Albury Wodonga Morris Minor Car Club

1/2 ACRE CAFE 15 09 2021

Well, we broke the drought, didn't we? Three cars left from Hovel Tree Park, a further one from Holbrook and two from the western zone, to descend upon the  1/2 Acre Cafe, at Howlong for coffee snacks and fun. 

The staff at 1/2 Acre were their normal absolutely terrific selves and served us all well, with good coffee and other culinary delights, together with good humour. Twelve AWMMCC folk sat at a very long table and chatted and joked as though they had not done that for a very long time; and, of course, they had not. I can only say that it was a pleasure indeed to be part of the group there in the Spring sunshine. By the way, my egg and bacon roll was so robust that half of it travelled home with me and was served for lunch. 

Not to miss out on the company, all trotted off to the OpShop and a leisurely browse for bargains, with special attention paid to books in particular. It's amazing what valuable gems can be discovered in those OpShops. 

Another short stroll about and goodbyes were said at a bit before twelve midday. Thanks to all for attending and making the fun happen. 

A beaut way to enjoy a break in the Covid Drought; and looking forward to times when we can meet with our Victorian Friends too. 

Cheers,  

Bill Davidson,  

President.  

AWMMCC. 

COFFEE RUN TO HOWLONG 14 July 2021

Four (4) Morries from Albury made their way from Noreuil Park to Howlong – Mark in the White Convertible, John in the Green Machine, Bill and Jan in the Magnette and Peter in UP.
A pleasant journey down the Riverina Highway arriving at the Howlong Bakery at about 10.10am where we met with Dave, Joyce and Chris in the PO Van and Chris’ Wolsley.
A bit cold outside and after the check-in circus we settled down to enjoy morning coffee in the comfortable arm chairs inside the warm Bakery. A good run with six (6) cars and eight (8) participants – not a bad roll up for a cold morning in July. An enjoyable hour spent at the Howlong Bakery and a safe run home with discussion about Christmas in July and future runs when the weather warms up.
A most enjoyable morning.
Regards, Peter Lenne

PHANTOM MUSTER 13 06 2021

We dubbed it “The Phantom Muster”, in the main because we knew that it wouldn’t attract a great attendance from our friends in other clubs. It was decided, nonetheless, to hold a one day event and in fairness to some MM owners living far away who pledged attendance, we advised that the expected numbers were very low indeed and that we would not consider ourselves fair if we did not say so; and so, there were, eventually, only AWMMCC members in attendance.

Sunday 13^th at 0945, six cars set off from Hovel Tree Park, collecting others along the roundabout route, to Thurgoona and coffee there, surrounded by a throng of folk, coming and going in the shopping mall. The coffee was good, the company great and the conversation interesting and varied, with special attention seaming to fall on the need for an Australian manufactured automobile and how the economic and political climate in Australia needs to change, to allow that to happen. Well, we didn’t find any of the answers, so we carried on, in convoy, leaving the car park at Thurgoona Shopping Town and proceeding, at speed, (really ?) along the Hume Highway, the Olympic Way and some lovely country side, to Culcairn and the home of Heather, who presented us with not just a fine country welcome but also a magnificent lunch of homemade soup and tasty snags with all the trimmings. Not much at all was left over, in truth nothing at all, as the hungry MM drivers all queued for more, some quoting lines from Oliver Twist, “ Please Missus, can I have some more?”  Lovely Grub! The afternoon progressed with more sweet delights of cakes and slices, with coffee and tea. Thanks Heather, really lovely fare.

More conversations followed on very important subjects into the afternoon until it was time to say farewell and make our ways home, by various routes both scenic and highway driving and to make preparations for the evening and dinner together.

The gathering for the evening was great.  Meeting at the Commercial Club Sports Bar and Grill, with a pleasant and noisy group who continued the mood of the day with good humour. The food was fine and well enjoyed, although it may have been said that the titles of the main courses on the menu were not all a true description of the plate delivered to the table but on further examination proved to be OK and definitely tasty. Conversation turned to planning for “Christmas in July”, planned for July 28^th at Browns with a deal of enthusiasm for the menu, including the addition of “ham to the main course fare, plum pudding and custard, ice cream too, with cheeses to be indulged by those wanting, after the pudding.” Yum!

The evening drew on and it was eventually time to bid good night, there was music with Peter Cominos and friends in the Club Lounge and some may have stayed to enjoy that. It was a Phantom Muster, so called because it only stood a Ghost of a Chance of having visitors from Victoria and other Covid effected zones; but it was good fun and very much worthwhile. Thanks to all who took part in organizing the day. Cars were behaved well all round and travelled 140 klms, plus a bit for the Guys from North East Victoria (etc.).

