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News from Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria

Queensland

Queensland Contact: Peter Andrews

Reports:

14th June 2009 - Coochin Coochin historical homestead.

Club run 8th March 2009

Hot Chilli Run 2009

Christmas Lunch 14th December 2008.

Club run 23rd November 2008

North American Mogs Down Under

2008 Toogoolawah Vintage Aircraft Show


Club run. 14th June 2009 - Coochin Coochin historical homestead.

 Although the majority of Queenslander’s feel they live in the best place in Australia, I think the club run on Sunday morning confirmed this fact. Leaving the Gold Coast at 7.30am, we headed North on the M1 in bright sunshine and not a cloud in the sky. Admittedly it was rather chilli to start with, but as the sun rose we enjoyed the pleasure of driving a Morgan on a perfect sunny winter’s morning. 

Meeting up with the rest of our club group at Blacksoil, (west of Ipswich) we enjoyed a warming coffee before heading of on our run.

Heading west from Blacksoil, we then turned south through Walloon and skirting Amberley, driving through pleasant open countryside to Boonah, from here it was only a short run to our destination, Coochin Coochin Homestead.  

The name Coochin Coochin comes from the local indigenous dialect which means “Black Swan”. The homestead was first built in 1843 ten Klms away and then moved to it’s present location in 1871. When one considers this was done by Bullock and Dray, it was quite a project to undertake. The original building is made of locally cut Cedar, and this can be seen in the main building of the homestead. The Bell family purchased the property in 1882 and the present owner is the great grandson of James bell the original owners. As time went by the family gradually increased the size of the homestead by adding additional buildings, until today there is approx 100squares of home. 

The property is still a working property, but over the years parts have been sold off and to day there is approx 850 acres left from the original 450,000 acres.  

Over the years there have been many distinguished guests visit Coochin Coochin. The Prince of Wales 1920, Agatha Christie 1922, Sir Lauwrence Olivier and Vivian leigh 1948, HRH the Queen Mother 1958, and Sir Joe Bjelke-Petersen 1992. These are only a few of the many distinguished guests that have stayed here, and each of these guests has planted a tree in the grounds. Walking around the grounds it is very easy to imagine how  much this wonderful old homestead has featured in Queensland’s history. 

After enjoying a very pleasant morning tea, and a most informative talk by Jane Bell on the history of the property, we headed back to Boonah and northward to the quiet country town of Roadvale. Here we enjoyed country cooking at the Roadvale pub together with good conversation and a drink or two. After lunch we said our farewell’s and enjoyed a pleasant drive back to the Coast via Beaudesert and Canungra. 

I would like to thank Joe and Bev Wilson for organising a very pleasant day out in the country, and those member’s who participated in a great club run. 

Safe Morganeering. 

Gerald Snelling. V/P MOCA/Qld.

 

Club run 8th March 2009

After a week of rain and inclement weather, Marcel and I made an early start on our journey to meet other MOCA/Qld club members for the clubs March run. Leaving home a little after seven with the top down, we enjoyed a beautiful cool morning in bright sunshine on our run North to our meeting point. It took a little over two hours to get to our meeting place and although it was necessary to travel on main roads, it was a great start to the day.

 

The meeting place was a small historic township called Woodford. This is located thirty Klm west of Caboolture on the D’Aguilar Highway, North of Brisbane. When we arrive several of the other members were already there enjoying a coffee or other refreshments. Barry and Heather, together with  Ralph and Wanda had organized today’s run, and so they gave us a brief rundown on our mornings journey through the beautiful countryside before departing.

 

After leaving Woodford, we drove west on the D’Aguilar Highway before turning right onto the Kilcoy-Beerwah road and then joining the Maleny-Staney river road. Our journey then took us through some of the most pleasant countryside in the Sunshine Coast hinterland area, passing through the townships of Bellthorpe and Reesville. We drove on through Maleny and onto Montville and finally to Flaxton for lunch.

