Off to the Chrysler Restorer's Club of Australia, National Rally

Friday 23rd September - 2022

Hello everyone,

The ink has hardly had time to dry since I put pen to paper when I wrote my last blog about the sensational Model A Ford National Rally held in Goulburn NSW, last week & here I am now saddling myself up for the Chrysler Restorer's Club of Australia, National Rally to commence in Wangaratta, Victoria on Sunday 25th September ’22.

The Rally HQ will be at the Wangaratta Racecourse, this venue will be known as Ned's Hideout for the duration of the rally. Wangaratta is a city in the Northeast of Victoria, 236km or 147miles from Melbourne along the Hume Highway. Population 20,000.

(Above) My 1964 Plymouth, LHD, 2-door special sedan that I will be driving to Wangaratta, Victoria this week for the Chrysler Restorer's Club of Australia, National Rally.

My good traveling mate & navigator Steve Core & myself will depart Cronulla first thing on Monday morning 26th Sept for the very pleasant, 624km or 388mls casual drive that will take us approximately 7-hours in my 1964 Plymouth LHD, 2-door special sedan, that l imported from Santa Clarita, California in 2018.

These photos illustrate the two passions in my life. As you all know that l was an International Trolly-Dolly for our Iconic Australian Airline, Qantas, for 34-short years & absolutely love the Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet that l did most of my flying in over all those delightful years (if it isn’t Boeing l ain’t going) & the other passion is my love of Classic & Vintage motor vehicles.

These photos were taken a couple of years ago at the HARS Aviation Museum in Albion Park, NSW, just over an hour by road south of Sydney.

I absolutely love this photograph, (especially the colours). Interestingly, these days you can no longer take this particular photograph, because the Shellharbour Council has built a new Passenger Terminal building right where my Plymouth is parked & rest assured, you definitely can not move the Qantas Boeing 747 aircraft from it’s static display.

During the upcoming week in Wangaratta, many exciting activities combined with daily driving days, one in particular the local countryside drive to see the renowned local silo art, the Swanpool Cinema, visits to Museums and taking a ride on the Murray River aboard the Cumberoona, an historic paddle & side-wheel steamer.

(Above) My 1964 Plymouth, LHD, 2-door special sedan under the tail of the retired Qantas B747 at the HARS Museum at Shellharbour Airport in Wollongong

Saturday 1st October as is the norm for our National Rallies, Saturday is the day we display our cars for the local people to see and to judged for a range of trophy categories. The display will be held in Wangaratta's Apex Park on the banks of the Ovens River.

Unfortunately we cannot stay for the whole Chrysler Rally because l have been invited to another very special event & I can not be in two places at once. l have been invited by Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beasley, AC, QC, Governor of NSW who has requested the pleasure of the company of Kenneth George Warburton at Sylvanvale’s 75th Anniversary Reception at Government House on Thursday 29th September ‘22.

You may or may not be aware that my parents, Norma & Alan Warburton were the foundation members of the Handicapped Centre of NSW, as it was formerly known. I am still actively involved with the Sylvanvale Foundation volunteering my time & services where ever or when ever needed. Myself & a team of Qantas volunteers along with the help of Sylvanvale staff organise a Pre-WWll Vintage Car Show annually to raise much needed funds for the organisation.

(Above) I'll be heading off the NSW Government House, situated next to the Sydney Opera House and adjacent to the Royal Botanic Garden for a function to celebrate Sylvanvale's 75th Anniversary.

Our event is going from strength to strength every year, & is now considered the major Community event in the Sutherland Shire which helps make the residents of our area aware of Sylvanvale & the work that we do in the Shire & beyond including the Blue Mountains.

Next year's Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Vintage Car Show will be held in Sutherland on Sunday 17th September 2023, that just happens to be less than 1-year away, so please make sure that you place that date in your papyrus diary. As the son of a founding Sylvanvale Life Member, our Car Show is an event that you & your family should not miss out on.

In Wangaratta next week, I am looking forward to catching up with some of my friends from previous National Rallies & hopefully make some new friends along the way. See you there.

Yours sincerely

Ken Warburton

Final grand gathering in Goulburn...

Friday 16th September - 2022

Friday was officially the last full day of our 2022 National Rally, it saw proud owners once again displaying their strong contingent and wide variety of Model A Fords to the enthusiastic Goulburn public.

The Goulburn weather really turned it on for us once again, it was absolutely brilliant with blue skies, sunny, no wind, and a pleasant Spring-time temperature of 22°C.

(Above) Model A Fords form-up in the forecourt of the Heritage-listed Goulburn Court building and property on Montague Street.

There were a total of 105 Model A Fords gathered for a grand display on Montague Street in the CBD of Goulburn. Talk about set decoration; famous Australian Film Director, Baz Luhrmann could not have set it up any better.

