the homestead which, although closed, offered enough interest to justify the visit.

Lunch time (as per the run sheet) arrived soon enough and, consistent with every visit we have made there, the Byfield Store had our yummy food and drinks out very quickly. This was even though we were a large group and there were plenty of other customers.

It looked like this would be a run with no incidents, but on the way back to Yeppoon the coordinator, travelling behind Martin and Narelle Adamson in their MGB, noticed it slowing. Eventually Martin pulled over and diagnosed a lack of petrol at the carbies.

A few knocks on the fuel pump restored flow, only for a repeat further down the road, by which time more members had arrived. We believe Martin made it home satisfactorily but with another job to do. The photo of Wayne Bergan with his bonnet up was – we are reliably informed – not related to any problems.

Lucky number draw – Wayne Bergan. Hmmm, coincidence?

Reminder – September run to Koorawatha. Book the motel and let Gordon or me know.

Participants:

Gordon Kelsey - Mazda MX5

Gary Whight and Doris Lisle - Triumph 2500

Jack and Rae Cowie - MGBGT

Wayne Bergan - MGA

Martin and Narelle Anderson - MGB

Jo Emmert - MGB

Ian and Judy Hamilton - Subaru BRZ

Rick and Michele Taylor - Chevrolet Corvette

Ewen and Meredith Sutherland - BMW Z3

Lyell and Pat Fielding - Audi TT

Richard Hughes - Mercedes A45 AMG

Phil White - MGB

Brian and Glenis Russell - MGB

Paul and Joanne Davey - MGB

George Ganter - MGTF

Phil Henry - Hyundai Kona

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MGCC of QLD., Inc. Capricorn Chapter.

Run Report – Treetops Cawarral/Eric Clamp Residence - 19 July 2026

By: Phil Henry
Photos by: Phil Henry, Gordon Kelsey

A glorious Central Queensland day greeted both Rockhampton and Coast groups as they gathered at their respective starting points. Not long after, both groups arrived at Treetops Tavern Cawarral, at which time some deficiencies in run planning soon became apparent. These included no smoko type food in the store and only one miniscule coffee maker and one operator. I must take responsibility for these egregious oversights.

That said, the beer was as refreshingly cold on Sunday as it had been on the exploratory journey, although this may not be sufficient consolation to those not imbibing. Thank you for joining me on the road to ruin, Doris.

Anyway, it was a pleasant enough way to spend an hour or so. Discussions yielded agreement on how best to navigate to Eric’s place at Bungandarra. The agreement proved insufficient, as a last-minute decision to do a lap of Emu Park CBD was probably not heard by everybody. Those who did the lap soon found out it was market day, with commensurate traffic jams in the small village.

Fortunately, most of the lead group pulled over at Kinka, allowing the others to catch up and rehash the arrangements. Heading north to Yeppoon two slow vehicles, a truck and a caravan, ensured there was no indiscriminate driving at the speed limit.

The group pulled up at Farnborough where it emerged that we’d lost a few people. John Rowe’s exhaust had parted way and several others had stopped to help – this was successful, as they joined us at Eric’s place.

Eric’s father Gurney, inaugural Coordinator of the Capricorn Chapter, met us and directed parking, carefully separating open top cars from others!

In no time a posse of volunteer short order cooks were on the tools and not long after, the fruits (meats?) of their labours were served up and tucked into. Many thanks Paul Davey, Gordon Kelsey, Gary Kunst and Gary Whight.

Eric and Karen’s place has a fabulous location looking out to North Keppel Island and up and down the coast.

Eric gave a comprehensive history of the place and explained all the work he and Karen have done to build their house while also landscaping the block, maintaining fire safety and maximising water storage

Our newest members Kim and Darren Craig did their first joint run with the Chapter, Kim in her 850 Mini and Darren on his Vespa.

It turns out that Darren’s parents once owned a 1925 Bullnose MG that had previously been owned by none other than Cecil Kimber. As MGCCQ members would know, Kimber was an engineer with Morris Garages and designed the first MG sports models, thus establishing the brand that owners know and love. See picture, this car now lives “down south” somewhere, other MGCCQ members will no doubt know where.

