RACV Caravan Club

SummerVolume35No. 129

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Date:.................................................................................................

Name in full: ..............................................................................................................................................(Block Letters Please)

Address:.......................................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................. Postcode:...................................

Membership No.: ......................................... Phone No.: .........................................................

Email:.............................................................................................................................................................

FEES: Entrance $27.50Annual Subscription $25.30(Pro rata to coincide with RACV membership expiry date)

TOTAL COST $52.80

Please make cheque or money order payable to “RACV”Membership Application to:

RACV (caravan club) PO Box 222, Noble Park, VIC 3174

Definition of a “CARAVAN” for membership purposes: – A ‘CARAVAN’ is defined as a tow-able unit deigned to provide accommodation and facilities for sleeping, dining and the storage

and preparation of food. The roof shall either be of one or two piece solid construction.

Registered by Australia Post-Print Post Approval PP240451/00015

You’re invited to play in theRACV Caravan Club 2008

Golf Dayon Saturday 19 January atRACV Cape Schanck Resort

Located just 15 minutes drivefrom the RACV Caravan Park

at Sorrento.

Come along and enjoy a greatday of golf from 10am including19th hole refreshments at barprices in The Lounge.

Register today to playCall RACV Caravan Club on(03) 9887 8955, emailracvcaravanclub@racv.com.auor register your name withDavid Mayer at Sorrento.

Merry Christmasand Happy New Year

Merry Christmasand Happy New Year

Volume35No. 129 3

Our ClubIt is good to start with the facts and figures andthe state of the Club. As at August this year wehad 339members and of them 232 attended atleast one rally over the past 18 months. We had34 resignations and we were delighted to have54 newmembers join us.Welcome to all of you!We hope you stay for a long time and perhapseven challenge Bill and Val Schoof ‘s record forrally attendance.

This year those 232 rallyingmembers visited 45different parks across Victoria between them.Next year it will be 37.

Last year I talked about the Executive resolvingto find out why people join and leave our Clubalmost immediately or simply leave our Club. Itwas my contention that we cannot pleaseeveryone however great we are. Now I amthinkingwouldn’t it be amore valuable exerciseto ask why the new members stay? If not morevaluable it would be more interesting.

AwardsWell!We certainlymade amess of what was theprime focus of our big celebratory EasterRallies…. The presentations of the trophies!Presentations at the October Rally didn’t feelquite the same and it didn’t feel right either.However whilst change is not always easy toembrace the underlying reason for the changei.e. the financial and caravanning year beingbrought into linewill ultimately be amuch betterarrangement for the Club. It means financialreports will bemoremeaningful and rally pointsfor awards and Sorrento are aligned. It is amorecompact and simpler arrangement! TheOctoberRally will develop a new profile over time…Ihope! And Easter will hold its own because it is

Welcome to you all to this yet another way of holding our AGM…I am not sure it is the best way tofinish what has been a great weekend! Attendance numbers will be interesting compared to therally attendance!

I will step down from this position in a moment so in my third and final attempt to report on theevents of the Club over the last 18 months…here we go.The very fact that it is 18 months is strange and certainly tests the memory.

a time when we travel further, do special thingsbecause we have more time and usually havehigh attendance numbers.

This October 37 members received trophies forunbroken attendance ranging from 1 year to 36by Bill andVal Schoof. They continue to hold ourrecord which is a really profound statementgiven that they haven’t missed any rallies sincelast AGM …so nobody was likely to catch them!Newmembers…THAT is your challenge!…matchthe achievement of Val and Bill.

At a recent Executive Meeting we raised thequestion of the badges with rally attendancerecorded on them...They are an award and areavailable for those who want them for 100,150,200,250 and so on rallies attended. Youmay not be a continuous attendee at rallies butthis is another way your attendance andcontribution is recognized.

Who I wonder is the champion in this category?The count started from 1975 because accuraterecords are only available since then. I know thevery longstandingmembers in our division keeptheir own meticulous records of attendance sowhilst X maybe our champion with Y rallies inthe time span from 1975 they are bound to bebeaten by one of the real ‘oldies’who can countback to 1956 or something like that. It would beinteresting to know the answers to all of this.

And whilst we all rallied to earn points to earnawards or sites at Sorrentowewere very sorry tolearn that we lost a few of our past and presentmembers. It is not a time to list them all but I dowant to mention Tom Gapes, a life member andabsolute stalwart of the Club. We still reap thebenefits of his membership and contributiontoday.

RACVCCPresident’sReport2007

Volume35No. 129

RACV Caravan Club of Victoria Incorporated

2

Registered number A 0006900 VABN 83 836 581 725

Registered Office:550 Princes Highway, Noble Park, VIC 3147Telephone: (03) 9790 2211

Postal AddressPO Box 165, Ashburton, Victoria 3147

An organisation devoted solely to theinterest of Caravanners

Change of Address:Members notify:RACV Caravan ClubPO Box 222, Noble Park, VIC 3174

Newsletter material to:The Editor, Sandra EldridgePO BOX 90, Mount Beauty 3699Home Telephone: 5754 1915Email: editor@racvcaravanclub.com.au

sandgeo2@bigpond.com

General correspondence to:The SecretaryRACV Caravan ClubPO Box 165, Ashburton VIC 3174Telephone : 9781 1148

President’s Report

The year has certainlyflown, with Christmasalmost upon us and formany, it is holiday time.

I hope that those Membersand families who attended our Club 75thanniversary Rally at Lardner Park had a greattime. Thanks to David Mayer and his team ofwilling assistants for organizing a terrific mealon the Saturday night, scrumptuous pancakeson the Friday night, fun entertainment andgenerally making sure that we were all welllooked after. It was an exceptionally good rollup, with 138 vans (Members), plus 2 vans(Visitors) in attendance. We will try to organisebetter weather next time !

31 vans enjoyed a great time at the RACVResort, Inverloch over the weekend of 24/25November and glowing reports have beenreceived of such a good Park, exceptionalmeals (especially the “all inclusive”breakfasts) and of course, good company.

We will endeavor to arrange a further similarevent next year, subject to RACV generosity.

Sorrento is upon us once again and the Park ispretty much booked out. Dawn and I lookforward to catching up with many of you overthe Christmas period and into 2008 andparticipating in the many social activitiesplanned by your ever active SorrentoCommittee.

Thanks to all those who attended the SorrentoWorking Bee in November and the great workthat was achieved. The Park is looking terrific.

Dawn and I would like to wish you and yourfamily a very happy Christmas and a healthyand prosperous 2008.

Bob Anderson

President:Bob Anderson

Secretary:Ray Andrews

Treasurer:Keith Booth

Activities Director:David Mayer

Volume35No. 129 5

RACVThanks to the Dog Walkers and their letters ofcomplaint to the RACV we met with the newhierarchy probably earlier than we would haveotherwise! We were welcomed or actuallysummonsed to the City Club and you will beaware of the very positive outcomes that we arenow enjoying.

Our exclusive weekend at Inverloch, our GolfDay at Cape Schanck. And hopefully they arealso going to assumeprinting andmailing of theNewsletter …we will still edit it.

We were given the opportunity to make a wishlist. Insurance was a high priority and ameeting/ consultation group will be organizedto develop a package for caravanners.