Cars also filled the front courtyard of the Goulburn Court grounds. The Court House and Residence were built before the turn of the century and created a perfect backdrop for our early '30s-era vehicles.

The Courthouse has sprawling lawns and is surrounded by mature exotic trees. Making it and ideal location for any final Rally 'group photo' opportunities. 

(Above) Vehicles line Montague Street for a majestic static display in front of the Goulburn Courthouse.

I just happened to run into an old mate, Ross Fitzgerald, Ross did all my electrical wiring on my 1931 Model A Ford, 2-door, Delux Tudor Sedan way back in 2012, when I restored my burnt out vehicle when I did a total body-off restoration.

It was fantastic to catch up with Ross once again for a chin wag & what better place to do that than at the legendary Paragon Café in the main drag of Goulburn. We enjoyed a nice mug of extra hot Cappuccino accompanied with vanilla slices.

(Above) Catching up with Ross Fitzgerald at the old-world, country-style Café that has been a Goulburn landmark for years.

In the photograph below, there were a couple of very distinguished looking gentleman parked on Montague Street and getting right into the spirit of the event, by displaying their vehicles along with their associated memorabilia and signage.

Looking at this photograph, one could easily be mistaken for thinking that this photo was taken in 1929 or early 1930s...  if you did not know any better.

(Above) Helping recreate the era of the early '30s for the Goulburn public, these two proud Model A Ford owners are complete in period dress and displaying automotive artefacts from a bygone era.

What an appropriate way to finish off our very successful 2022, 27th Model A Ford National Rally. Where great experiences were had, old friendships renewed and new ones made.

(Above) Model A Fords form-up in the forecourt of the Heritage-listed Goulburn Court building and property on Montague Street.

Now we can all look forward to the 28th Model A Ford National Rally that will be held in 2024 in Australia's north, in sunny Queensland. When the Model A Ford Club of Queensland will be our hosts for the event. 

The 2024 National Rally will take place from the 1st-7th of September, 2024 and the theme will be: 'A' Rally through the Cane Fields. Sounds like one to pencil into your e-calendars today.

Regards for now,

Ken Warburton

Country run to Bungendore & Braidwood

Thursday 15th September - 2022

The first sector of today's Rally road run was get off the mainstream Federal Highway and head south from Goulburn, 68Kms (42 miles) down the eastern side of a very full, endorheic Lake George, where a slice of country tranquility was waiting for us during our first stop, in the tiny township of Bungendore.

(Above) l think this is a delightful photo of these two ladies standing alongside the Model A Fords on the Kings Highway in Braidwood.

Morning tea at Bungendore was delightful, the local community really spoiled us rotten. As the nominated Parking Marshall, l managed to marshal & park only ninety-one Model A Fords in the grounds of St.Phillips Anglican Church on Gibraltar Street, all too easy for me all dressed up in my Period Costume.

(Above) Braidwood turned on a very warm welcome for 2022 National Model A Ford rally.

After morning tea we departed Bungendore for sector number two, where we travelled a short 49Kms (30 miles) across to Braidwood where the town welcomed us with open arms. Braidwood is a heritage-listed town, renowned for its wide streets, colonial buildings brimming with antiques, cafes, specialty shops and more.

Braidwood is such a quaint town, all our vintage vehicles looked superb parked along the Kings Highway which is the main street of town, as you can see by my photographs.  

(Above) Here you can sense the charm of Braidwood's main street and its abundance of heritage listed buildings which helps maintain its nineteenth century history.

The sun stuck its head out from the clouds for about 10-minutes & l managed to take some really nice photos. l was so lucky to get the photos l did.

First of all the weather was kind to us up until we departed Braidwood for the journey home to Goulburn at 2:00pm. It started to rain on the way home just after we left Braidwood, not too heavy though. 

(Above) Local Braidwood buskers, looking the part and playing for change

By the time I arrived back into the 'Royal Merino Suite' at the Goulburn South Caravan Park, the rain had stopped, we were so lucky to get away with it.

l think the photo of the two ladies standing alongside the Model A Fords is pure gold, the photo of the local buskers is not too shabby either. I also like the cars parked in front of the Post Office.

(Above) Me, the best dressed Parking Marshall still on active duty. Directing cars for precision parking in Bungendore. Today, I safely marshalled & parked ninety-one vehicles. Photo: Anne Smith

On Friday morning, the last full day of the Rally, we will all form-up at Rally HQ, then proceed into town for a static Display Day in the Goulburn CBD on Montague Street from 10:00am until 1:00pm.

Friday evening continues with a Period Dress Gala Dinner in the Veolia Arena from 6:00pm. Then on Saturday morning we wrap up the 2022 National Rally with a Farewell Breakfast at Rally HQ at 8:00am.

