Carrick Rally Report

Day 1 – Saturday March 13

Saturday dawned bright and clear - you could not have hoped for a more perfect autumn day. Tassie had done itself proud! and so did all the volunteers and organising committee. Today would have to have been one of the smoothest first days we have seen at a rally. 557 vehicles are now on site - from the smallest to the biggest they settled in with a minimum of fuss.

Roadside there were two brightly garbed gents - one directing motorhomes, the other normal through traffic. There was no lineup on the roadside, instead we were directed into two lanes where the ever patient "Meet and Greet" ladies checked that our membership was still current, we were coming in on the correct day and handing us the all important Rally Bag - always with a big smile.

The parking (or should that be siting) gentlemen soon directed us down the required tube - there were now four lanes and we were quickly processed as to powered or non powered and sent this way or that.

We were parked and even offered chocks of wood if needed. A very good thought to have the wood cut up and available if you were on a very gently sloping site. Ours was as close to flat as you could ask for and right on a corner - easy to find your way home.

By the end of the day I had heard only one complaint - some people were driving their normal cars too fast on the roads, creating dust. Not one complaint - only praise about the speed and efficiency with which they were sited.

The local traders cater for almost everything you could wish to purchase on site - from papers to bread - from canned groceries - to atlantic salmon.
So that is on tomorrow's menu for us - grilled salmon sounds pretty good with salad!

Saturday and Sunday are "get settled" days, time to catch up with all those old friends and make new ones. There is a restaurant on site if we don't feel like cooking and a huge area for morning teas.

The disc bowls area is lovely and green so the end of the week should see some good action in that arena.

Now - time to study the program and - oops - first thing I noticed (being
female) - that dangerous word CRAFT!!!! time to go and check out the classes and book in....

So for now it's bye till tomorrow when no doubt there will be heaps more to report. In the meantime - compliments to Don and his team for the first day very well done.

We've made all the Tassie TV stations, the newspapers and in our six weeks here so far, we mainlanders (who have affectionately been termed "The Boat People" have had the most wonderful welcome and experiences from our fellow CMCA members and the Tasmanian people in general.

Take care and I look forward to giving you a daily update

Day 2 – Sunday March 14

The craft bookings were virtually 95% full by the close of business on Sunday. The newsagent and all the food stalls were doing a roaring trade. Otherwise it was mainly – sit around, catch up with your mates and have extended happy hour.

Most of those on site (nearly 600 vehicles) attended the Early Bird's Welcome from Co-ordinator Don Mackrill and quite a substantial number stayed on for a Sing Along organised by Entertainments Officer Alan Tyson.

Day 3 – Monday March 15

Another magnificent autumn day dawned. The 8 am broadcast by Mungo on channel 20 began in earnest.

By now all the trade exhibitors were on site and I must admit, mainly men were scouring the trade hall looking for the latest in gadgetry.

Around the camp there were lots of funny noises – maybe I shouldn't call them noises – they were really people practicing for the Members Talent night. We never ceased to be amazed how many gifted men and women are in the CMCA. Some travel with guitars, others with keyboards, some with piano accordion, others trumpet and other brass instruments – we could probably make up a virtual orchestra.

We asked the ladies who had undertaken to knit and crochet squares to be taken to the Craft Barn after morning tea. To say I was amazed at the bags of squares when we got there at 10.30 was an understatement. It soon became obvious that as always CMCA members had risen to the occasion and had excelled themselves. Thanks to Anne Winnington-Martin for her original suggestion to me at Paskeville. It has been a magnificent result!

Three large trestle tables were soon covered and the “sorting ladies” were working out colours to be mixed together, while the “tagging ladies” were sewing in the tails of wool. We soon had bags of 25 squares being distributed to many willing hands to be sewn together into a lap rug. To be honest, we found that 8” square came in a variety of sizes but this presents just another challenge which we will manage no doubt.

Before we knew where it was happy hour was upon us. Quite a few large gatherings appears as if from nowhere. Mrs M's Restaurant started its offerings to save the ladies cooking and it seemed no time till it was off to the Swagman Marquee to view “The Exettes”.

