CLUB RUNS
The Club offers its members the opportunity to take part in two types of runs. One is the Day Run held on various Sundays throughout the year and the other is the Mid-week run held regularly on the fourth Wednesday of each month. There is also one weekend away, usually held in July.
These runs are organized to allow time for socializing as well as enjoying a drive with fellow enthusiasts.
Details of meeting times and places for the runs are advertised on the Calendar page of this website and also in the Octagon. A contact name is always given so that you can check on the latest details of the run.
Most participants drive their MG but other makes are not excluded. Below are reports and photos of some recent runs held by MG Car Club.
"Watch the birdie, they say!!??....
I can't see any b....y birdie!!!
THE PRE AUSTRALIA DAY DAY RUN – 21 January 2023
The first day run event for this year was bathed in beautiful sunshine together with a gentle breeze. Meeting place was the car park in Mowbray Park where such important facilities as toilets and swings were available.
Given that through this year we will see the commencement of celebrations for the 100 years of the MG Marque, our group travelled through the main roads in Hawthorne and Bulimba before more open spaces in Colmslie along Lytton Road. Over both the Gateway Motorway then the Port of Brisbane Motorway through the open environments on either side of the Hemmant and Tingalpa Road before on towards Manly.
We travelled along the Southern Moreton Bay Tourist Drive on Whites Road. before joining the Esplanade to run along the foreshore past the Manly Boat Harbour, Darling Point and to the George Clayton Park. The park offered swings, an old light house, large trees offering shady places and some toilets. Not a long drive however the run was a very pleasant way to start the year.
The question was would the high tide remain during our stay so we could enjoy the ambience of the bayside environment as distinct to a view of the mud flats.
Fortunately, it was if King Canute of the North Sea Empire (and a previous King of England, Denmark and Norway no less) had ensured the tidal movement was in our favour and this, combined with the gentle breeze from the bay, made for a relaxing picnic day.
Those who enjoyed the shady trees at the park were:
Lloyd and Karen Thomson (MGB)
Julie Mundy (MG F)
Kerry McAllister (MGB)
Jeff Heselwood touring with Vern and Elaine Hamilton (Hyundai)
Terry and Lynn Jones (MGTC)
Kay Hawley and Michael Garratty (Honda Integra Type R)
Phil Bryan (Austin Healey)
Brian and Di Purvis (Mercedes)
Andrew Manfield and Linda Lloyd (MG TF 1500)
Jan Burke (MGB)
Barry Lutwyche (MGB)
Peter Lefrancke (MGB)
Gordon Bufton (MGTC)
Paul and Kerrie Strange (MGB)
John and Pat Walker (MGA)
Kerry and Val Horgan (Mazda MX5)
Kevin Trower (AUDI V8)
Don Webster (MGTD)
OVERNIGHT RUN TO YAMBA- 25 NOVEMBER 2022
Denis Thomas has a reputation for planning good mid-week runs and this one topped all his previous efforts. As you read on, you might consider it to be a slow-motion degustation dinner – and you might be right! Day one started with morning tea at Arthur Earl Park at Nerang with a good roll-up of 21 cars and 40 enthusiastic club members. Flood damage caused Denis to make last minute changes to the run instructions so, considering we nearly drove to Coffs Harbour, that wasn’t a bad change!
The run instructions were short and the drive easy along the Numinbah Valley Road. The paddocks were green after so much rain although a hot summer will keep the fire crews busy. A lot of the road was double-lined so speed was dictated by the leaders. Our little pack had quite a queue but this was sorted when a wrong turn near Murwillumbah changed the sequence. Directions through town were clear but compact, and a few made wrong turns. Trevor and Jeff arrived with smiles on their faces as it seems they found a “good” road with lots of bends to keep them focused.
Lunch at Burringbar was well received because most had not been there before. After lunch it was an easy highway connection to Yamba. Denis picked a great and secluded motel in the Yamba Aston and we pretty much had it to ourselves, so the drink o’clock rolled into a lazy BBQ and a late night for some.
Friday morning, the coffee shops were visited before a short walk to the Yamba Harbour ferry depot. The trip to Iluka by ferry was excellent – smooth seas and a pleasant 25 degrees. Denis had arranged buses to take us to the old Sedgers Reef Hotel for lunch. Apparently, the rickety old pub is being demolished soon, to be rebuilt. I hope it lasts that long! Anyway, the food was excellent and no one left hungry. Some of us walked back to the boat to burn some calories and others waited for the bus. The ferry trip back across the Clarence River to Yamba was glassy smooth.
