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!
Santa, John and Terry at the Old Spot HotelPhilp’s and Tom’s newer Aston Martins at the Old Spot
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.
Members assembled on the lawns at the Company Kitchen for the AGMMembers eating inside the Company Kitchen Restaurant
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.
The bottle of 1978 Yalumba Claret that Terry Holt had bottled for the 1978 Australian Nationals – in great condition, though empty!Four current or former Area Reps with Yalumba wine bottle from 1978 Nationals
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.
After over-exerting themselves for the October long-weekend, the weather gods certainly have been AWOL over the last few weeks. Our October event was held in wintry weather conditions and it came to be that our November event suffered the same fate. With just 10 days to go before summer officially starts, the weather has been unseasonally blustery and wet.
At 10am, nine brave members met at Hazelwood Park for our planned 10.30am start and at least the rain held off for the start of the run. Area Rep Terry Jones advised that when he did the practice run 2 weeks earlier, the weather had been perfect but he cautioned members that today we should be careful of debris on the road, especially Pottery Rd. He handed out run sheets and advised members of the run details including a hold-up on Strathalbyn Rd just before Mylor. Shortly after commencing the run, Assistant Area Rep Terry Holt telephoned with advice that he just finished the Bentley Drivers Club run and they had been badly affected by tress/branches that had fallen on the roads. He advised they moved one tree but the next one was too big and so they had to detour to their breakfast destination.
With this in mind and the very wet conditions that we experienced soon after entering the Adelaide Hills, progress was slower than usual. After turning left onto Greenhill Rd, we ascended the Hills and made our way through Uraidla and onto Carey Gully where we turned south on Rangeview Rd and thence to Bridgewater. From there we made our way to Strathalbyn Rd and as noted earlier, we struck roadworks in Mylor. We were not delayed for too long and we then headed toward Echunga and Meadows via Battunga Rd. The rain increased in intensity by this time and it was looking like mid-winter. Our run was interrupted by a road closure on Brookman Rd which was likely due to fallen trees and so we made a detour that was a more direct route to our destination, Woodstock winery where we arrived with time to spare
We parked in the ‘ordinary’ car park (our usual parking spot was too boggy) but there was concern about falling branches from the gum trees that provide welcome shade in the hot South Australian summer. There was no need for shade on this day!
The rain stopped and we went inside and found our long table on the mezzanine floor. By now our numbers had swelled to 20 as several members who could not make the run due to morning commitments arrived.
Members at the long table on the Mazzenine floor at WoodstockMembers enjoying the food, wine and conversation at Woodstock
Member, Martin Farkas could neither join the run nor stay for lunch but he braved the rain and winds specifically to ask questions of Area Rep Terry Jones about the organisation of the Club and of the election process. Terry had already advised Martin that he could email the information/questions but Martin was insistent, advising (among other things) that the Club was an incorporated one and that this had implications for the upcoming AGM. Terry thought this unlikely but he undertook to investigate and respond to Martin who left shortly thereafter. The conversation, that also involved Richard Dyson Harvey and other members, was at times, quite heated, and members at the long table noticed, even though the conversation was held some distance away.
Our food started being served and we were finally able to leave the politics behind and get on with eating, drinking and enjoying each others company.
In a short speech, Terry thanked members for turning out on such a dismal day (there had only been one cancellation and that was due to COVID) and reminded everyone of the voting period that will start on December 1st and close on the 8th and the result will be announced at the AGM that will held in 3 weeks time. Despite the service being a bit slow, no-one complained too loudly and we finally left at about 3.30pm. The drive home was less rain-affected but the forecast for the next few days is for more ‘sky juice’ – we dont need it but unfortunately, we cannot wish it away.
On a wintry morning in late October (the 23rd), some 17 members of the AMOC met at the Crafers Primary School carpark for the start of the monthly run & lunch event. Area Rep Terry Jones advised the group that he had driven the route the previous weekend and the weather had been glorious and the drive was lovely but what a difference a week can make! No-one was able to educate Terry why the rain did not clear the mist/fog as it fell but it didn’t and so we had rain and mist/fog to drive through.
