The weather forecast was dubious but it turned out to be almost perfect on the day of our last event for 2022 with plenty of sunshine and no appreciable rain, a great improvement over the last two events.
Area Rep Terry Jones’ plan to attract members to the start of the run at the Old Spot Hotel appeared to work as just 2 members decided to join the group at the lunch venue. Santa was central to the plan and all were happy he was able to pay us a visit, albeit briefly, but unfortunately Chris missed him as he was called away for a few minutes just before Santa arrived. Santa lifted the spirits of members by giving them a bottle of Australian bubbles (to be consumed later) and a hearty “Ho, Ho, Ho”. Shortly after the busy Santa left, Chris Barron returned and he was devastated that he missed Santa again!
Our conversation was a little disturbed by an estimated 50 motorcycles that gathered for a charity ride, delivering toys for children in need. They were escorted by the police and they were orderly, and it was a very good cause so it was well accepted by members. Chris saw one motorbike that he thought had an engine almost as big as his Aston Martin – we discussed the fuel consumption and probable size of the petrol tank!
Our run took us up Black Top Road to One Tree Hill and thence to Williamstown where Terry realised he had made a mistake on the run sheet. Fortunately, most were following him and so they were able to ignore the error and just follow Terry but Tom in his lovely Hyper Red DBS Superleggera was ahead. Terry saw him and was able to catch up and warn him before he turned right instead of left. There was a lot more green in the paddocks and vineyards than usual for this time of year due to the very wet conditions recently and a small stream was flowing strongly – the first time anyone had seen water flowing there.
The run took us then through Lyndoch and Tanunda before we headed toward the ranges and up the Menglers Hill road before turning left and into the Company Kitchen, Angaston.
We parked on the edge of the neatly mowed lawn and assembled under the shade of the trees where we sipped a glass of complimentary bubbles as the AGM was held. The Annual Report and Finance report were read and accepted and then the positions of Area Rep and Assistant Area Rep were declared vacant by the Returning Officer, Chris. He advised the only nominees were Terry Jones (for Area Rep) and Terry Holt (for Assistant Area Rep). Chris asked for a show of hands in support of the nominees. There was unanimous support for both candidates who were duly confirmed in the positions for 2023.
Terry Holt then showed us an (empty) bottle of Yalumba Claret from 1978 that was one of the batch he had bottled for the 1978 AMOC Nationals that were held in the Barossa Valley. Terry advised he organised the events and they had a great time – there were approximately 50 cars in attendance – a great achievement.
We then moved into the restaurant and ordered our meals that were very good and conversation flowed freely. Everyone appeared to enjoy themselves and most commented favourably on both the venue and the weather. At approximately 3.30pm, we headed for home.
