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MOOGERAH DAM RUN
13th June 1999.
by Darryl Osborne
We met at Redbank on the cold morning of June 13th to begin our run to Lake Moogerah and at 8.30am we set out for our destination. With close to forty Minis ready to go the sound was music to our ears as we departed. The drive was good all the way to Kalbar where we stopped to have a break and take some photos and just look at the scenery. To see Mini’s lined up for half a kilometre at this stop was a magnificent sight. After moving on, we travelled to Lake Moogerah and arrived a little past 9.30am.
Upon our arrival we began to feed this hungry horde, the estimate of food required was carefully calculated and as usual we had to ask Mrs. York how much food we should get, as usual her advice was spot on. During lunch David Armstrong, (a local Mini collector), passed around a flyer with cars and parts he had for sale. This left many of us wondering what might be lurking in this bloke’s shed. The B.B.Q. area was okay for our lunch, as there were benches and tables to use while dining, at this time some people chose to explore the area.
Following lunch we gathered for a group photo and an address by Glen Carpenter, our president, who thanked us for coming and referred especially to Noel and Sandra Soppa who travelled all the way from Bundaberg to join us. The raffle was drawn and it was time to move on.
A collective decision was made to stop and check out the parts for sale in Mount Alford, so that was our next stop. Here we had a perfect example of the power of advertising, as fifty people invaded his backyard shed. I heard it mentioned that if he couldn’t sell the stuff to these blokes he should take it to the dump!
We left for Boonah and while passing the local hotel I am sure that the patrons may have thought that they may have stayed to long just judging by their looks as we drove by. After a brief stop at Boonah we drove to the Templin Historical Village where we were welcomed by the friendly volunteer staff, who gave a brief history of the area and how the site was established. Of particular interest was an old restored army ambulance put on display for us by Steven Stansfield the local ambulance officer who happens to have a history of Mini ownership. The members left for home after having inspected the site as the looming weather threatened.
This must be considered as a successful outing for our new club as members had an opportunity to use their cars and socialise with people with similar interests. We have also gained some new members as a result of this event.
Darryl.
By Bob Ward
My wife and son said they would love to “get away into the country” over the Queen’s Birthday weekend and would come on the Moogerah Dam Day Run providing my Mini didn’t break down. Well, they did, and IT did!
But let’s backtrack a little while my car is still serviceable and join the 32 Minis and their families at the Ampol Redbank Plains at 8am on a cold and cloudless morning. After a social chat and a drivers’ briefing, our intrepid leader Darryl Osborne led the convoy into the bush. He had mapped out a very pretty country course with lots of Mini curves for all to enjoy, and we arrived at the Kalbar Cemetery a short while later for a photo opportunity with all the cars in line. We tailenders were looking for the opportunity to bury the guy in the grey Camry who showered us all with rocks, damaging duco and pitting laminated windscreens.
Nevertheless, the convoy continued, and it was a great sight breasting one of the many rolling hills in the district to see 2 kms of Minis ahead, all different colours. Obviously the Kalbar church congregation didn’t object too stongly on high as 32 cars went rolling past, as we all made our destination at Moogerah Dam on time and intact.
Lake Moogerah is a lovely location and a tremendous venue for a day run, and many thanks to Darryl’s organisational skills in setting it up, even the local papers were advised.
Thanks as always to Peter Bossie, The Formosas, The Marchants, Mark Paget and The McDonalds and connections for the mouth watering BBQ and drinks. My apologies if I have left anybody out. An interlude of conversation was enjoyed and then it was time to take in the rest of the run.
Disaster struck as the Ward Family hurdled one of those revolting anti Mini cattle grids, as the fuel pump lead fell off and the car ground to a STOP. Who do you call? Not VIGIL. The best insurance in the world is to have the President and Secretary behind you. In a flash the problem had been identified and fixed by the intrepids, and Mark didn’t even have to get the BBQ sauce bottle out of his milk crate office to unpack his tools. Shepherded by the heirachy, with the rest of the bunch disappearing over the hills, we set off for Mt Alford. Unfortunately the stench of AvGas was overpowering and another unscheduled stop was made, attended by the faithful, to reveal a jammed needle valve and rubber bit in the float chamber. Once fixed, we caught up with the other patient Minis in quick time. ( ever been tail gated by Glen Carpenter through the S’s at Bunjurgen at 90mph – Payback!)
A short stop was made at the Boonah Pub only to be regaled by a drive past of the Jaguar Club. The consensus by the spectators present was that the Mini convoy won the event, particularly after the stir up of sleepy Boonah through the town mall – a sight not to be missed.
Templin Historical Village came alive as we took up the car park, and the lady in charge really hit her stride seeing all this fresh blood arrive to regale us all of historical events in the area. Nonetheless, it was an interesting stop over and ended the day on a pleasant note.
We had an uneventful run home to Brisbane where my wife and son announced, “ Gee we had fun!” How’d you go?
We look forward to the next one.
Bob.
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