Because of the weather, many members brought ‘improper cars’ and we were put to shame by our Victorian visitors, Browyn, her father and Richard who drove their 1974 AMV8. None felt the embarrassment more keenly than Terry who’s AMV8 was rugged up in his dry garage. Terry claims to have developed a very sensitive hearing ability whereby he can actually ‘hear’ the rust developing in the many box sections that never received rust protection at the factory in his earlier Astons, including in his Lagonda that has taken many months to cut all of it out.
Four ‘proper’ and 2 ‘improper’ cars at Crafers in the ,mist and rainArea Rep Terry Jones explaining the run to members sheltering under the Crafers Primary verandah
Terry gave out the run sheets and advised of the route including that he wasn’t 100 percent certain of the mileages as when he did the run last week, he got lost on no less than 3 occasions and had to retrace his steps, reset the odometer and start again. He cautioned drivers about the slippery roads but advised the inclement weather might at least keep the cyclists off the roads.
We got under way at 10.30am and headed through Piccadilly then onto Greenhill Rd and into Uraidla. A left turn took us then northward into Lenswood and then onto Cudlee Creek. We drove alongside several reservoirs that looked very full including the Warren Reservoir that Terry thought might have been the first time the Club had used this lovely stretch of road, These were a real picture when the sun was shining a few days ago but today they weren’t as appealing. Unfortunately many members missed the turnoff to the Para Wirra Rd but they made it to the winery via Gawler, while those who found the turn correctly (pretty much exactly the mileage indicated on the run sheet), found a lovely 20km of undulating roads with straight stretches that ended in right-angled bends with an advisory speed of 25kph!
Unfortunately, the winery carpark is not sealed and it was pretty boggy but we did our best to keep our feet dry and we were welcomed by the friendly staff who directed us to our table. Four members had decided to miss the run but they met us at the winery and in the end we had a long table for 21 members & guests. It was a bit noisy as there was quite a crowd there but we were able to chat, have a glass of wine (Terry liked the Durif) and enjoy our (pizza) lunch.
Rhonda, Marty and Angie at the other end of the long tableOne end of the long table at Tenafeate Winery with Terry, Megan, Chris Andrew and Brenda engaged in conversation
Terry showed some members (who had not had the opportunity earlier) the award of merit for his services as Area Rep that he was presented with at the Stately Affair and all were impressed, and several remarked that it was well earned. Terry didnt give a speech as the area was very communal which was disappointing as he wanted to especially thank our Victorian colleagues for attending and remind members that next Sunday (the 30th) is the closing date for nominations for Area Rep. He was also expecting to answer questions about the election process that 2 members had already enquired about, though Terry had already addressed these via email and he will still be available via this medium to answer further questions..
We had to leave by 2pm (the restaurant has a ‘2 sitting’ policy) though we had finished eating and so it wasn’t too early and we wended our way home, again in the rain. Terry has said to many that Adelaidians should never complain about rain BUT…….
Our next meeting is on November 20th – more details shortly and then on December 11th we shall have the final Club event for 2022, the AGM/Xmas event, when the results of the Area Rep election will be announced.
The Stately Affair has finally come and gone for 2022. You will no doubt recall that the event was planned for LAST October long weekend but the rapidly increasing number of COVID cases in Victoria forced the closure of the borders at a time when SA had ZERO cases reported most days. It seems like a long time since we had zero COVID cases!
I ‘dusted off’ the plans from last year (including staying at the Lyndoch Hill hotel, Saturday evening at 1918 restaurant, Sunday morning Kegel bowls OR chocolate & wine pairing and finally, lunch at Saltram winery) and started confirming the details with the Vics and the venues. The Vics wanted to stay at the Novatel (arranged by Martin Farkas) and a Saturday morning run & lunch (arranged by Chris Barron) with the other events remaining the same. Things came together slowly and the Vics left on Thursday to travel via the South-East to Adelaide. Area Rep, Peter Saglietti took the ‘scenic route’, travelling via Lake Perkolilli in WA to race his 1939 Ford V8 special in the ‘Red Dust’ 2022 Special – a trip in excess of 5000km and he still has to get home!
