Patron’s Run 2020
Part A by Bob & Lyn Hunter
18 cars and 36 people left the clubrooms in the beautiful sunshine and crisp air, just the sort of day you enjoy taking your old car for a spin. We arrived at Ben’s at 10:30 a.m., morning tea time, to coffee and biscuits. After perusing the great collection of cars and a motor home that Ben had on show, he then took us to see the “surprise”, he wanted to show us. Just up the street and across the road to his new showroom, where (“Blow me Down”), there was the pink and white Ford replica Thunderbird that Marilyn Monroe drove in the late fifties film (Blonds have more Fun). But unfortunately, I did not have my credit card with me or I might have been driving home in it. We then drove the short distance around to the Commercial Hotel for lunch which was very good in selection and very good quantity. Graham organized a group to look at the Strath Museum. But Lyn and I decided to head for home before it got too hot, as MG’S don’t like the heat, and neither do I. I would like to thank all of you who attended the run and I hope you enjoyed it as much as Lyn and I. A thank you to Terry and June, for being Tail End Charly and thankfully no incidents reported.
Bob & Lyn Hunter (Run Organizers)
Part B By Graham Edwards
14-10-2020 began with 38 Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge (ACCMB) members assembling at their Johnstone Park clubrooms for a much awaited run during the COVID 19 era.
ACCMB Patron, Mr. Bob Hunter and wife Lyn arrived in their 1969 MG B GT Coupe, setting the scene for the outing and asking members to sign the run book for COVID records, before outlining the days activities and calling for members to “start their engines” and get ready to roll.
Moving from Johnstone Park, left onto Adelaide Road, proceeded to Old Princess Highway, through the “didn’t happen dream city of Monarto”, through Callington and Woodchester’s farming country with its rolling fields of freshly cut bales of hay and with cereal crops fence high, waiting for a perfect finish to hopefully what will become a bumper year, before arriving at Collectable Classics (CC) in the historic township of Strathalbyn.
ACCMB members parked all of their 16 various classic cars in and around the CC carpark, creating a spectacle for locals and visitors alike to view.
On arrival, ACCMB were met by owner Principal Mr. Ben Finnis, who was introduced to members by Patron, Bob Hunter. A gift of a ACCMB coffee mug was duly presented to Mr. Finnis in appreciation for the visit to CC.
Mr. Finnis then gave a short presentation of the history of CC and its operations in Strathalbyn, before inviting members to view the many classic cars on display and for sale.
Some of those classics included a 1970 Holden LC GTR Torana, 1970 Holden HG GTS Monaro coupe, 1976 Holden HX Limited Edition Coupe, number 174 of only 600 ever to be built, 1956 Ford Thunderbird, along with many more.
As a special surprise for ACCMB members, after a short walk across Rankine St, they were invited to view the contents of an additional storage garage that in day’s gone by, housed the motor vehicle dealerships of Hupmobile in 1919, along with Ford in the 1960’s.
Then it was time for ACCMB members to assemble at the Commercial Hotel in Historic High street to partake in a midday meal.
With the meal complete, ACCMB President Mr. Claude Minge thanked Patron Bob and Lyn Hunter for organizing another successful outing, along with thanks to the hotel management and staff for their service. Members applauded in the usual manner of appreciation.
Who was the ACCMB member who won, a “Pale Ale Beach Towel” at the hotel during lunch, courtesy of a pub Scratchie ticket ?? With summer around the corner, members look forward to seeing this person on the beach, kitted out with the new towel and bathers!!
As an additional bonus to the day, ACCMB Publicity officer, Graham Edwards organized an impromptu visit to view the ever impressive Gilbert’s Motor Museum across the road from the pub, run and manned by community volunteers as a sub group of the Strathalbyn Tourist Association, and what a tremendous job these volunteers are doing for their community in promoting history.
For a “walk back in time” experience, this ever increasing display of motoring history, motorcycles, vintage, classic, muscle cars and much more, is a must see experience not to be missed on your next visit to historic Strathalbyn.
