46th Berrima Rally. 17th & 18th February 2024.

Hello again everyone,

Day 1.  Saturday 17th February 2024.

I have been a little sparse with my blog and adventure stories of late. However this weekend I was fortunate enough to spend the weekend in the beautiful Southern Highlands of N.S.W. mixing it with motor vehicles of different marques. Our Vintage and Classic motor vehicles are what brings us together as one big family from time to time and this weekend was one of those such occasions.

Once you read this account of my weekend away in the Southern Highlands you will not believe how TINNY I am, so let’s get started.

Departure time from the Insular Peninsula here in the Shire was 0700 am on Saturday morning. 

Two hours later after an enjoyable scenic drive in my 1930 Model A Ford  Special Delivery Wagon (see photo) I arrived at Mittagong Public School ( Rally headquarters for the weekend) to register and collect my weekend run pack that included my name tag and goodies that I had pre-ordered.

Ken standing with his award winning 1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Wagon.

It was great to catch up with Classic and Vintage Vehicle “Tragic’s” like my self that I hadn’t seen for a couple of years. This time last year I was away in America and could not attend this event. As soon as I arrived it was down to business, first stop was to join everyone for morning tea - homemade slices, Sao’s, tea and Coffee. After morning tea it was now time to park the vehicles  in their various categories, my “Woody” was entered in the Commercial Vehicle category class which (includes trucks, utes and tractors). A Judge would then review all vehicles to select “Best in Show” during this time.

Later Saturday afternoon most participants went on a 90 km (54 mile) run to Echo Point Bundanoon.

We all enjoyed Dinner at 6.00pm at the Mittagong (Golf Club).

Menu :  Mains - grilled fish, salad, chips or Roast Pork, chat potatoes, steam greens.

Sweats : Cheesecake or fruit crumble.

After we all pigged out on that scrumptious meal it was time to return to our accommodation to hit the sack and prepare for day two of our Rally.

Day 2.  Sunday 18th February 2024.

Sunday morning started off once again at Rally Headquarters (Mittagong Public School). 

Morning tea was provided (tea, coffee, homemade scones loaded (and I mean loaded) with home made jam, butter and cream prior to the start of our 60 km (37 mile) return trip to Kangaloon, absolutely magnificent scenery and drive. 

We arrived back at headquarters around lunchtime.

Lunch : Cold chicken smorgasbord with salads, tea and coffee.

Presentation of weekend awards afterwards after lunch.

Now this is when the real action started with yours truly. You will not believe what I am about to tell you.

Presentation of Category awards winners,  raffle draw and Gumball counting competition winner.

My dear friends Robyn and Bill Betts that support our Sylvanvale Pre-WWll Vintage Car show and have done so since its inception 8 years ago won the “ Best in Show “ Category (see photo). 

Bill Betts standing beside “Best in Show” his pride and joy a 1929 Buick that has taken him 37 years to restore. Let me tell you, this is one hell of a car. I would put it up there with any restoration that I have ever seen any where in the world, bar none. Well done Bill, you deserve it.

Moving right along, it was now time for them to announce the winner of the “Guess how many Gumballs” in the plastic container competition (see photo).

Photo showing the plastic container full of Gummballs for the Gummball competition, trophies, and raffle prize  ($100 voucher for Cole’s express Fuel & Shop).

On Saturday when I entered the competition I guessed that there were 750 Gummballs in the container, when they read out who the winner was, guess what!!! I was the winner, there were 757 Gummballs in that container, so I was 7 off the mark. Thank you very much, with a nice torch set for winning the competition.

I had no sooner sat down at my table and they announced Ken Warburton as the winner of the Commercial Category with his 1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Wagon, I went back up to the stage to accept my trophy (see photo) Commercial Category trophy, smaller trophy on the right of photograph.

Again I went back to my table to sit down and listen to the other category winners. The organisers were now getting down to the nitty gritty awards, when they announced the 2024 Berrima Event “Outright Winner”  Visitor Club award my name was read out again to my amazement . 

When I went back up to the stage to accept my trophy for the “Outright Winner” (see photo, larger trophy on the left of photograph) Visitor Club award I joking said to the Club President Eamon Tierney and (M.C.) Bill Flagg  all I need to do now is to win the raffle. When you’re on a roll, I always say go with it. Once again I went back to my table and waited patiently for the raffle draw.

Bill Flegg could not believe his eyes when he read out the name on the butt of the winning raffle ticket, number 53.(see photo, $100.00 fuel voucher at Cole’s).

Yes, you guessed it correctly.  Ken Warburton. 0438 692 737.