(Above) Two Model A Fords parked in front of Braidwood's Post Office.

Then we all disperse & go our separate ways for another 2-years until the 28th Model A Ford National Rally to be held in Queensland in September, 2024.

The journey continues.

Warbo

Dressed up for the NSW National Trust

Thursday 15th September - 2022

For today's Model A Ford National Rally's mandatory run from Goulburn to Braidwood, all participants are requested to wear period costume. Because today's run will be covered by a media unit from the NSW National Trust for future promotional use of the surrounding tourist regions.

It's 7:00am and I'm all ready to roll... I think I might go close to being the best dressed car parking Marshall in Braidwood today - what do you think?

Photo: Steve Core

Warbo

Afternoon Tea at the Royal Merino Suite

Thursday 15th September - 2022

Yesterday we ventured down to our nation's Capital City (Canberra) on an excursion to the Australian War Memorial via Motorcoach.

l was completely blown away with the presentation & quality of our National War Memorial. l will go as far to say that our Australian War Memorial is up there with the best in the world, bar none.

(Above) While soaking up some early Spring Goulburn sunshine, we take afternoon high-tea, consisting of meat pies and Vanilla Slices on the Royal Merino Suite balcony with Steve Core. (selfie).

If you have not been there put it at the top of your list next time you are in Canberra, you will not be disappointed.

We arrived back into Rally HQ in Goulburn around 2:00pm. By now, the short road trip home had raised our appetites, so l suggested that we make a visit to Trapper's Bakery (complete with a huge open log fire) that is located just around the corner from our Goulburn South Caravan Park to purchase some belated lunch.

As you can see in the photograph we settled on a couple of dogs eyes (meat pies) & vanilla slices.

(Above) A small tribute to Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II on display by the Pool of Reflection at the Australian War Memorial today. Photo: Steve Core

Did we make the right choice for afternoon tea, how good were they, now you would definitely leave home for these two delicacies. Being such a magnificent afternoon we sat on the balcony of our ‘Merino’ Suite in the sunshine & devoured every thing in front of us.

Today, l am off on our mandatory Model A Ford Run from Goulburn to Braidwood dressed in period costume, the round trip is approximately 150 miles or 250 kms.

Seeing that l did such a good job parking all those cars at the Waterworks Museum on Tuesday, they have again given me the nod & the Hi-Viz vest and asked me to park all the vintage Model As in Braidwood today.

(Above) Our group gathered in the cloisters that house of the Rolls of Honour from World War I, with a docent, Henry, explaining all the important facts to us. Photo: Steve Core

Unfortunately Steve will be heading back to Sydney in the morning, so l am going to lose my navigator & will be on my pat malone, hope l don’t get lost out there in sheep country.

They are predicting heavy rain from midnight tonight, let’s hope that the forecast is wrong because it will spoil our day's run.

That’s all for now

Cheers

Warbo

Goulburn has never quite seen this before...

Tuesday 13th September - 2022

Hello Everybody,

Already, l am behind the 8 ball. If you don’t keep on the money & stay on top of every day’s activities there is no way that l can present a flowing blog presentation to keep you all in the loop. 

Arrived safely here at the South Goulburn Caravan Park & Rally Head Quarters in Goulburn after a very pleasant two & a half drive from the Shire in Sydney NSW where I reside.

(Above) Eighty-four Model A Fords gathered for a group photo shoot opportunity at the Waterworks on the Wollondilly River in Goulburn. Photo: Steve Core

l enjoyed a relative lazy Saturday afternoon settling in to my very cozy ‘Merino Suite’ fully self contained cabin accommodation. (see photo).

Later that afternoon a couple of my Model A Ford friends (Keith & Anne Smith) ventured out to the Goulburn Workers Club to off load our free dinner vouchers that were included in the Model A Ford Rally pack & to down a few cool ones just to start off the weeks proceeding on the right foot.

(Above) Me, after marshalling eighty-four Model A Fords in a tight parking formation at the Waterworks for the assembled group photo shoot. Photo: Steve Core

By the way the food at the Goulburn Workers Club is so good, you would leave home for it, it was absolutely delightful. Not to mention how good the Peroni beers were to wash the tucker down.

Day 1: 27th Model A Ford National Rally. Goulburn. Sunday 11th September’22.

3pm. Registration commences. It is a great joy to see so many Model A Fords (150) and their owners from all the Australian states and territories, as well as visitors from New Zealand and the U.S.A. This is a wonderful show of support and camaraderie for everybody.

(Above) Rally Secretary, Rob Taylor, welcoming car owners to Goulburn.

