Run to See "Old John"

01 June 2024 / Story: Anne Moffat, Photos: Maree Eccleston

After an early start from Maccas at Mount Colah seven cars made our way up the Old Pacific Highway to visit our oldest and much-loved member of our Club, John Jentsch aka “Old John”.

It was overcast and chilly as we travelled on to Saddles for a warming coffee break. The sky teased us now and again with a break in the clouds but unfortunately the sun continued to remain elusive.

John is now a “Reluctant Resident” at the Tarragal House Nursing Home on the Central Coast. He was so very happy to see us all and had a good old chat with everyone telling us how much he missed driving his MX5 and meeting up with everyone at Pie in the Sky and the monthly club dinners, but he did explain he has now become an avid reader again. He also keeps the nurses amused as he has certainly not lost his sense of humour!

John’s son Peter visits his Dad every day. He mentioned he had only seen his Dad smile a few times in the last six months. Once was when he had a dozen Sydney Rock Oysters and the last time he drove his car.  Peter helped John outside where all the cars were lined up for a photo shoot. He was genuinely happy to see this and said it brought back happy memories for him and, also us as we miss hearing his stories about the remarkable life he has led. Peter has been very worried about his Dad and sent an email expressing his gratitude to everyone who took the time to visit him. He said it was good to see him laughing and smiling again.

We left telling John we would visit him again soon before heading on to Terrigal for lunch.