South Coast Goes To Presidents Picnic

28 September 2023 / Story: Rose Smith; Photos: Rose Smith

Five keen long-distance travellers set off at 6:30am to the Presidents Picnic on Sunday 18 September. Geoff and Rose along with Paul R, Ian Mc and tail-end Charlie: Bob D started the drive up towards Kangaroo Valley and frustratingly got stuck behind a vehicle travelling at a snail’s pace. Although there was ample opportunity for the driver to pull to the left… he didn’t oblige. After eventually getting past, the remainder of the drive to Ebenezer Church was enjoyable, with only 43 km of expressway. The amount of housing development that has, and is still occurring on what were country paddocks, is substantial. … where will it stop!! At long last we joined a long line of Mazda’s arriving at the Church. Entry and registration were carried out efficiently thanks to the tireless volunteers who ran to each car in the blazing heat.

Loads of trees offering plenty of much needed shade, historic buildings and the Hawkesbury River running past was an awesome setting for the picnic. After setting up camp  with Illawarra members, we went down to inspect the MX5’s to vote on our three favourites. The cars were parked in long lines according to their model, with NC’s being the most plentiful cars of the day. For most of us it was a quick inspection as it was too hot to stay in the sun. The standout car was vinyl wrapped featuring cartoon characters, winning the most popular car at the picnic.

Lunch was provided for everyone, chicken and salads, which was served up by the Ebenezer Church crew. Thanks to them for doing a brilliant job in such a welcoming and easy-going way.

Approximately 210 people attended the picnic and there were between 130 -150 MX5’s, which was a sight to behold. $200 was collected for the Ebenezer Church and $500 was raised for the Club’s charity, Careflight.

It was a fabulous day out and it would be great to get a few more South Coast members to attend next year’s event.