Run Report ....

Mudgee (AGM), 26-27 March 2010 ....

Members met at McDonalds (McGraths Hill) for assembly at 1200hrs prior to departure. Present with Torries were Bob Byrnes, Mike Holland, Scott and Leanne Davidson, Lance Haslewood and Mike and Denise Muller. Les Wilson and Liz Best in the Commodore and Larry Sullivan in the Audi rounded-out the group. Mick and Lisa Aldridge had departed earlier to meet us in Mudgee.

The trip to Lithgow was underway at 1230hrs and proved to be a little tedious thanks in part to a few “Captains Slow”, not the least of which was a Toyota diesel struggling with a horse float. Were joined by Rob and Leanne Farnsworth at Lithgow and in their company but not going with us was Ian Fitzgerald sporting a new acquisition in the form of a grey SS hatch. We’re looking forward to some more info and pix of it!

Running briskly from Lithgow to Mudgee had members concerned about the ability of Larry’s Audi diesel to keep up with the group and the odd radio call was need to make sure that Larry was there. These concerns were soundly put to rest. The road is an excellent Torrie drive and enjoyed by all.

Just when Larry thought he may be able to ‘take’ Lance (highly unlikely in Lance’s opinion), Lance broke with the group and diverted to Kandos to visit an acquaintance there. “Damn”, Larry thought. “I’ll get him next time!!” Following the Kandos stopover, Lance proceeded to Mudgee via Rylstone arriving in the midst of the group’s happy hour, which just happened to be held in Lance’s room; standing room only. Teach him for being late!!

Arrived Mudgee 1545hrs at the Winning Post Motel to find Mick, Lisa, Cody and Jett Aldridge waiting for us with James Davidson and Natalie Smith along with Joe and Kath Moellers arriving later in the day.

Checked-in and ready to party, the group enjoyed a few pre-dinner drinks at the bar courtesy of the committee providing a tab as a thank you to members for participating in this important event on our calendar. At 1830hrs, a great (two-course) dinner followed and was complimented by some homemade sweets kindly provided by Leanne Davidson. Football (Tigers vs Eels and Dragons vs Cowboys) occupied the attention of many after dinner with the Tigers scoring a surprise win over the Eels!

Saturday saw us treated to a comprehensive buffet brekky followed by the AGM 0900 – 0945hrs that saw a new committee elected, the details of which are now on the club website and other business matters covered will be contained in your minutes.

Business over and now for the fun bit, a winery tour between 1000 -1300hrs saw most of the group visit five wineries, amongst them the interestingly named “Farmers Daughter” which produced a variety of wit. The wineries toured, provided tastings of eminently purchasable wine and all seemed very busy, citing the heightened activity on a visit to the town by the Wallabies (who?). Following the tour, Rob Farnsworth found us a Mediterranean restaurant for lunch after which some members continued their tasting experiences with boutique beer at the Mudgee Brewery.

Balance of the arvo was free time and all arrived at the motel bar around 1800hrs (a pattern of behaviour was emerging!) prior to another huge dinner followed by a delicious cake presented by Liz Best. The cake was to celebrate a number of members’ birthdays and the introduction of the new committee. During the meal Scott Davidson thanked Bob Byrnes and Larry Sullivan for their efforts in organising the AGM which was hailed as being the equal, if not better than the benchmark Tamworth event. The night ended with the auction of a couple of Club bags and a “Class of 2010” photograph.

Sunday 0900hrs concluded the weekend with a photo shoot of the cars sans Lance’s SL/R5000 as he had to make early tracks due to a 12hr+ drive ahead of him (how keen is this guy?).

Attendees: Mick , Lisa, Cody and Jett Aldridge – Rodeo, Bob Byrnes – Torana, Scott and Leanne Davidson – Torana, James Davidson and Natalie Smith – Commodore, Lance Haslewood – Torana (from Queensland), Mike Holland – Torana, Joe and Kath Moellers – Commodore, Mike and Denise Muller – Torana, Larry Sullivan – Audi, Les Wilson and Liz Best - Commodore.

Bob and Larry.

Sorry, no photographs