Our lunch stop today was a restaurant well known to most of our members and also some Sydney member, who may remember it from their trip to Qld, “La Relais Bressan”. We were warmly greeted by our host Thierry Clerc, who had kept an area for our Morgan’s to park. As usual, the food was excellent and the company the same. Our host Thierry has now accumulated quite a collection of interesting vehicles, there is mainly a European theme but most importantly Thierry is now the proud owner of a 1974 Morgan 4/4

 

 

 

 

The collection includes, 1921 Citroen Cloverleaf, 1953 Citroen Traction, 1958 Renault Daphine, 1961 Renault Floride, 1974 Citroen DS Balas, 1976 Ferrari Dino 308GT4 and a 1988 Citroen 2CV.

 

Part of the front of the building has been converted to display all of the cars, and has  become another attraction in its own right in that part of the Sunshine Coast.

  

Another very pleasant club run with thirteen cars in all. As we had a fairly long drive home we said our goodbyes and headed off to do battle with the Sunday afternoon traffic heading south to Brisbane on the M1 motorway

Safe Morganeering. 

Gerald Snelling. V-P Qld. 

 

Hot Chilli Run 18th January 2009

We have a number of new members so decided to once again hold the Hot Chilli Run at Mt Mee, even though many of us have been there twice over the last three years.  

The morning of the 13th Hot Chilli Run dawned auspiciously -- light cloud 25°C -- but not so auspiciously because the @#*@#* possums in Cornubia had eaten the whole crop or chillies!  So for the first time in all these years -- no chillies (we found out later that Fred too had none). 

 A pleasant run through an unnaturally quiet Brisbane's CBD took us to the appointed meeting place in Samford Village where a rainbow cavalcade of Morgans soon assembled.  No three wheelers this year, but diverse +4, 4/4 +8  and V6 cars assembled in both two and four seater forms.  Only mishap (if you can call it that) was that Vernon's suss battery dictated a downhill start. After many "Happy New Years" all 14 MOGs (from the South) and an itinerant MG set off on one of the most pleasant drives in south-east Queensland; up to Mount Mee through Dayboro and past Ocean View. The road was clear (apart from an ageing Holden) and we indulged ourselves on the uphill bends clearly designed for Morgan's capabilities. 

Mt Mee Forest Park is beautifully situated at the top of the ridge with many cool breezes and light cloud work welcoming us to the Gantry. The Gantry Park is a State Forest Park with good facilities.  The Park is a great venue in mid summer as, being high up in the mountains, it is usually nice and cool.  It also has plenty of room for parking, shady trees, toilets, tables/bench seats, BBQ’s and best of all, at the end of a narrow winding mountain road.  Good Morgan territory.

First there were Fred and Jenny sitting benignly looking on as we all drove in. Those arriving from the North met us in the park. The total attendance was 18 Morgans, covering all the years between 1951 and 2007 even a hardtop of recent vintage. All 18 Morgans attracted a lot of attention from other visitors to the park.

Three other cars attended with our group (an MGB GT, VW Jetta and a beautifully (hand) built, aluminum bodied, three wheeler based on a Citroen 2CV mechanicals.  The Citroen engine/gearbox, front suspension etc. was straight out of a 2CV, the single rear wheel was one side of a 2CV rear wheel assembly.  It even had a large boot!  Peter, the owner of the Citroen based 3-wheeler also has a Series 1 Morgan under restoration. 

We didn’t get all the number plates, but a large selection shows the obvious MOG influence.  Those attending in no particular order were: MOG81, 06 MOG, MORGN1, OZZ221, NSR444, 430HRM, MOG, MOG69,  05MOG, 75MOG, 90MOG, EDS02, 44MOG, 00MOG, 858LHC, 792FIK with supernumerary 805CII (MG) and PGO00 (three wheeler). 