On Friday night we had a ‘welcome’ dinner at the Novatel where, in my capacity as Area Rep of the host State, I gave the ‘welcome speech’. In the speech, I advised that this month, September, marked the 75th anniversary of the purchase of Lagonda Motors by David Brown and I thought this was worthy of a toast as it resulted in the acquisition of the 2.6litre, twin overhead cam engine designed by W O Bentley (the main reason for the purchase), a name change of the company and several models that were badged ‘Lagonda’, including the ‘wedge-shaped’ one, designed by the legendary William Towns. It was also an event that had gone mostly unnoticed as did the 75th anniversary of the 3-line advert in the Times newspaper last October and the 100th anniversary of the entry of AM into Grand Prix racing in July this year that we celebrated in SA. And so the toast was made to ‘Aston Martin – Lagonda’.
In the break between main course and dessert, Chris gave members the run sheets and details for the Saturday run and lunch (to Malcolm Creek winery, owned by AMOC members, Karsten & Bitten Pederson) that included the twisty Corkscrew Rd. Following this, I was presented with an ‘Award of Merit’ from AMOC UK for my services as Area Rep over the last 4 years. When I was advised of the award earlier in the year, I was a little embarassed as I had just ‘done the job’ I thought, but it was a great honour to be recognised by the Directors of the Club in this way. I was unable to go to the UK to receive the award in person and so it was brought back from the UK by Victorian member, Peter Yalden, who was there receiving an award himself (for the many stories he has had accepted by the AM Quarterly). I was expecting a certificate or other piece of paper and so I was pleasantly surprised to see the award took the form of an etched glass trophy that I am VERY happy to have sitting on the mantle-piece. As several know only too well, the role of Area Rep is frequently a thankless one (though it does have its moments when things go as they should and members express their appreciation) and the award made up for the times I have not enjoyed the role as much as I might have wanted.
I was unable to attend the Saturday run and lunch but I have been advised by several members that the run that was arranged by Chris Barron was excellent and lunch at Malcolm Creek was equally good. The run was approximately 130km long and there was a stop at the Kangaroo Creek Dam wall where 22 Aston Martins were lined up for a photo opportunity. One of the Victorian members had a drone and I have glimpsed some of the aerial footage of the cars – it looks very good. I hope we shall get to see more after it is edited. Lunch at Malcolm Creek was held outside under the trees but Chris advised me that the foliage was too thin and he (and others) got sunburn! I shall post photos shortly.
Members eating at 1918. Great to see Mark and Lee Kirtland ‘back in action’
Victorian members including Peter Yalden (on right) and Darren & Nicole Loidl (on left)
Victorian Area Rep & UK Director, Peter Saglietti & Super Organiser Anne at 1918 restaurantVictorian members Sara & David and Ian& Rosemary at 1918
David Tye (Carole just out of shot), Frank & Sue Grosser, Mary & Angelo & RDH at 1918
Guests staying at the Novatel were ferried to and from the 1918 restaurant on Saturday night by coach and 52 AMOC members/guests enjoyed a convivial dinner in the old house on the main street in Tanunda. The restaurant was very full and the modest size meant it was soon rather loud. This made talking to other members a little difficult and I did notice the log fire was burning when it was definitely not needed The members seated at the adjacent table advised they were rotating seats and it was like being ‘basted’ on a rotisserie! It was an enjoyable event that came to an end at 10.30pm when the coach came to collect the members to transport them back to the Novatel.
On Sunday morning 15 members met at the Kegel Bowls Club venue located in the Sporting Ground, Tanunda. We were met by Graham from the Club who explained the rules (and especially the peculiar scoring system) to us. We formed into a Victorian team and a SA team and after a practice bowl each, competition began in earnest. In the end, and despite one our team (cheers Simon) putting two balls in the ‘gutter’ – called a ‘Pudel’ (and scoring MINUS one point each), the SA team won by a single point but the most important thing was that everybody enjoyed themselves – and we did. I did most of the re-setting of the pins and returning the ball via the long ‘gutter’ and I greatly appreciated it when Frank Grosser relieved me toward the end as it is hard on the back and dirty on the hands. I now have more respect for the machines that do this job!
Members bowling at the Kegel Bowling Club. The gutter on the right is to return the balls to the bowling end of the laneKegel bowling team ready for action
Its a long way to the pins (137 feet) in KegelKegel scoring system. 1 point for each pin to 6 then add 6 more points for each extra pin. A gutter ball is called a Pudel and attracts MINUS 1. Leaving the front centre or back balls only standing attracts more points
We departed there and drove to Saltram where we had reserved parking and we ate in the old barrel cellar that we have used before. Because there were >50 of us, we needed 2 rows of tables and again, because the surfaces were sound-reflective, it got noisy at times. I said a few words of farewell to our Victorians and everyone agreed it had been a very successful Affair.
