---

After watching the weather reports all week, it was decided we would take the convertible to the 15th Anniversary of Tourism at Woolmers on the 21st November.

It was to be a very early start for us as we had to meet everyone at Longford at 9:30, so it was just on 7:00 that we departed in overcast skies only to be greeted with some drizzle in the northern suburbs, so much for the washing and polishing the day before, never mind how sad!

As the northerners always tell us the weather improved the further north we got so it was at Epping Forest we emerged into a fine sunny day. One thing we did note though was all the traffic heading south the further north we went from Ross, we could only assume that they had finally seen the light and were moving to Hobart, I digress.

We finally arrived at Longford a few minutes ahead of time and were soon joined by Warrick and Betty in their lovely JRG V12 E Type, soon followed Steve Dixon in his XJ6 and not long after that by the rest of the contingent. We were told the Swan's had visitors and would be late, however lo and behold up drives Rod in the XK with an unfamiliar passenger followed by a rather noisy Barb in the XJ40. It turned out that their visitors were none other than former club members Liz and Graham Catchlove who are now resident in Adelaide. It was great to catch up with them again.

Eventually a cavalcade of 13 shiny Jaguars left Longford for Woolmers where we were greeted by Northern Chairman Jim Dickenson who had the short straw of parking attendant but did an admirable job as we ended up in pride of place in front of a collection of cars from the Veteran Car Club. It was a magnificent display of 16 Jaguars! One gem to appear was Wilson's 1935 SS replica, complete with Martin in the obligatory flying cap and Kaye a little wind swept. Such was the interest in the car that Martin was quickly whisked away to do an on air interview with the ABC's Chris Wisbey who was broadcasting from the venue.

Woolmers is a wonderful example of our early heritage, in fact it is a time capsule and having been to Brickendon (just across the river) during this years State Rally it is good to see that our history is being preserved and well worthy of the recent World Heritage listing.

The National Rose Gardens are a sight to behold; we could have spent all day there, roses of every type and colour - magical!! (see pictures in the Galleries.) After a wander through the veggie garden, shearing shed, cider house and the blacksmiths smithy we had lunch under the trees, whilst being entertained by combined pipe and brass bands, a very pleasant way top spend the day. After lots of socialising and conversations as with most good things they have to come to an end and we reluctantly headed for home having had a wonderful day with our northern friends.

We would like to thank Geoff, Tony and Jim for organising such an enjoyable event. Let's hope that something similar can be organised again.

Diane Spencer

Attendees:
Barb Swan & Liz Catchlove - XJ40
Leon & Heather Ransom - XJS Coupe
Steve & Sue Dixon - XJ6 Sovereign
Ken Vayne and family - XJ6 Series ll
John Wilson & Maree - Daimler 250
Noel & Marilyn Doddridge - XF
Rod Swan & Graham Catchlove - XK150
Max & Pamela Heazlewood - XJ8 Sovereign
Jim Dickenson - XJS Coupe
Brian & Diane Spencer - XJS Convertible
Warrick & Betty Holmes - V12 E Type Roadster
Barry & Jacquie Reynolds - S-Type 2002
Mark Wheatley & Ros & Peter Freeman - S Type 1968
Kevin & Janice Pitt - Mk 1
Martin & Kaye Wilson - 1935 SS Replica
Geoff Henry & Tony Sadleir - XJ6 Series ll

---

Information on 'Past Events' pages is contributed by JCCT members who attended the particular event, and is presented in good faith. Please report any errors or changes to the Webmaster.