Presentation Lunch 21/6/2026
On Sunday 21 June, 53 members of the Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge gathered at Monteith Hall for the club’s annual Presentation Lunch. Members arrived in a wonderful mix of vintage, classic and modern vehicles, which were carefully directed into position along the northern side of the hall by Bennet Dawson.
Two of the oldest vehicles on display, a 1929 Dodge Budd owned by John and Vicki Courtney and a 1929 Chevrolet owned by Wayne and Victoria Johns, took pride of place at the front of the hall. Set against the century-old stone walls of Monteith Hall, which was built in 1922, these vintage vehicles provided a fitting photo opportunity for those keen to capture the occasion.
Although the day was cold and wintry, the atmosphere inside the hall was warm and welcoming. Tables were decorated with native flowers and black-and-white chequered napkins in a cheerful nod to the motoring theme. Members soon settled in to enjoy a hearty lunch of roast lamb and chicken, potato bake, carrots, peas, gravy and bread rolls, followed by golden syrup dumplings served with ice cream and cream. The meal was generously prepared and served by the Monteith Hall committee volunteers.
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Brenda Cowie, who passed away shortly after this event. Brenda, a long-standing and valued stalwart of the Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge, had carefully collated and prepared the annual trophies and, as always, gave generously of her time and energy to support the club. Her efforts, friendship and commitment will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Club President Brian Rainey, assisted by Brenda Cowie, presented the annual trophies to the following recipients:
- Valvoline Trophy for attendance at meetings and runs — John and Vicki Courtney
- Patron’s Run, with the competition set by Graham Edwards — Deb and Jeff Schiller
- President’s Trophy, awarded by President Brian Rainey for continuing club service — Graham Edwards
- Founder’s Trophy for the most interesting run of the year — John and Vicki Courtney, for their Tanunda Club run
Between luncheon courses, Jan Hall once again captured everyone’s attention with a raffle she had organised. Sincere thanks go to Jan for arranging the prizes, tickets and ticket sales. The raffle was very well supported, with the writer delighted to win a potted frangipani.
Thanks also go to the members who donated raffle items, including Life Member May Schubert, who generously contributed a colourful, hand-crocheted rug she had made.
The raffle raised enough funds to cover the hall hire fee, plus a $50 donation to the hall volunteers in appreciation of their work on the day.
A quiz, devised by Brenda Cowie, added plenty of amusement to the day, with members challenged by a range of questions that kept everyone entertained.
At the conclusion of the lunch, the Monteith Hall volunteers appeared in their new aprons, and President Brian Rainey thanked them for their efforts before presenting the $50 donation.
Following the trophy presentations, raffle and quiz, members stayed warm and enjoyed the camaraderie of club friends over a glass of wine, tea or coffee before departing the peaceful river flats of Monteith for home.
President Brian thanked everyone who attended and helped make the Presentation Lunch such a successful and enjoyable occasion. Members agreed it had been a memorable outing and a fitting celebration of another year of club activity.
