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THE MINI MAG. Volume 2 No.2 |  |
 February 2000Vol.2 Home Page | Index Page |
The popularity of our Club and its BBQ/ Day Runs was once again evidenced by the attendance of 38 Minis and almost 80 members at Sutton’s Beach on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
The grey skies and pending rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the attendees as they tucked into “the works” burgers prepared by Ray and Judy Retchless and cooked by them ably assisted by Spencer Cundy and Gary Byth. The BBQ was sponsored by M.R.Automotives and we thank them for the fare.The raffle prizes are becoming more varied with Nairn, from Mountain Motor Books, donating an excellent MINI book for first prize, along with Dave and Billie McGregor’s fruit bowl assortment. The obligatory MINI 40 mug and a bottle of octane booster were second prize and many thanks to the donors for their support. The only thing that hasn’t changed with the raffles was that Dave Perkins won first prize AGAIN!. His new shed must be full now with all his winnings. 
The BBQ and raffles took over \\$300 and thanks everyone for the support in these valuable (and enjoyable) fund raising events. These proceeds enable the club to provide the excellent MINI MAG and a host of other benefits to you the members.With one of our Gold Coast members disabled with wiper problems, 37 Minis set off for the run to Maleny armed with our new President’s route maps, and a caution to “everyone to keep in sight”. As Greg McTernan said,( good to see Greg and Suzanne as Greg has been away on Navy contracts) , once we reached the Anzac Ave roundabout, it was like a mini bomburst with different colours disappearing in all directions. Every time we went over an overbridge on the highway, we could see these hurtling Minis in all corners of the compass, luckily to meet again at an enforced stop at the Beerburrum turn-off, where we were regaled with the orderly procession of at least 100 bugs from the V W Club driving past and tooting. Obviously speed was never on a V dubs agenda or they had moving map displays on board so they could all stay together – not like Minis. 
After collecting our Sunshine Coast members up the road, we were addressed by our travelling host Kev Baker of KB Classic Parts and given a helpful touring pack before setting off following Kev’s green Morris Minor at a more sedate pace. Just like following Tony!The drive was very scenic and it was great to have a guide. The Cromahurst bends were excellent and the views spectacular, however we didn’t seem to be out travelling the black storm clouds behind us. Kev took us on to Bald Knob Lookout but unfortunately Tracey York was a victim as she took a hit in the windscreen from an opposite direction 4WD. We picked up two more members along the route, one from Toowoomba and another from Gympie, making a total 42 Minis. It’s nice to see so many people enthused with the car and taking the time to participate in our events.   A few suggestions have surfaced after the run, but in no way take away from the organisers the cuedos of running such an enjoyable outing. Firstly, all drivers should “watch their six” for the person behind and ensure they don’t become sperated or break down, Secondly, perhaps the club should appoint “sweepers” who can travel as rear end charleys in various groups who put drivers on the right track or assist in break downs and communication. With such large events, these suggestions may be timely. Hopefully everybody has chamoised under their cars, put a spare can of WD-40 in the back, fitted a rubber distibutor cover, and made a note to tune in to John Schluter’s weather on Nine Monday to Friday 6 pm. Thanks to our organisers and sponsors, and see you at the next one. Bob Ward. |