Leeton Art Deco Weekend
17 July 2023 / Words: Mark Underwood. Photos: Mystery
It's early Friday morning, cool and cloudy, but for the 11 eager members it’s just the start of an exciting 3 day adventure to the Art Deco Festival in Leeton. Some were brave and had their roofs down, others were old and wise and they knew the rain Gods were playing with us, holding off until we were in places where we couldn’t stop to roof up.
We had a leisurely drive down the freeway to our morning tea stop at the Merino Cafe in Gunning, where we met our 2 Canberran cousins, Rod and Maryanne.
Just before the town the Upper Lachlan Shire Council thought it appropriate to dig up the road for us, so our cars would be muddy for the rest of the trip. The road was NOT like this on the recce 4 weeks prior, otherwise I would have found another way to get there!
Service was very quick, the scones delicious, and it wasn’t long before we were on our way to Temora, via Burley Griffin Way for lunch at the lovely White Rose Cafe.
On the way to Temora we encountered patchy road works and a lovely water crossing to wash the dirt off the cars, but alas it didn’t work, they still stayed dirty.
Apparently, our car going through the water with a truck coming in the opposite way, gave my car a spectacular bath, but alas, it happened too quick for anyone to take the comical video. Thank heavens our roof was up, otherwise we would have been drenched. Garry saw the light and stopped before going through the water as he knew what was going to happen! After a delicious lunch we followed some back roads to our destination, the Motel Riverina in Leeton.
The afternoon sun came out for us so we were able to set up the tables for our traditional snacks, drinks and hot cuppas before dinner. Some of Ladies dressed up for dinner and looked gorgeous, whilst the others dolled up with beautiful jewellery and scarves. All the women looked great, and us men rugged up against the cold.
Saturday morning was cold and cloudy as we headed out for our guided walk of the Art Deco buildings of the town. Noel, our guide was very informative showcasing the history of the buildings, and everyone enjoyed the tour.
After the tour we went to Mountfort Park for a quick bite to eat.There was music and dancing to entertain us whilst we ate lunch. Most of the group then headed out to Henry Lawson Cottage for a very informative and entertaining talk. Henry had turned up and was great, reciting poems and playing the guitar. Those that didn’t go stayed and watched the entertainment which was good.
Afternoon activities included an exhibition of Tutankhamun and the museum had an Art Deco themed exhibition. Some of us went to the Jockey Club where there was a Show and Shine, up to MX5 standard. Around 30 cars, a mix of old and new Fords, Holdens and a few sporty cars.
As it was very cold, Leanne invited us all into her room for happy hour. Luckily not all came, otherwise we’d be sitting on her bed!
Sunday morning arrived so quick and time to head home. Four of us went to the Yanco Powerhouse Museum, which was interesting how it supplied electricity to Yanco and Leeton in the early days.The coal to run it was railed down from Sydney. It had a very good display of old wares, and our guide was informative about the history of the powerhouse.
A great week-end away where everyone enjoyed themselves as usual, in the companionship of fellow chapter members from Canberra and Sydney.