It is amazing when all the holes in the cheese line up and if you are fortunate enough to be there at the time I will take what ever they want to dish out to me. Successful weekend.

Hang in there folks because I am about to write another blog story about my Son Nathaniel and myself flying over to Perth to purchase a 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser, original, one owner, 29,000 kms on the clock, 11 seat Troop Carrier.

On the way home we also decided to drop into Port Lincoln in South Australia to swim with the White Pointers.

This is a story that you will not want to miss.

Cheers for now, stay safe.

Warbo.

 

The “Squire reporting live on the Magical Mystery Tour of Tassie.

 The “Squire reporting live on the Magical Mystery Tour of Tassie.

We are now more than half way through our extravaganza here in Tassie. 

I decided to put pen to paper so that you wouldn’t think that I had grown 3 heads. 

The weather has been so very kind to us, a couple of days ago here in Hobart we experienced a few hours of rain and that is it for over a week now.

It is almost impossible to tell you everything that has eventuated so far. I have decided to forward more photographs that hopefully will fill you all in on and where we have been since my last email.

Chrysler Car Club members on board the ‘Lady Launceston’ Tamar River Cruise.

The drive down the east coast of Tassie was sensational, perfect weather  (see photo) and the roads magnificent. I enjoyed morning tea  on the wharf with local fishermen at a little town called St Helen’s a costal resort village

Anglers enjoying their early morning fish at St Helen’s. Check out the glassy water.

At Helens to Hobart was an enjoyable 250 kms or 155 ml. drive in the old language.

Arrived at the Discovery Holiday Park in Hobart late afternoon for a well earned rest.

Mark Donnelly from our Chrysler Car Club wanted me to deliver some car parts to a friend of his here in Hobart so on Friday I did just that. His friend Dan spoilt me rotten, I spent the whole day with him. We drove south on the scenic drive to Cygnet & Huonville with a few surprises thrown in. We stopped at a small bakery along the way for morning tea. (see photo of morning tea).

In Cygnet we also visited an old flame of mine that I traveled the world with for 2 years in a V.W. campervan way back in the late 60’s early 70’s. She was not expecting to see me, so hence it sure shocked the pants off of her. Excuse the pun.

Dan also took me to a close friend of his who has a world famous collection of motorcycles way out in the sticks. His collection of 49 motorcycles is one of the best in the world ranging from 1919-1985 models.His passion includes Motto Guzzi -Ducati - Norton and many other brands (see photo).

Yesterday being such a beautiful day weather wise I decided that I would take the ‘64 Plymouth/Valiant for a drive to Mt. Wellington (4,169 ft or 1,271 mts). The view from the top takes in the greater Hobart region, Bruny island & the south west wilderness. (see photos).

View from the summit of Mt. Wellington looking down to the famous Hobart bridge.

At the summit of Mt. Wellington there are still small remnants of snow on the ground.

Yours truly the “Squire” enjoying the view of Hobart from the summit of Mt. Wellington.

This morning our troops are off for a day trip to Lake Pedder. Lunch stop at the Wilderness Lodge Restaurant overlooking Lake Pedder. 

Our fearless leader Brian Kelleher better known as “King Pin” & his wife Maria will be my chauffeur today. Brian asked me yesterday if I would like to join them today as a passenger. I gladly accepted their invitation.

Tomorrow we depart Hobart after 3  glorious days here in the south of the apple 🍎 isle, we travel from Hobart to Strahan a distance of (300 kms or 186 mls).

I am really looking forward to the next few days here in Tassie, we visit Strahan - Cradle Mountain and  especially our Gordon River Cruise on Thursday.

 

Stay safe. 

Warbo.

The ‘Squires’ Magical Mystery Tour of Tasmania . October 22nd-November 4th.

Reporting live from the Olde Tudor Hotel in Launceston, Tassie.

I am away touring Tasmania with the Chrysler Restorers Car Club on our 2023 Spring Tour here in the magnificent Apple isle.

Where do I begin!!

We departed the Geelong Port in Victoria the Captain of our ship the ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ announced over the P.A system that he had an announcement to make that would not make all of his passengers too happy.

The voyage would be very, very rough with 4 - 5 meter swells with huge winds for our crossing to Devonport. He suggested that if you get sea sick it would be advisable to take your medication immediately because we were in for a bumpy ride.

Wait until you read this yarn from the ‘Squire’.

It takes approximately 3 hours to leave the Port before we sail out through the heads into the open seas & then the fun will begin.

Everything was as smooth as a baby’s bum until we ventured out into the open seas, I had my dinner & a few schooners before retiring to exclusive Captain’s cabin at around 10 pm. My cabin was midships on the 8th deck (best place to be) trust me. Most of the other Car Club members were located up towards the bow or towards the aft of the vessel. I thought to myself, good luck.