Cheers,

Bill Davidson.

President, AWMMCC.

COFFEE RUN TO COROWA 26 05 2021

Three vehicles and their occupants braved the chilly 9° start from Hovel Tree Park this morning.  Marlene and Roger in their immaculate 1956/57 Morris led the pack. Followed by Jan T in 1961 Miss Morrie and Bill in the dashing Humber Super Snipe was Tail End Charlie. 

We departed at 9.35am travelling on the Hume Hwy, Old Barnawartha Road and Riverina Hwy to Rutherglen and then on to Corowa via C376 (Drummond St). Traffic was light, the weather was fine and the roads were in good order which was surprising after the heavy rain last night. All vehicles drove well, with no unscheduled stops required. 

Arriving at Joyce and David's around 10.30am we were welcomed with big smiles, a sumptuous home made spread, great coffee and a very enthusiastic dog named Sally.

Whilst we didn't solve the problems of the world we gave it a darn good crack! Religion, politics, race, mortgages....we covered it all. Who knew the tabu topics could be such fun!!

After we had our fill of Joyce's delicious biscuits, slices and treats we headed to the Man Cave to check out David's current project. A black and red 4 door MM sedan complete with original plush red upholstery and freshly painted red hubcaps hiding in the boot!! Dave certainly restores to a very high standard and I was interested to learn he sews his own upholstery, visors and constructs glove box inserts as well as mechanical, body work and painting.  

Around 1pm Bill and Jan T departed for Albury/Wodonga via Wahgunyah and Rutherglen. There was some misty rain on the way home but windscreen wipers were not needed until Old Barny Road. 

Joyce, David, Maureen and Roger opted for a pub lunch in Corowa. I have no doubt the laughs continued well into the afternoon. 

Sincere thanks to Joyce, David and Sal for your hospitality; it was a beaut morning.

Thanks also to Bill for hastily "volunteering " me to do the write up. : )

Cheers,

Jan Townsend and Miss Morrie.

RUN TO HOLBROOK 16 05 2021

It was a pity that only 5 cars turned up for our run to Holbrook today as though it was a frosty start, it was still a sunny day. We travelled up the Hume Highway to Holbrook and had our coffee at a delightful new café “The Ten Mile” named after the original name of the town. Following coffee it was just a short drive to the submarine and a visit to the information center which housed many parts if the inside of a submarine for us to inspect. There was a small theaterette in which a tiny Mrs Holbrook told the story of how her husband Lt. Norman Douglas Holbrook VC commanded a WW1 Submarine and won a Victoria Cross for himself and serious awards for the rest of his crew. The town of Germanton was renamed Holbrook in his honor and a decommissioned submarine was partially rescued from the scrapyard and the above waterlevel portion was reassembled in Holbrook. We had our lunch at the Riverina Hotel (the middle pub). This was a huge meal and I doubt if any of us had anything for tea when we got home. Next was a drive to Walla Walla to the Walla Wares café and shop where we inspected an interesting mixture of things from the old bakery oven to trinkets, paintings, doileys and allsorts of interesting things. From there it was split up and go our different directions to home , all with full stomachs.

Cheers,

Dave Pfeifer

AWMMCC. Webmaster

GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOUR. 19-26 04 2021

AWMMCC Autumn Tour of the Roadworks of South Western Victoria, which included the Great Ocean Road.

 Day 1. Traveller was loaded with enough clothes and food for a fortnight,  along with two dogs. Heather and I set off on Monday morning at 9:30, stopping in Chiltern to pick a newsletter up, then on to our meeting point, the Rest Stop on the Hume at North Wangaratta. Arriving first we were soon joined by Dave and Joyce along with Steve and Margie. Bill and Jan arrived a few minutes later. After a short "leg stretch" it was off to Euroa for our morning tea stop. Arriving at Euroa it was decided to make this lunch. Rolls and cakes were purchased from the Baker and we found a nice spot for lunch at the Seven Creeks Park. After lunch we headed off in convoy to our respective evening accommodation. During this part of the journey we encountered our first bit of “roadworks action”, one lane closed to replace Armco railing. It wasn’t long however before Bill pulled over with an engine “miss”, nothing obvious so we pressed on, another stop, another short run before we pulled off onto a side road for some serious investigation. I suggested a new condenser but in changing this Bill dropped the securing screw, eventually a replacement was found, and the Magnette was returned to full power.