Later in the afternoon we all gathered at Rally H.Q. to be greeted and welcomed to Goulburn for our introduction to the 27th National A Ford Rally by Rob Taylor our fearless Rally Secretary (see photo).

Day 2. Monday 12th September ‘22.

My good mate Steve Core arrived here in Goulburn to join me for 3 days to share his first Model A Ford Rally. Steve is my right hand man when we present our annual Sylvanvale Pre WWII Vintage Car Show to raise much need funds for my preferred charity the Sylvanvale foundation.

(Above) The old shearer's shed accommodation at our Qantas Fishing Club on a rural property near Crookwell. Photo: Steve Core

Once Steve settled in we enjoyed a cuppa together then decided our movements of activities for the day. I had purposely left today open, I had not pre-booked any other events because I had other plans for the day to share with Steve.

Other official events for Day 1 of the Rally.
* Optional Runs
* Cavalcade of fashion, morning tea
* Tech talk ‘Carburettors’ presented by Mal Bradley
* National Trust Riverside Homestead Tour
* Welcome event in the Veolia Stadium

Because Steve was asked to be the photographer at the Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum, (see opening photo) and I had raised my hand to be one of the parking attendants for this event l decided that we needed to check this place out so that we were on top of our game when (150) Model A Fords start arriving from 9:00am first thing Tuesday morning.

(Above) Cars arriving for the Rally's major photo shoot at the Waterworks and all patiently waiting in turn to be allocated a parking position by me. Photo: Steve Core

Once we had that all sorted l suggested that we take a 1-hour drive out to Crookwell, the coldest and windiest place in Australia where l go Trout fishing every year with a bunch of my old buddies from the Qantas Fishing Club, and also to show him the property and the Shearer’s shed that is our accommodation (see photo) when we venture to this part of the world.

Not only that l also wanted to show Steve the notorious cattle grid
(see photo) that l had an argument with three years ago. l am sure that you all remember my horrific injuries and photos that l received when l accidentally fell into that grid when l was taking photographs of my ‘57 Chevy 2 door using the back drop of those horrible windmills in the background.

(Above) The one & only famous cattle grid on the Crookwell fishing property. Photo: Steve Core

Mission accomplished, by now it was time for lunch so we then drove onto Crookwell for lunch. After an enjoyable lunch it was now time to return to Goulburn and prepare ourselves for the evenings welcome event in the Veolia Stadium from 6-8:30pm.

Day 3: Tuesday 13th September ‘22.

All roads lead to the Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum today for the display of Model A Fords for Steve and myself this morning. l am really looking forward to seeing Steve’s photographs of all the vintage vehicles at the Museum this morning all of them. Should be a sight for sore eyes.

(Above) My car at the historic Waterworks building in Goulburn. Photo: Steve Core

That’s all from me for now, gotta go and prepare for my parking duties at the Waterworks Museum today and fit my Hi-Viz vest, while Steve prepares all of his photographic equipment for today’s historic event here in the first inland city in Australia.

Stay tuned for more updates from the 27th Model A Ford Rally.

Cheers

Warbo

Arrival into Goulburn, NSW

Saturday 10th September - 2022

I arrived safely in our Rally's host city, Goulburn, NSW this morning after a two & a half hour pleasurable drive down the Hume Motorway, heading south out of Sydney. My total drive, door-to-door distance from home in Cronulla was 194 kms or 120 miles.

(Above) The burgundy Model A Ford (left) is my 1931, 2-Door, Delux Sedan & the other Model A Ford (right) is Keith & Anne Smith's 1929 Standard Roadster.

The weather wasn’t too bad on the journey down here, this good weather just keeps following me around the globe where ever l go lately, look at the blue sky in the first photograph.

We are off to the Goulburn Worker's Club for dinner & a few cool ones tonight.

My Model A Ford friends Keith & his wife Anne are next-door to me in my Merino (as in sheep) Suite in the Goulburn South Caravan Park.

(Above) Our two-bedroom self-contained Suites at the South Goulburn Caravan Park. We are doing it in style as you can see by the photograph, it is home away from home, very cozy indeed.

Our cars look a real treat parked in front of our 2-bedroom fully self contained Suites, we are doing it in style as you can see by the photograph, it is home away from home, very cozy indeed.

Tomorrow the action begins at 3:00pm when all 150 participants (vehicles) start registering for the 27th Model A Ford National Rally, the cars hailing from every corner of Australia.

Accompanied by around 300 motoring enthusiasts all ready to enjoy a week of fun & tours throughout this beautiful inland town of Goulburn.

(Above) The burgundy Model A Ford (closest camera) is my 1931, 2-Door, Delux Sedan.

Let’s hope that the weather stays good, temperatures predicted for the coming few days are: Min. 2°C ranging to Max 10°C - definitely chilly to say the bleeding obvious.

