Illawarra Christmas Party & Presentation Day
17 December 2018 / Report: Wesley Hill; Photos: Senia Gaunson
Sunday 9th December was a beautifully warm and sunny day and with only 16 sleeps before Christmas, it was time to head to Wollongong - the Illawarra Chapter’s spiritual home to attend the Illawarra Chapter Christmas Party, this year being held at The Australian Motorlife Museum in Kembla Grange.
For those of you that don’t know, this relatively undiscovered car museum is a real treasure. Only 10 years young, it boasts 65-70 car exhibits, 90% of which are vintage. For 2-wheel enthusiasts there are 25 motorbikes to ogle and for those into memorabilia there are countless exhibits including pushbikes, radios, gramophone players, and all kinds of interesting items from yesteryear.
For the more energetic and those wanting a hands-on experience, the Museum was running some short rides in a few of their vintage Austin car exhibits including a 1926 Austin 7 Chummy, a 1928 Austin Burnham and a 1937 Austin Sedan.
After the adrenalin rush (LOL) it was time to sit down for a lunch of three meats and salads followed by some delicious deserts all catered for by the volunteer museum staff. Throughout the event members were able to buy raffle tickets with all the proceeds - $362 going to ‘Careflight’. This is a tremendous effort, so a big thank you to everyone for buying tickets.
With full tummies it was time to announce the annual award winners. The ‘Motorsport Member of the Year’ was presented to Matt Tarrant who has, in a relatively short space of time, progressed from driver training to competing later in the year in one of the NSW MX-5 teams campaigning at Philip Island.
The ‘Member of the Year’ award was presented jointly to Jeffrey and Pamela Rowe. A just reward for all their enthusiastic involvement in Chapter runs and activities throughout the year culminating in their election as Co-Convenors of the Illawarra Chapter in November. Well done Jeff and Pam!
The winner of the ‘New Member of the Year’ was not presented as the recipients were not present.
There were many people to thank who have worked hard not only on the day but throughout the year to ensure that Illawarra members have had good opportunity to become involved in the Illawarra Chapter to help maximise their enjoyment of their MX-5. A big thank you to outgoing Convenors Greg Tunks and Kim Williams – also event organisers together with Jan Gibson. Gifts of appreciation were also given to the many run leaders and event organisers during 2018. A big vote of thanks to committee members Brendan Barr (Website Coordinator), Phil Reid (Chapter Regalia Officer and organiser of Mazda’s in the Mist) and retiring Run Coordinator Wally Wojewski.
The afternoon ended with some fun as we laughed our way through the baby photo competition. Who would have thought those sweet and innocent looking babies would have grown up to become MX-5 immortals.
A total of 59 members attended this event – testament to the many strong friendships that have formed. It is true what they say – what you put in you get out. Here’s to 2019 – onwards and upwards.
Click here for Senia's photo album