As proceedings wrapped up, the lucky number draw was won by Robbie Galloway. Gary Whight informed participants of a charity car show in Biloela (please see Gary for details) and Gordon reminded everybody about the need to book early for Koorawatha on 19/20 September. Byfield details coming soon.

Thanks again Eric and Karen for hosting and everybody for coming. Especially all the MGBs, it was almost like the “old days”!

Participants:

Gary and Julie Kunst - MGB

Neville Funch - MGB

Jo Emmert - MGB

Gurney Clamp - MGB

Paul and Joanne Davey - MGB

Trevor Andersen - MGTF

John Rowe - MGA

John and Gail Newton - E-type Jaguar (very shiny!)

Gordon Kelsey - Mazda MX5

Gary Whight and Doris Lisle - Triumph 2500TC

Richard Hughes - Mercedes A45 AMG

Ewen and Meredith Sutherland - BMW Z3

Rick Taylor - Chevrolet Corvette

Ian and Judy Hamilton - Subaru BRZ

Phil Henry - Land Rover Discovery Sport

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MGCC of QLD., Inc. Capricorn Chapter.

Run Report, Myella Farm Stay June 20th and 21st, 2026

By Jo Emmert

Pictures by lots of team members.

Saturday, 20 June, 2026.

The Yeppoon contingent all gathered at Fig Tree Creek boat ramp as prearranged with Gurney introducing Kim Davis (new club member) and Anne Scott before heading off to meetup with the Rockhampton group. That is all except Gary Kunst who left earlier in his Land Rover to pick up the supplies from my house for the weekend. Note: Gary was able to pack his one of a kind so absolutely nothing moved, I think he was laughing at the fact I thought I could fit all the weekend supplies in Paddy.

Whilst meeting up with all the Rockhampton group it was a pleasant surprise to see our coordinator Phil who has been in Brisbane with his wife Margaret who by now you all should have heard, has recently undergone major surgery with complications. Phil later explained the situation, and we were pleased to hear that Margaret is now back on the recovery trail. Also pleasing to see Bronwyn and Ray who had travelled in from Anakie and Saphire for this run. Gary Whight then got busy selling out the remainer of the numbers board game tickets.

I gave a brief outline of the coming events of the weekend including a trip down memory lane with a complimentary “Gloria’s Poker Run” and the Rusty Door prize. Jim then did a brief drivers brief on the route to be taken and then we were away.

Onwards and upwards to the Big Dam recreational area at Mt Morgan for the inaugural Great Bake-off competition.

All the entries were displayed on the picnic table, and the blue dots were posted for the winners!! There was an array of delicacies both sweet and savory, with Paul and Clare Lynam’s Damper winning and Meridth and Ewen Sutherland’s Egg sandwich platter coming in as the runner up with Pat and Lyle’s cheesecake receiving a highly commented mention. Only 2 votes between first, second and third. So close. We then tucked into the goodies for smoko.

The cars attracted a few young local kids on their pushbikes who looked over the vehicles, not believing there was a V8 under Jim and Sandra’s bonnet. It wasn’t long before the kids were in awe as bonnets were lifted for the kids, they had their own best in show car – Gary’s Land Rover. They thought their day couldn’t get any better and then they were offered some morning tea, smiles all round, it made their morning and I think weekend.

Soon we were off to Dululu via the scenic lookout in Mt Morgan and a tour around the back streets of Mt Morgan led by Gary in his trusty Rover.

On arriving at Dululu, we were met by Clem and Jean Hill and Brian and Glenis Russell who travelled up from Biloela.

Several tables had been reserved for us so soon everybody were enjoying a cool beverage or two from the bar of the magnificently restored Dululu Pub after it was burnt to the ground over a decade ago. The meals were promptly served, and the quality matched the quality of the restoration of the old Pub.

The Lucky Rusty Door raffle was drawn and won by new member Anne whilst her friend Kim won the Poker run. Gary W drew the numbers board games and the first was won by his brother Kevin and the second by Judy Hamilton.