Although smoke and fire in the picture showed the BBQ was ready for those who like to cook, most just mixed the smoke with their cold lunches. 

With much talk about Morgans, the gathering contributed to a delightful day. 

 The Hot Chilli Run has a bit of history attached to it.....

 The name, ‘Hot Chilli’ came about from Michael’s previous experiences in Scotland. 

The run grew out of a tradition where Michael, in more northerly climes, joined with others taking a drive in an open top car on 1st January, snow hail or rain.  At first in MGs thereafter in MOG 81 (although it wasn't called that then!) sometimes with chains on the wheels.  Because temperatures were usually on the wrong side of freezing the run was called the ‘Chilly Willy Run’ with awards of Willy warmers to those who participated. 

The first Hot Chilli Run was on 01 January 1996 and was attended by two of our current members, Michael Moore and Fred Birkbeck (accompanied by wives Alice and Jeanette).  The run came about by instigation from Michael over a few contact emails.  At the time both Fred & Michael were unaware of other Morgan Owners in Queensland so no other Morgan contacts were sought.

The first Hot Chilli run was to Binna Burra.  Although mid-summer, it was wet, raining heavily and cold (it was the start of that year’s summer monsoon rains) so the four, wet, enthusiasts scrambled into a dry Restaurant and indulged in hot soup.  A great day was had talking Morgans and past experiences. 

The participants decided that a more appropriate name for a new run was needed. Agreement that in the warmer climes of Queensland ‘Chilly Willy’ was not appropriate.   So, notwithstanding the rain, the best term would include 'hot' and, because of a ready supply of chillies (from Fred's garden - brought along for garneshing lunch), that the word chill(y)i would still remain appropriate.

And there you have it - the genesis of the Hot Chilli Run. 

We have now had 13 consecutive Hot Chilli runs.  May the tradition continue. 

Michael Moore and Fred Birkbeck 

 

Christmas Lunch 14th December 2008.

It seems to be something every body is saying at the moment, “where has this year gone”. On Sunday the 14th December MOCA-Qld held its annual Christmas lunch.  

This year, we were again invited back to the Royal Queensland Yacht Club, at Manly. This is a wonderful venue due mainly to the location right on the foreshore at Manly, and it also has a large grassed area for us to display our Morgan’s. Following a week of mixed weather, Sunday dawned with bright sunshine and not a cloud in the sky. Great we thought but soon found out just how hot it was going to get, you guessed it 30c plus. 

We had a pleasant but rather warm run from the Gold Coast, taking the back country route rather than sit on the motorway with all the heavy traffic. Unfortunately our friends from the Sunshine Coast did not have the same option. There were two Morgan’s that experienced some overheating problems, but nothing that could not be sorted out.  

When every one had arrived there were sixteen Morgan’s lined up in front of the Yacht Club on the lawn, a great sight in a great setting. The sight of the Morgan’s lined up brought plenty of attention from members and visitors to the club that day, 

As we were located on the water front, a nice fresh breeze coming off the water kept the temperature to a comfortable level, which enabled everyone to enjoy their lunch without getting to hot. I think a good supply of drinks from the bar also had something to do with it as well. 

Once again Peter Andrews did a magnificent job organising this years Christmas lunch. In addition to organising the lunch, Peter arranged for every member who attended, to bring a gift for a child under the age of twelve, these were then taken by Peter to the Brisbane Children’s Hospital, for distribution to children in hospital on Christmas morning by the staff.  

Another calendar year is coming to a close, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all MOCA/Qld members for their support and assistance with organising events and runs over the last year. Trusting every one had a great festive season, safe Morganeering in 2009. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Club run 23rd November 2008 

In the days leading up to our run the weather had been very wet and windy with severe storms in the evenings, so it was a pleasant surprise to find Sunday morning bright and sunny for our club run to Mt Mee. 

