Where the grass is greener...

From the moment l noticed the manicured couch grass lawn at the entrance of Andrew Byrne’s factory unit, l just knew that l was in for a very, very special afternoon.

The manicured couch grass lawn 
that greeted us on arrival

We were all greeted at the front entrance by Andrew and ushered into our parking spots. As soon as l parked my 1931 Model A Ford 2-door Tudor Deluxe Sedan, l believe Andrew’s daughter arrived with a piece of 60x90 cm piece of cardboard to place under my vehicle in case l had any oil leaks (and as you know all Model A Fords & Model T Fords leak oil). Every vehicle that was parked on the concrete pad in front of the building had these pieces of cardboard placed under the vehicles for obvious reasons.

This is a special place to be lucky enough to be invited to by the very private Byrnes family.

Our Model A Ford Restorers Club of NSW plus the Model T Ford Club of NSW were invited to a showing of the Byrne’s private Ford collection of motor vehicles and paraphernalia exhibited in the Museum, however there was one condition: NO PHOTOGRAPHS.

Garry & Marilyn Amesbury’s Model T Ford. This modern kitchen, 
would have been used extensively in 2008 when they drove their 
1927 Model T Ford 20,000 km around Australia

Everybody adhered to Andrew's request, they do not want their treasure plastered all over social media, and l totally agree with them.

All we had to do was to show up in our Model A & Model T Fords, a magnificent lunch was provide for all their guests by Andrew’s beautiful Mauritian wife with the help of their son & daughter. We were spoilt rotten.

After lunch we were all invited into their unbelievable Car Museum to drool over their Ford Motor Vehicles. Absolutely astonishing.

When everybody was through checking out the merchandise it was now time for afternoon tea. Cakes and sweets were in abundance, washed down with Coffee or Tea.

That’s not all, Andrew’s family distributed a raffle ticket to every one in attendance when we arrived. Peter Deane from the Model A Ford Restorers Club of NSW was lucky enough to win the 1st prize, a lovely bottle of Liquor. There were also another three prizes won by various other members, lovely Ford “Tee“ shirts.

Shown in the accompanying photographs are some of the Model A Ford & Model T Ford vehicles that attended this wonderful day.

Some of the Model A Ford & Model T Ford vehicles
that attended this wonderful day

Don’t forget to inspect Andrew’s couch grass lawn that l was greeted with upon my arrival setting the tone for the day.

Check out the photograph of Garry & Marilyn Amesbury’s Model T Ford. This modern kitchen, would have been used extensively in 2008 when they drove their 1927 Model T Ford 20,000 km around Australia, raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

I might add that we never had to put a hand in our pockets all afternoon due to the hospitality and generosity of the Byrne family.

I would like to add to this story my personal gratification for a wonderful afternoon.

The Byrnes are truly an inspirational family.

Thanks so much for our wonderful and inspiring afternoon.

Ken Warburton. (Model A Ford Restorers Club of NSW)

N.B. We were allowed to take photos out side the private collection as you can witness above. You can also see the neatly cut pieces of cardboard that were placed under our vehicles when we arrived in two of the photos.

2SSR-FM Radio Interview

Promoting our Pre-WWII Vintage Car & Bike Show event for Sunday 15th April in Cronulla, Event Director Ken Warburton called onto the Gymea Studios of 2SSR-FM Community Radio to chat with delightful presenter of the 'Good Life' program Ann Warren.

To listen to the podcast CLICK HERE

Pictured: Ken Warburton and Ann Warren
Photo: Steve Core

Event: Pre-WWII Vintage Car & Bike Show

Date: Sunday 15th April, 2018

Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm

Location: Cronulla Mall, Cronulla, NSW

Berrima District Historic Vehicle Club Rally

Sat & Sun, 17-18 February - 2018

For the weekend of February 17-18, 2018, I took one of my cars south this weekend, my destination was just 80-minutes south-west of Sydney to Mittagong. Down to the fertile valleys, picturesque villages & cooler temperatures of the southern highlands. 

Here's my report & photos of an adventurous two days with fellow vintage car enthusiasts over a fabulous February weekend away in Mittagong to support the Berrima District Historic Vehicle Club lnc Rally.

l departed home in Cronulla at 3.00 pm on Friday afternoon looking forward to the 2-hour journey to Mittagong travelling South on the Hume Highway.

This is the car I originally set out for Mittagong in on the Friday.
My latest acquisition, a 1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Wagon.
It was the car's first long road run and it over heated on a
very hot day climbing up a long, steep gradient.

l entered my latest possession [photo above], the 1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Wagon for this event. This of course was the first occasion that l had ventured any further than driving around the Sutherland Shire in my new vehicle.

The Friday was a stifling hot day, and this 90-year-old vehicle had the journey all ahead of itself. (Just remember this was the first real test for my Special Delivery Wagon out side the Shire !!!)

Everything was running along smoothly on the Heathcote Road until l was driving up the long hill from Deadman's Creek towards Liverpool. Guess what, the old girl did not like the lengthy drag to the top of the hill and decided to overheat. l made a BIG decision that l should not push my luck any further so l decided to return home and change motor vehicles for the week end.

My 1931 Model A Ford 2-door Tudor Deluxe Sedan parked outside my
accommodation for the weekend, Cabin 17 at the Mittagong Caravan Park.

