Congratulations Mark Speakman.

I was absolutely delighted yesterday when it was announced that my friend & fellow motoring enthusiast Mark Speakman was elected the new N.S.W. opposition Liberal leader here in New South Wales.

Photo of Mark Speakman & myself (15/4/2018)  posing in Darren Grant’s 1911 Classic Vintage vehicle (Emmy Lou) at our 2018 Sylvanvale Pre WWll Vintage Car show at Dunningham Park with North Cronulla beach in the background.

Mark, the N.S.W. former attorney general defeated former planning minister Anthony Roberts 22-13, to get the gig.

I sure as hell do not envy him, he has a huge job ahead of him. It will be a long road to hoe for him & his troops to make headway with 4 years from the opposition bench’s.

Best of luck, mate.

I honestly thought that Mark would want to have a shot federally & take Scott Morrison’s seat of Cook when Scott vacates his seat when ever that may be.

I first met Mark & his lovely wife Caroline many, many years ago in the dining room at the Anzac Day Dawn Service breakfast in the Cronulla R.S.L. club in Cronulla.

Mark has been a staunched supporter of the Sylvanvale Pre WWll Vintage Car show since  I started it way back in 2015, when I requested his support to lead the official party & dignitaries. 

He has always put his hand up without one exception.

I just hope that now he is the leader of the opposition here in N.S.W. he can afford the time to join us again on Sunday 17th September for this years Sylvanvale Pre WWll Vintage Car Show in Sutherland.

Photo of Mark Speakman, Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce & yours truly in Cronulla Mall on 15/4/2018 beside my 1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Wagon.

Photo of Mark with Dirk Regter from Holland (in Cronulla mall) on 14/4/2019 seated in Dirk’s 103 year old Model T Ford that was on a round the world trip (80,000 miles or 130,000 kms) visiting all Continents raising money for Dirk’s preferred charity.

Due to the wretched Covid Virus we were forced to cancel our Sylvanvale Pre-WWll Vintage Car show in 2020 & 2021,  however we managed against all the odds last year to get the show back on the road in 2022.

Last years Pre-WWll Vintage Car show that was held on 20th March ‘22 we absolutely blitzed it at our new location in Sutherland raising well over $30K for people with a disability that are less fortunate than us to reach their potential.

Needless to say we & our volunteers are full steam ahead for this years Pre-WWll Vintage Car show to be held in Sutherland on September 17th 2023.

If you are reading this email & contemplate joining us for this years event please keep Sunday 17th September vacant, we only have 150 places available so it will be 1st in 1st served.

You can contact me on 0438 692 737 or via email warbo47@gmail.com & reserve your position well ahead of time if you prefer.

We have a little less than 5 months until the BIG day, I will keep you all in the loop as to the progress of our exciting extravaganza come September, trust me if you are a car tragic like myself you will not want to miss this wonderful community event.

If you don’t have a Vintage Vehicle to exhibit to the many thousands of people in the “Shire” you can always join the thousand of spectators that enjoy these Classic treasures from yesteryear.

The children absolutely love checking out these works of art from a long gone era.

I will finish off this email with 2 photographs of which I am very proud of. 

Looking forward to looking back.

Thanks again, looking forward to another tremendously successful Sylvanvale Pre-WWll Vintage Car show in September ‘2023.

Stay tuned, stay safe.

Cheers

Warbo.    (Event organiser & proud custodian of this special event).

Where am I now, you may ask??

 Hello everyone again from the Insular Peninsula,

I have been laying low since my return to good old Sydney Town at the beginning of March from my 3 month sojourn in Phoenix Arizona, however this is just about to cease.  I thought that it would be a good idea to give you all a breather from my travels & emails from the other side of the world.

Good friend Andrew Heath & yours truly enjoying a ‘Dog’s eye’ with the works, mash potato, peas & gravy. Absolutely scrumptious.

Our Chrysler Restorers Club of Australia were invited to exhibit some of our members' vehicles over the Easter weekend. (see photos). 