Due to the location of our lunch venue, our club members departed from two separate locations. Those members from the Sunshine Coast met at the northern end of Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough, and the members from the south and Brisbane met at one of our favourite meeting places, the BP Blacksoil. 

The southern group departed Blacksoil at 10.30 am and headed north west on the Esk road up the Brisbane valley, after passing through Fernvale we took a right turn keeping Lake Wivenhoe on our left and then entered Mt Glorious National park. The drive through the park and over the top of Mt Glorious is certainly one of the best drives in the Brisbane area, with good road conditions and perfect winding and hilly terrain. Continuing on we made  our way to Samford Village where we were met by one of our new members Peter Gibbs, who was driving his three wheel special. ( Photo attached ) After a break for a caffeine shot and cake or two, Peter Gibbs took us on a very scenic run north from Samford over Clear Mt and Mt Sampson. This gave us spectacular views of North Pine Dam and across to the ocean. What made this run even more interesting was the detour to avoid a large fallen tree and driving with winds of up to sixty Klm blowing across the hilltop. Fortunately all cars managed to avoid the fallen branches and debris in the road.

Arriving at “Birches Restaurant” we were greeted by the rest of our club members from the Sunshine Coast who had arrived a short time before us. 

The Sunshine Coast members also had a very pleasant drive down from Landsborough via Peachester and Woodford. At Woodford, morning tea and many fine pastries were dispatched by club members while enjoying the ambience of  The” Story Book Cottage”  Caf’’e. After morning tea the male members were delighted when the ladies suggested a look around the shops would be a good idea. After much encouragement from the male members, the run continued onto “Birches Restaurant” at Mt Mee for lunch. ( No antiques where noticed sticking out of Morgan’s)

Good food and drink were enjoyed by everyone, a restaurant worth keeping in mind for the future. 

Another great run for MOCA/Qld members, I would like to welcome Peter Gibbs to our club and thank him for his assistance in the run on Sunday. Peters three wheeler is a kit car from the UK using a Citroen 2CV running gear  and gearbox. The body is all hand made and the brass cone on the front is beaten from one sheet of brass. Many of the ally parts have been made by Peter on his own machinery. ( Lathes, millers etc). Peter is also restoring a Morgan flat rad. 

Safe Morganeering.


North American Mogs Down Under

MOCA/Qld members had the pleasure of meeting our North American visitors as they travelled north on their Australian tour. Our three visitors are, Robert & Barbara Stinson, (In their Roadster.) Ken & Pat Miles, (driving a tuned-up 4+4) Pam Mahoney & Chris Allen (driving a +8)

The group had taken three days to get to the Gold Coast, taking the opportunity to do a bit of sight seeing on the way. They arrived on Saturday 11th October, and were greeted by Bruce and Ross Callahan, who were kind enough to take them into their home while they were staying here on the Gold coast. That evening Bruce had arranged a BBQ for our visitors, and Marcel and I together with Graham Hobbs enjoyed an evening of swapping stories and making new friends.

 

 

 

 

Sunday morning started with rather overcast weather and the possibility of light shows. This was a little disappointing as we had arranged to take our guest on a tour of the hinterland behind the Gold Coast. All present being good Morganeers, we then headed off to enjoy the wonderful winding roads of our hinterland (the best Morgan roads in Queensland). Although overcast the rain held off and we travelled through beautiful countryside to Springbrook. This is a little village high in the hills and surrounded by rainforest and is famous for Purlingbrook Falls. These falls are over one hundred feet high and are surrounded by walking tracks; there is also a track that takes you down behind the base of the falls themselves. This whole area is all part of Lamington National Park, which stretches down into NSW. As it had been raining for the previous week, the falls were in full flow. Unfortunately time did not allow us to explore any of the walking tracks and explore the rain forest.