Beautiful cars in lovely sunshine parked outside an historic Barossa Valley winery – what a beautiful sightYet more beautiful cars parked in the shade of a lovely old gum tree at Saltram winery – what a lovely day!
There was one unfortunate note – only 2 members turned up at the Chocolate and Wine pairing when there should have been 9 and since we cancelled the event there last year, I have a lot of bridge-building to do with them I fear!
Some members left for home after the ‘long lunch’ at Saltram but others including most Vics were staying until Monday when they left for home, still with mild and dry weather. It wont last though, rain is forecast for Tuesday! The weather gods certainly shone on us for this Stately Affair.
The weather leading up to and after our event on Sunday the 21st of August was wet and windy and so we were very thankful that the Sunday itself turned out to be sunny and dry (though cool).
The event had been generously organised by former Area Rep, Chris Barron who determined the meeting place would be the Blackwood Railway station where we gathered at 10am. Numbers were low by usual standards thanks in part to illness and members either being interstate or overseas – not uncommon in our winter as members try to escape the colder, wetter months.
Chris spoke to the run, advising of some of the things to be careful of and we set off at approximately 10.30am. We stopped briefly after a few miles in the centre of Clarendon where we picked up members Andrew and Brenda and then we drove through the lovely Adelaide Hills, skirting Macclesfield and onto the lovely Wickham Hill Rd. This road is perhaps better to descend than ascend as the view of the twists and turns are reminiscent of the European Alpine roads (though in miniature). Nonetheless, the route called for us to ascend the hill and then on toward our destination, the Lady Bay Resort, just outside Normanville. As we ascended the line of hills that separated us from the sea, the low cloud made driving a little difficult, especially as we crossed the dam wall of the Myponga reservoir on the narrow road. The cloud lifted as we descended toward the sea and finally we arrived at the Lady Bay resort.
Low cloud/fog from AMV8 as we ascended the hills heading toward NormanvilleFog starting to lift
We were able to park our cars in a separate part of the upper car park and after a few minutes chatting, we walked the short distance to the restaurant that had a great view over the extensive Golf Course. Nibbles awaited us and the manger, Tim was very accommodating, especially as our number had dwindled due to infections in the previous 24hours. We had already advised our meal choices (to assist the chef) and we were served efficiently by the very friendly staff.
Some of our lovely cars parked at the Lady Bay ResortSome of our members enjoying good food, wine, company and views at Lady Bay Resort
Area Rep Terry Jones briefly spoke to the group, welcoming them and thanking Chris for organising the run & lunch. Terry advised he had the distinction also of arranging the first run that Terry could recall that included driving through fog/cloud. He also mentioned the upcoming elections for the Management Committee of the AMOC and advised members who might be interested that they could nominate for the position of International Director (we are now grouped under the ‘Rest of the World’), Chair, Deputy Chair or Treasurer. Terry advised that all Management Committee members were now expected to have experience in appropriate areas and it was hoped that this would lead to a more efficient and orderly running of our Club.
With this out of the way, we got on to enjoying our food and wine and engaging in interesting conversation. We left for home at approximately 3.30pm.
On a windy, cold, winter’s evening with frequent rain squalls, 14 brave members and partners of the SA Area of the AMOC met at Nonna and I – a highly regarded Italian restaurant in the Eastern suburbs – for the monthly dinner meeting. Given the weather and that several members were either interstate or overseas, this was not a bad turnout. Unfortunately, members Conrad and Jenni had to leave very shortly after arriving due to a family issue they were advised of via telephone. All members wished them well as they departed.
Chef Khalil was very accommodating when Area Rep Terry Jones had discussed the booking and both he and the waitress who served us were very welcoming and efficient throughout the evening. The name of the restaurant, the menu and availability of Italian wines all suggested the restaurant is VERY Italian and so it is interesting that neither Khalil nor our waitress were of Italian origin. The waitress was of Asian background and Chef Khalil was born in Alexandria, Egypt. Terry thought this a great reflection of the multi-cultural nature of Adelaide. Khalil did some of his schooling, including his initial cookery schooling in the USA and obtained an honours degree in European Culinary Arts in Lucerne before moving to Adelaide – a very International pedigree.