I'm also looking forward to having a chat with a few of my old Model A Ford friends over a few beers this evening after being deprived of that pleasure since the Covid virus ruined our social lives 3-years ago.

Warbo

I did but see her passing by...

Friday 9th September - 2022

I must admit that when l woke up this morning to the news that our Queen Elizabeth II had passed overnight at Balmoral in Scotland, l shed a few tears.

My life’s first memory of the Queen goes way back to 1954 when l was only 7-years-old. It was the first time that the Queen visited Australia & as a young boy l can remember lining the 'Mad Mile' highway in Sutherland as her cavalcade of vehicles drove past all of us screaming kids & adults waving Australian flags as she continued travelling south towards Engadine.

Spin the clock forward 68-years & l am now 75-years of age having just returned from my 3-months sojourn in the 'Old Dart' only one week ago. As you all know that l am a loyal Monarchist through & through & one of the main reasons for my trip to England this year was to Celebrate the momentous occasion of our Queen's Platinum Jubilee 70th year Celebrations.

(Above) Crowds surging towards The Mall during the Platinum Jubilee on Thursday 2nd June ‘22.

How fortunate was l to celebrate that occasion with another 1.5 million people on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace on Thursday June 2nd ‘22. (see photo of crowds surging towards the Mall). When l arrived in London on the 26th May this year the atmosphere was electric right through the country because it was now less than 7-days before the Platinum Celebrations were to begin.

I have included a couple of newspaper articles from London’s Sunday Mail (29th May) that l found interesting at the time. (see photos) If you had been following any of my blogs before l departed Sydney for London l used to joke & tell people that l had been asked by Her Majesty to come to London to look after her Corgi’s while she was busy with all of her official duties to which l gladly accepted.

(Above) My light reading in London: Newspaper articles in the Sunday Mail on Sunday 29th May ‘22.

It was unbelievable that quite a few people when l told them that story thought that l was absolutely serious & of course l would not tell them otherwise.
I can specifically remember walking around the streets throughout London & especially out in the sticks where l was in ancient Redbourn that most of the residences were flying the British Flag in respect for the Queen’s Platinum Celebrations.

Today will definitely be a challenging day for many millions of people throughout the world & here in Australia, especially for those living in the Commonwealth countries.

(Above) My light reading in London: Newspaper articles in the Sunday Mail on Sunday 29th May ‘22.

Her Royal Highness had this special personality that would bring people together, and a women of unsurpassed dignity. I feel so blessed & so fortunate to have lived through her historic reign & long life, she was much loved here in Australia.
These are not my words, however this morning l heard somebody say that she was everyone’s Grandmother, how appropriate is that.

I had this premonition in my bones when l was travelling throughout Scotland recently that her time on this earth was drawing to an end, especially when l was in Edinburgh.

(Above) Me & friend enjoying High Tea on board the Royal Yacht Britannia - August 23rd, 2022, Edinburgh.

As you know by reading my blog, l made the time & effort to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia to enjoy High Tea on board her retired Yacht in Edinburgh.

Now this is where l find all this quite eerie, the last evening of my 12-Day Scottish Isles & Glen trip (August 23rd) I had the pleasure to attend The Royal Military Tattoo on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, little did I know at that time it would be last time that l would ever sing “God save the Queen” less than 17-days ago.

(Above) Prince Charles & Lady Camilla parading right in front of me in their horse-drawn carriage. Queen Anne Enclosure, Royal Ascot. June 14th, 2022

Only yesterday before putting pen to paper with this latest blog I mentioned that at Royal Ascot (see photo) on Tuesday 14th June ‘22 (our future King) Charles & Lady Camilla were within 5 metres of me as they paraded around the Queen Anne Enclosure in their horse drawn carriage before the racing commenced.

Now less than 3-months later Prince Charles will be our King & life goes on. I will finish off now & leave you with these few words. “Grief is the price we pay for love”

“God save the King”

Sincerely yours
Warbo

Summary: 96-Days on the road in the Old Dart

Thursday 8th September - 2022

Looking back at the last three months of my life on my traveling extravaganza around England & the Scottish Isles & Glens, l have decided to keep track of this spectacular trip by writing this blog so that l don’t forget my experiences & adventures in the Northern Hemisphere summer of 2022 in England & Scotland.

So much happened during my three months in the 'Old Dart' & if I don’t try to keep some kind of diary & photos, I’m afraid that down the track I will forget many fabulous sightseeing events & experiences that l have enjoyed recently on my trip to England & Scotland.

Let me start off by saying that I sure have enjoyed the many more pluses than minuses in my recent visit to the UK. Road trips aren't measured by mile markers, but by moments. So where do I begin?