That evening, a bus ferried us to the Yamba Shores Tavern for dinner. Denis had arranged premium seats up one end of the covered deck and no one went home hungry. It was a good menu, well-priced with generous serves. I haven’t been to Yamba for 30 years, so I saw some changes – it’s grown a lot. The bus back had to cater for other patrons so the return trip was a bit protracted for some. Those who got home in the first two drops kicked off with an evening happy hour, interrupted by a light shower, causing relocation to the covered entrance to the car park. Some of us may have noticed the heat lightning and some thunder during the night but nothing eventuated and the final day greeted us with clear skies and a very pleasant temperature.
This was to be another day where Denis appreciated a few sturdy club members to push-start the yellow GTB yet again. This would be needed at each stop so I think Denis may need a new battery. The run back was essentially the M1 to Tweed Heads with a stop for morning tea at Woodburn. We were surprised to hear flood stories from those whose shops that had re-opened. Water was chest-high in the second level! Some shops had already re-stocked so a few of the ladies picked up some great little bargains.
Heading to our final destination, our navigation went awry for those not reading the very clear instructions. They were approaching the lunch destination from the east whereas those who could read were arriving correctly from the west. Anyway, after a few phone calls we all met up near Pioneer Park and enjoyed a superb seafood meal delivered from Scales Seafood. Ours was so good we enjoyed the second serve of our cold seafood over a chilled NZ Sav Blanc that evening.
Denis, you ought to be congratulated. Everything ran like clockwork and there was nothing you hadn’t thought of (except perhaps a good battery). We’ll be winding back the calories a bit this week!
Malcolm Campbell
Particiapants:
Denis Thomas - MGBGT
Allan and Joyce Tebbutt - Audi A4
Dennis and Diana Kelly - Mazda 3
Brian Cranley - Fiat Abarth 124
Neil and Kate Robson - BMW 535D
Lloyd and Karen Thomson - BMW 320
Val Horgan - Mazda MX-5
Robyn Jenvey and Jeanette Hedlef - Honda Accord
Ray and Suzanne Edwards - MGB
Kay Hawley and Michael Garratty - Mazda MX-5
Jeff Heslewood - Subaru WRX
Malcolm Campbell and Kathy Burford - Golf GTI-P
Jan Burke - MGB
John and Pat Walker -Toyota Camry
Sue Panuccio and Trevor Penson - Toyota RAV 4
David and Meryl Miles - Subaru
Mark Lacy and Sharon Hill - Subaru
Kevin Trower - Audi S8
Gary and Dawn Lawrence - Hyundai Accent
Barry Lutwyche - MGB
Greg and Rhonda Hannant - MG SUV
Trevor and Joy Jones -Ford Mustang
MGCCQ ALL CHAPTER MEETING SEPTEMBER 2022
A group of 21 Brisbane members (12 cars including 9 MG’s) decided to travel in convoy from Brisbane to Rockhampton for the All Chapter meeting. We then continued on to Toowoomba to meet up with the September midweek run group, taking in an overnight stay for the Carnival of Flowers. What a “cracker” of a trip it was. The Capricorn Chapter did an amazing job organising the All Chapter Meeting. Jim Armstrong & his team deservedly received the highest praise from everyone and to say it was a success would be the understatement of the year. The venues, functions, Kimber runs, etc were brilliant & as usual, the friendship of the MG community made it extra special. It is a real shame that Jim was not elected to the committee at the recent AGM, as I believe that the regions have a lot to offer.
Our little band of travellers owe thanks to Barry & Jan and Lloyd & Karen for the excellent job they did planning the trip & organizing accommodation between Brisbane & Toowoomba. More details are provided in the following run reports.
Allan & Joyce as usual had the Toowoomba end covered, including bus tours of the display gardens.
RUN REPORT TO ROCKHAMPTON
On Thursday 22nd the fun commenced with a group of 9 cars gathering at BP Truckstop Morayfield to start the adventure of travelling to Rocky. Here we were standing in the cold rain with all MG tops up to start the first leg to Moore. On this section we encountered very heavy rain keeping all to a slower pace.
Arriving at Moore we were met by 3 more cars to now join the 12 car convoy. After greetings of excitement and some drivers mopping up the water from the interior of their vehicles, we were on our way again to Pioneer Park, Nanango for the lunch stop. Now the rain had cleared and the sun started to shine.