I left the group soon after as Heather and I went to visit her sister and husband in Wallan, and then to our accommodation in Romsey. A lovely B&B which is pet friendly. The others travelled to Gisborne staying at the Gisborne Motel. I believe Bill and Jan went to a cantina, the others had fish & chips. We had roast lamb. Distance travelled 282 km.

Day 2. The day dawned a bit overcast, rain predicted. We met the group at Gisborne and headed for Geelong. Started out sunny. we passed through Bullengarook (where my Grandfather had a farm), the Lerderderg Gorge on our right was noteworthy and after an hour’s driving we stopped at Bacchus Marsh for coffee. On to Geelong, not the greatest drive as it was soon misting rain, it was roadworks pretty much all the way until the outskirts of Geelong. Finding our way to a Eastern Beach we stopped for lunch in a little rotunda. Would have been nice in nice weather. Bill and Jan went to visit a friend in hospital, the rest of us got on our way to Torquay. Us to a B&B, the rest to a Motel.

That night we gathered together for nibbles, drinks and Pizza. Distance travelled 142 km.

Day 3. Ten o’clock start for our drive along the Great Ocean Road, we went down to a headland to walk the dogs and watch all the locals in their jogging and walking attire before joining the group. It was decided we would travel at our own pace, stopping when we wanted. Stopped a few times to take in the scenery on the ocean side, the houses on the landward side were pretty impressive too. Obviously this stretch of the coast is not inhabited by starving artists and surf bums. Million dollar mansions with huge windows to take in the views are now the norm. Lorne for morning tea, a lot of shops were closed, don’t know if it was because the season was over, or the inability to get enough staff. I read later that rents along the GOR are very expensive and hard to find, therefore its difficult for businesses to get staff, even hospitals are unable to get doctors because of the rental crisis. I couldn’t count how many lots of roadworks we encountered, it seems after every second bend there were lights and/ or flagmen. Some shoring up after rock falls, some clearing vegetation and some just patching the road. I guess the tourist season was over, kids back at school etc., so time to do maintenance before the really bad weather. We were booked into a cabin at Marengo Caravan Park, the others stayed at a motel in Apollo Bay which Not a long drive distance wise but I think we were all quite tired. Distance travelled 95 km.

Day 4. Nine thirty start for a run down to Port Campbell and return. Another blustery rainy day travelling inland through the Otways Nation Park. Typical rainforest and Heather and I both thought it was like travelling through the Dandenongs in Victoria. There were roadworks at Lavers Hill, I got a bit confused by all the cones and bunting, I think they were building a roundabout but who knows? Downhill from here to the coast where we catch glimpses of the Apostles. The Car park is on the landward side of the road and a walkway takes you down to viewing platforms for some great views. The Visitors centre and café was closed but at least the toilets were open. There was a busload of Asian tourists there too, I don’t understand this, I thought we were closed to overseas visitors. Onward to Port Campbell, a pretty little town with a lovely park at the head of the harbour. Pity it was so windy and heavy showers. A quick drive around the town followed. I bought some fuel but at $1.59.9 for E10 I didn’t buy much. Distance travelled 200 km.

Day 5. Steve and Margie left very early, Dave and Joyce left not long after to visit Ballarat where he lived as a boy. Bill & Jan, Heather & I left about 9:30 stopping at Forrest for coffee, supposedly a 38 km drive which took well over an hour because of roadworks. This time they were putting an extra rail at the bottom of the Armco I’m guessing to stop motorcyclists going under it. From here we followed Google Maps which took us on a very interesting tour of back roads (many unpaved), turning a 130km drive into a 2.5 hour epic. We lunched at a nice Café in Ballarat and were feeling very pleased until we returned to find our cars adorned with parking tickets. We hadn’t noticed the paid parking signs. There was a mix up at Bendigo with my accommodation that night and by the time we had settled in it was too late to join the Bill, Jan, Dave and Joyce for dinner. Distance travelled 300 km approx.

Day 6. Home stretch, Steve and Margie left very early, Dave and Joyce took the shortest route home. I wanted to travel through Shepparton and a little place (Marungi) where I spent some time as a child. Coffee at Elmore and a poke through the Op Shop before travelling on to Shepparton. Here we parted company with Bill & Jan travelling through Katamatite and on to home arriving about two o’clock. This bit of the journey was very disappointing roadworks wise. Only two flagmen stopping traffic on a back road, no sign of any workmen or work needing done. Maybe they were just practicing. I was spotted in Katamatite on my way home and Bill was sighted near Benalla on the Hume. Distance travelled 150 km.

Bill was the only one who experienced car trouble but this was only on the first day, my traveller coughed occasionally but apart from that there were no serious mechanical issues. A most enjoyable six days, thanks to Bill for all the work he did in planning.

