MINI COOPER REGISTER AUSTRALIA Inc
AUSTRALIA DAY RUN – JANUARY 24, 2010
A warm and sunny day welcomed us on this Sunday morning as with Aussie flags flying, we made our way to Skinners Park, Carbrook on the Logan River, for our Aussie Day Breakfast BBQ ably organised and cooked by John and Gayle Heselwood, Tom and Pat McQuilken and Graham Mooney.
Soon cars of every type started to roll up and we counted 13 in all with 2 new Minis of John and Colleen Fett and Rod and Cindy MacPherson, the latter having only just taken delivery of their magnificent red and white John Cooper Works Special Challenge Edition. I was very impressed with the aerofoil spoiler on the rear and of course the thundering drive I was treated to during the course of the day by Rod.
A cooling northerly breeze wafted the delicious BBQ cooking fumes across the assembled
as we set to putting up flags and blow-
The BBQ of sausages, bacon, eggs and grilled tomato progressed as everyone lined up with their plates in hand and then tucked in to the Aussie Fare. Tea, coffee, orange juice and lamingtons followed along with a photo session and some games big kids play, before we drew the raffle.
Tom and Pat McQuilken donated first prize of a Mini tool kit, won by Gary and Gayle Byth, second prize of a 5 piece screwdriver set went to Mike and third prize of a Mini tyre pressure gauge to Roger Lines.
During the breakfast, our President was presented with a bib as wife Gayle always complained that no matter what happened, John always made a mess down his white Club shirt, so kindly, Colleen Fett made a perfect one up and demanded it be worn for breakfast.
After a further chin wag, John briefed the Group on upcoming Runs ( going to be an exciting year), and then handed out maps and instructions for our local run.
13 cars took off out of the Park with flags flying, cars tooting and people waving as we meandered ( led by Andrew Williams) in to the Mt Cotton scenic countryside avoiding the nasty coppers in their hidden pursuit cars, until someone ran out of steam ( we won’t name her but Pat was certainly shamed by hubby Tom) up a very steep hill near the Mt Cotton quarry and we all had to brake to a stop quickly then negotiate the hill and sputtering Rover Mini in first gear until we got clear, and could then recommence our meandering.
John McLeay and Roger Lines left us halfway for further engagements as we all charged off again in another direction to fetch up at the Hoya Nursery and Eatery near Capalaba.
Soft music, gentle bay breezes, a gift shop for the ladies and the aroma of coffee greeted us as we all piled out ( plus the Subaru Forrester ) and helped ourselves to a satisfying Mini lunch and natter under the pavilion.
It was a great catch up then everyone disbanded as we escorted John and Colleen back on to their long road home to Toowoomba and the assurances we’d all see each other again at our next run on a very busy yearly calendar. See the Aussie website for details.
Of course we were left thinking of our overseas friends in Europe and England as they hunkered down for a most bitter winter, as we sailed around in shorts and shirts under clear blue skies and enervating temperatures.
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But that’s life in Aussieland on Australia Day 2010.
Lovely day out and more to come this year.
Bob Ward
http://www.minicooper.org/australia/