By the time I put my jammies on the ship was starting to really rock and roll, I could hear the propellers cavitating as we went up and down the huge swells, when I looked out my port hole window there was water being sprayed up all over my port hole on the 8th deck, that’s how big the seas were.

To cut to the chase.

I decided it was time for me to hit the fart sack, I set my alarm for 5 am because I wanted to be on deck for arrival into Devonport at 6.30 in the morning.

Guess what, my alarm went off at 5 am I jumped out of bed, jumped into the shower, got dressed, packed my bag and proceeded upstairs to our meeting point before disembarkation.

I ran into most of my fellow Car Club members that were waiting to get off the Ship.

WELL! You should have heard the stories. They told me these horrific tales that some of them had been thrown out of bed during the night, their cabin stools were thrown around the cabin along with their suit cases and hardly any of them had slept during the night.

Guess what!! The ‘Squire’ from the Shire slept through all this upheaval during the night and absolutely knew nothing about what had eventuated during the evening.

This is a true story, God’s honour.

We arrived on time at Devonport at 6.30 am to be greeted by a glorious day, blue skies, no wind, plenty of sunshine 23C or 74F. (see photos) and I was none the wiser of what the others had experienced over night.

Onwards and upwards, I drove my 1964 Plymouth/Valiant sedan off the ‘Spirit’ and commenced my road trip towards Launceston in absolutely glorious weather.

The back roads that I drove on for 75 kms or 47 miles towards Beaconsfield Mine and heritage centre was just spectacular.

I am sure the organisers of the annual Targa Tasmania would have used this section of road in one of their Targa Rally’s.

My 1964 Plymouth /Valiant 2 door sedan performed gallantly, I was using the apex of the corners like Shane Van Gisbergen at Bathurst.

All I could think of was ‘If only’ I was pedalling my 911 on this road I would be in heaven OR dead.

For all my Rev. head and petrol head friends this island is awesome for driving off the main roads, for just a few moments I thought of how Juan Manuel Fangio’s must have felt in his prime. (stretching the imagination just a little, don’t you think ‘Squire’).

After all that excitement it was now time for what I had actually come to the island for, sightseeing. We spent many hours at the famous or infamous Beaconsfield Mine and heritage Centre (see photos) then later in the arvo visited the Cataract Gorge here in Launceston. The weather is still superb as I type this story 15c or 50f at 10 pm, no wind, what’s more.

Day 2: Highlights:

* National Automobile Museum of Tasmania.

* Launceston Planetarium.

* Penny Royal Adventure Park.

I hope that you all have enjoyed my 1st day adventures here in Tassie and my overnight voyage on board the ‘Spirit of Tasmania’.

Stay tuned, I still have another 13 days of my Magical Mystery Tour to go.

Stay safe.

Cheers for now.

Warbo 

Looking towards the Headframe of the mine.

Inside the Museum, 1928 Manchester Truck. Side valve 4 cyl. 2.5 litre engine.

Beaconsfield Headframe in the background.

Signage for the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre.

Arriving into Devonport this morning, check out the blue sky and sunshine.

Arriving into the port of Devonport at 6.30 am this morning.

1885 12 H.P. Eclipse Traction Engine displayed in the Museum.

Sylvanvale Pre-WWll Vintage Car Show: Another roaring success

Despite the heat (33C or 91.5F ), the seventh Sylvanvale Pre-WWll Vintage Car Show on Sunday 17th September 2023 was a roaring success. Crowds flocked to see the stunning selection of vintage cars on display, with an estimated 7,000 people visiting the event during the course of the day.

The Flora Street Council Car Park in Sutherland was the perfect venue for over 100 cars, stalls, kids activities and Food.

People we support enjoying themselves in Nick Holden's 1912 Model T Ford. (Photograph taken by John Stanley)

The annual Car show is a fundraiser for Sylvanvale, my parents were the founding members of this charity 75 years ago.

Funds raised on Sunday will make a difference to the lives of people moving into the organisation's brand-new, state-of-the-art Specialist Disability Accommodation in Illawong.

 

Sylvanvale CEO, Leanne Fretten, was thrilled with how the event went.

L-R. Jeff McCarthy (Chairman of Sylvanvale), Jenny Ware (Federal Member for Hughes), Leanne Fretten (CEO of Sylvanvale), Ken Warburton (Custodian of event), Mark Speakman ( Leader of Opposition in N.S.W.), Carmelo Pesce ( Mayor of the Sutherland Shire). (Photograph taken by John Stanley)

"We are delighted with the fundraising outcome, which exceeded our expectations. I am proud to report that this year we increased our fundraising by 33% from last year. The funds raised will well and truly furnish our new state-of-the-art disability accommodation. This will be hugely beneficial for the people who will soon be moving into their new home." 