(Above) My 12-Day Scottish Isles & Glen Trip was with the C·I·E Tour Company, travelling through the Highlands of Scotland by road in our magnificent new Coach.

By far the outstanding highlight of my trip to England & Scotland during that 96-day period has been without a doubt the weather. Not once in all my time there did l wear my raincoat or raise my brolly in anger because of the weather, absolutely unheard of, I'm sure.

It is so hard for me to rate everything on a scale of say 1-30 or more. It does not necessarily mean that every thing in the list below is from the best to the also rans, however in my opinion it is fairly close to how things panned out.

* Experiencing the Queen’s Platinum 70th Jubilee celebrating on The Mall near Buckingham Palace with another 1.5 million loyalists & punters on Thursday 2nd June was spectacular, especially because this will never happen again in my lifetime.

* My 12-Day Scottish Isles & Glens trip with the C·I·E Tour Company travelling through the Highlands of Scotland by road in our magnificent new Coach.

(Above) Attending Royal Ascot and being in the Queen Anne enclosure and being only metres away from royalty was certainly a trip highlight for me.

* Royal Ascot is definitely right up there on my list (see photo above) on Tuesday 14th June ‘22. I purchased a ticket that allowed my entry into the Queen Anne Enclosure. Dress regulations are very strict as you can see by the way the 'Squire' is all dolled up. (Not too bad for a young man that was educated at the Port Hacking Academy for young gentleman) in Miranda NSW, all those years ago.

Of course the added highlight for the day was when l had my hard-earned at 8-1 on the Aussie horse in the third race (Nature Strip) trained by Chris Waller in the £500,000 pound King’s Stand Stakes. It bolted home by seven lengths & l won a couple of hundred Quid of which l was delighted, which helped & l mean only helped pay for the hire of my Top Hat and Tails for the day.

Another added bonus was that l was within spitting distance of Prince Charles & Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall as they rode around the Queen Anne Enclosure in their horse-drawn Carriage.

(Above) Getting spoilt by the London-based Qantas Cabin Crew on my sector from London to Singapore aboard the Airbus A380. The lovely Greta Russo looked after me fantastically.

* Spending my 75th birthday in a Qantas A380 aircraft at 37,000ft over the sub-continent of India was also very special for me.

* Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade as a finale to my 12- day Coach tour around Scotland.

* Visiting Nairn, (15 miles or 25 kms) east of Inverness where my ancestors originally came from (my mother’s Dad, my grandfather was born in Nairn). It is an ancient fishing village port. Nairn is actually a boys name, however it means the river with Alder trees.

(Above) Visiting Nairn, east of Inverness where my ancestors originally came from (my mother’s Dad, my grandfather was born in Nairn).

* The Orkney Islands which is the Northern most section of the highlands with its rugged mountains, coastline, & vast areas of open land, visiting the Ring of Bodgar, a Neolithic henge & stone circle, then to see the well preserved 5,000 year-old-village dwellings of Skara Brae.

* Chance meeting with another travelling car enthusiast Aussie on the Battlefields of Culloden in his Vintage 1926 Rolls Royce sedan & Model A Ford box trailer. (Below).

(Above) Bob Roberts and his vintage 1926 Rolls Royce sedan & Model A Ford box trailer.

* Bingeing on 12 West-End Musicals in as many days that included, the new smash hit Tina, Mamma Mia, Back to the Future, Phantom of the Opera, Kinky Boots, Anything Goes, Cabaret, Bob Marley, Mouse Trap & the new ABBA Voyage Show at the specially built ABBA Arena in the East-End of London before departing on my 12-day Scottish adventure.

(Above) I just happened to stumble into the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow during my walk around the city's center.

* Stumbling upon the World Pipe Band Championships on the day l arrived in Glasgow where there were thousands of competitors from all over the World including Australia to try to bring home the championship trophy.

* Being present in London on their hottest day ever recorded at 40.3°C or 105°F.

The railway tracks were buckling, the runway at Luton Airport was melting, public transport (trains & buses) were cancelled, it was complete chaos for a 24-hour period. However l think a lot of the Pommies used it as an excuse to get out of going to work for the day.

l stirred them all up by telling them that this is a normal winter's day back home in Sydney.

* My private tour of the Ceremony of the Keys at London Tower that was arranged by my friend & English bobby Policeman, John Cannon. He is the guy that l meet in 2018 when l first went to the Isle of Man TT Motorbike races.

(Above) The first get together of our C·I·E Tour group in front of the magnificent Medieval Cathedral in Glasgow the day before we started our 12-day Scottish tour.

* The first get together of our C·I·E Tour Group in front of the magnificent Medieval Cathedral in Glasgow the day before we started our 12-day Scottish tour. In this photo we were missing approximately 10 people, late arrivals, they joined us the following day. In total there were 30 of us in the touring group, 20 Americans, 7 Canadians & 3 Aussies.

