Albury Wodonga Morris Minor Car Club

Run to Lockhart 5th June 2022

2 strange looking Morris minors met at Hovell tree park at 9:15 on a cool and overcast June morning. Before departing for Walbundrie football ground at 9:30. Bill leading the way up Urana Rd in his taupe Humber, with a red RX8 hot on the tail through Jindera and onto Walbundrie, where we met up with the rest of the gang, Dave and Joyce in their Royal Mail Van, Rodger and Marlene in their pale green Morris, and were joined by the green Morris of Kelvin and Joanne. The group was huddled together while coffee and morning tea was served in an attempt to shelter from the freezing wind.

When it was obvious that the only escape from the wind was to seek the shelter of the cars, we packed up our picnic and hit the road towards the Lockhart railway hotel (more importantly the fireplace).

The final leg of the trip to Lockhart involved dodging potholes and puddles from the recent rain. The sun finally made itself known as we entered the outskirts of the town of Lockhart, illuminating the main street and its continuous veranda bordering the road. As well as the many steel sculptures spread throughout the town. Circling back around the town we arrived at our destination the Railway Hotel. We were treated to a warm welcome by the owners, and shown to our table right in front of the fireplace. We were quickly joined in the hotel by members of the “Top Dead Centre” Car Club and the road in front of the pub was quickly filled with many interesting cars including a pink 50’s Cadillac.

Food and drinks were served and we all enjoyed a very nice lunch ranging from butter chicken, to fish and chips to parmis. There was much conversation and many jokes made before it was decided it was time to head home, but not before a quick look at the other cars parked around the hotel. Before retracing our steps back home.

Thanks to all that attended, and made it a great day out.

Kind Regards,

Jarod Loder

Run to Wooragee Market 18th April 2022

Four cars set off from Hovel Tree at 10.00, Easter Monday, on their way to Wooragee Market on a dull and threatening morning; but not directly to Wooragee. Along the Lincoln Causeway, the Beechworth Road and on, to Wodonga Hospital.

AWMMCC Member Mick Humphries is residing there for a little while and we hope that we might have cheered Mick up as we stopped and waved and hooted horns (for a short while) to Mick through the window there. All the Best to You Mick.

Then it was on, to Wooragee Market, a once a year event and worth the visit. Two other Club member's cars were there at the parking, which was so busy, the place looked like Pitt Street; or maybe Bourke!

Parking as best we could, we gathered together and walked to the market where there was much to see in the way of local produce, arts and crafts. Pauline was noted to be working away in the Hall there providing goods for the folk.

When the gang decided that they had had enough of the fare, we walked to the cars and proceeded to Graham and Pauline's home, not far away. There we enjoyed viewing Graham's current work of art, the Armstrong Siddeley. Some of us remember the car when it was on the road, before being treated with a major refurbishment. A lot has gone on in the work, with a lot still to be done. She looks well Graham.

Graham kindly set us up with tea, coffee and cake and we were happy to sit in his garden; Pauline was still working hard at the fair. We chatted and the company was great.

Clouds were gathering as we left to drive home, it was nonetheless a great run. Thanks to all who were involved and made it such a good experience.

Kind Regards,

Bill Davidson.

Run to Corowa 9th February 2022

Run to Corowa

At 9am on Tuesday 9^th February two Morris Minors and a Humber met at Hovell Tree Park along with their owners ready for a run to Corowa. After greeting and admiring each other’s cars, we set off. Mark led the way in his swift cream Morris, with Izzy closely behind in her green Morris and Bill and Jan following the trail in their stately taupe Humber. It was lovely weather for the drive and those without air-conditioning had no need for concern. We had a smooth run to Corowa, with only a brief stop for roadworks outside Howlong, followed by a cloud of grasshoppers to avoid and then a tractor to overtake.

When we arrived at Dave and Joyce’s house, we were welcomed by a red postal van and a black and red Morris Minor sedan (which is for sale and has the most wonderful red velour interior!). Not to forget their friendly dog Sally who greeted us as well. All our cars parked up in the driveway provided an excellent photo opportunity- please see photos following.

Graham and Pauline drove from the other direction and arrived soon after. Everyone enjoyed a relaxing morning tea with hot drinks and a delicious assortment of slices and sweet treats prepared by Joyce, as well as pikelets by Jan and some banana bread too. We then went outside to check out Dave’s impressive shed and his exciting new project- a grey Morris minor convertible with white interior and matching soft top roof. We all look forward to seeing his completed restoration. Members chatted and appreciated each other’s cars and swapped notes while looking under car bonnets. Dave discovered that Izzy’s radiator fan belt was too loose. After Dave and Bill tightened it up, we started up the ‘morry’ to check it off. Everyone yelled “turn it off” as the fuel line burst which was briskly fixed by Dave. Thank you to everyone for helping to fix the green Morris! We are very fortunate to have members in our club who are knowledgeable as well as mechanically astute when it comes to maintaining cars.

It was then time to go, and we all set off home taking the route through Rutherglen and Browns Plains. Thank you to everyone for being involved and to the Pfeiffer’s for hosting such a great day.

Take care and look forward to seeing you at our next meeting,
Izzy Molineaux

Run to Yackandandah 20th January 2022

Run to Yackandandah

A beautiful morning indeed as the gang met at Hovel Tree Park, including the surprise appearance of Mark T., who arrived on a Spartan and Antique push bike. Mark was just out for a run about along the Murray and stopped to chat and allow us to admire one of his "two wheeler" collection.

Off we set, on the road to Yack Strawberry Winery, over the Causeway and through Wodonga, along Anzac Parade and on to the Yack Road, traffic was light and Morries were purring! Arriving at Schmidt's Strawberry Winery and finding plenty of shaded parking places, we wandered in to the "Tasting Experience" and set about appreciating the product there. It seemed impossible "not" to purchase some of the product which tasted very fine indeed.

A short drive back along the road on which we had arrived is Yackandandah Lake Picnic Reserve. Stopping there we took in the pleasant views and enjoyed viewing the abundant water, also walking and driving the Morris Minors around the Lakeshores to discover many, many dead end tracks.

On, to Yack and a relatively busy main street there. Parking off the main street at the top of the hill there and, again, in the shade, we wandered down the hill to the Star Hotel. Attending to the obligatory QR sign in, lunches were ordered and liquid refreshments were enjoyed. Conversation was wide and varied and included suggestions for future runs, with some great ideas discussed. Young Harry was Star of the Run with his pleasant and lively way, not to mention his willingness to remark on the good features of member's cars. "That car has really good suspension." is one of his comments that I recall well. Let's hope he is saving up for his first Morris Minor car purchase. We are always on the lookout for new members Harry.

Lunch was great and the following wander around main street was great also, stopping here and there to appreciate some wares or, of course, an OpShop.

Time to go and the group dispersed, as they do, in all directions. Roger, Marlene and Harry probably having the furthest to travel took off North, Pauline and Graeme, South, Bill and Jan North and Dave and Joyce Westerly.

It was a great day's get together; thanks to all who were involved in the organising and in being involved.

Kind Regards,
Marlene Thurling.
Events Co-ordinator.