We hope we will be able to use a room at theCity Club for our AGM next year. It is probablytime tomove away from the casual approach toAGMs and go back to the classier style like theQueen Street Days. We just need to know theprice of the coffee!

The web site will hopefully be incorporatedsomehow into theirs or they will host it…detailshave to be discussed. Infact this will not happenin the near future but hopefully at the end of2008.

I have to say though that they are moving at afast rate for us and embracing most of ourrequests.

One thing has been absolutely assured and thatis that we will maintain our identity as TheCaravan Club. They do not want to take us over.But I do think that gone are the days of sayingwe are nothing to do with the RACV. And thatmust be a good thing.

An indirect consequence of all this is maybe theupdating of our logo with the intention of neverforgetting the history involved in the presentone. Ultimately this will be a member decision.

We liaise directly with Membership manage-ment and they have been pleased to learnmoreabout our history, how we developed and howwe have reached where we are today.

HistoryThis bringsme onto the History. A new format ofthe history is being written from the minutebooks. The anecdotal stuff will be recorded byvideo and speech. That sort of record of the pastwill be far more meaningful than writtenstuff..and certainly easier to understand by thefuturemembers of the Caravan Club. The photosthat I asked for from each division ensure arecord of us and our activities for our membersin 70 years time. Theminutes are fascinating buta few more photos and vision of what they gotup to would be so much more exciting! Thewriter of the next 70 years is not going to besimilarly disappointed.

The other aim is to actually bring all of thememorabilia together in one spot.

When the History is finished we intend to give acopy to each member.

And Now The Thank YousThe Club does not function without thecontribution made by all of us and it is thefriendly sharing of our common recreationalpleasure that makes us great. If you turn up torallies and enjoy what we do in a positive waythen You are valuable contributors and thebackbone of our Club and it is people like youwho make the work put into the Club by all ofthe workers worthwhile. Thank you!

The Committees who run the Divisions andmake sure of detail at rallies for our pleasure.Your contribution is on going and so important.Thank you!

The Newsletter Editor, Jeff for putting togetherthe reports and organizing the printing anddistribution of our little booklet. Jeff isstepping down as he becomes VP of Division 3.Jeff – Thank you.

The Sorrento Sub Committee led by Steve andDavidwho look after that endof theworld for ourpleasure over the Summer and the volunteersdown there who organize all of the activities forour amusement and fun. Thank you!

RACVCCPresident’sReport2007

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RACVCCPresident’sReport2007

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SorrentoAllocations for Sorrento became more difficulteven in the two years that are embraced by thisreport. Supply and demand are almost not equalso I can only foresee the task becomingmore ofa headache in the future. The AllocationMeetingis always a long process following our criteria aswritten in the Bye Laws and trying to keepeverybody happy. Clearly that is an impossibilitybut we did our best.

Steve Clarke andDavidMayer continued to leadthe Sorrento Sub committee and continued tobe whirlwinds at their tasks. They weresupported by Kevin Morecombe, Rod Philpott,Ken Anderson and Alan Jennings.

You do remember Rod Philpot’s woodwork fromlast year don’t you? And the site leveling andshower painting andmuchmore. Howwe lovedall of it but especially those new seats Rod.

Last seasonwas great as always. A few differentthings happened.(Wewere treated to Hot Dogsone weekend and a full cooked Australia Daybreakfast )aswell as all of the firmly entrenchedSorrento traditions…Boat Races, Bocce,sandcastles and fishing and films and the usualfriendship. Thank you to all of the organizers. Allof your work just makes everything hangtogether sowell at Sorrento and gives us all lotsof pleasure.

We were also treated to 2 new washingmachines and our thanks to the thieves whowent to such lengths to take the old ones…youhave moved us into the modern age in the waywe do our laundry. My thanks again!

I can be flippant about the washing machinesbut the damage to the door of the laundry andthe subsequent steel armour that has beeninstalled is another matter.

I hope we have been treated to a new slide aswell. Some desperate soul cut it off at the legsand made off with it …not under his arm I amsure. At the last visit it was still missing.

We met with the Cameron’s Bight ForeshoreCommittee at the end of 2006 as part of our

maintaining good relationships….they valuethe care and attention that we give the Parkand support us in every way that they can. TheConservation side of things continued tomanifest itself in the planting of native trees…removal of noxiousweedsetc.They reorganizeda few flower beds in shape and content and welearnt that thepoisoningof box thorn is donebutthe actual dead shrubs are left in situ. Ouch!

During the season The Dogs continued to dogus and yes…we all share the same views abouttheir presence on the Beach. However weelected to stay out of the arguments despite thebest efforts of the Dog Walkers Associationto drag us in by writing to the highest level ofthe RACV and complaining about us. They alsomade wild accusations about us in the localPress. (None of which were true) We did notvolunteer any neither official comment norresponse (and believe me that was hardespecially when they were telling lies aboutus) until the opportunity arose to make asubmission to Flinders Shire for considerationat their decisive Council Meeting. (this actuallywasn’t decisive because theymade no decisionand appointed a consultant to talk to allstake holders) I think the outcome is dogs onleash only.

We have now had a second meeting withWCCBFC (this years) andwehad the opportunityto meet the man who leads the Dog campaign.We welcomed the opportunity to put himstraight and other than that we maintained oursilence and neutral position.

I want to thank the members who attendedSorrento last year for not entering the debatenor taking issuewith any of the dogwalkers norsigning petitions! It was not something we feltreally easy about requesting…because weimpinged on your individual rights. But forthe good of the Club and our position downthere we thought it vital to maintain goodrelationships and to distance ourselves from thecampaign. Thank you for supporting us.

Volume35No. 129 7

FinancialReport

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RACVCCPresident’sReport2007

6

The ladieswho have assumed responsibility forthe purchase of Christmas Presents for theChildren. What a fantastic job you did last yearand you are on again for this year I hear. Thankyou!

TheAuditorsBurkeTidex and Robert Taylor whohave given freely of their time to audit ourbooks. I am told they do ameticulous job for usand one that is vitally important. Thank you.

The Activities Director for organizing the bigevents…like this one we have just had. David.Thank you!

TheNational Rally Coordinator Jim Hall and hisband of uniform men…We hope all of the RACVparticipants have a fantastic time this summerat Forbes after their hard work in organization.Thank you!

And finally the Executive

Wehavehada longyearandcertainlya torridone.

First of all the VPS , Joan Edgecombe, RogerLankford, Ray Andrews, Bette Hall and RogerBailey, The Immediate Past President, Jim Hall #1 and Activities Director David Mayer. Over the18 months you gave your unfailing support tothe Office Bearers and made sure that yourdivisions were well managed. Thank you

And secondly my co Office Bearers, Bob andKeith. Bob is an excellent treasurer..he certainlyhad his finger on the pulse or should I saypurse…Keith is an excellent secretary...hecertainly had his finger on the pen or keyboardand his ear to the phone

I am sure that no previous Office Bearers of anyExecutive of this friendly Family Social Club havebeen required to give such an inordinateamount of time to look after the Club’s andmembers interests as this one did. We enduredchallenges made to our Constitutionalknowledge, our integrity, our efficiency and ourhonesty in addition to the investigation broughtupon us unnecessarily and made into ourfinancial statements by the Department ofJustice, Business and Consumer Affairs. None of

this was good for the Club. But thenwe didworkon and enjoyed and achieved a lot of positivesso not all was bad. Thank you Bob and Keith.