We were able to select from the whole, very extensive menu that included several vegan options that impressed Terry, though we assisted by advising our meal choices beforehand.
After orders were finalised, Area Rep, Terry Jones addressed the group. He started by thanking all for attending and then got onto the ‘business’. This included the EGM that is set for July 9th and he encouraged all to check the updated version of the Articles of Association that was available on the website (amoc.org). He advised the members that, in his opinion, they were far from perfect, especially the clauses that relate to expelling members from the Club, but they were also very good, primarily in that they reduced the size of the Committee of Management to 10 – down from some 24. He advised this should make the Committee more efficient and professional. The webite also advised how to vote.
Terry next advised of the July meeting that was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first time Aston Martin competed in Grand Prix racing. He urged members to keep Sunday 17th July free as this was the date of our celebration though he also advised he was hopeful we would also have a black-tie celebration at Solitaire on the evening of Friday July 15th – the actual date of the 1922 GP race held in Strasbourg, France. He was waiting to hear more from Nicholas, local AM agent in the coming days.
Finally he reminded members of the Stately Affair that was to be held on the October long weekend (that actually started on Friday September 30th). He advised he would be making another announcement of a special occasion that had gone ‘under the radar’ just like the centenary of the start of GP racing and the 75th anniversary of the important advert in the Times newspaper that we celebrated last October. Terry advised he was disappointed in the Heritage Trust who’s job it was to note such events and to encourage members globally to celebrate them. As it was, we would likely be one of just a few Areas who will celebrate the event but this should justify the story being published in the Quarterly.
Terry advised members could book accommodation at the Barossa Novatel for the Stately Affair though this was not compulsory and indeed, Terry had booked in at a Tanunda B&B as he preferred to support local enterprises. He also cautioned against unnecessary mixing as the recently held Nationals event in Healseville Victoria resulted in several attendees catching COVID 19. He advised SA member Chris was one of those. Chris (who was with us at Nonna and I) advised that more than 50% of attendees at the Nationals contracted the viral disease.
Our meals arrived and conversation was reduced but restarted when we had finished. In addition to the excellent food, Terry also enjoyed a Montepulciano red wine but not one from Italy – he had a South Aussie one and it was very good though Terry thought it not as good as his favourite Shiraz.
Terry encouraged all to pay their bills before leaving as he didn’t want to pay and chase members up later. We finally wrapped up shortly after 9pm and headed home after a good evening that combined good food and wine and exceptional company.
It was only later that Terry realised he hadn’t taken any photos and therefore the story published on our webpage would be poorer for the want of visuals.
On a cold and blustery Sunday morning with the forecast for heavy rain later in the day, some 15 members of the SA branch of the AMOC met at the Burnside Village Shopping centre carpark for the May run and lunch.
Cars and gang assembled at Burnside Village Car ParkCars including DBX at Burnside Village Carpark
As it happened, the weather was very sunny in the morning and the mood was suitably upbeat. Area Rep, Terry Jones, welcomed everyone and handed out the run sheets for the run that he described as the ‘3 dogleg run’ – Terry advised there was a fourth dogleg for members to find and he thought a dog should have 4 legs rather than three!
We set off at 11am and headed up the twisty, undulating Greenhill Rd travelling through Summertown, Carey Gully and onto Balhannah where we found the first dogleg. A quick right and left turn left us on Junction Road that had the ‘hidden’ dogleg shortly after as we crossed the railway line. Next was Littlehampton where we turned left to join the Old Prices Highway, driving through Nairne, Dawesley and Kanmantoo. By now, the road had opened up a lot and the flatter country allowed for more rapid progress. This was accelerated further as we turned right onto Ferries McDonald Rd that was mostly straight (there were two more doglegs) and our cars enjoyed the higher speeds afforded. A final right turn onto Langhorne Creek Road took us to our lunch destination, Bremerton Winery.
We were greeted by a warm log fire and smiles from the very efficient staff and shown to our long table. After selecting our choices from the food and wine menus, Terry addressed the group that included Conrad, Rhonda and Stuart who had joined us at Bremerton. Terry thanked all and enquired about the adequacy of the run sheet – all advised the run was good and the sheet accurate though the problem with small lettering on the Ferries McDonald Road turnoff sign explained why one car missed the turnoff.
