Run Report ....

Appin, 28 January 2007 ....

We all met at McDonalds at the Orange Grove Mega Centre, Liverpool. It was great to see such a large turn out for our first run of 2007. There was a bit of initial concern with John Morrison proudly displaying his 'gang colours' (the Australian flag!) on his Torrie, however, it was agreed that there is safety in numbers and also agreed that he not be asked to remove it! Unfortunately, our illustrious runs coordinator, Bob Byrnes, was away on special 'State' business and was not able to join us, but Bob had put us in the capable hands of vice president, Mick Aldridge.

With everyone fed and watered, we gathered in the car park where president, Greg Hawkins, gave a run-down of what’s ahead for the club. Members were reminded of the Central Coast Ford Club car show at Tuggerah to be held on Sunday, 25 February. The club runs this show, and all money raised on the day is donated to the worthwhile charity, CanTeen (Australian Organisation for Young People Living with Cancer). Greg also reminded members that the Club’s inaugural AGM is to be held in April in Tamworth. A great deal has been negotiated with the motel, Best Western, Sanctuary Inn, to include two nights accommodation, two cooked breakfasts and two, three course dinners. With the official business out of the way we headed off for our run down the south coast.

Larry Sullivan (whose Torrie we still wait to set eyes on!) offered to be the run tail, and on such a beautiful day the traffic was surprisingly light. Phil Taylor joined us at the back of the pack at Heathcote and we added yet another Torrie to the line up. As we hit the coast it was a sight to behold with the glistening Pacific Ocean before us on a crystal clear day. We drove across the now famous Sea Cliff Bridge on Lawrence Hargrave Drive and were reminded of the engineering feat it took to build this great bridge out into the ocean. Our line of Torries must have looked truly awesome as we snaked our way long the coast road.

We stopped for a short leg stretch at Coledale Beach and a sticky beak under the Torrie bonnets (it’s not a true Torrie run unless this happens!). The Torries received a fair few admiring glances from the beach goers and after a bit of a break we were on our way again to our lunch destination, the Appin Hotel. The remaining beach suburbs, before we turned onto Bulli Pass, were busy because of the beautiful day, but the Torries always managed to cause quite a stir when you drive through these ordinarily sleepy places.

We arrived at the hotel to find True Blue and Mike Holland, who had driven-up from Batemans Bay, waiting for us seeking shelter at the bar! There was plenty of parking, so the Torries were parked and we headed into the pub for lunch. We soon realised that a few of the party were missing and upon contacting Larry found out that three Torries had taken a wrong turn. However, a couple of phone calls later had them in our sights and soon seated sipping a cold ale or two.

Lunches were ordered and as they were served, it was more than obvious no one would be needing any dinner tonight – very generous servings indeed! During lunch Rick Longdon revealed what he calls his Torrie (or is that what he calls his wife, Sharyn?), but unfortunately this cannot be printed in this G-rated report! After lunch, Greg announced that the club calendar was finished and discs were handed to each member for them to print out as they saw fit.

A huge thank you goes to Mike Holland for his tremendous work in putting the calendar together. A lot of time and effort was put in by Mike to bring it all together – thanks again Mike. Also, a big thank you to Larry Sullivan who burned enough discs for each member and labelled them too – thanks Larry for your contribution. Those members who were not on the run will soon receive their disc in the post. Greg also welcomed Leanne Davidson as a new member to the club.

We signed-up a new member today, Richard Mion, who we would like to extend a warm welcome to – welcome aboard Richard. You can look forward to some good runs in your Torrie in the future with the club.

Our relaxing lunch and chitchat came to an end around 2:30pm and we slowly made our way out to our waiting Torries. Goodbyes were said and off we headed for home. The day had warmed up a little and it was a hot drive home, but I’m pretty sure all the Torries and their passengers enjoyed their first day out with the club for 2007.

Thank you to everyone who came along and made it a great day: Steve Wallace and Kath, Dean Byrnes, Larry Sullivan, Rob Farnsworth, Paul Gilmore, Michael Velo, Greg and Lexa Hawkins, Rick and Sharyn Longdon, Les Wilson, Darren Fox, Michael Aldridge, Philip Taylor, Scott and Leanne Davidson, John and Ann Morrison, Reno Emanuele, Richard Mion and Michael Holland.

Apology: Bob Byrnes.

Lexa.

Photographs.