Patron’s Run 19/4/2026

Sunday morning, the 19^{th of} April saw an interesting start to the Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge (ACCMB) annual 2026 Patron’s Run, organized by Club Patron, Graham & Maureen Edwards.

With the weather forecast for 50% chance of showers and 25 deg, those members who don’t like their Classic vehicles to get wet were horribly disappointed.

As members began arriving at the departure point, the Railway Station Car Park area, and with the Patron’s Secretary, Maureen sitting under the shelter provided, filling out the days paperwork and collecting the days outing money, “Guess What” it began to drizzle.

Life members, John & Vicki Courtney “rolled up” in their newly acquired 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria Coupe, all gleaming for the occasion, and on its first Club outing. John was heard debating if he would continue in the rain, or go home and get his classic 1976 Fairmont, however members convinced he and Vicki that it was only a passing shower, and they were correct. The day turned out to be just perfect, after the “Fairlane” was “Christened”. How good was that?

Another new ACCMB member, Graham Buttle and guest, Paul Crook, proudly arrived in Graham’s “New Toy”, a 1986 Ford Capri, also on its first club outing and also being “Christened”.

Patron Graham then called “the troops” to order, giving all a very warm welcome and also issuing each car their own run sheet and the daily Patrons Run quiz sheet.

Departure took place at 8:35a.m. with 12 Classic and 6 modern vehicles taking part on the day. The convoy travelled to Milang via Brinkley, Mulgundawa, Lake Plains Rd & along the edge of Lake Alexandrina Rd before arriving at Milang’s waterfront Reserve for morning tea and a comfort stop in the shelter provided.

Following morning tea & the usual “putting the world right again talk”, vehicles “fired up their engines” and set off for their venue, “The Southern Fleurieu Historical Museum (SFHM) at Port Elliot, travelling via the scenic route through the picturesque Currency Creek wine region and Middleton, before arriving and parking ACCMB members vehicles for display at the Museum.

ACCMB members and quests were welcomed by the Museum’s Secretary, Lorraine Werner before moving throughout the many areas/sheds, where the next hour was spent viewing the magnificent displays of Unique & Unusual items, Fashion Exhibit from 1788-1956 era, Lifestyle area, Award winning Dairy display, Ploughs, Tractors, Tools of Trade, an old Electrolux Gas Producer (maybe the current fuel shortage may bring some of these units out of the sheds, then there would be a shortage of Charcoal. Mmmm), and even an original David Shearer Reaper from the Coote family.

Following the Museum viewing, ACCMB members & guests were treated to a ride around the oval to the clubroom facility on the old “Historic Granite Island Train” (HGIT) for midday lunch.

Members alighted and moved into the clubhouse before being served with a scrumptious BBQ followed by desert with tea & coffee if desired, cooked and served by the wonderful group of volunteers.

With lunch served the SFHM President, Mr. Dene Watson welcomed all, thanking the ACCMB and Patron Graham, for choosing the SFHM, to view the Museum, and supply lunch. Your visit is much appreciated by our wonderful small group of dedicated Museum volunteers. Dene also mentioned to ACCMB members that he and Patron Graham had reunited again, after both attending the Pinnaroo Area School together in the 1950’s, some 60 plus years ago. (My, doesn’t time fly when you are having fun).

In conclusion, ACCMB Patron Graham, thanked SFHM President Dene, along with all Museum volunteers for a most memorable visit, before presenting President Dene with a Certificate of Appreciation from

The ACCMB. This Museum is not a Museum to be missed. It contains something for everyone, male or female, young or old. Put it into your diary for a visit next time you are in the Fleurieu area.

Graham also thanked all those ACCMB members and guests for attending the 2026 Patrons Run with a difference, particularly in view of the current petrol shortage that Australia is experiencing, and asked that members hand their Quiz sheets in before they depart.

The Patron’s Run quiz winners will be announced at the ACCMB Presentation Lunch on June 21^st.

Members then re boarded the HGIT for the return trip back to the Museum, where they alighted, had an ACCMB group photo taken alongside of the HGIT before going back into the Museum tractor shed for a final group photo of members.

With all the viewing of the Museum concluded, ACCMB members said their thank you’s to Museum volunteers and Patron Graham and Maureen before returning home “whichever way” to Murray Bridge.

Another successful ACCMB outing for 2026.