There were 20 vehicles that showed up to give our Club some very public exposure with a good variety of the Mopar brand over the years. My 1964 Plymouth/Valiant 2 door Sedan with some of the other members' vehicles in the background that were on display.

As you can see in this photo we were blessed with perfect weather for our day out.

Have you guessed where we are as yet ???

Upon arrival the “Trolly Dolly” from Down-under as usual looked after his mate Andrew like a silk worm with a fresh cup of  HOT tea & HOT Cross buns, slathered with butter & Blackberry jam, trust me, Andrew said that he would leave home if I continued to spoil him like this. I kindly reminded him that he does not have enough money to move in with me, besides he is definitely not attractive enough.

The suspense is killing me, I will now let you into the secret where we were on Easter Monday. None other than the Sydney Royal Easter show. We were instructed to meet at Gate No.10 at the Showground between 0700-0730 so that we could be escorted to our privileged prime display area before all the punters arrived.

It has been many years since I have attended the Royal Easter Show, as a matter of fact over 28 years to be precise. Nathaniel, my son, was only 5 years old the last time I went to the Royal Easter Show & at that time the Show was held at a completely  different venue here in Sydney. The Easter Show was first held in Sydney in 1823 by the Royal Agricultural Society of N.S.W. It started at Parramatta Park, moving later to Prince Alfred Park then Moore Park. Sydney Olympic Park has been the venue since 1998. The show is allowed to use the “royal” moniker thanks to Queen Victoria, who gave her permission in 1891.  The show is Australia’s largest annual ticketed event. Rodeo riding remains an attraction at this event. The show regularly attracts crowds of around 1 million people each year. However the Royal Easter Show would be nothing if it weren’t for all the animals & magnificent displays of produce. Not to mention side show alley, the unbelievable wood chopping events held every 10 minutes, daredevil motorbike events that are called the wall of death.

One of my favourite attractions is where all the different growing districts throughout N.S.W. make up these enormous displays where they show off all of their area’s vegetables, fruit, wool & what ever else they produce & are judged in the best exhibit competition. This years winner was the Northern Districts that includes, Kyogle-Moree-Coffs Harbour-Guyra-Murwillumbah-Casino-Ben Lomond & many other areas too many to list in my blog due to limit restrictions.

Getting to know you at the Royal Easter Show 2023.

Once we had parked our vehicles in the allotted area I said to Andrew “Why don’t we venture out into all the attractions before the thousands upon thousands of spectators arrive”.

Andrew is a Royal Easter Show expert, he has been to the show year after year for many years so I used him as my very own Show guide which worked out absolutely fantastically. I can assure you we didn’t miss out on too much, towards the end of the day I was completely exhausted & ready to return to my ‘64 Plymouth/Valiant for a well earned R&R relaxing on the front bench seat of the car for a very well earned rest.

Looking back on our excursion to this years Royal Easter Show I was pleasantly surprised by the quality & versatility of all the events, I would definitely recommend a visit to this wonderful yearly attraction.

Our Chrysler Restorers Club of Australia display was very well received by the many thousands of car enthusiasts that attended the show that did not expect to see anything like they did which made our day so much more enjoyable.

Stay safe.

Cheers from the “Squire from the Shire”.

Warbo.

Ken Warburton

M: 0438 692 737

E: warbo47@gmail.com

To have a look at my Facebook Page - CLICK HERE

Now T-minus 5-months to go…

Monday 17th of April - 2023 marks exactly 5 months to go in the countdown for our 7th Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Vintage Car Show to be held on Sunday the 17th of September 2023 at the council car park in Flora Street, Sutherland N.S.W.

You have all heard about the most traveled Model A Ford in the World, named “Sheila”. This will be your opportunity to get up close and personal with her at this years show plus many more new entries, including a few surprises.

For those of you that attended last year’s outstanding and successful Pre-WWII Vintage Car show - you ain’t seen nothing yet! Please reserve the 17th of September 2023 in your papyrus diaries for another unique event in the “Shire” for the whole family to enjoy. 

