Mystery Picnic Day 6/4/2025
The morning dawned calm and sunny, and the temperature? As in the famous fairy tale, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, it was not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Off to a perfect start. Thus, prior to the allocated departure time of 10:00 a.m., seven vehicles and thirteen members arrived near the Truck Stop Memorial in Murray Bridge to participate in the Mystery Picnic Day event.
Some took advantage of the promise of the short leisurely run, inspiring owners to select their vintage vehicles for the day’s outing and arrived in all the splendour of the early era, but all participating vehicles created considerable interest from the passing traffic. So, the small group departed to travel at a designated speed of approximately 45 kms/hour, not too fast, not too slow, but just right, to follow a navigation and observation sheet and answer the questionnaire along the route to the destination. The group travelled up the main road to turn onto the Old Princes Highway at White Hill, then continued for a short drive until turning left into White Road. White Road twisted and turned amongst the farmland, native vegetation and Ingham Breeder Farms to the intersection at Ferries McDonald Road where a right turn was made. Through Monarto South, past several businesses, to the crossroads and turning left towards Callington. Onwards and upwards, the motors working as we crested the Callington Hill and then downwards and into the Callington Town Centre, before arriving at the Callington Oval and Recreation Centre.
The Callington Oval and Recreation Centre Committee have worked very closely with the Mount Barker Council and have created and maintained a wonderful area for the public to enjoy. Upon arrival, the group gathered to chatter and enjoy the morning sunshine, before the answers to the questionnaire were given. Much to their surprise, participants were then directed to use their questionnaire sheet paper to make a paper plane, and with even greater disbelief, fly the plane. Unfortunately, by this time, a small breeze was starting to make its presence felt and this affected the flying performance, but much fun was had by all.
People, chairs and picnic baskets moved towards the shelter shed and everyone made themselves comfortable, until a certain lady secretary suggested that the gentlemen could, one by one in a five-minute speech, inform the group of how they had met their wife and provide a summary of their life. Challenge accepted. Laughter and much amusement followed during the deliveries, until all stories were completed, and hunger deemed the picnic baskets be opened. However, unlike the fairy tale, there was no porridge. Lively chatter continued throughout the lunch break.
Following lunch, most of the group ventured across to the edge of the oval. Here, a game of golf was offered. The golf stick was a broom handle, telecom ropes marked out the perimeter, and tin cans were set up for the golf balls to be hit into. All of this, not on your usual smooth golf course surface, but freshly mowed oval grass of greater length. Considerably more precision needed for this game, but much fun was had by all. Daylight saving was now over, the afternoon hours were fading, and many had other engagements to attend, so farewells were made, and each progressively departed.
We thank all the members who attended the day, trust you enjoyed yourselves, and had a relaxing time. Thanks must also go the Callington Oval and Recreation Centre Committee for allowing our club to utilize their great facilities for the day.