Some of our gang at Bremerton Winery
Terry advised the restaurant choice for our June dinner meeting had not been finalised and he was still welcoming suggestions. He advised the July meeting was to be one of the major events of 2022 for our Area and that we would celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first time Aston Martin officially competed in a Grand Prix race. Terry advised we would use the date to also celebrate Adelaide’s connection with Grand Prix racing and that our celebrations were therefore to centre on Lobethal where the only pre-war Grand Prix race held in SA was held (in 1939). Terry also advised of the Stately Affair in October and suggested members who wanted to join their Victorian counterparts for the long weekend festivities book their accommodation asap as it was likely to be a busy time in the Barossa.
After a good deal of conversation, good food and fine wine, we finally left for home at approximately 3.30pm and Terry noted the promised rain had still not arrived. The run home was good due to the weather and the picturesque scenery.
April was a difficult month, from the perspective of competing events, in Adelaide with Easter falling on the weekend before Anzac Day that resulted in three sequential long weekends that provided opportunities for citizens to ‘get away’ for a few days. There were also competing events including historic racing at the local Mallala track on the weekend of the planned AMOC event.
April was also a difficult time for Area Rep, Terry Jones as he suffered a restrictive shoulder problem that resulted in him not being able to drive any distance to reconnoitre the drive as was his usual habit.
Cars and members at the starting point, Crafers Primary School
Terry Jones called upon the services of Assistant Area Rep, Terry Holt to devise a run and lunch destination and Terry H used his knowledge of Bentley Drivers Club runs to create a run that culminated in lunch at the Lenswood Post Office and Cafe. The run was longer than the usual AMOC run at almost 140km but much of this was on faster, flatter roads that meant the distance was covered in less than 2 hours. Notwithstanding this, Terry Jones devised a shorter route for those who were uncomfortable about the longer run and one of these was himself as his shoulder was better but not back-to-normal. This run was a shorter loop of the Adelaide Hills roads that was only 55km long.
The competing events also combined with member illness that resulted in attendee numbers being the lowest in many years for our run to Lenswood. In total, only 12 members and guests were able to attend but the weather and the lovely Adelaide Hills roads were fantastic and the run was very successful from this perspective at least.
We started from the Crafers Primary school carpark that we have used several times before and drove through Crafers heading south through Mylor and then north to the Onkaparinga Valley Road and onto Balhannah. The longer route then went through Nairne, Dawsley and Kanmantoo, while the shorter route turned off toward Woodside and then via Tiers Rad to Lenswood.
The roads were not especially busy and the 26degree maximum temperature (that was warm for the time of year) and sunny skies made for perfect driving. The shorter route group arrived at Lenswood at approximately 11.30am and they were greeted by our host, Andrew who served good coffees and we sat on the verandah of the historic building watching the passing traffic (that included several Morgans that were clearly on a group run). Terry Jones was approached by a passer-by who advised he was on holiday from Western Australia and he wanted to take a picture of Terry’s 1974 AMV8. The visitor explained he used to live in Newport Pagnell and frequently saw cars leaving the factory after being completed and pushed to the nearby petrol station to fuel-up. He advised one of the cars he saw was made for Rowan Atkinson who was there to receive his new car at the petrol station!
Members who did the longer run arrived at approximately 12.20pm and then we entered the very quaint building to have our roast lunch. The owner, Andrew had had a very interesting career that included working for the Adelaide Zoo where he looked after the Indian elephant Samorn for many years. Samorn was a gift from the king of Thailand and she was well known and loved by Adelaidians, and a photograph of Andrew with Samorn adorned one of the walls. There were many other interesting artefacts including an old radiogram, record player, Coca Cola machine and a terrarium containing Vlad, a Central Bearded lizard and a pygmy variety too.
Members outside the Lenswood Post Office/Cafe
Juice preceded the roast lamb/grilled fish/Vegan pie and dessert was apple crumble or cheesecake. Tea and coffee followed and all this cost just $25pp.
Members inside Cafe with Bon Vivant, Chris Barron replendently attired
Bon vivant member Chris Barron, resplendent in his floral attire, met his match with the waitress, Ros who kept him in check all afternoon (in a very convivial way). Terry thanked all for attending and proposed a round of applause for Andrew and members enthusiastically applauded. We headed off for home at approximately 3pm after a very successful event.