Safely back in Cronulla l swapped the 1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Wagon for 'Old Faithful' my 1931 Model A Ford 2-door Tudor Deluxe Sedan. By this time it was 5.00 pm still with plenty of day light to continue on my journey to Mittagong.

l arrived at the Mittagong Caravan Park at 7.00pm without any more dramas and checked into my luxurious cabin nestled in close beside the railway line. After a good night's sleep, l decided to start the morning with a drive of just 1km to the Mittagong Markets to off-load some hard earned dollars into the local community.

At Mittagong Markets l stumbled across Selwyn and Amanda who had a stall
selling old LP vinyl records, and of course l am a sucker for good quality old LPs.
l still have my turntable.

My first purchase was 10 punnets of petunias (flowers) for $10.00 which l thought was a real bargain. Then l stumbled across Selwyn and Amanda who had a stall selling old LP vinyl records, and of course l am a sucker for good quality old LPs. l still have my turntable.

l really let my hair down (the little that l have left) and purchased Joe Cocker's 1971 compilation album 'Cocker Happy', a 1980 classic 'Blues Brothers - Original Soundtrack' album, Cold Chisel's 1980 album 'East', 2 x albums by The Doors, 1970's 'Morrison Hotel' & 1967's 'The Doors', finishing off my purchase with 3 Jimmy Buffett Albums, 'Havana Daydreamin', 'Last Mango in Paris' & 'Son of a Son of A Sailor'. All of these albums were in mint condition, so l was very happy with my purchases.

After departing the Markets l proceeded to the Mittagong Public School to register for all activities and meals for the weekend Rally. By now it was morning tea time so in the good company of fellow motoring enthusiasts l enjoyed hot, home-made scones, cream and jam washed down with a couple of cups of tea.

At Mittagong Airport, closest to the camera 1926 TT Ford truck, in the middle
is my 1931 Model A Ford 2-door Tudor Deluxe Sedan,
then the green 1924 Dodge Budd Body utility vehicle

l parked my vehicle in the grounds of the school and proceeded to introduce my self to any body that would talk to me. By the time l had finished chatting to various people it was now lunch time. With a choice of homemade rissole/ sausage with salad & roll.

Saturday afternoon's event was a 32km (19.7miles) drive to Bare Greens at Canyonleigh, situated on a 130-acre property and growing and incredible assortment of fresh herbs and greens. Finally we had a quick visit to the Eden Brewery on the way back to Mittagong.

A fantastic turn out of cars for the Berrima District Historic Vehicle Club's Rally
gather at Mittagong Public School.

By the time we arrived back at the school grounds in was 6.00pm just in time for dinner. (Movie/ TV theme or casual dress tonight). Hot smorgasbord carvery, beef/pork & hot veggies. Tea & Coffee. Supper was served later on in the evening. Pancakes, tea & coffee.

A very enjoyable day was had by all, then it was back to the Caravan Park to catch up on some very well earned sleep.

Sunday morning I woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed. I headed back to the school for more hot scones, jam and cream and of course my great cuppa tea.

We made a visit to historic Mittagong Airport

Sunday morning run was organised for a short 8km (4.8 miles) drive to the privately owned Historic Mittagong Aerodrome for more excitement. This aerodrome was constructed in 1944 by a team of local men, for use by the Royal Australian Airforce in defence of the Commonwealth.

Mittagong's Aero club entertained us with ultra light aircraft flights and we had a display by the local Roulettes for approximately half an hour.

A two-seat Gyrocopter powered by a Rotax engine
at Mittagong Airport

At midday we all drove back to headquarters for lunch. Our last catered lunch was a cold smorgasbord, chicken/smoked ham with salads. Finishing off with tea & coffee.

After lunch it was time to commence the presentation of the week end trophy awards. Along with a raffle draw and lucky number draw.

Two Chinese built Nanchang CJ-6 trainer aircraft on display at Mittagong Airport.

Total cost for all this entertainment, and supply of food for the 2 days was $100.00. Now if that is not value for money l don't know what is.

Now for the good part of this exceptional week end. My 1931 Model A Ford 2-door. Tudor Deluxe Sedan was judged and awarded the Best Restoration in the 1931-1940 group of vehicles, PLUS also winning the Best Vehicle in the 1931-1940 category.

Me in the middle receiving the 'Best Restoration In Show' award and
standing in-between organisers from Berrima District Historic Vehicle Club.

l would like to congratulate all those members of the Berrima District Historic Vehicle Club lnc. for their wonderful hospitality and professionalism for an amazing weekend, not forgetting the magnificent catering over the 2-days.

They looked after us all like silk worms.

Once the formalities were completed we all dispersed in different directions, l arrived back at Cronulla around 6.00pm, safe and sound after a beaut weekend.

Yours sincerely,

Warbo

At Mittagong Airport, closest to the camera 1926 TT Ford truck, in the middle
is my 1931 Model A Ford 2-door Tudor Deluxe Sedan,
then the green 1924 Dodge Budd Body utility vehicle on the right

Sylvanvale's 70th Anniversary

Sutherland Shire Leader - Wednesday 5th July, 2107

Sutherland Shire Leader - Wednesday 5th July, 2107