Moving right along: I could continue telling you more highlights of my 3-months in the UK, however l would be here all day. These were the major highlights of the trip, there are too many to mention here right now, so what l have decided to do is to break down the sporting, entertainment & cathedrals events & that information is as follows.

(Above) I conducted a night-time musical bombing raid on twelve West-End theatrical productions in as many days, and that included, the new smash hit 'Tina'.

Sporting Events.

* By far the best sporting event l went to was the British Super bike Championships (see photo) at my favourite race circuit in the world at Brands Hatch.

* TT Bike races on the Isle of Man. l didn’t enjoy the racing as much this year as l did in 2018 because the organisers have changed the format & l believe that the programme is not as good as it was in 2018.

* This year's Festival of Speed at Goodwood, definitely not as good as the Goodwood Revival that l have had the absolute pleasure to attend on two previous occasions over the years. This year's Goodwood Revival is on between the
16th-18th September ‘22. 

(Above) St. Magnus Cathedral in the Orkneys dating game back to the early 1100s. It only took 300-years to build. The cathedral is only 885-years old, how does that grab you?

l had to return to Australia for the National Model A Ford Rally to be held in Goulburn between 11th-17th September ‘22. Otherwise, l would still be in England to attend the Goodwood Revival, there is nothing else like this event any where in the world, if you are fortunate enough to be in England during September don’t, what ever you do, miss out on the Goodwood Revival.

* British MotoGP, more comment on that later & it is definitively not pretty. See further down for my comments on this race.

* The British F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone. l am not a fan of the Silverstone Race circuit it is too big, has absolutely no personality what so ever, I had to go to the British F1 Grand Prix this year because l was there at the time, however l will never go back to that circuit, it is also way over the top as far as ticket prices are concerned.

(Above) Me, at the British F1 all dressed up in Daniel Ricciardo team colours that l had just spent £80 pounds ($137.00 Aust) on to purchase & now they aren’t worth Jack Sh*t.

Entertainment:

* Simply Red performed at an outside Concert about 30 minutes from where l was staying at my B&B in ancient Redbourn at a specially built stage in Bedford Park, l thoroughly enjoy Mick Hucknall vocals, especially when he sings “Holding back the Years”.

* When l first arrived in London l made reservations to see Gladys Knight & the Pip’s (Midnight Train to Georgia) & also Franki Valli & the Four Seasons (My eyes Adored You & Can’t take my eyes off of you). They performed at the world famous Royal Albert Hall in Kensington Gore in London & let me tell you those two concerts were sensational.

Cathedrals & Medieval Churches:

* The best? The number one as far as l an concerned and it leaves every thing else for dead is the 19th-Century Mount Stuart Gothic palace on the Isle of Bute. This house as they call it is a magnificent Gothic architectural revival. What impressed me more than anything else was the Marble Hall soaring to a height of eighty feet or (25metres) constructed from rare Italian & Sicilian marble & alabaster.

(Above) Number 1. as far as l an concerned and it leaves every thing else for dead is the 19th-Century Mount Stuart Gothic palace on the Isle of Bute.

The two great tapestries which adorn the walls of the Marble Hall were produced by the Dovecote Studio in Edinburgh started in 1912 and halted during the First world war. The two master weavers, John Glassbrook & Gordon Berry were both killed in the war & when work resumed on the tapestry in 1919 their initials were woven onto the border. The tapestry was completed in 1938. When first displayed one enthusiastic member of the public felt moved to praise it in the letter pages in the Scotsman ‘The Bute tapestry is, in my opinion, the greatest art production that has been achieved in Europe since Michelangelo did the roof of the Sistine Chapel’.

The tapestry is huge, I have a photograph of the actual tapestry in one of my earlier blog from this trip. If you are interested all you need to do is to click here & you will be able to see the tapestry & the magnificent marble stair case, it is worth your time & energy to have a look at this master piece, plus the marble staircase that l took photographs of while l visited this superb building.

(Above) Boarding the retired HM Yacht Britannia for an onboard inspection of the former royal yacht of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Britannia was in service from 1954 until 1997.

* Check out St. Magnus Cathedral in the Orkney’s dating game back to the early 1100’s. (see photo) it only took 300 years to build. The cathedral is only 885 years old, how does that grab you…

Disappointments: They were but few, however l must mention them.

* The British MotoGP that was held at the Silverstone Race Circuit on Sunday 7th August was a complete was of time & money. Listen to this; as far as l am concerned it was a total rip off.

(Above) The British Superbike Championships at the Brands Hatch track in Kent, was a highlight for me.