Cheers,

Chris Coates,

Secretary.

RUN TO CAFFEINE n MACHINE 08 04 2021

Eleven members attended this Coffee Run on Thursday 8^th April. The weather was lovely enough for Bill and Jan to travel down to Rutherglen in the MG!! In addition five other morries and one HR Holden also joined the group.

Lots of conversation and chatting over cups of coffee and delicious cakes followed. There was an interesting treatment of table tops with two of them being covered in glass, underneath which was a display of various car engine bits and pieces.  Certainly different conversation starters!!

Thanks to Bill & Chris for arranging another enjoyable outing.

Cheers,

Pauline Carson.

FRIDAY COFFEE RUN TO CHILTERN. 19 03 2021

What a Glorious Day for a Coffee Run!

Today, Friday 19th March, saw a band of intrepid Car Club Members travel to the entrancing and and unique town of Chiltern.  It was a perfect day for travelling, not too hot, not too cold, manageable wind and no rain, pleasurable weather indeed, a pretty day to travel to a very pretty town.

Four Magnificent Morris's, one Hearty Humber and a thoroughly Marvellous Modern made their way along back roads and highways, some leaving from Albury, some from Corowa and Rutherglen and others from Howlong, meeting at the appointed spot at 10 am.

We had a good sized group, 12 in total, all eagerly seeking to sustain and hydrate themselves with the delectable treats from the Chiltern Bakery.  Custard tarts were the main fare of the day, 'MWAH' was the comment from the partakers, the coffee flowed and the chatter increased until the decision was made to amble along the main street.  Many of the group paired off and continued the enjoyment of the outing by browsing through the many quaint and eclectic shops on offer, a great time was had by all with an affirmation of our commitment to continue our Classic Car Travel just as soon as is possible!

Cheers,

Heather Sutton.

THE WYMAH FERRY TO LAKE HUME. 28 02 2021. 

What a magic late summer day it was when four Morris Minors and an MG met at Hovel Tree Park to commence the run to Wymah and Lake Hume. 

The group of ten Morris enthusiasts set off with Bill in the lead and progressed to meander through Mungabareena Reserve, via south Albury, only to discover that the road there no longer connects with the Riverina Highway; and so executed a group “U turn” to recover the run via Eastern Hill, which in itself is a treat with the great views to be had on the descent past the hospital. 

On, over the Bethanga Bridge and the winding road through Talgano to Wymah Ferry, arriving a little after twelve midday and waiting only a few minutes to see, at first two Austin Healeys and then a number of other MG cars arrive and disembark the Ferry. Notably an MGA, a TC and a number of MGBs, mostly with tops down. 

After a short while to meet and greet, the group of MG and Morris cars set of on the road to Lake Hume Resort and the Boatshed Restaurant, where two large tables were reserved with a total of thirty seven folk sat down to lunch and a very pleasant time together. Later, in the car park at Lake Hume Resort, there was much to chat about as members discussed their cars and experiences. A lot to talk about! 

Shortly after three in the afternoon cars commenced homeward journeys, with farewells to new friends and old friends too. 

An all-round great day, with around 110 klms. travelled. 

Thanks to the MG Car Club of Wagga Wagga for their involvement in the Lunch Run.

Cheers, 

Bill Davidson, 

President. 

COFFEE RUN TO YACKANDANDAH. 25 02 2021

With four cars starting from Hovel Tree park on a beaut sunny morning, led by Mark in his white convertible, followed by Dave and Joyce in the familiar Red Postie Van, Chris in the Traveller and Bill as tail end Charlie in the B, the day was set for a pleasant run in the old cars. Though Wodonga, past the Blazing Stump and on to the Yackandandah Road, where traffic was light and the going was easy. The run to Yack was only improved by the unseasonal “green” of the fields due to recent rains. The weather was cool for the time of year and very pleasant too.

Arriving in Yack and parking the Morries, we were pleased to see Pauline and Graeme in their four door, it didn’t take long to find “The Rusty Bike” coffee shop on High Street, where the group moved in, commandeered the single large table at the back of the shop and proceeded to enjoy the excellent coffee, together with some sweet morsels.

Following the coffee break a little time was taken exploring the “Op Shops” in Yack and one or two gems, that could not be walked past, were purchased by more than one of the group members.

Thanks to Chris for the organising of the coffee run to Yack, again, a pleasant run through North East Victoria with nice old cars that all performed very well.

Each member taking their own route on return, total distance travelled around 95 klms.

Cheers,

Bill Davidson.

President.