Soon it was time to leave but not before the cars were lined up in front of the pub for a photoshoot. Our goodbyes were said to those who only came as far as Dululu - Gurney, Kim, Anne, Brian and Glenis.

On leaving Gary K suggested that we follow the old River Road from Dululu to Wowan so off we ventured with him in the lead through the back streets of Wowan and onto Myella.

On arriving at Myella which so far had been breakdown free, Jim and Sandra’s old faithful GT experienced a problem getting the rear hatch open. However retired panel beater Clem sprang into action with his tools and soon got the hatch open. Of course, all the on lookers sprung into action not to help but to take photos. (Guilty as charged) I guess it will make an entry to the Broken MG award at Christmas.

After settling into their rooms at Myella, rest of the afternoon was enjoyed by everyone resting and mingling waiting for the cook up that I had promised.

I hope I was able to deliver on my promises, well no one complained to me or Katie only compliments, so we will take that as a win, win for all.

A huge call out to Paul D, Gordon and Phil for the clearing away and washing up skills that they put on display and all members for the kitchen clean up, it made a quick job out of the worst job of the day. Then we finished Pat and Lyle’s cheesecake off, I think Clare was very lucky to obtain the last piece on offer.

By now our host Carl had the fire pit well and truly ablaze and our group were taking advantage of it with a beverage or two. Carl and Lyn then gave a very informative and interesting presentation on Myella ‘s history and current farming procedures. As a point of interest ABC’s Landline featured Myella on Sunday 20th June’s programme.

Phil, obviously relieved with Margret’s progress picked up a guitar and sang and played into the remaining evening whilst most people eventually retired for the night.

Sunday, 21 June, 2026

Slight rain fell on Saturday night leading to a crisp Sunday morning and soon the group were up mingling, packing and enjoying a hot Coffee or Tea.

The stove was lit and soon the air filled with aroma of bacon, eggs, (donated from the Myella chooks Saturday night). There were also tomatoes, mushrooms, rissoles and sausages cooking and people waiting eagerly to be fed once again, which they were. (We should consider a name change to the MG Car and Food Club I think), we eat so much when on a run.

Before long it was time to say go bye to Carl, Lyn and Olive (our hosts) but not before we had a final lucky door prize or two. Pat Fielding won the chocolates, (I think Pat donated them to Olive who had made us so welcome) and Olive also won a half full bottle of red, made her weekend.

On leaving Lyn warned us that they had experienced a leak in their water feed pipe and that the entry road was flooded near the gate, so we had to traverse a rather large mud puddle on the way out.

Everybody made it through and off to Baralaba we headed where we waved goodbye to Clem and Jean who took the turnoff back to Biloela.

The rest of the convoy continued our way up the Dawson River Road to the Capricorn Highway and right where we had an unfortunate incident a couple of years ago the Police had the road blocked. Breathe easy, a wide load was being transported Eastward along the Capricorn highway. This allowed the group to bunch up a little and stretch their legs. The wide load/s were making good speed, so we followed them to the top of the Gogango Range where they stopped and allowed us and other traffic to overtake.

Then an uneventful trip into Kabra where most of us stopped to say our final goodbyes however a few took advantage and had their midday meals before continuing home.

I am sure that everybody who attended enjoyed their weekend in the country and that the chapter is still very much alive albeit the dwindling of our beloved British MGs.

I wish to thank all who assisted and participated, hopefully I have not forgotten to mention those that supported the weekend.

Those who attended were;

Gordon Kelsey - Subaru Outback

Phil Henry (with Gordon)

Gary Kunst - Land Rover series 3

Pat and Lyle Fielding - Audi TT

Kim, Anne and Gurney - Land Rover Discovery TDi (Dululu only)

Paul and Joanne Davey - MGB Roaster

Jim and Sandra Armstrong - MGBGT

Gary and Robbie Galaway - Land Rover Defender

Ewen and Merith Sutherland - BMW Z3

Bronwyn and Ray - Big Red Fiat Van