We were a small bunch (but not bad, considering recent weather); Geoff and Tony of course, along with Bob and Margaret Graham, Leon and Heather Ranson, and Mark and Hazel Wheatley, as well as new members Terry and Hazel Slaughter and Phil and Kathy Draper. (Several of our 'regulars' couldn't make it due to various commitments.) We had devised a 'circuitous route' to Campbell Town (well, the highway is rather boring...) and so set out to follow it.
Having bypassed the centre of Launceston, we travelled the Midland Highway as far as Woolmers Lane, just south of Perth, then skirted the edge of Longford where we picked up Warrick and Betty Holmes. From here we headed towards Cressy, but turned off on the Bishopsbourne Road intending meet up with the Poatina Road and then back to Macquarie Road to take us across to Campbell Town.
HOWEVER, our plans had to change when we encountered a 'Bridge Closed' sign on the road to Blackwood Creek. This necessitated an about-face and a run to Cressy on a back road. From here to Campbell Town, Macquarie Road is scenic and mostly free of traffic.
We unfortunately left a detailed map at home, so missed a turnoff in Campbell Town which would have bypassed a brief return to the highway. Nevertheless, we were soon at our destination, Lions Park, on the banks of the Elizabeth River, where we were met by Brian and Diane Spencer, the sole southerners who were brave enough to travel. By this time the sun was out, but a cold breeze was blowing, so as soon as the shelter shed was free from a couple of incumbent travellers, we moved in and set up shop. Once we had started our picnic lunch, a group of local ducks appeared, and started begging for handouts; Terry Slaughter obliged, and was almost wearing the ducks after a few minutes, they were so keen!
The Drapers had brought along their beautiful XJ8 Sovereign, which they had purchased in England some years earlier. Dark blue, with a beige interior, the car is in lovely condition, and we hope to see it at more events in the future. Terry and Hazel Slaughter were having their first club run in the ex-Graham Series 1 Daimler Sovereign. We hope both couples enjoyed their first run out with the club.
Just after lunch was finished, the skies finally opened, and we were obliged to execute a rapid pack-up and retreat to our cars. Everyone headed for home except for the Holmes, Ransons and us, who called in to a local cafe for coffee and an after-lunch snack. Then it was back home via the highway, which unfortunately had a fair amount of traffic due to a major event at Symmons Plains raceway. All in all, an enjoyable day, in spite of the weather.
You can find more pictures from this event in the Galleries.