The year started off OK, however that was soon to change. Our first event of the year, Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show in Orange was cancelled due to the continuing COVID 19 problem.

I have never regretted introducing the Club to the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show in Orange and CARnivale’ in Sydney. I still have 24 medalions from the years I attended CARnivale’. Unfortunately CARnivale’ is history, but the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show has gone on to become the largest Car Show in Western NSW.

Despite the lockdowns & restrictions, the club still had a few events worth mentioning.

Our AGM was well attended – some zooming in – followed next morning by a wonderful Cars n Coffee event at Heathcote. Our group continued on for a scenic drive and lunch.

The ‘modern’ Isuzus gathered at Deniliquin for the opening of the Deni Ute Muster Museum where 3 members cars were the only ones on display. We were made very welcome and it was great to see some ‘distant’ members for the first time in well over a year.

Four members took their classics to the Lake Mac Autumn Fair and enjoyed the entertainment, stalls and looking over the cars from other clubs.

The long lockdowns – worst of all for our members and our friends in the Bellett Car Club of Victoria severely restricted movement for most of the year and caused all our regular ‘big’ events to be cancelled. I don’t think I need to say anything about the effect of the Queensland border restrictions.

For a long time, it really did appear that the Hahndorf Nationals would go ahead. But it was not to be. Outbreaks, more lockdowns and the (re)closure of the South Australian border meant the event could only go ahead with South Australians attending. The rest of us watched the wonderful live video of meet-ups and scenic drive with envy on Facebook.

Members in other states, living outside the strict lockdowns were able to continue attending local events.

When lockdown ended in NSW, many took the opportunity to enter or spectate at a ‘track’ day at Wakefield Park Raceway near Goulburn. This is an invitation from ACT Geminis – our mutual member, Jonathan Hemsworth. I travelled down in my ISUZU MU-X, on the preceding Thursday, camped overnight in one of the onsite cabins with Kevin & Jackson Gore. Very comfortable if you are thinking of staying at Wakefield Park anytime for an Event. The Potters stayed in a Caravan Park nearby as camping is not permitted at Wakefield. We rose early in the morning to take a walk around the track. It was soooo good watching the guys on the track doing what they enjoy most.

It was so great to see long time member Matthew Cosier in his Gemini racer. Michael Degnan left the classic Gemini at home and demonstrated his racing Gem. So the group pic is very different to our usual display!

There were 2 incidents. Tom’s appendix “J” Bellett GT with Scott driving decided to throw out some oil, while Kev Gore had a big lose in his 4 door Bellett sedan. Thankfully nothing serious except maybe a bit of bruised pride. The GT only required a minor repair before returning to the track. At least it gave 2 victims for the “Ratbag” Trophy for 2021.

With the reduction of more COVID 19 restrictions, HOPEFULLY we can get out this year with our cars and that 2022 events will not need to be cancelled.

Fingers crossed for Gnoo Blas Classic in Orange on 12th February, and Surf, Sand and Cars at Budgewoi (Central Coast ) on 19th February 2022 to get this party started!!

Dave Maurice