Event: Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Vintage Car Show

Date: Sunday the 17th of September 2023

Location: Sutherland Council Car Park, Flora Street Sutherland, 2232.

Time: 9:00am until 3:00pm

Food and beverage vendors on-site.

Flashback: Sheila's first trip to Australia in 2004

Monday 13th March - 2023

Hello again from your live correspondent Down-Under in the land of Australia.

Recently I wrote a blog about my friend Mal Bradley’s fully restored Model A Ford A400, I certainly hope that you have had the chance to read that story & view the superb photographs of one of the best (without a doubt) examples of a Model A Ford A400 anywhere in the world.

Participants in the 2004 Model A Ford National Rally in Perth,WA.

A definite blast from the past for my Model A Ford friends in America. One thing always leads into another & I thought that my Model A Ford friends in America would be interested to read & see some photographs about my research of some of those Model A Ford members that ventured Down-Under to Australia to attend the Model A Ford National Rally in Perth Western Australia in 2004.

See all the accompanying photographs to bring back those memories.

US participant's cars arriving on the docks in Sydney.

Before I go any further, I must apologise for the quality of the photographs because they definitely are not up to my high standards as you will witness.

When my friend Mal Bradley found out that I was going to write a story about that momentous 2004 Model A Ford National Rally in Perth W.A all those years ago he went back into his archives & came up with these photos.

Hopefully some of my American friends that attended that Rally in Perth in 2004 will recognise the people, cars & places where these photos were taken all those years ago & enjoy those wonderful memories.

Of course there is also a very special connection to this event because my very own 1931 Model A Ford slant Window Town Sedan “Sheila” that I now own which is on the high seas sailing towards Sydney attended this Rally in 2004 when she was owned by Clyde-Ross Morgan & his beautiful wife LeeAnn from Sedona in Arizona. (see photo below).

US participant's cars arriving on the docks in Sydney.

I have recently returned from my holidays in Phoenix Arizona & while I was there I caught up with a few of those Model A Ford participants that attended the 2004 Rally that are Club members of my Model A Ford Club in Arizona, I am sure that they will reminisce about this article I am writing & also bring back some delightful memories for them.

Mal Bradley was one of the people from the Model A Ford Club of NSW (which I am a member) that was very instrumental in the care of looking after the vehicles & organising committee that helped unload the American Model A Fords when they landed on the docks here in Australia.

Mal acquaints me that these photos were taken in the warehouse on the docks in Sydney & the other photos were taken in Perth, WA during the 2004 Rally.

I would appreciate any feedback from anybody that attended the 2004 Model A Ford National Rally in Perth, WA all those years ago, be it either Australian or Americans, I would love to hear from you.

Nothing else to report at the moment, I am looking forward to all of your responses.

Cheers for now,

Warbo.

Mal Bradley's gorgeous Model A Ford 400

Thursday 9th March - 2023

Hello Gang,

My friend, Mal Bradley, (the Model A Ford Guru from Down-Under) forwarded me these sensational photographs of his just completed & restored Model A Ford A400.

This is the Model A Ford A400 vehicle that I told you all about previously, & I put my reputation on the line about it being the best examples of the A400 anywhere in the world that I have seen.

Mal is the gentleman that knows Joop & Marlies Plaggenborg from Glendale, Arizona, my friends from the Model A Ford Club of Arizona.

Mal was also very instrumental in the organisation here in Sydney with the US Model A Ford members that shipped their Model A Fords across the Pacific from America to the National Model A Rally here in Perth, WA in Australia in 2004.

My 1931 Model A Ford slant window Town Sedan “Sheila” was one of those U.S. Model A Ford vehicles that made that journey to Australia when it was owned by Clyde-Ross Morgan & his beautiful wife LeeAnn Morgan.

Some of you old timers from America may remember him. Mal Bradley also attended the American National Meet in Reno in 1980.

As you already know, due to my previous posts & emails, “Sheila” is already on the high seas, once again heading across the mighty Pacific Ocean on a container ship, this time, crossing for good to the land of Australia, and the 2230 Postcode in the Lucky Country.