And by the way, I shall miss the emails andmeetings before meetings. I should probablyalso thank you for your tolerance of my need toseemingly change every letter we wrote!

Soon I will step down frommyposition and havebeen very proud and honoured to be ThePresident of this great friendly social club. I haveenjoyed my time and have done the best job Icould for the Club. (And of course that was onlypossible with the help of Keith and Bob.) I saidwhen I became President that I am passionateabout the RACVCC and all that it stands for…andI remain so.

SO! When I hand over I wish the new Executivewell.

And I wish everybody elsewell too!We have lotsof good things to look forward to. But nothingwill ever beat the rallies and the fun and thefriendship that we all enjoy.

Thank you all.

RACV CARAVAN CLUB of VICTORIA Inc.

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITUREFOR THE 18 MONTH PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2007

2006 - 2007 2005 - 2006(18 Months) (12 Months)

IINNCCOOMMEE:: Note $ $Rallies - Fees 110,926 68,109

- Levies and Special Efforts 10,489 7,975Rallies - Total 121,415 76,084

Sorrento - Site Fees 69,937 59,207- Barbecue 252 171- Battery Charging 186 110- L P Gas 5,038 2,958- Telephone 129 139- Sundry Income 106 0

Sorrento - Total 1 75,648 62,585

National Rally Deposits (Contra) 11,680 2,290Membership Subscriptions 13,693 8,472Sale of Club Emblems, Pennants and Clothing 546 429Interest on Investments 2 5,632 2,649Children's Hospital Appeal (Contra) 1,289 456Rental - Lake Learmonth Land 538 499Sundry Receipts 77 218

Total Income 230,518 153,682

EEXXPPEENNDDIITTUURREE::Rallies - Park Fees 95,245 58,786

- Catering (including Christmas Rally & Lardner Park (2005/6)) 3 15,730 12,145- Entertainment (including Christmas Rally & Lardner Park (2005/6)) 4 6,125 5,967- Insurance 5,895 2,337- Sundries 408 691

Rallies - Total 123,403 79,926

Sorrento - Rental 33,925 32,620- Activities 760 275- Films/DVD's 0 8- Advertising 0 260- Ammenity Supplies 6,691 5,779- Insurance 2,385 2,530- L P Gas 2,218 1,872- Light and Power 5 -900 937- Manager's Honorarium 9,825 6,100- Repairs and Maintenance 2,603 3,429- Telephone Calls and Rental 789 598- Park Registration (Flinders Council) 58 58- Printing 48 0

Sorrento - Total 1 58,402 54,466

National Rally - Deposits Remitted (Contra) 11,680 2,290

Club Property (Refer Property Statement ) - Divisional 2,517 936- Sorrento 1 250 344

2,767 1,280

Volume35No. 129 9

FinancialReport

Volume35No. 129

FinancialReport

8

Trophies - Attendances 6 1,806 2,305Club Emblems, Pennants and Clothing 418 225Newsletter (Net Cost) 9,460 5,498Repairs to Club Property 927 1,161Secretarial Costs, Printing , Stationery and Postage 2,477 1,406RACVCC Web Site Development Costs 817 0Wreaths , Flowers and Notices 1,533 333Association of Caravan Clubs of Victoria Inc. - Membership 80 40Children's Hospital Appeal (contra) 1,289 456Goods and Services Tax 1,607 526Income Tax 1,133 332Postal Registration & P.O.Box Rental 125 56Annual Return Costs 100 36Rates Lake Learmonth Land 489 453Bank Fees 229 217Sundries 363 948

TToottaall EExxppeennddiittuurree 219,105 151,954

EExxcceessss ooff IInnccoommee OOvveerr EExxppeennddiittuurree 11,413 1,728

SSpplliitt ooff EExxcceessss ooff IInnccoommee oovveerr EExxppeennddiittuurree::RRaallllyy rreecceeiippss aanndd EExxppeennddiittuurree((nneett)) aanndd AAddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn NNeett IInnccoommee -5,583 -6,047SSoorrrreennttoo SSuurrpplluuss 16,996 7,775EExxcceessss ooff IInnccoommee OOvveerr EExxppeennddiittuurree ((TToottaall,, aass aabboovvee)) 11,413 1,728

NNoottee 11..Sorrento season 2006/2007 (YTD 31 August,2007) & part 2005/2006 season showeda surplus of $16,996 (after inclusion of Capital Costs $250), compared with 2005/2006season (YTD 28 February 2006) of $7,775 (including Capital Costs).Comparative figures are distorted, due to change of Financial Year Date, however futureyears will show a true season surplus (or deficiency).

Note 2.Interest of $451 (RACV Investment) included in 2006/2007 belongs to 2005/2006, plusincome above prior year due to interest rate rises during the current financial year.

NNoottee 33..Catering Cost (P/Y) includes $1,375 for Lardner Park Combined Rally in November 2005.

NNoottee 44..Entertainment Cost includes Toys for Children at Christmas $1,024 (2005 $1,125)plus $1,150 (P/Y) for Lardner Park Combined Rally in November 2005,

NNoottee 55..Prior Year accrual reversed. Light and Power Cost now paid by Foreshore Committee.

NNoottee 66..2006/2007 includes purchase of "50 Rally Plaques" $1,262.2005/2006 Includes purchase of Glasses $956, for "Two years and over AttendanceTrophies", plus purchase of three 10 "Year Attendance Trophies" $900.

NNoottee 77..Land owned by the Club at Learmonth has been brought to account as an Asset.This Land was purchased by the Club in 1972 at a cost of $8,302 and at that timewas treated as an expense in the Club's accounts.Valuation, per City of Ballarat Rate Notice for 2007/2008 is $212,500.

Note 8.Income earned, but not received at year end: 2006-2007 2005-2006

Membership Subscriptions 2,447 2,000GST Owing by ATO to Club 45 830

2,492 2,830

Note 9.Accrual for Expenses not paid at year end: 2006-2007 2005-2006

Sorrento - Telephone Account 0 88Sorrento - Power 0 900

0 988

RACV CARAVAN CLUB of VICTORIA Inc.

Notes to Accounts – 18 Month Period Ended 31 August, 2007

20062007

$$(at 28/2/06)(at 31/8/07)

NNootteeTThhee CClluubb hhaass FFuunnddss aass ffoolllloowwss::Funds on Hand at Beginning of 18 Month Period 51,129 49,401Add Surplus for 18 Month Period (prior year 12 months) 11,413 1,728Income Received in Advance (Sorrento Fees 2007/2008 Season) 37,783 0Adjustment for Land at Cost (previously expensed in 1972) 7 8,302 0

FFuunnddss oonn HHaanndd aatt EEnndd ooff 1122 MMoonntthh PPeerriioodd 110088,,662277 5511,,112299TThheessee FFuunnddss aarree RReepprreesseenntteedd bbyy::

Cash at Bank:- ANZ Current Account 2,714 1,398- ANZ Investment Account (at Call) 45,119 17,889- ANZ Term Deposit @ 6.3% (Matures 27 October 2007) 20,000 0Investment - RACV Finance Ltd @ 6.9% (Matures 9 April 2008) 30,000 30,000Total Cash & Investments 97,833 49,287

Fixed Assets:Land at Cost (Learmonth) 7 8,302 0(Valuation per 2007/2008 City of Ballarat Rate Notice: $212,500)

Income Earned, but not Received (Subscriptions, GST) 88 2,492 2,830Expenses Accrued (Unpaid Accounts) 99 0 -988

TToottaall FFuunnddss oonn HHaanndd 110088,,662277 5511,,112299

RACV CARAVAN CLUB of VICTORIA Inc.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 AUGUST 2007

We have reviewed the above “Statement of Financial Position” as at 31 August,2007 and theattached “Statement of Income and Expenditure” for the 18 Month Period ended 31 August,2007and other records of the Club comprising cash books, banking records, receipts and othersupporting documents.