I don't know quite how to describe this group of ladies – music and comedy springs to mind with many of the songs delivered being self-written lyrics and music. If you EVER get a chance to see this group, DO NOT MISS them. They are topical, satirical, funny and more. No one is safe from their teasing – whether you are the Prime Minister or a cleaner. Their show ended far too quickly – or so it seemed. The quality of their vocals and harmonies was pure magic. I could rave on and on – but just ask anyone who saw them when your friends return from the rally.

Day 4 - Tuesday March 16

NAC meeting day – with two special sections open to the general membership. The first related to insurance matters for the future and the gathering was addressed by both Grant Sefton of Hunt & Hunt, CMCA Solicitors, and Ken Tame of Ken Tame Insurance. The most important message seemed to be - think first before you claim to represent CMCA in any area and to act always with common sense. No doubt there will be further information on these topics in the Wanderer in due course. Chairman Gary Rebgetz addressed the NAC, Chapter representatives and general members on matters pertaining to the Board and Head Office responsibilities.

The Casino Village presentation was very well attended and Alan Tesch answered many general questions. The team of Alan and Vince Moran also had a trade stand where many aspects of the continuing development of this motorhome village were on show. These included several floor plans of the proposed retirement villas. One, two or three bedroom units are anticipated. It would be appreciated if CMCA members who could be interested in this development would fill in the survey enclosed in the March Wanderer to assist this very important planning stage being undertaken at present.

The Official opening was conducted by Mr Ken Bacon, MHR, Minister for Tourism and the Mayor of the Meander Valley Council. It was lovely to see founding members Don and Eric Whitworth sitting on the stage and receiving the due plaudits of all speakers that night. Chairman Gary Rebgetz praised the work of the volunteers, who as always make our rallies work.

Tuesday night is always one where our parochialism comes to the fore – the Banner Parade. This rally was no exception. The National Management banner came first, held aloft by Ronda Rebgetz, followed by Sydney Wanderers, the first chapter inaugurated in our great organisation. All the other chapters filed in proudly to the raucous cheers and whistles of their members in the audience.

The Road Runners banner was particularly noted as Peg Lawson, wife of Ray of HF Radio Club fame, carried it. Peg, at a sprightly age of 80, broke her shoulder a few months ago and she has astounded the doctors, who did not expect her to regain as much as she has managed. Naturally she received a special cheer from all our members.

The new chapters of the Wagga Wagga Wanderers and the Lakelanders were presented with their banners, as was the Fifth Wheeler Special Interest Group. We now have 67 chapters with No 68 soon to be confirmed. At the last Tasmanian Rally not that many years ago we had 34 chapters, such is the growth of our Club.

The evening finished with a magnificent showcase of talent – the CMCA Members Concert. There was something for every taste from music to comedy, country and western to jazz. I think I can safely say “We did ourselves proud!”

Day 5 - Wednesday March 17

Another magic Tasmanian autumn morning dawns for an early start today – 7.30 am for the Poet's Breakfast. The local Lions Club is cooking breakfast – fried and scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, jam – all for the huge cost of $6.00!!! Tea and coffee $1.00. Needless to say they were very well supported.

Anne Noble, as always, does a magnificent job of organising these gifted people. Then she comperes the whole show with style!

At the Swagman Marquee, the First Timers Meeting had an introduction to the Board of Directors, most of their wives and the CMCA in general by Chairman Gary. Chapter representatives stood in front of their banners to explain the benefits of belonging to a chapter.

Then a quick walk to the Ken Tame Building where our largest ever birthday cake – 13 ft x 5 ft – was waiting for our celebrations. Once again we pay tribute to Don and Erica Whitworth for their vision in founding our Club. Vi Newman and her catering team had the huge of job of cutting this into over 2000 pieces and ensuring all on the grounds got their taste. Don Mackrill did give the quantities of eggs, flour, margarine and other ingredients at the Banner Parade - there were dozens and dozens of eggs, kilos of margarine. If I can get the exact details will advise you later in these reports.

Ken Tame gave a seminar later in the day and it was extremely well attended. He predicted a crackdown on vehicle safety issues by State authorities. This is a very important matter for all our members – our vehicles are our lifeline to this wonderful lifestyle.