Enjoy. Cheers for now...

Warbo

Warbo’s Magical Mystery Tours continues...

Back-dated post: 17th February - 2023

Warbo’s Magical Mystery Tours continue...

Talk about the Wild West here in Arizona, l am right in the middle of it & lucky to be alive.

Just when l thought that l could kick back & relax for the remaining 12-days of my excursion over here in Arizona, guess what, no chance.

You are not going to believe what happened to the “Squire” recently. Everything that I am about to tell you about in this email is the gospel truth.

I was out & about in “Sheila” this morning running around finalising everything before I return to God’s country onboard Skippy at the end of the month.

Honestly l must have been born under a lucky star, either that or I have nine lives. On my way to Tempe which is a neighbouring suburb near Chandler where I live here, I exited the freeway at exit ramp No.52 (University Drive). The traffic slowed down because of the exit speed off the freeway. 

I was in a queue of about ten vehicles slowly driving towards a set of traffic lights to make a left hand turn.

Suddenly out of nowhere l hear a screech of tyres & then this big bang in the rear of “Sheila’s” rear left hand side. Luckily the impact was not too severe because l was still moving at around 15mph or 30kms, needless to say if l had been stationary it would have been much worse. I immediately pulled over to the side of the off-ramp & so did the person that collided with me.

He was a young Mexican guy in his early 20s. I asked him if he had insurance, his answer was No. This now creates a huge problem because it is against the law here in Arizona if your vehicle is uninsured. I called 911 as you do here in America if anything goes wrong (l have always wanted to call 911 to see what happens) & this was my life’s long opportunity to fulfil that dream.

The State Trooper was on his way. Because the other party is uninsured you need a Police report otherwise my insurance company will not cover any damage to my vehicle. Now this is where the shit hits the fan.

While waiting for the Arizona State Trooper to arrive to make his report of my accident, I was standing next to “Sheila” passing the time away.

Then all hell brakes loose, suddenly there was this horrible crash impact & noise of another crash within 30ft or 10mts from me. I looked around & all I could see was this Ford pick-up doing a barrel roll right in front of me. There were lawn mowers & gardening tools & other equipment flying all over the off ramp while this pick-up was in its barrel roll.

Luckily for the two guys that were in the pick-up (see photo) the vehicle ended up on its wheels after its barrel roll. I can tell you I needed a change of underwear.

Once the pick-up came to a stop these two Mexicans jumped out of their vehicle then they raced around & retrieved all of their equipment from the off ramp & road, threw it all into the back of their pick-up.

Obviously they also did not have insurance because they immediately fled the scene. Detective Sergeant Warbo had his finger on the trigger & managed to take a photograph of their ute as they speed away (number plate) & all (see photo) which I later gave to the State Trooper when he arrived.

Meanwhile there I was trembling in my shoes wondering what on earth I had just witnessed, I thought it was all a bad dream.

Really there is not that much damage to “Sheila” (see photo) however have a look at the wet backs Mitsubishi. Look at the front RHS of his car where he hit me, it is completely demolished, he had to throw away the front of his car on the side of the road, thank heavens l was in my 1931 Model A Ford, Henry Ford sure made them tough in those days.

Eventually I came back down to earth once the State Trooper made his report & l was on my way again with a change of underwear.

Now if that is not a good story, I do not know what is & I am alive to talk about it. Remember what my motto is: “Adventure before Dementia”. I just happen to have spades of adventure still left in me yet.

Stay safe. Regards

Warbo

Model A Ford Car Club of NSW - Maintenance Day

Sunday 5th March - 2023

Greetings all,

My Model A Ford Car Club of NSW held their maintenance day yesterday. I attended in my 1930 Special delivery Sedan (see second photo down) to give it a run since it has been well over 6-months since it left the storage factory.

It was wonderful to catch up with all my old mates here in Sydney to fill them all in on my recent travels to America. We had a decent roll up of Model A Fords as you can see in one of the photos (l counted eleven Model As in total) other members attended in their modern cars with a final head count of about 25 club members.