The accounts of the Club are “predominantly” prepared on a “cash basis”, apart from selectedaccruals for items at yearend that may distort comparison of accounts with prior year(Member Subscriptions not received, GST owing or un rrento costs). In addittion, The Club’sLand at Learmonth has been brought to account, at cost (purchased 1972 for $8,302), as at31 August 2007 (previously treated as a “cash expenditure” in 1972).

It should be noted that the current financial year accounts cover an 18 month period, due tothe change in year end date from 28 Februaryto 31 August. The next financial year will covera 12 month period (September 2007 - August 2008).

Based on the records and information presented to us, it is our opinion that the FinancialStatements of the RACV Caravan Clubof Victoria Inc. are properly drawn up so as to give aproper and fair view of the “Statement of Income and Expenditure” for the 18 Month Periodended 31 August,2007 and Total Members Funds, as reported in the “Statement of Financialposition” as at 31 August, 2007.

BB..TTiiddeexx AAAASSAA.. ((RReettiirreedd)) RR..TTaayylloorr

AAuuddiittoorrss RReeppoorrtt..

Volume35No. 129 11

RACVCCInvitationalWeekendat Inverloch

Volume35No. 129

2006-2007TrophyWinners

10

ONE YEAR

Steven & Donna HoleJim & Andrea DriscollKeith & Olive EdwardsJohn &Margaret DellamartaNeil Larsen &Margaret RaeDavid & Pat MayerRod & Joan Phillpot

TWO YEARS

Mick & Jenny Licht 2Rob & Barbara Taylor 2Greg & Sue Smith 2Leigh and Karen Dudman 2John & Pat Glover 2Laurie & Carol Martin 2Philip & Julie Mason 2John & Pat Schulties 2

THREE YEARS

Roger & Maureen Bayley 3Trevor & Pat Hole 3John & Elizabeth Lipscombe 3

FOUR TO NINE YEARS

Len & Thelma Andrews 9Neil Taylor 7Keith & Helen Booth 6Max &Marion Edmends 6Graeme & Dorothy Penny 6Sid & Vilma Smith 5Brian & Kaye Longhurst 4

TEN YEARS AND UPWARDS

Bob & Dawn Anderson 13Heather Young 13Ray & Val Spargo 12Bill & Val Schoof 37Burke & Shirley Tidex 26Ray & Denise Andrews 24Ken & Pat Anderson 14

LIFE MEMBERS

Ken AndersonKen BrownBruce BulmerBill CaineChris HowlettJohn ThomasBurke TidexMaryWadsworthArthur Pullen

We had a wonderful time!

The Resort was at our disposal andwe certainlymade good use of all the facilities. The Pool andSpawere very popular and The Camp Kitchen inthe caravan area hosted our fiveses (whichactually became fourses on one evening) aswellas a barbeque on Saturday night.

We all had at least one evening meal in theBistro and certainly ALL had our complimentaryfull breakfast on Saturday and Sundaymorning.As one waitress said “it’s just nice to come inand eat and have to do nothing isn’t it?” Shewasn’t wrong!

The actual caravan areawhilst a bit sparse at themoment has magnificent views. The concretepads for the vans and the spacious sites werelovely. Those of us who had the en suiteswondered if wewere supposed to sleep in themas well…they had enough room!

But above all the mini combined rally was as allrallies are…fun and friendly! It was quite aunique experience to be with members of alldivisions on a small scale.

Let’s hope we can do it again!

Volume35No. 12912

Division1 –News&Notes

VICE PRESIDENT: Roger & Maureen Bayley

SECRETARY: Steve & Ann Clark 8 Gordon Crescent T: 9762 0035Boronia 3155 B: 9753 6220 B: 9753 6220

TREASURER: Liz Dadswell

MARSHALL: Mal Kitchen

ASSISTANT Martin FisherMARSHALL:

Ballarat – September 15-16The Windmill Holiday Park is well laid out andmaintained. Our hosts Mark & Adrienne Covewere very friendly&helpful. The amenities blockwas clean and well maintained, and a large recroom with a fire place and kitchen was close toall the powered sites. Eight vans arrived onThursday to a cool and overcast day. Theyenjoyed a relaxful day swimming in the heatedindoor pool or soaking in the Spa.

Most members arrived on Friday, by Saturdayafternoon there were 37 Vans and 1 Cabin,guests of Alan & Ruth Emery. Many thanks toNeil & Lorraine Burke for providing tea andcoffee for all during the Rally. On friday night, 46members met at the Flying Horse Cabaret for alovely meal, again Liz Dadswell was the onlywinner at the Pokies. Friday was wet and cold,

so the open fire in the Rec roomwas stoked andmany stayed on to watch the Collingwood /West Coast final sipping a small toddy.

The walkersmet under the Flag, led by Alex andCathy Clark. After an early BBQ breakfast, manyMembers set off to visit the sites of Ballarat,again, with skies threatening, the bakeries andcoffee shops proved popular before headingback to the Park for lunch and a chat beforesettling in for afternoon tea in front of the fire,followed by fees.

Nominations were received for the vacantpositions on the committee.- Roger informedmembers about the “Invitational” weekend atthe RACV Resort at Inverloch – where 17members indicated their intentions. He alsowelcomed our guests – David & Helen Burrows,Alan & Lyn Burrows and Philip and Toni Emeryand RACVCC members Val & Ray Spargo (4),Philip Marilyn Nelson (3), Stan & LynWatton (2)andWarren & Eve Beaty (2).

Volume35No. 129 13

Little Sydney Window was presented with hisname tag. For tea tonight the men were treatedto casseroles, prepared and cooked by theirgood ladies, and Imust admit they tasted betterthan damper I tried to digest at the previousrally (cooked by the men).

The committee supplied the Sweets consistingof Cheese Cakes, Pavlovas, Cakes and FruitSalad & Ice Cream. Ann and Pat made beautifulvanilla slices, a clear winner among the men.Alex and Cathy unveiled the newPASystem and

led members in a game of Beatle. Again manystayed on to watch the North Melb / Hawthornfootball final.

Sunday morning was absolutely beautiful. Asmorning tea brewed, members were busypacking their vans and preparing for the triphome. Members wished and sang “HappyBirthday” to Clive Harris and by noon mostmembers were on their way home after a veryenjoyable rally.

Division1 – News&Notes

Did You Know...• The InverlochWeekend was fantastic and if you get the chance to go in the future you should!• We had 138 vans at Lardner Park and 2 visitors.• We need storage space for all of our archives…any ideas?• The Club Secretary is going to meet with the Divisional Secretaries.• The SorrentoWorking Bee was very successful and the Park looks great• As we go to print we do not have a slide!• The next Combined Rally will be in 3 years time• The next State Rally will be in 2009• We have 46 vans going to Forbes for the National Rally• It is nearly time to go to Sorrento….yeah!• The Queensland Caravan Club had a Billy Boiling Competition for a rally activity. How good!• GAS CYLINDERS FROM CHINA! Some have been found to have a faulty valve…due to the glandnut having a left hand thread and during manual turning off of the cylinder valve it is loosenedand separates allowing the gas to flow and not be able to be stopped. If you have one Check it!And be careful!

