THE BIG PICTURE

OBSERVATIONS BY BEV WATERS

To the Victorian & Geelong Organizing Committees and all the Volunteers, thank you for a wonderful MG National Meeting.  We who attended are grateful for all who contributed in any way to assist in running the events.

We were also blessed with the beautiful sunny weather over the whole weekend (although the very heavy fog on our early morning trip to Camperdown for the Hillclimb was a bit daunting). To hear of the high wind and storms hitting Geelong the day of our departure to come home, bought home how lucky we really were.

Thursday evening, a small contingent of SA members went to the Registration venue and set up our promotional stand for 2010 in Adelaide.  My thanks to Laurie Houghton, Jo Sheward, Allen & Raelene Semmler, & Tim Edmonds for their hard work on this their first night. We only had time for a ‘Red Rooster’ roast on the way back to our accommodation afterwards.

The SA members turned out in force to man the stand throughout the next day at Registration, which was very much appreciated.  Of the 200 packs prepared, we only bought back home about a dozen, so the expression of interest has been very good.

Brian Woodhams from the UK has taken several posters back home with him to distribute to the USA, UK & South Africa, where he indicated there has already been interest from these centers following their attendance here in Adelaide in 2002.   (Following on from this, if there are any SA members willing to billet overseas guests during Easter 2010, please let me know).

Registration went off well, and having the café open at the venue, allowed many to relax and socialize during the day, which I thought was a good idea.  Our thanks to Anne Norden (Vic) for looking after all the workers.

The Social events were held in the auditorium at the Deakin University, Waurn Ponds as it was the only venue in the area large enough to accommodate the number of attendees around 475. 

As for all the events over the weekend, our hosts made the best of what they had available to them.  The organizers also made every effort to minimize costs
these tough economic times, however I believe perhaps, that catering is one area that we should review following various comments received.

The Concours area showed how hard the drought has hit Vic – now in stage 4 restrictions, (where you cannot even wash a car with a bucket, let alone no watering at all), and the once beautiful green park next to the picturesque bay, resembled nothing like its former self.  Thank goodness it didn’t rain – dust was probably preferred than mud.  Congratulations to several of our SA members who received awards for Class wins and placings. 

The Theme Party night went off very well, with great music and most making use of the Dance floor.  (Arthur was complaining about his back next day, hopefully from the dancing).   Everyone got into the spirit of the theme ‘Masquerade’, which contributed to making it a fun night.

For the early session classes, a 5.00am wake up call next morning awaited several for the run to Campberdown for the Mt Leura Hillclimb, (about one and half hours travel from Geelong). Although the length of the hillclimb track was shortened for the NM to allow for the numbers and time for
one to get 3 runs, I found the track to be exciting and was looking for more.  You know the story - get a different stage of the track comfortable with each run, now need one more run to put it all together…..  The higher powered cars certainly had the advantage to power up the hill, where some of the others struggled over the line at the top.  The last classes to run on the day did not arrive home until around 7.15pm so it was lucky it was a free night to relax in preparation for next day.

The Motorkhana was very challenging, all very tight courses – and power no advantage here.   Oh! to have power steering – can you fit it to the V8?…..
Arthur Ruediger was determined to have a go for the first time, and even more determined to beat ex President Fred’s results from the Feb Motorkhana at Monarto – which he did, despite 4 WDs.  He was not alone in maneuvering the courses in the wrong direction, with 193 runs out of the contested 846 (141 competitors and 6 attempted runs) being done in the same manner by other contestants.

The event ran smoothly and was all over by mid afternoon, allowing everyone to enjoy a few hours to relax before the Presentation Dinner.

Next morning, several missed the farewell breakfast and headed off early because of work commitments the following day.

Once again, thanks to our hosts.  I found if I needed assistance at any time, their volunteers were only too willing to help out and organize what was needed.

With the lead up to our National Meeting here in SA in 2010, attending this event reminded us
what a mammoth task it is to run, and the number of people required to run it efficiently.  Already our members who were attended this event for the first time, are coming forth and volunteering their services to assist, for which we are very grateful.
Congratulations to all award recipients and thanks to all social and competition members        

Bev Waters