On a lovely Autumnal Tuesday evening when the daytime maximum temperature reached 27 degrees centigrade, twenty four members of the AMOC met at the Aldgate Pump Hotel shortly before 6pm for the second and final evening run and dinner for 2022. Daylight saving is due to end this coming Sunday (April 3rd) meaning evening runs will not be practical after that date.
Area Rep Terry Jones handed out the run sheets for the relatively short run of 65km due to the approaching sunset. The run started out along Aldgate Valley Road turning onto Strathalbyn Road in Mylor and heading south along Battunga Road and Brookman Roads. High cloud prevented the setting sun troubling drivers as we turned in a westerly direction and we descended the lovely, twisting, Wickham Hill Rd. A few kilometres later we reached our dinner destination, the Royal Oak Hotel in Clarendon where we met for dinner on the verandah. Two more members, Stuart and Rhonda, joined us along the route so we had a healthy 26 members at dinner.
Several members (including Area Rep, Terry) had not realised how much cooler it was going to be in the Hills after the sun had set and consequently had not brought jackets. Fortunately there were several indoor seating spots that members were able to use while the more hardy members stayed on the verandah in the cool evening air.
Terry thanked members for attending and advised the next meeting would revert to the Sunday run with lunch.
Cars parked at Royal Oak Clarendon with members admiring from the verandah
We then enjoyed our a la carte meals with a glass of local wine (or beer) and conversation flowed freely. The evening drew to a close shortly after 9pm and members wended their way home. Members thanked Terry for organising another successful event.
It was a lovely, warm Autumnal evening when members of the South Australian Area of the AMOC met for the first event of 2022 on St David’s Day, March 1st.
Area Rep Terry Jones had organised a mid-week, evening run as he had in the previous years and though the drives have been subtly different, the dinner destination, the Stanley Bridge Tavern in Verdun has been constant. We met at Tregarthen Rd that Assistant Area Rep, Terry Holt was happy with since he lives just a stone’s throw away. Others who gathered were less pleased as driving through the suburbs to reach the starting place was slow and frustrating.
Terry welcomed everyone and handed out run sheets that took us through Summertown and onto one of Terry’s favourite roads, Tanhamera Rd. Terry warned members of the right angled turn at the bottom and large gum trees in the middle of the road shortly after. The run was almost 80kilometers long and was expected to take approximately 1h.
Members started their cars and headed off with Terry J bringing up the rear. The drive was well received and we had many vistas of the apple orchards that were heavy with their crop and neat vineyards along the way. We did encounter one speed trap but members were confident they were within the speed limit and will not be receiving unwelcome letters in the mail in the coming days.
Terry had specifically arranged for outdoor eating to reduce the risk of COVID infection and the evening coolness made for perfect conditions. Even the mosquitoes stayed away and we were able to enjoy the food, wine and conversation. This year, the Tavern decided we could not pay individually and so Terry paid the bill and members had to reimburse him in cash. No-one baulked at this and all brought cash to pay Terry and it ran smoothly.
The car park had been improved since we last visited and the additional lights allowed a few photos of our cars under lights – perhaps the first time we have had photographs after dark.
A lovely sight of our cars parked in Stanley Bridge TavernCars parked while owners enjoy good food, wine and company
Terry addressed the group and encouraged them to consider attending the Nationals that are being held in April/May in Healsville, Victoria. This event was supposed to be held in 2000 but has been delayed twice due to COVID and the Vics had had several cancellations since. He also advised that 2022 was the centenary of the first time an Aston Martin had entered Grand Prix racing – that being the French Grand Prix held in July 1922. He advised that it appeared that no-one else had noticed this anniversary, just like no-one else had noted the 75th anniversary of the famous 3-line advert in the Times that resulted in David Brown buying Aston Martin. We South Australian members had celebrated that event and Terry advised we would also be celebrating this event. He advised he was hoping to hold the Stately Affair (that was cancelled last October due to COVID) in July this year to enable Victorian members to attend the celebration and he was also hoping we would be able to drive the 1939 Australian Grand Prix circuit in 1939 – this circuit being in Lobethal!
Several members advised Terry they had enjoyed the run and we drove home happy shortly after 9pm.
Cars parked in Stanley Bridge car parkCars lined up in well lit carpark