Val & Bill Schoof arriving.

Roger relaxing.

Ken caught pinching a vanilla slice.

Mother & Daughter, Ann Kennelly & Kristine Niven.

Celebrating 70 years of Caravanning

Volume35No. 129 15

This was followed by a square dance which waslively entertainment for the energeticparticipants and the audience. Division 5members dressed in jail house costumes andlooked great. The evening concluded just priormidnight after many hours of fun and laughter.

Sunday dawned cold and very wet – an earlymorning tea was held prior to the commence-ment of the AGM at 10 am.

Some folks stayed on for a BBQ lunch, thoughmost hurriedly packed up in the rain to headhome.

This was a great weekend and every memberenjoyed themselves immensely. Our thanks goto each member of the Executive, the divisional

committees, representatives and volunteers.One can only imagine the commitment andhours of work that go intomaking our Club suchan enviable success. It is only because of yourdiligence that it all comes together so well.Without stalwarts such as yourselves this clubcould not function.

To our retiring President Sandra Eldridge –special thanks, for your valuable contribution,you have done us proud.

David Mayer and team – our appreciation for awonderful weekend – you could not have doneit better.

Barbara Pyke

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What a wonderful occasion to celebrate and wedid, in great style – all weekend long – all 140vans in attendance.

The early arrivals luckily set up in sunshine – theSaturday arrivees experienced heavy rain, whichsettled in for the rest of the weekend, thoughthis did not dampen the overall enthusiasm.

Friday eveningwe gathered in the big shed for adelicious supper of hot pancakes served withjam and cream or lemon and sugar. We

devoured 500 of them very quickly, membersenjoyed catching up with friends spread acrossall the 5 divisionswhile watching the video clipsof past rallies and listening to the organ music.

The children’s jumping castle was a great hitwith our younger members. Unfortunately theproposed ‘friendly games’ were washed out inthe afternoon, so most adjourned to the bigshed for a cuppa and a chat.

The eveningmeal was provided by the Club andwas well presented by a local caterer – a spitroast of 2meats and 8 vegieswith party food forthe children followed by a selection of sweets –Thankyou. It was all delicious!

Pancake cooks.

The punters.

Cream?2 empty plates after dinner.

Swing your partner.

New treasurer on the job:

Ann McKechnie and Carol Evans.

The Sweeps crew: Ken Slade, Bruce Mitchell,Don Bertrand, Peter Hey.IanWright and his dinner!

The only way to mix pancakes is with a paint stirrer!

Yes please: Gillian Hamilton gets her spit roast.

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attendance 1 SpoonRob & Barbara Taylor 2 years continuous

attendance 1 Spoon& 2Wine Glasses

Mick & Jenny Licht 2 years continuousattendance 1 Spoon& 2 Coffee Cups

Trevor & Pat Hole 3 years continuousattendance 2 Cups& 2Wine Glasses

Roger & Maureen Bayley 3 years continuousattendance 4 CoffeeCups

Sunday morning was absolutely beautiful. Thesun rays filtered through the trees and acrossthe Park onto the vans. As morning tea brewed,members were busy packing their vans andpreparing for the trip home and by noon, mostmembers were on their way home after a veryrelaxing rally.

Heathcote – December 1-28 Members arrived on the Thursday, to a verydry, but clean Park. Our amenities block wasrecently refurbished, and well maintained. Weall had dinner that night in the Rec room wherewe chatted and wined away the evening.Members started to arrive early on the Fridaymorn and caught our Marshall a little unwhere

at 8.00am , but as the morning wore on, vansstarted to stream in looking for a shady tree topark under. Our group due to thewarmweekendahead, were split into two groups to takeadvantage of all available shade. By Saturdayevening we had 38vans, 3 cabins and 1 onsitevan, attending also, were 17 children.

During Friday, some of our Members visited theshops in Heathcote and walked the streets

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Rushworth – October 6-7The LakeWaranga Caravan Park is very old andunloved. However the amenities blockwas cleanand well maintained, and we had the use of thelarge school camp room with a fire place andkitchen on the Saturday night. Four vans arrivedon Thursday to a cool and overcast day. Theyenjoyed a relaxful day checking out the park,counting the kangaroos bounding past theirvans and shops in the nearby towns. Mostmembers arrived on Friday, by Saturdayafternoon there were 20 Vans.

On Friday night, 20membersmet at the CriterianHotel for a lovely meal in front of an open firewhere we chatted and enjoyed each otherscompany. On Saturday, the walkers met underthe Flag, led by Donna Hole. After an early BBQbreakfast,manyMembers set off to visit the sites

of Rushworth, again, with skies threatening, thebakeries and coffee shopsprovedpopular beforeheading back to the Park for lunch and a chatbefore settling in for afternoon tea in front of thefire, followed by fees.

Division 1 Committeewas finalized, as therewasonly one nomination for each position thefollowing members were elected :–

Vice President – Roger BayleySecretary – Steve ClarkeTreasurer – Liz DadswellMarshall – Mel KitchenAss. Marshall – Marty FisherCo Opted – Elaine Spicer

Roger informed members about the“Invitational” weekend at the RACV Resort atInverloch – where 15 of our members indicatedtheir intentions.

As wewere in Rushworth, the theme for tonightwas to dress as in “Goldrush Era” – cook a snagon the barby, bush dance and a Rock & Rolldemonstration. A great night had by all.

Our VP presented members with theirattendance awards:-

BettyWindow 1 year continuousattendance 1 Spoon

Steven & Donna Hole 1 year continuousattendance 1 Spoon

Steve & Ann Clarke 1 year continuous

Maureen whispering naughty things in Alan’s ear!

Group of Members enjoying afternoon tea.

Trevor, Leon, Pat and Kay.

Ann, Elaine, Kay, Leon, Jessie, Ken & Kevin.

Santa &Mary Christmas arriving by fire truck.

Brodie checking out the fire hose.

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looking for bargains and restaurants. Othersadmired Ray & Edda’s new 5th wheeler andcaught up with each other over drinks under thelarge Elm Tree (This tree appeared a lot bigger 3years ago and quite a lot of foliage seemed to bemissing). 30 members travelled (walked) to theCommercial Hotel where we all enjoyed abeautiful meal, others, mircowaved, casseroledor indulged in a BBQ. At 8.00pmwe all gatheredunder the “Elm” which had colourful lightsaround its 6m dia. trunk, for Christmas carols.This year the committee moved away from thetraditional candles, insteadopting for glowsticks.

Alex and Cathy provided the music (CD`s) andSong books. We concluded the night with aCuppa or a port.

Saturday morning was free, there was a marketin the main street, which was quite large, andthis was enjoyed by all the members, followedby a stroll around the town.We had arranged toplay some games in the park but because of thehot weather, these were abandoned. At 3.15pmSanta arrived in a big red fire truck, much to thedelight of the children and members. Santabrought Mary Christmas with him.

