RPM Convener’s BBQ

12 January 2013 / Report by Lesa Bunn & Photos by Bryan Shedden

“They’ll be coming over the rivers, across the plains and over the mountains when they come” - and come they did - even from overseas.

35 people came together for the RPM Chapter’s first event, a picnic at Charles Darwin Reserve on Lake Wallace at Wallerawang. As with anything new there was a rocky start, word came through from member Tony King that the original intended location for the inaugural event, Lake Lyell was very popular during the holidays. A quick decision was made that a “dry run” was necessary. The Estreich’s and the Bunns headed off the weekend before to Lake Lyell and were shocked to find the popularity of this seemingly “out of the way” location. “Packed out” the site manager advised as he threw open his diary to reveal a page full of highlighted bookings for the 13th, “suggest you look at moving it to Lake Wallace” he said. So off we went a little deflated to find the scarcely heard of Lake Wallace. Thankfully it was only about 10 minutes up the road, easy to get to and perfect for what we needed. A major sigh of relief and coffee became the next priority. Thank heavens for Tony’s advice and the knowledge a “local” can bring.

As the lead up week progressed another hiccup. A terrible fire was burning on the outskirts of Lithgow which would blockour intended route if it continued into the weekend. Phone calls and emails abound and a backup route was quickly selected.

What a relief to turn up to Summerhayes Park on the Sunday morning and see a lineup of MX-5’s in the car park. Greetings and introductions abound as we were introduced by Cameron Macarthur owner of Blue Mountains Mazda, the MX-5 Clubs newest sponsor, to some, MX-5 owners from the mountains area who were interested in joining into some local events. Russell Wheatley took time out of his holiday from the UK to join us for the day as well as our President Bryan Shedden and members from the Sydney Region Sandra and Graham and Paul and Di from “Camerons Corner”.

The group headed off along Hawkesbury Road to Kurrajong to meet up with members coming from that location with Ray and Pam Estreich offering to convene those meeting at this point that included Franck and Margaret Verheyen and Ken and Maggie Liston that came along to show their support. It came as quite a surprise to the local Rural Fire Captain at Kurrajong when he threw open his door to find MX-5s parked all over his car park. He was chuffed and only disappointed that he missed an opportunity to fund raise by putting on a sausage sizzle. Something for nexttime we assured him. The good news he informed us that the fires were under control and the road ahead was clear for our run to Wallerawang.

As is typical of the mountains, the Bells Line of Road offered all seasons. What started out as a beautiful sunny day soon turned to misty cold mountains run that had heaters on and everybody reaching for their jumpers. Wave to the nice policeman. As we crossed Doctors Gap at Lithgow it was a huge relief to see blue skies all the way to Lake Wallace. It was great to see our MX-5 friends from Lithgow Dennis and Judy and Rohan and Michelle Mathews from Dubbo who came with their family to join in on the day. Everybody enjoyed a yarn and a picnic around Lake Wallace in typical MX-5 fashion: bonnets up, bonnets down, heads in and under cars. Following the picnic most of us descended on the Old Wallerawang Station Cafe for coffee, laughs and tall tales.

Welcome to all those that came for their visit MX-5 Club event: Robert and Judy Quodling, Ian and Alan and Glenn and Kelly Davies. Glenn and Kelly have since become members of the Club. We hope to see you all at future RPM Events. Thankyou to all those that travelled long distances to join in on the day and show their support of the Chapter