Run Report ....

Ronald McDonald House, Westmead, 26 November 2006 ....

Our day started at Normanhurst where we met up with Phil Taylor and his recently restored silver LJ Torrie (another smick looking Torrie on the road here!) and being joined by Les Wilson, who informed the trio of his Hawaii Five-O party themed night the previous night. Les did mention that the Saturday night party he had found rather difficult as he thought he needed to brush up on some of his social skills. However, after him fessing up on what clothes he wore we assured him all his woes could be rectified by a different wardrobe choice!

A brisk drive landed the trio at the rendezvous point at McDonalds Northmead, where we were soon joined by other members of the Club for the day’s activities. As standard on these Club runs where we meet at McDonalds a quick fuel up of members is required, as in hash browns and coffee. At this point a Highway Patrol car proceeded to position itself in the middle of the parked Torries. As coffee was slopped and hash browns were choked on, I did my duty as I saw fit being President and wandered over to say, “gidday mate, I don’t care what notices you put on the other ones, just leave the white one alone!” The Senior Constable on hearing this remark responded that he was actually an invited guest of the Club, which had been pre-arranged to offer a bit of officialism to the day.

A quick briefing by Bob Byrnes, our runs man, saw the pack depart for Ronald McDonald House just down the road. Upon arrival and after waving hello to the boys on the left who were having their 'special Sunday leave from their special home away from home (if you get my drift, and keep up the good work boys!)', we positioned our Torries (and highway patrol car) on the grassed area behind the House.

As soon as the beasts were turned off, we were greeted by smiling patients and their families keen to check out the Aussie muscle that had just landed in their backyard. Some club balloons were inflated and handed-out – thanks to those Club members for all their hot air! For the next hour or two our Club was treated to the hospitality of the staff and residents of Ronald McDonald House, which I’m sure all the members found quite moving.

The general manager of the House, Adrienne, addressed the group informing us of the structure of Ronald McDonald House and the wonderful service that they provide. We then presented a gift basket of goodies to the house, which had been donated by the members. It was quite an experience to see the smiles and gratitude on the faces of the kids and their parents as they walked amongst the Torries and talked to the club members, after which the kids and families were offered joy rides in the Torrie of their choice, chaperoned by our very accommodating Senior Constable, Dean.

After saying our goodbyes and a bit of a photo shoot, it was off to our lunch destination at the Royal Cricketers Arms Hotel at Prospect, which provided our group with an interesting Sunday afternoon challenge as the main highway had been closed due to roadworks. After approximately 30 minutes of Torries crisscrossing all points of the compass over NSW we finally arrived at the Hotel. Bobby take a Bex and put a cold flannel to the forehead mate – we all arrived okay in the end. It was time for a cold drink and lunch. The wait for lunch was forgivable once the meals arrived, as the silence was a give away at how good they were.

After lunch was consumed with a couple of cold drinks and the standard chitchat, we said our cheerios and headed off for home.

On a serious note, personally I found today a very humbling experience coming face to face with children that I have been supporting through charity fund raising for many years. Also, I would like to express my pride in the behaviour of the NSW Torana Club members in the way they conducted themselves during the day and made themselves available to the kids to answer questions and show them a good time. This visit to Ronald McDonald House had been on the drawing board of our Club for quite a while, and the Committee as a whole had tried to seek support from various popular car publications for this day (you wouldn’t have to be a genius to guess who?), but to no avail. Perhaps one day?

The Club would like to thank club member, Michelle Warren, who is a volunteer worker at the house, for her work behind the scenes to make this day a success. Thanks Michelle and keep up the good work that you do.

Those who attended (13 Torries): Greg and Lexa Hawkins, Steve Wallace and Kath ,Les Wilson, Reno Emanuele, John and Anne Morrison, Bob Byrnes, Dean Byrnes and Jason, Philip Taylor, Mark and Michelle Warren, Michael Velo, Mick Aldridge and Lisa Kelly, Ian Williams, Scott and Leanne Davidson, Senior Constable Dean Brett and his girlfriend (driving Les’ gold Torrie).

Greg Hawkins.
President.

Photographs.