After both Santa and Mary had handed out allthe presents, children eagerly inspected the FireTruck, theDriver showed themall over it and lotsof photos were taken with children using theequipment.

After Santa and Mary Christmas had left in thetruck, afternoon tea was served. At 5.30pm asarranged, wewent to the Ex. RSLHall next to theShireOffices for our Christmasdinnerwithdrinksand nibblies. The committee with the help ofsome members had gone earlier and decoratedthe hall and set up the tables. Our meal whichwas catered for by Fabulous Feasts was wellreceived, themembers commentedon thequalityand quantity of themain course and sweets.

The entertainment was provided through theevening by PaddyO’DowdMusical, we sang anddanced the night away, he was absolutelyfabulous andmany commented that theywouldlike him next year at our Christmas Rally. Theevening concluded at approximately midnightafter an evening of fun and laughter enjoyed byall. The hall had a vacant roomwhich Steve Clarkset up with a screen and DVDs to entertainchildren during the night. Our Special Christmasraffle of 3 hampers, raised nearly $300, theywere won by Ken Watson, Joanne Fisher andNicoleWale.

We all woke to a beautiful Sunday morning, atmorning tea, the members praised the rally asbeing the best Christmas Rally they had everattended. It was a good team effort by thecommittee and helpers. We all said ourgoodbyes and went on our way.

Taggerty – September 15-16As usual some were able to arrive early, mostbeing there by Friday.Wewent to Thornton for acounter meal at the Rubicon Hotel.

By Saturdaymorning-tea everyone had arrived –11 caravans and 1 cabin. Some of us travelledto Alexandra to peruse the shops a purchaseour football team’s colours for Saturday nightFooty Night.

TheCaravanParkborders theRubicon river somedangled a line, but there was no Trout for tea.

In the late afternoon we gathered in our footycolours to the support our favourite team – Thegames began.

Ladies andGents – RACVDavison 22HandBallCompetition

Began, we needed a few intervals for littleFrankfurters and drinks. For tea Pies and saucewere supplied. After tea we had a football quizwith Ken Slade as the quiz master, a fewquestions has a Geelong theme, I wonder why

VICE PRESIDENT: Tony & BevWarmington

SECRETARY: Tony & BevWarmington 42 Kay Street T: 9808 7219MountWaverley 3149 bigtoe@optusnet.com.au

TREASURER: Carol Evans

MARSHALL: Pat & John Glover

ASSISTANT Ben MegansMARSHALL:

Nan & KenWatson enjoying the moment.

Sally adoring her dolly.

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known as Little John and Pat as Maid Marion.

Plenty to see in the area, some rode bikes, somewalked, some went to the RSL, some watchedBathurst, others observed the wildlife with lotsof rabbits, ducks & other birds everywhere withthe river on the edge of the park. Happy hours

were enjoyed by all with plenty of catching up todo. Thanks to Bette members wore “RATTAILS”in their hair as a gesture for Gillian who wears areal one.

Thanks to all who contributed to the smoothrunning of the weekend & to Howard & Sue forgetting the trailer there & John & Pat for gettingit back.

Mansfield – December 1-2Six vans arrived on Thursday eager for an earlystart to the Christmas Rally.

Lyn andNormBunn came in a beautiful new vanand provided the afternoons entertainment, asthe set up the awning for the first time. I am sureNorm appreciated all the advice from theaudience.

We had steady rain all night as Len found out,when he ventured into ankle deepwater at 2am.Friday turned out to be warm and sunny andwemostly spent the day relaxing and catching upas everyone arrived.

On Saturday, seven four-wheel drives full ofpassengers, set off for a picnic to Craig’s Hut.Weenjoyed the scenery along the way it is such apretty spot. Hans, John and Peter got to test outtheir new vehicles andHoward finally got to takehis off road, after seven years! A big bog holeprovided a challenge and a fun time for all.

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with Ken being a true one eyed Geelongsupporter. Ken presented the winning cups toCarol Evens the women’s winner and Len Evansthe men winner.

A Cake appeared to celebrate John Glover beingin Australia for 50 years; Bettie Hall presentedJohnwithhisoriginalBall&Chain fromhis convictdays. His chocolate cake was sweets; it was a

great night thanks to all Ken Slade’s hand work.

Sunday morning we woke to fog but turn into anice day after morning tea. Every one set of fora safe trip home.

Safe caravanning – Patricia & John Glover

Yarra Junction – October 6-7Three vans arrived at Doon Reserve CaravanPark on Thursday to be greeted by a family ofducks with 19 ducklings. We had 18 vans at theRally including 3 vans from Div 4 who we hopewere made to feel welcome. It was good to seeJohn & Rosalie, Hans & Elaine, John &Margaretback fromholidays&Wally from illness togetherwithMarianne. A videoof ourmarshallingof vanswas takenbya couple stayingat thepark& itwasthe source of much amusement later on. Copiesare available for blackmail purposes!

Saturday night we all went to Yarra ValleyArchery Parkwere somegot intomedievalmode& an archery contest developed to be won byBev, Ken, Jim, Howard & Keith each receiving acoffee mug as prizes. This was followed bydinner& a pool contest won byWally & Joan.Wewere originally to have some Line Dancing butdue to unforeseen circum-stances this had to becancelled. Much to the horror & disgust of allmales present!! Pat assures us Line DancingWILL HAPPEN. John G enjoyed the archery somuch he purchased all the gear and is now

Archery Champs: Jim Hall, Keith McKechnie,BevWarmington, Howard Cummins and Ken Slade.

Pat Glover takes a bow?

"Wally theWizard" Prouse.

Rosalie Campbell, Carol (Mary Poppins) Evans, GlendaFetherston-Haugh.

John celebrated being in Australia for 50 years.

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Ocean Grove – September 15-16We traveled down the Geelong road to theRiverview Family Caravan Park at Ocean Grove.Friday night festivities/food took place at thelocal bowling club. 28 for dinner and 3 of thegroupwere lucky enough towinmeat trays fromthe raffle.Saturday was a free day allowing members toexplore the area, to enjoy a beachwalk and relaxin the excellent grounds of the park.

Our activity was held on Saturday evening in thepark recreation room. Singing was the order ofthe night to the accompaniment of CD’s whichwere ably selected and directed by our DJ RayAndrews. To add flavour to the night port,muscat,cheeseandbiscuitsand a variety of chocolatewasprovided by the committee.

22 vans attended the weekend including thereturn of the Tidex and Waters from theirnortherly retreat. Best wishes to Bill Caine forhis forthcoming shoulder surgery and to JudyBlake who is nursing a shattered wrist after avisit to the gym.

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We arrived back at the park very dirty butunscathed.

We headed off to the Mansfield Hotel for ourChristmas celebrations where we enjoyed aroast, followed by Sticky date pudding orPavlova. During the night we watched a DVD ofDivision 2memories and had a visit form Santa,as we had all been so good this year. (Thanks toKeith for both)

Sunday morning we welcomed Lyn and Normsdaughter Christine and son in lawMartin, alongwith their precious new grandson Sebastian(whomade his presence was heard) They cameto surprise Lyn for her big 0 birthday and we allhelped eat the cake of course.

As another year of rallies comes to an end I hopeyour xmas and holidays are merry and we seeyou in the new year for a lot more fun.

