Whitsunday Chapter (South Region)

Report 9th February 2020
 

Participate in “Covered in Chrome” Mackay Harbour and social run to Old Station Tea House, Cape Hillsborough, report  by Richard Collier.
 

“Covered in Chrome” was well underway when we arrived at the Mackay Harbour. The hot humid conditions so early in the morning made for unpleasant conditions, with very little breeze to assist in cooling. The heat was on in more
ways than one. Yours truly started the day by leaving home without a hat and as I would soon discover matters would continue to “go south before heading north.” Roger & Lesley Green (MG Rover V8) were unable to join us on the day as Roger fell off a ladder whist pruning banana trees at home, the net result being an extended stay in hospital. Chapter members wish Roger a speedy
recovery.

 

Six cars participated in “Covered in Chrome”, attendees included Jim & Lorna Forest (MG F); John & Sue Evetts (MGBGT); Chris Evetts (Toyota Supra); Col & Fay Robinson (MG Magnette); Ian & Eileen Hall (Cobra) and Richard Collier (MGA MKII).

The driving instructions for the social run nominated a group departure from the Greenfields Mount Pleasant carpark of 0915hrs. Upon returning home to get a
hat prior to going on the social run, damming evidence on the garage floor implying that the MGA had a leaking right rear brake.

The Suzuki Swift was quickly drafted into action as the MGTF was not available due to planned maintenance. The journey north along the Bruce Highway was uneventful, with the MGBGT setting the pace. With plenty of shade trees available, upon arrival cars were parked, we were met by our host and provided with an introductory welcome and shown to our reserved table on “the deck.”

 

The Old Station Tea House is steeped in local history, located approximately 40kms north of Mackay, it is a turn of the century railway station building that was relocated from its original home (Marian) into a rainforest setting along with rambling gardens close to the popular Cape Hillsborough National Park. The table service was quick, and the food (scones, jam and cream) was well received, with a drink focus on milkshakes along with the tea and coffee. The group settled down to serious discussions ranging from world events to general aviation. After “solving” some of the world issues, the group dispersed with some taking the opportunity to explore local beaches while others headed for home, but not before confirming that the next scheduled group outing will be our bi-monthly dinner on Friday 28 February 2020, details to be forwarded under separate cover.

Whitsunday Chapter (South Region) Report 8th December 2019 - “Covered in Chrome” Mackay Harbour and Social Run up the Pioneer Valley to Pinnacle Hotel – by Richard Collier

 

Well above average temperatures forecast and reported, restricted visibility and dry hot northerly winds, not exactly hood down motoring conditions. However, as it is often said, ‘there is always someone else who is worse off than yourself’. With this front of mind, Chapter members were canvassed regards their planned attendance at the scheduled “Covered in Chrome” and social run up the valley. On the day, humid hot conditions presented themselves along with a breeze from the north and the forecast for hotter conditions developing throughout the morning. Six cars participated in “Covered in Chrome” and the planned social run. Attendees included Jim & Lorna Forest (MG F); John & Sue Evetts (MG B GT); Col & Fay Robinson (MG Y); Ian & Eileen Hall (Cobra); Rod Pacey (Porsche 911) and Richard & Lynn Collier (MGA MKII) with apologies from three.

Bob Evetts also provided his support on the day, his car (orange MG B roadster) was recently driven to Melbourne for use during upcoming family holidays. Overall total car numbers were down on previous months yet there were a couple of cars making appearance not previously seen. The group decided to disperse around 0830 hrs but not before agreeing to meet at the Mount Pleasant KFC carpark for a 0915 hrs departure for Pinnacle Hotel, 54km west of Mackay.

The run up the valley past freshly planted sugar cane paddocks saw us pass by Farleigh, Pleystowe, Marian, Mirani and Gargett to the Pinnacle Hotel, the journey was uneventful, with the MGA setting the pace and the Porsche managing the rear. Despite the forecast weather, there were high traffic movements encountered at times.

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Upon arrival at Pinnacle Hotel, our planned destination, the cars were parked, making use of any available shade and a beer garden extended table selected which facilitated small group conversations. Orders were placed for cold drinks along with the renowned Pinnacle Pie and/or Pizza. The table service was quick, and the food was very well received.

 

After a couple of hours of “natter and chatter” with a wide range of topics opened for discussion and with the outside temperatures on the rise as forecast, members began to disperse and go their separate ways. Judging by the feedback from attendees, a good time was had by all and ideas generated for future Chapter outings. With many Chapter members planning to be away over the Christmas/New Year period, January activities will be monitored.

