Annual Presentation Dinner 2021

FORMER GMH ENGINEER is GUEST SPEAKER at ANNUAL DINNER
By Graham Edwards
Photos by Graham Edwards & Elaine Bretag
60 Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge (ACCMB) members and guests congregated at the newly renovated Murray Bridge Golf Club (MBGC) function/bar rooms to celebrate the clubs 49th annual Presentation night. This being the first one in two years because of COVID restrictions.
General conversation amongst those present was renewing acquaintance’s, COVID and the week’s rainfall, set the scene for an enjoyable evening.
With all seated, ACCMB President Claude Minge welcomed those present, including a special welcome to guest speaker, Graham Hallandal, wife Brenda and family, past members along with prospective ACCMB members, before outlining the evenings proceedings.
While attendees chatted, the main course meal of alternate drop chicken and roast beef was served by the jovial, swift and polite waitresses for the evening, while “Barista Barry” manned the bar in between kitchen duties.
Following the main course, the presentation of trophies took place by President Claude and wife Liz, with the winners of the 2018/19 year, being presented with their interesting design and color “keeper trophies”. These are presented to the recipients of that years Perpetual trophies.
Next presentation were the Perpetual trophies for 2020/2021, and the winners were as follows,
Valvoline Trophy — for most points scored for attendance of meetings & runs – Jan Hall.
Patron’s Run – Winner of completion set down by Patron – Jan Hall.
President’s Trophy – Member chosen by President for continuing Club service – Brenda Cowie.
Sausage Sizzle – Winner of quiz set by run organizer – Maureen & Graham Edwards.
Ladies Day – Winner of quiz set by run organizer – Liz & Claude Minge.
Economy Run –Members to determine amount of fuel used by nominated car on run – Lyn & Tom West.
Founders Trophy – Most interesting run during year– Karoonda Silo Run — John Courtney & Graham Edwards.
Mal Fountain Run – A run completed during COVID at leisure from online download — Maureen & Graham Edwards.
As recipients admired their newly acquired trophies, a delicious and generous serving of either “Sticky date pudding” or “Fruit Salad” and ice cream was served.
It was then time for President Minge to introduce the evenings Guest speaker, well known former business man – Graham Hallandal. His subject – “20 years as an employee with General Motors Holden” (GMH) accompanied by a Power Point presentation 1955 – 1975.
Beginning his working life as an apprentice Fitter & Turner with GMH, working his way up through GMH into positions of Draughtsman, Senior Cost Estimator in Finance Dept of GMH, Fisherman’s Bend, until he was later transferred to the Manufacturing Department as a Senior Engineer, helping coordinate with Opel – Germany with the first Commodore.
Along with many, one of his greatest experience’s came with the TORANA GTR-X project, which unfortunately because of competition brands releases at about the same time, of similar cars to that of the GTR-X, and costing much less, the GMH project was shelved, and now the only remaining GTR-X can be seen on display at the Birdwood Museum. Truly a disappointment for the GMH fans at the time, including President Claude’s late father, Claude Minge senior.
At the conclusion of Graham’s informative presentation, President Claude made a small presentation, with all applauding in the usual manner.
With the evening drawing to an end, President Minge gave a sincere thank you on behalf of all present to the MBGC management, kitchen & bar staff for their hospitality, while thanking all for coming and wishing all a safe return home.