Illawarra Chapter in 2020-21: The Year in Review

Leonville

16 October 2021 / Adele Weatherall

This time last year we were coming out of Covid, then we enjoyed a brief respite before being locked down again in July until November. The pandemic did not stop our Chapter from enjoying friendship and travelling around in our little cars for quite a while.

November 2020

  • Hella and Mark got us started with The Fourth Be With You - a great run down to Huskisson and on to Plantation Point reserve for a picnic lunch.
  • Mazdas in the Mist, at Burrawang General Store returned and a big thanks goes out to Phil Reid who has organised this monthly event for many years.
  • Jan Gibson led us to Tarago Pub where we celebrated Brendan’s birthday with a forgettable meal. Wingello Village Store would like a return visit from us and we would like to return.

December 2020 

  • We weren’t killed in the rush for our 'non-Christmas' celebrations at Tahmoor Inn Hotel but 25 members enjoyed the day out, led by Mark. The Hotel has good food, and it is worth another look. Very MX-5 friendly. 

January 2021

  • No cancellations for Bryan!!!  Cyclonic conditions on the Run to Kangaroo Valley. A small incident on Macquarie Pass which ended well. What are we in for next January?
  • Our traditional Australia Day picnic at Cordeaux Dam didn't happen due to more covid concerns.

February 2021

  • We got a bit carried away this month with three Runs.
  • Senia and Bob took us the long way to Bald Hill and then back down to Ryans Hotel in Thirroul for dinner. Dinner? Dinner? Dinner? We are still waiting.
  • A freezing cold and windy day at Kiama Blowhole with Phil Belcher followed by a great lunch at the Fisherman's Club at Gerroa.
  • Neil Tribe led us on the inaugural Sandra Reid Memorial Run to the Bundanoon Club.

March 2021

  • Our thanks go out to Leon Sawyer who had us ripping off shirts at the Dinner Meeting. CPR and Defib were on the menu.
  • The cruise boat ran aground, the land slipped on Clyde Mountain and the roads flooded all the way to Batemans Bay. At least you led us to Donegan’s terrific Steakhouse, thanks Wally. This trip could be done again as everything is already organised.
  • Chrissie and John couldn't resist showing off all the houses they had lived in around the northern suburbs before whisking us up the mountain to the Temple at Helensburgh. For once the sun actually came out. We must 'DO' lunch again at Bundeena RSL.

April 2021

  • A new awakening of the sights around Jamberoo Valley before finding our ‘inner child’ at Leonville Junction. This was something different and a real treat for all of us because Gwen and Leon put on a sumptuous afternoon tea to enjoy while watching the trains. Thank you for inviting us back!  We will come.
  • Hella, when are you going to stop your obsession with sheep? Your Run to the Dams apparently only produced Jan’s delicious slice.

May 2021

  • Covid was rearing its ugly head again, and restrictions were starting to emerge, but our Chapter kept soldiering on.
  • Illawarra Chapter 9th Birthday Celebration. Who could forget Jennifer's wonderful cake? Please do it again next year Jennifer.
  • The Dinner Meeting also gave us the spectacle of Barr's Cars. Fact or fiction, Brendan? Didn’t know you were that old!
  • Hallelujah! Hallelujah! A terrific day eating, drinking and chatting at the Farm, West Dapto. Let's do it again next year because now Phil R and James know how to get there. Ask me for details.
  • Kerry organised the Super Go Karting Challenge at Picton and assures me it will be bigger and better next year.  Female drivers needed. Picton Bowlo is waiting, too.
  • The spectator Run to Wakefield Park was cancelled due to Covid but it would be good to include it on a trip up that way in 2022. 

June 2021

  • Joe's dancing Tesla with all the lights, bells and whistles was a highlight of the Dinner Meeting. Some members were lucky enough to go for a spin.
  • Robert Simms took us via Fitzroy Falls through the rain and sleet to Cherry Tree Hill Winery. Our gourmet pies were a bit light on and one person had difficulty staying on his stool after a couple of wines.
  • Will we or won’t we? Should we or shouldn’t we? The great dilemma prior to our Christmas in July in June at the Robertson Hotel. Yes! Let’s do it! Drinks and chat by the open fire, finished the main meal and waiting for dessert when everyone’s phones starting ringing. Our Glad was announcing a ‘lockdown’ for Greater Sydney at 6pm. Weren't we lucky we chose June for our July Christmas! 

July, August, September, October 2021

Who knew at the end of June that we would be in 'lockdown' until mid-October?

What we missed:

  • Riverboat Postman with Trevor Gillett
  • Weekend at Orange with Peter Feutrill
  • Weekend at Young with Hella & Mark Underwood (can't bring myself to mention those sheep again) 

These weekends have already been well organised so new leaders would be welcome to take over if the original members are 'over it'.

So, that completes the year from October 2020-2021. Fiona Shedden, our new Regalia Officer showed her feisty side, Bryan and Wesley kept us informed of the Club Committee activities, and Brendan tried to be witty with event information (he made it half way).

As a Chapter, we didn't do too badly considering some of the road-blocks we had to contend with. In seven months, we had 14 actual Runs to somewhere in and outside of the Illawarra area. Some people became Run leaders for the first time and new members joined the group. I had a lot of fun as the Illawarra Run Coordinator over the last 12 months, and would like to thank the members for their support. You made the job easy. I especially appreciated the wisdom, advice, consultation, support and humour given to me by Hella, Brendan, Bryan and Jan.

Now that lockdown is easing, I am looking forward to catching up with everyone at the Dinner Meeting (4 November), Mazdas in the Mist (13 November), Journey to Nerriga Pub (20 November), and the Christmas Party at Figgy Bowlo (12 December). Brendan never lets us down so information and Booking Buttons are now up on the Events page for your perusal.

I've now retired as Illawarra Run Coordinator and at the moment we don't have a replacement. James is carrying the can, in addition to being our Chapter Convenor, but it's unfair to expect him to do both for the long term. We need a new Run Coordinator for the year ahead. Much of the work has been done for you already because there is a catalogue of runs and weekend trips that were planned but got covid-ed. Please let James know if you're interested in stepping up. We need you!