Season’s Greetings

VICE PRESIDENT: Jeff & Jeanette O’Brien

SECRETARY: Peter & Judy Blake 15 Liverpool Drive T: 9798 6849Keysborough 3173 blakeys@alphalink.com.au

TREASURER: Graeme & Dorothy Penny

MARSHALL: Max &Marion Edmends

ASSISTANT Sandra & George EldridgeMARSHALL:

Eileen Shilton, Bill Duckett, Joy Bover, StanWhotton andHansWerner.

Santa and Mrs Claus.

Singing along.

Dancing along.

Howard and Sue Cummins and Santa.Santa’s new sleigh.

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dashed off to the hospital! By 3.00am newgrandson, Levi had entered the world.

Oh, and there were a few hiccups, all most ablyovercome, such as:

• the Christmas dinner caterers going out ofbusiness 3 days before our celebrations;

• the showers and toilets ‘backing up’ onSaturday morning, thank goodness for theRangers;

• in the quick departure by the Blakes, newgreat grandfather Sid left his keys in Pete’s carhowever, by morning, the keys, Sid and Joyand the car were reunited.

but the only thing we couldn’t overcome – theflies!

It is littlewonder that special presentationsweremade to the out-going Committee – Sandra andGeorge Eldridge, Ray and Denise Andrews andKeith and Olive Edwards for their amazingcontributions over many years.

Well done to the Committee for yet another fineyear of planning, organisation and great fun inDivision 3.

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Macedon – October 6-734 Members attended dinner at the MacedonHotel. A good selection was on the menu andmost ordered the seniors meal specials. Assometimeshappens therewasa raffle circulatingat the Hotel. June Caine was selected barrel girl

todraw thewinnerof themeat tray.Unfortunatelyno one from the club won but it was funds thatwere going back into the community.

Saturday morning was free time to explore theshops and local area. Afternoon tea wasorganized by the committee and consisted ofpancakes with lemon and sugar or jam. Thanksto Peter Findlay who supplied an extra hotplatewhich made sure that there were plenty of hotpancakes ready and to Elizabeth Lipscombe forthe jam. Ken Anderson also provided his famoushickory coffee. Yum-oh.

By fivesies all 32 vans had arrived. After nibblespresentations were made to those memberswho had reached milestones on there journeyof continuous rallies. A special mention andcongratulations to Judy and Peter Blake whofinally achieved 12 rallies in a row from their 134attended. Well done. Birthday wishes wereextended to Ray Andrews and Jeff O’Brien butno tales of how old they were.

In the evening members gathered at the localtheatrical company’s hall to participate in a trivianightwherememberswere asked to bring along5 questions to be the trivia of the night. At leasteveryone had a chance of getting some

questions right. 8 sets of 10 questions were putto us by the quiz master Ray and results wereably scored by his assistant George. No prize tothe winning table but 5 lucky spot prizes weregiven away by numbers located under the seats.A fun night was had by all.

Thanks to the organizers for making theweekend a memorable one.

Sorrento – December 1-2For some of us, our Christmas Rally at Sorrentoseemed like the start of a long awaited summerat the beach …. and what a beautiful taste ofthings to come! Sun, cooling breezes, sounds ofwaves and seagulls and, of course, friends toshare it all.

Twenty five vans rolled in, with the early birdsarriving on Thursday. John and Liz Lipscombe,Sid and Joy Marks and Peter and Di Schmidtwere most welcome visitors.

Our Christmas fun and fare started at morningtea on Saturdaywithmince pies and some of LizLipscombe’s delicious vanilla slices.

To build up the Christmas jollity, after lunch wehad great fun exploring all the nooks andcrannies of the park on a treasure hunt forvarious Christmas novelties. Barb McDonaldand Sid Smith were the sharp-eyed winners,being first to find all 12 items.

Thiswas followedby the Christmas Popper SongCompetition – quick thinking, novel singing andof course lots of laughter not to mention a fairswig of competitiveness too!

Just before fives-es, Santa arrived, looking a bitshorter this season, but nonetheless hail andhearty. He caused quite a stir at the entry to thepark, waving to the passing traffic.

Christmas was celebrated in fine style at theSorrento Community Centre with a deliciousChristmas dinner complete with a flaming plumpudding! Dinner was interrupted for the Blake’sby a phone call and a rushed trip home to collectgrand-daughter Jasmine while Liam & Karina

Presentations.

Competitive Singing!

Thel and Len enjoyed

watching!

From reindeer to fat Santa!

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Ken Daly thought his fridge wasn’t working andhad awarmbeer, only to discover that Carol hadleft it on 12V.Maryawas trying to openMax’s carusing her car’s key, funny they don’t fit.

The Preston’s had to beg for some tomato saucefor their grandkids at the Communal Tea. Thiswas followed by the V.P. speech, where Howardand Dorothy Gibson won the raffle. Rick andKathy Hartshorn received there 25th Rallycertificate.

At the Footy Night which followed, Amy andBrian McDonald won the best dressed footycolour’s couple.14 ladies took part in the handball competition which was won by LisaWright.17men took part and after a fewplay offsLaurie Martin took the honors. Thanks to JohnSchulties for umpiring and Pat for keepingscore, tried to bribe her but failed.

Well that’s it for now, hope to see you all atBallarat.

Bernie Horton

Ballarat – October 6-7Members started arriving on Friday at 9 am.After setting upmorning tea was enjoyed in thesun. Val was running around organising the Pubtea across the road, whichwas a very nicemeal.

Saturday was spent looking around Ballarat orrelaxing in the park. Otherswent to see the lake,

which has some water in it now and a lovelydisplay of flowers in the garden atrium.

After fees and fivies the committee put on aChicken & Champagne tea that some peopleshared in the recreation room and othersreturned to their vans to enjoy.

At the VP speech the following receivedAttendance Awards for the year, recipientsreceived wine glasses and/or teaspoons.

Heather YoungMargaret & John DellamartaMike &WendyWheatleyMargaret Rae & Neil LarsenVal & Ray SpargoJoan & Rod PhillpotPat & John SchultiesCongratulations to everyone.

OurVP, Roger, organised the entertainmentwith“PICK ABAG”.Memberswere each given a raffleticket and as their number was drawn theyselected a bag filledwith all sort of goodies. Thiswas a lot of fun on the night.

We had 28 vans and one cabin for Gerry & PaulMills.

Philip Mason celebrated his 50th birthday withfamily and friends at the Pub.

We hope allmemberswho have been unwell aresoon rallying again.

Joan Phillpot

Inverloch – December 1-2We had 52 vans attend our Christmas Rally. Theweatherwas quitewarmbutwe had a big shadytree under which we sat and met with fellowmembers.

Friday night we had our Carols by Candlelightled by Ken Daly. The children were veryentertainingwith their turnwith themicrophone.

Saturdaymorningwe all went to the CommunityHall to set up the hall and decorate the tables inreadiness for our Christmas Dinner Dance.

Saturday afternoon was spent playing games,

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Alexandria – September 15-16Hi and welcome to the “Newbie Newsletter”coming to you from the Alexandra Rally.

We arrived Friday afternoon to thewarm friendlysmiles we’ve come to expect.

John and Pat Schulties were missing in action,only to arrive Saturday morning.

We ended up having 32 vans at the Rally. Novisitors, but a warm welcome to new membersClive andMoyraHorton, who got lost on thewayto the Rally. They eventually found it after Brianand Christine Preston pointed them in the rightdirection.