It cost me with a grandstand seat plus entry at Silverstone $326.00 to watch the race. Compare that to the British Superbike Championships that l went to at the intimate Brands Hatch Circuit it cost me with grand stand seat plus entry only $94.00. When l went to school & did my arithmetic at the Port Hacking Academy for young gentleman, that works out to be almost three times the price as the British Super-Bikes, any wonder spectator numbers were down 50% from last years event. One look at the empty Grandstands says it all, you do not have to be a Philadelphia Lawyer to work that out.

* I was so disappointed when we arrived into Edinburgh, this City is one of the most beautiful cities in the whole wide world, bar none.

The Garbo’s had been on strike for about a week before we arrived there, please check out my photograph of the Filth & Squalor (see photo) throughout this magnificent city, it really broke my heart to see this, not only that what about the health hazard.

(Above) A major disappointment was seeing the garbage piled up in the beautiful streets of Edinburgh during the garbage collector's strike.

I realise that this blog is almost as long as War & Peace, however l needed to do this blog for myself so that l have an accurate record of the highs & some lows of my “Adventure before Dementia” recently in the UK.

Hopefully my storytelling keeps you interested enough to keep reading about my adventures. I just had to complete all these details because next week it is onwards & upwards when l attend the 27th Model A Ford National Rally in Goulburn & we will all be moving onto another adventure in our lives.

I'm looking forward to Goulburn, NSW, where the forecast is predicted to be freezing cold all week. Bring your woolies with you. Min. Temp 2°C or 35°F - Max. 12°C or 53°F.

That’s all for now, catch up with many of you Model A Ford enthusiasts in person over the next week or so. I am looking forward to making many more acquaintances during the week.

Stay safe, & happy motoring.

Cheers

Warbo.

Behind the scenes of the National Model A Ford Rally

Sunday 4th September - 2022

There is no rest for the wicked you know. This past weekend saw a working bee of Model A Ford Club NSW volunteer members putting together the Rally packs for next week's National Rally.  

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Rob Taylor (Rally secretary) & all his inner-circle of hard working Model A Ford Club of NSW members that have been working tirelessly over the past 2-years to bring together this year's 27th Model A Ford National Meet starting on Sunday (11-17th September, 2022) in and around Goulburn NSW, Australia.

(Above) The behind-the-scenes volunteer action of preparing for the National Model A Ford Rally in Goulburn. Our NSW Club is the host chapter for this year's Rally.

Here's some of the items we all worked on: The Rally bag pack was the critical event, where we had to ensure all corresponding rally conference tag numbers had the correct meals allocation tags were married together, then the rally number plate went into the numbered rally bag with the rally conference tag. 

Sandra and Dawn with Richard stood tall in compiling the rally tags & meals allocation, then co-ordinating the correct number to the rally bag to then allow the production line to kick in. Keith Smith ran the Rally Plate, Special Gift and Ram Key ring distribution point, whilst Trevor Davis, Bryan Wyborn and Ernie Meneguzzo made sure the ordered clothing went into the correct numbered rally bag.

All other people there did the heavy lifting, moving all the bags down to the packing area. Then they took all the raffle prizes, Model A Cutaways, the Burtz Motor and the pallet of Rally mugs plus other things and started loading our transport trailer. 

It was a big job, the weather was miserable, but we did a good job, and finished around 1:00pm. John Hyland was the Load Master, and Rob Taylor will let him know if he did a good job tomorrow, as Rob is driving the trailer to Goulburn with Jim Haling to pre-position it for next weekend.

You all will make our Model A Ford Club of NSW (as we are the hosts of this National gathering) very proud to stage such an event of such magnitude.

(Above) Sandra and Dawn with Richard stood tall in compiling the rally tags & meals allocation, then co-ordinating the correct number to the rally bag to then allow the production line to kick in.

We have 150 (plus) Model A Ford vintage vehicle entries from all over Australia to attend the 27th National Rally this year in Goulburn, what a spectacle & visually striking display this will be for everyone that attends the week-long event.

I can’t wait to see the look on the punter's faces when we drive our cavalcade of Model A Fords of all colours, shapes & models through the main streets of Goulburn & near by suburbs on our organised runs throughout the week. Should be a site for sore eyes, l would even go as far to say that this special event would bring “a tear to a glass eye”.

(Above) John Hyland was the Load Master responsible for the safe loading of the trailer of Rally goodies headed south for Goulburn.

I intend to take plenty of photographs & write my Warbo’s blog of this spectacular event. It is not every day of the week in Australia that you have the opportunity to see (150 plus) unique cars that are still on the road after almost 100-years since they were manufactured.

Looking forward to catching up with you all once again & also making new friends during the Rally.

Warmest regards from a Model A Ford tragic & loving it.

See you all in Goulburn next week.

Warbo