Mike Dalton from Channel 9 News reporting live from Andrew Webb's 1913 Model T Ford speedster.  (Photograph taken by John Stanley)

Special bonus for our show this year included the appearance of Mike Dalton from Channel 9 News (Click here to watch!).  Feedback we have received is nothing short of sensational for our unique Vintage Car Show. 

The exposure that we have received for Sylvanvale  and our current sponsors and future sponsorship for next year's event is priceless.

Qantas Volunteers. L-R. Siggy Jablonski, Ed Ronsisvalle (sitting), Graeme Bethell, Denise Armstrong,Tony Moorhouse, Andrew Heath.  (Photograph taken by John Stanley)

Without the support of the Sutherland Shire Council, staff from Sylvanvale, (30) Qantas Volunteers, all our sponsors, including Platinum sponsors mySupply Store and Nexon Asia Pacific, this exceptional Sutherland Shire Community event would never have happened.

 

My inner circle team of John Bateman, Geoff Graddock, Trevor Eisler, Chad Holmes the electrician, Julie Everton (Sylvanvale) worked together like a well oiled Model A Ford engine. I am so proud of you all for your 120% efforts throughout the many months it takes to organise this event. As I keep saying to my team "if you don't do your homework, you will never pass the exam."  

I would also like to give a huge thank you to John Stanley who did a marvelous job taking photos on the day and produced all the wonderful images attached to this post.

Let me tell you all from the bottom of my heart, you have all passed with honors, that is why we can all enjoy the outstanding success from last Sunday. 

Jo Akroyd worked all night from L.A. to Sydney  (17hour tour of duty) disembarked her flight, went home, had a shower to freshen up and was back in Sutherland to Volunteer at our car show all day selling raffle tickets and looking sensational. Why wouldn't you buy a book of tickets from this stunner.  (Photograph taken by John Stanley)

I also must mention the winners of our raffles:  1) David Musso. Chauffeur driven in my 1931 Model A Ford Tudor to the Sea Level Restaurant in Cronulla. 2) Adam Tokarczuk.  500 degrees. 3) Peter Beyer Bunnings. 4) Ross Williams Lively Catch. 5) Lena Teixeira Highfields.  Congratulations and a BIG thank-you for supporting Sylvanvale.

Peter Shaws 1925 T.T Ford Tow Truck.  (Photograph taken by John Stanley)

Phillip & Ann Joseph's 1929 Pierce Arrow 2 door Classic (1 of only 2 in Australia) & The Hesse families 1938 Phantom lll V/12 cylinder Rolls Royce.  (Photograph taken by John Stanley)

Last BUT not least my choice for the best car of this years (2023) Sylvanvale Pre- WWll Vintage Car show went to Robyn and Bill Betts (from Berrima) in their immaculate and very rare 1908 Renault (see photo).

Robyn and Bill Betts are very special people, they have supported our Sylvanvale Pre-WWll Vintage Car show every year since our innaugral show at Cronulla Mall in 2015. Not only do they exhibit their 1908 Renault they also come dressed in period dress. In the next photograph Robyn is standing beside their 1908 Renault. The clothes rack next to her is chock a block full of period clothes. To help us raise more funds for Sylvanvale both Robyn and Bill dress you up in period clothes then sits you in their 115 year old Renault Vintage vehicle for the photo shoot of a life time, where else in the world can you do that!! 

Families with their children cherish this opportunity with photos that money just can't buy. 

Robyn standing beside her 1908 Renault waiting to dress you up for the photograph of a lifetime.   (Photograph taken by John Stanley)

Bill and Robyn accepting their 'Best car of the Show award' from yours truly.  (Photograph taken by John Stanley)

That my friends is all she wrote until next year. We are so grateful to everyone who was part of it. Show us how much you appreciated the show by coming back to see us next year because it will be bigger again with many new entrants for you to drool over.

Stay safe, looking forward to catching up with everyone in the future and the prospect to meet  new vintage car enthusiasts.

Sincerely

Ken Warburton. (Event organiser and Custodian of this unique event.)

About Sylvanvale. 

Sylvanvale was founded in 1947 when a group of 5 sets of parents (including my Mum and Dad) united to form an organisation that would give their children with a disability a better quality of life through access to education and social inclusion. Today we support over 750 children and adults, 28 group homes throughout Sydney and the Blue Mountains from a range of cultural backgrounds to live and participate in their community, as they choose.