Welcome also to our other new members Leeand Rachel and their 3 boys.

As usual Friday 5 o’clockwas a great time to sayhi and catch upwith all our friends. This is whereI heard that Heather and Bernard’s microwave

oven wasn’t working, until Heather discoveredshe forgot to plug her van into the Park’s power.

Saturday was spent lazing in the warm sun. Itgot a bit more exciting when Bob Trumper triedto hitch his van on the side ofMax Green’s car. Afew of us went for a drive to Lake Eildon, whileothers walked into town. Peter Wright wasamongst themdue to the fact he just had a backoperation and needed the exercise. We hopeyou get well soon.

Glenda Hofmeyer and Bert Fairfull have alsobeen sick, but are feeling better and are inScotland at the moment.

The Mills came back to camp with a sparebonnet for their ride on mower that they pickedup for $30, bargain, well done. They werefollowed by Hayley, Greg, Lisa, Peter, Julie andPhilipwhose pub lunch lasted quite a fewhours,luckily they walked/staggered back.

Saturday afternoon, Pat Schulties went aroundshowing off her newwine glasswet suits – cute.

VICE PRESIDENT: Ray & Val Spargo

SECRETARY: Rachel & Leigh Curran 7 Ingram Close T: 8790 1013NarreWarren North 3804 thecurran5@optusnet.com.au

TREASURER: Gwen & JohnWinter

MARSHALL: Bernie & Rene Horton

ASSISTANT Margaret & John DellamartaMARSHALL:

Go Saints.

Amy and Brian winning Best Dressed Football Couple.

Fay Taylor, Carol and Ken Daly.

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Kyneton – September 15-1612 Caravans, 2 Cabins & 1 Visitor attended ourrally to Kyneton this weekend with the lastmember arriving early on Saturday morning.

The Kyneton RSL on Friday night was a goodchoice for dinner being a very short distancefrom the Caravan Park. The food was good andof course the companywas excellent, one luckymember had some joy when the poky machinepayed out.

Aileen Trotter was our acting marshal for thisrally and the first item on the agenda was tointroduce our visitor Neil Taylor from Division 1,we all gave him a warm welcome and invitedhim to join in on ourweekend activities. Joan ourVP then welcomes and presented Sylvie andRussell Housden with their name badges.

After the usual meeting formalities were over apeek-show of what Division 5 members will bewearing at the RACVCC 70th birthday rally wereparaded by Sue and John (to the delight ofeveryone present) and it is now all go, go, gowith finishing the sewing. The finalmeeting itemwas to find someone towrite the rally report andNo 8 the Edgecumbe’s number came out of thebingo barrel - I have the privilege of writing thereport.

The rest of Saturday, was about doing your ownthing, returning at 3-00pm for the afternoon’sclub activity of Disc Bowls. The eliminationgames were played in good competitive spiritand then it come down to the final two couplesto play for the championship, the best out of fiveends. Winsome and Tony Grigg V Anne and IanMcMillan and as spectators we were treated toa great finals game, but it was all over whenTony knocked the kitty out of play on his last

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egg and spoon race etc. andwater balloon toss.Both young and old enjoyed these.

Following the games Santa arrived on theInverloch Fire Engine,much to the delight of thechildren who were eagerly awaiting his arrival.Santa and his helper distributed the delightfulgifts to all the children before departing againon the Fire Engine.

Saturday evening we went to the CommunityHall for pre-dinner drinks. The children hadpartyfood and were then entertained with a movie.

The adults were served a delicious meal andcold meats and salads followed by an array ofdesserts.

The band played all night with most membersup dancing.

Sunday morning we had our final morning teafor the year with our committee servingChristmas cake and shortbreads before we saidour farewells and look forward tomeeting againin 2008.

VICE PRESIDENT: Ian & Aileen Trotter

SECRETARY: Peter Hillas 2/12 Prince Street T: 9379 9349Essendon North 3041 pandrhillas@ozemail.com

TREASURER: HeatherWest

MARSHALL: Lyn & Eddie Bahn

ASSISTANT Brian CubbinsMARSHALL:

Christmas Games.

Best Dressed Group at Dinner Dance.

Anne and Ian McMillan Disc Bowl Champions.

Sylvia and Russell Housden receive their badges.

Christmas carols.

Volume35No. 129 31

I can assure all members that Santa was verypopular, as the women could not resist his finewhite beard and robust tummy, he receivedmany kisses and cuddles as he handed out theKris Kringle presents ably assisted by AssistantMarshall Brian.

Xmas dinner was at the Toora Hotel where outgoing VP Joan presented many of the coupleswith rally certificates, medallions and badges,(Lyn and Eddy were presented with their 300Rally Badge).

After dinner Xmas cakeand port and wasenjoyed by all followedby some very strong andmelodic renditions ofwell-known Xmas carolsand Lyn’s special XmasQuiz where each of usmanaged to win a lollyfor a correct answer(even the cheat).

I am sure we all had anenjoyable weekend.

Tony

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throw thus the champions for 2007 are Anneand Ian McMillan.

Happy hour was followed by a combined BBQand saladsmeal. Aileenmade enough Pavlovasand trifle for everyone, gee it was yummy! Andto top the evening off Ian got permission for usto have an outdoor fire which everybodyenjoyed and it lasted well into the night.

Sunday morning we had our farewell chats andthen left to drive home.

On behalf of our members sincere thanks mustgo to the committee and their band of eagervolunteers for a rally thatwaswell organised andmade the weekend a happy and enjoyable one.

Happy caravanning

Bob Edgecumbe

Beaufort – October 6-7Our October weekend at Beaufort was sunnywith a bitter cold wind that meant the winterclothes were still needed.

The park manager was very helpful with apleasant manner, Friday was his first day in hisnew job.

The Beaufort recreation area has seen somegreat changes since our last visit. The oldcaretaker’s house has made way for a newcomplex that overlooks the football ground andthe lake. The new building is designed to caterfor the needs of the local community groupsand visitors. The complex can be hired at areasonable cost.

Over the past few weeks a number of Div 5members have lost a loved one. What adifference a card, a letter, the extended hand offriendship, the phone call or the friendly handonone’s shoulder does during these trying times.To me it again proves that we are not only atraveling or touring Caravan Club but a group ofpeople who share each others highs and lows.

Saturday night ourV.P. with her helpers fed 30 ofus in one of the small recreation huts on site.

Again a great time to chat to the folk who havebeen on holidays up north.

Eddie and Lyn Bahn

Toora – December 6-7HO! HO! HO! Merry Xmas was the theme atToora.

At morning tea on Saturday our new VP Ianwelcomed the attendees and presented theincoming committee with their identity badges.

Marshall Lyn set us all the task of decorating ourforlorn Xmas tree using only items from our van.A task that was to be completed prior to Santaappearanceduringpre-dinner nibbles anddrinks.

At Happy hour we all enjoyed the nibbles anddrinks provided by the committee andmarvelledat the transformation of the Xmas tree adornedby many innovative decorations and presents.

Happy and SafeFestive Season

Christmas at Toora.

Christmas at Toora. Christmas at Toora.

William Troedel & Co. Pty. Ltd.COLOUR PRINTERS

T: (03) 9562 8888 F: (03) 9562 7377 E: troedelprint@troedel.com.au

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