The two photos (above & Below) show you my 1930 Special Delivery Wagon plus some of the other club members Model A Fords that attended the maintenance day yesterday.

One of my club member mates Mal Bradley (l consider him as the Guru of the Model A Ford’s fraternity here in Australia) who l am sure a lot of you know here in Australia plus there are a few Americans that are still on planet earth would know & remember Mal from the 2004 Model A National Meet here in Australia.

We were all enjoying a sausage sizzle after the maintenance talks had finished & discussing the problems of the world that l can assure you we fixed.

Talk about coincidences again, well l am sure you all remember my UK trip last year from my blog stories. Here l go again, you are not going to believe this story.

My 1930 Special Delivery Wagon (left) plus some of the other club members Model A Fords that attended the maintenance day yesterday.

I was chomping away merrily on my sausage sizzle roll when Mal Bradley happened to mention the names Joop & Marlies Plaggenborg from Glendale in Arizona, immediately my ears stood to attention as they do because l have big ears.

As someone once said to me. You know Ken, your ears look like a V.W. with the front doors open. Very insulting, that person is no longer my friend.

Mal knows Joop because they have apparently had discussions about Model A Ford 400s of which Joop is the Guru in America. Mal has just completed a total restoration of his Model A Ford 400 here in Sydney.

Joop & Marlies Plaggenborg at home in Glendale, Arizona with their newest addition, a Model A Ford Cabriolet

Without a doubt and I am putting my reputation on the line here, my friend & sometimes foe, Mal Bradley’s Model A Ford 400 would be without a doubt the best example of that wonderful Model A Ford 400 in the world, trust me. Now here is the coincidence!

Now you must remember all this happened less than two weeks ago on the other side of the world in Glendale Arizona which is 7,800 miles or 12,550 kms from Sydney Australia.

Less than two weeks ago on our way back to Chandler from Las Vegas, Steve Core & myself enjoyed a very late lunch with none other than Joop & Marlies Plaggenborg at their beautiful residence in Glendale, Arizona.

Steve Core (left) with Joop & Marlies Plaggenborg in their home garage and workshop in Glendale, Arizona.

Not only that, now wait for this coincidence & it will blow your socks off. Joop had just purchased his new Model A Ford Cabriolet one week previously (see photographs of us in their garage with his new baby).

Right now as I type this email I am now safely home here in postcode 2230 in Sydney Australia having arrived back in the lucky country on Thursday this week. Now this is the money shot & I am sure that you will think that I am full of BS or exaggerating what I am also about to tell you.

Bring ‘Sheila’ into this amazing coincidence. Twelve years ago I purchased “Sheila” from Clyde-Ross Morgan & his beautiful wife LeeAnn in Sedona, Arizona on our way to Alaska with my son Nathaniel in our RV.

Joop & Marlies Plaggenborg newest addition to their stable, parked in their garage, a Model A Ford Cabriolet.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge in that time without a doubt. This is where Serendipity kicks in. In case you do not know what “Serendipity” means here we go: The occurrence & development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way!

Over our very late lunch that Steve & I enjoyed at the Plaggenborg’s residence in Glendale, Arizona a couple of week’s ago I wanted to know where they had purchased their new Model A Ford Cabriolet addition to their family.

When Joop told me that he had purchased his Model A Ford Cabriolet from a gentleman called (this is spooky) Clyde-Ross Morgan & his wife LeeAnn, you had to pick me up off the floor.

See photo above of 'Sheila' recently at Lake Havasu with the famous London Bridge in the background.

I said ‘No Way’ because that is the same couple that I had purchased my 1931 Model A Ford, Slant Window, all metal, Town Sedan (“Sheila”) from in Sedona Arizona 12-years earlier.

What are the odds, millions & millions & millions to one. That my friends is all she wrote. If that is not a good yarn, I have no idea what is.

Stay safe. Cheers from the “Squire” from the Shire back home in Postcode 2230, thank heavens.

Warbo