Whitsunday Chapter – (South Region)
10th November 2019 – Covered in Chrome and visit to Hay Point Coal Terminal Lookout. Compiled by Richard Collier

The second Sunday of the month sees Chapter members dust off the car covers and prepare to make their way to the Mackay Harbour Marina Precinct to display their cars as part of a larger group of car and bike enthusiasts under the banner of “Covered in Chrome”.

 

A beautiful day dawned with no rain forecast, a few scattered clouds, a brisk sea breeze and reduced visibility due to smoke haze from bushfires. Cars of all shapes and sizes were on display, ranging from an ex US Army Hummer to a Zephyr sedan and all cars in between. Whilst many of the cars are regularly displayed, there always seems to be new cars turning up, some rarely seen in public. MG’s on display included John Evetts MGBGT; Bob Evetts MGB; Roger Green MGV8 Rover; Col Robinson MG ZB and Richard Collier MGA MKII Roadster. Apologies received from Jim and Lorna Forrest (MGY) and Fay Murphy (MGY).

 

Chapter members displayed their cars from 0730 to 0830 hours, during which time they made themselves available to answer questions and queries from the public. At 0830 hours it was time for “ladies and gentlemen start your engines”, with the group leaving “Covered in Chrome” and making their way back to the city centre before heading south along the Bruce Highway towards Sarina. One soon realises how low one sits in the MG, when you pull up at the lights and eyeball the wheel huts on the semi-trailer pulled up alongside you. After battling the Bruce Highway traffic and the select precious few “semi princesses” who try so hard to intimidate by tailgating even at the legal speed limit , it was time to leave the Bruce Highway and turn onto the Hay Point Coal Terminal access road and “leave our troubles all behind us”.

Arriving at the public viewing lookout, there was plenty of car parks and the immediate area was clean and tidy. Whilst at the coal terminal lookout, we watched the arrival and departure of the vessel pilot transfer helicopter and observed ship movements as one coal vessel arrived and one departed.

 

Returning to the carpark, we were met by an employee from the port control room which is located above the public lookout seeking information on the cars. The group then departed for the Hay Point Hotel for morning tea/brunch.

 

The original booking was for a table inside in the air conditioning however an outside table was sought which was in the shade, exposed to the sea breeze and provided viewing of operations in tugboat harbour. The table service was good, the food and drinks good and conversations entered into by rally participants.

 

Time marched on and with signs of tables being set for lunch, it was time to pack up and go our separate ways. A learning for the day, be mindful when parking in areas where fishermen congregate as a fishhook was discovered adjacent to the front right steer tyre in the bitumen carpark.

 

Overall, a good time was had by all and it was agreed by consensus that the December outing would be to the Pinnacle Hotel, weather permitting.

Whitsunday Chapter (South Region) Report

25th October 2019 – Bi-monthly Dinner Mackay Harbour – by Richard Collier
 

An agreed deliverable from recent Chapter meetings was the scheduling of bi-monthly Chapter dinners at local clubs, a local version of “Noggin “n” Natter”.  As they say in racing parlance, the event has been run and won. 

 

The first bi-monthly Chapter dinner gathering was held at the Lighthouse Restaurant, Mackay Harbour Marina Precinct.  Nine attendees supported the dinner and included Richard Collier (MGA MKII); Roger & Lesley Green (MGV8 Rover); Jim & Lorna Forest (MG F); John & Sue Evetts (day drive) and Col & Fay Robinson (MG Y), with apologies from six other invitees who indicated conflicting commitments.  

The group met up at the Mount Pleasant carpark adjacent to KFC from 1800hrs, with a departure of 1815hrs for the Mackay Marina via North Mackay.

 Upon arrival at the harbour, the cars were strategically parked to allow ongoing security checks from the dining area and their presence in turn generated some positive feedback comments from patrons. 

 

Orders were placed individually for “Fish in the Box” style meals and while waiting for respective order numbers to be called, small group conversations were struck-up with topics ranging from upcoming car maintenance, the last outing and highly recommended local destinations for inclusion in future outings.  

 

Judging by the feedback and level of dialogue, a good time was had by all and ideas garnished for planning of future outings.  Note to self – lighting candle power considerably reduced in comparison to modern cars and needs to be considered when planning night operations.