We then headed back towards the Gold Coast stopping at the Eagles Nest Hotel on Mt Tamborine. Here we enjoyed a very pleasant lunch, and fortunately the sun came out so that our visitors were able to enjoy the magnificent views across to the coast. The view stretches from Burleigh heads in the south to Jacobs Well in the North. As this hotel can get rather busy, we had arranged with management to display the Morgan’s on the lawn in the garden area. This drew quite a lot of attention from the patrons present. From here it was a gentle drive down the mountain stopping of at Sanctuary Cove for a look at this part of the Gold Coast.

As we said our farewells, we look forward to seeing our visitors from North America again at Bathurst after they have completed their Australian trip.

Gerald Snelling. VP. MOCA/Qld.

The people in the photo from left are. Graham and Margaret Hobbs, Gerald and Marcel Snelling. Pat and Ken Miles. Pam Mahoney and Chris Allen, Robert Stinson. (lost his wife Barbara ) and Ross Callahan. Bruce taking the photo.

 


2008 Toogoolawah Vintage Aircraft Show

Fellow MOCA/Qld members,

A short report on our club run to Toogoolawah for members who were not able to make it on Sunday 31st August.

I think most of us looked at the sky with apprehension as we left our respective homes. The sky was overcast and we had a light shower on the Gold Coast just as we were leaving, but it has to be bad before the hood goes up.

The Gold Coast and Brisbane groups met at the BP Blacksoil. It would appear this venue is becoming popular as there were three different clubs meeting there that morning. As our Morgan's began to arrive it was a matter of double parking were one could. Thirteen Morgan's arrived at Blacksoil altogether. The sun came out as we headed of in convoy up the Brisbane Valley Highway to Esk and then on to Toogoolawah. Driving across the causeway of the Wivenhoe dam, it was pleasing to see the level had increased substantially since we were last here.

When arriving at the Watts Bridge airfield, we were joined by some of our members from the Sunshine Coast, together with a number of MG's from the same area. The sight of seventeen Morgan's lined up certainly set the mood for the vintage and veteran aircraft on display, and we were not disappointed. The display of row after row of classic aircraft lined up made a very impressive sight. The annual meeting of the "Queensland Vintage Aeroplane Group" at Watts Bridge is a wonderful example of our aviation history. Below is an example of some of the aircraft on display.

P51 North American Mustang: a famous Second World war long range escort fighter powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin V12 engine. As fitted to Spitfires, Lancaster and Mosquito. This particular aircraft built in Australia at Fisherman's Bend in Melbourne. The US version were powered by a licence built Packard Merlin which did not perform any where near as well as the Rolls original. Most if not all flying have the Rolls engine.

De Havilland of Canada Chipmunk: late World War two trainers built in Canada. Those on display were the British version common in Australia as primary trainer for both military and civilian pilots.

De Havilland Tiger and Fox Moth: basic trainers and a famous British design.

Yak trainers: Russian built together with the Chinese built equivalents. Cold War primary trainer for Eastern Block countries and China.

Spitfire: A two thirds scale Submarine Spitfire, this version powered by a Japanese auto engine, built here in Brisbane.

North American Trojan: Cold War vintage American trainer built for the American Air Force and Navy as advanced trainers. Cockpit built to replicate the F86 Sabre fighter to aid pilot conversion training.

De Havilland Rapid: 30's British Airliner. Used widely in Commonwealth countries and used widely by The Royal Flying Doctor Service.

One of the things that was so impressive about this particular display, was that all of these aircraft mentioned could be seen flying at the show. There seemed to be a continual display of flying aircraft.

Like all good things, all too soon it was time to leave for our lunch destination. Once again driving in convoy, we headed to the Exchange Hotel Toogoolawah. During lunch I mentioned some of our upcoming events and activities including the upcoming Bathurst run for the Morgan Golden Muster. A list of future events will be sent out to members in the near future.

Sunday was a great example of what Morganeering is all about, driving our Mogs and enjoying good company.

I would like to thank John Raby for supplying the information on the aircraft listed in this report.

Safe Morganeering.

Gerald.