Next stop after lunch was Ban Ban Springs. Here the excitement grew with a couple of MG’s waving & blowing horns from the highway, obviously enjoying their drive too.
Now on the last miles of the day to Mundubbera for a night at the Billabong Motel. Happy, Happy Hour was the start of the evening which continued as all moved into the motel restaurant for a magnificent meal. The owners made us so welcome & had all the MG’s line up in the morning for a photo shoot before departure to Monto for morno’s.
From here the weather was noticeably warmer, making it feel like summer. Shaping up for a great days run on this stretch with light traffic, we encountered a black snake causing most of us to swerve as it slowly slithered at his own pace across the now warm bitumen.
Biloela Heritage Park (a little difficult to find) was the lunch venue for this day.
After lunch we moved on to Mt Morgan for a final rest stop which included a lap of the CBD and a quick shopping spree in a local boutique for some gold attire for the formal dinner in Rockhampton.
Then a final drive as we rocked into Rocky to our accommodation and timely event registration.
A great relaxing run without calamity. Thanks everyone, fun all the way ……Jan
RETURN CONVOY ROCKHAMPTON TO TOOWOOMBA
RUN ORGANISER – LLOYD THOMSON
After a very successful & enjoyable All-chapter meeting, we sadly had to make our way back to Brisbane. Following breakfast at the Rockhampton Leagues Club we assembled for the return section of our holiday to meet up with other members in Toowoomba for the Carnival of Flowers overnight. The return itinerary with 2 overnights at Taroom & Chinchilla.
Participants included:
Mark & Sharon Lacey - MGB
John & Pat Walker - MGB-GT(V8)
Lloyd & Karen Thomson - MGB
Denis & Diana Kelly - Mazda 3
Neil & Margaret Taylor - Subaru
Jeff Heslewood - Subaru WRX
Denis & Vicki Thomas - MGB
Ray & Susanne Edwards - MGB
David & Meryl Miles - MG Magnette (car of the show – congratulations)
Greg & Rhonda Hannant - MG3
Jan Burke - MGB
Barry Lutwyche - MGB
We left Rocky via the A4 Capricorn Highway missing Mt Morgan joining the A5 Leichhardt Highway at Dululu. A little further on the leader quickly made a right hand turn into Wowan for a pit stop. While searching for local facility a couple of members went to the local pub (not for a drink) and one of the locals offered to open the local museum for us.
What a fantastic collection – a school building with the classroom set-up as we all remembered – blackboard, slates, the dreaded cane, reader books etc – brought back lots of memories for us old-timers - Refer to photos. They also had a train station, a carriage set-up for the doctor, dentist & nurses – that brought back some shuddering memories.
Several other buildings contained great antiques. It is amazing what small local communities can do with their history. Sadly, we were told the pub will be closing by the end of the year – once the local pub closes the demise of the very small town is inevitable – what will happen to all these wonderful antiques full of memories?
Onwards to our late morning tea/lunch in Banana – what an oasis – a renovated modern hotel in a tiny country town – it appears to be a very prosperous beef country. After lunch we continued to Taroom via Theodore for overnight at the Cattle Camp Motel, a total of 318 kms for the day. A few of us had a nap ready for dinner at the Bowls Club who opened their kitchen especially for us – a great night had by all.
Next day was a pleasant drive to Chinchilla via Miles for lunch. A visit to the Miles Historical Village Museum is a must – everyone agreed it was a fantastic display – 34 old buildings restored as an old village with 34 buildings and artifacts – brought back a lot of memories and showed how life was hard in those days.
We arrived at the Downtown Motor Inn after a leisurely drive of 182 kms for the day. During the compulsory afternoon drinks, we were treated to a massive downpour of rain – luckily the hailstorm passed to the south of us although all the cars were safe under cover.
The ladies hit the second-hand stores during the afternoon and bolstered their sales for the day – no names mentioned. Dinner across the road at the RSL Club was very convenient.
Day 3 was a pleasant leisurely drive to Toowoomba to meet up with the Brisbane contingent for the overnight at the Park Inn – 200 kms for the day.
Regarding the roads, they were basically fine interspersed with rough patches and undulations caused by heavy trucks and the recent rains. We travelled a total of 1800 kms for the 8 day trip with no breakdowns – a great test for our MG’s. It was agreed by everyone that we all had a really enjoyable road trip and conference.
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