The Craft classes and demonstrated have continued every day – lots of happy smiling faces have been seen admiring the results of their efforts. With such a wide variety from glass engraving to woodwork, art to teddy bears, embroidery and patchwork, china painting to spinning and weaving, it is no wonder the ladies AND gents have been inspired to go outside their usual comfort zones and attempt to gain new skills.

The Toowoomba Rally presentation hit the ground at 7 pm with a GNOME on stage. As yet Co-ordinator Evon Anderson hasn't a name for the gnome, so I am sure she would welcome suggestions. Her introduction to the Garden City included photos of the grounds and its wonderful amenities, the Carnival of Flowers parade last year and a sample of the gardens around the city itself.

This rally is a seven day one with five pre-rally days, commencing September 15, where the Toowoomba Showgrounds will be open so members can take advantage of their stay to take very realistically priced tours to see all the prize winning gardens. CMCA will be marching in the Carnival of Flowers with all our banners and also parading motorhomes decorated with flowers.

All rallies have their own individual charm and I am sure Toowoomba will be no different. Watch the Wanderer and CMCA website for more information as it gets nearer to September 2004.

Entertainment followed with Lucky Grills and Hank and Donna Marie Koopman. Lucky had the audience in the palm of his hands with his comedy routine and brilliant jokes. Hank and Donna Marie are well known to CMCA rally attendees. Unfortunately Donna Marie has to give her a voice a substantial rest due to throat problems. We thank her and Hank for the many hours of enjoyment they have given us over many rallies.

Day 6 - Thursday March 18

We are now more than half way through the rally – it is going tooooooooo fast!

The Poets Breakfast continued to entertain the early birds. These ladies and gentlemen seem to have an amazing ability – they capture the spirit of travel in this great land of ours. I found myself picturing so many places they mentioned.

The Chapter Presidents and Secretaries meeting soon followed the Poets and this gave representatives from all over Australia the chance to compare notes on how their chapters operate, how they organise matters and solve problems.

I was able to display some of our knee rugs and also a substantial number of the banner quilt blocks. This gave both the chapter representatives and the NAC's whose meeting continued after, the chance to see something special. My Banner quilt project will be ready for Toowoomba and will be presented to the Club at that time.

There has been busking at lunchtime by some of our musical members. One young man, Jordan Myers, is trying to add to his savings and purchase an electric guitar. Jordan also has been giving the joke of the day on our morning radio announcements with Mungo.

The Cancer Council of Tasmania has been giving several seminars on Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, UV and Skin Cancers. The Health Department gave one on Diabetes. Health matters are important as we travel so a little extra knowledge never goes astray, especially when it is from the experts in the field.

In the meantime, the ladies around site have been seen everywhere making up our 8-inch square into knee or lap rugs. The colours are amazing – Jacob could easily bring his coat of many colours and fit in perfectly. John Osborne has kindly agreed that we could have a CMCA blue patch to sew onto each rug. This way when it goes to its eventual new owner, they will know we left behind a real thank you to the people who have made us so welcome. Thanks for that John.

I did a session on the CMCA trade stand this afternoon. Diana Worner and her team always do a magnificent job in ensuring members have the availability of all the safety stickers, rally patches, books, fire extinguishers and fire blankets, hat bands and pins, and more. Working on the trade stand also a lovely way to catch up with so many people as with 1000 rigs on site, it is really difficult to see everyone.

Day 7 - Friday March 19

The weather gods have decided to give us a challenge. We awoke to a windy but mainly clear morning – and today is disc bowls. What will that wind do to our chances? Oh well, at least we will all have the same degree of difficulty.

Competition ranged from the serious players to those who were there for the fun of it. However, whether you won or lost, the social aspect of this activity is the real winner. Members from all over Australia have played on all sorts of surfaces. Ken Collins and his team have done a magnificent job of providing soft green grass courts. Obviously a lot of watering time has gone into this area of the grounds.

The shops – butcher, greengrocer, mini-market, bakery, fishmonger – are all doing excellent business. It is wonderful to have this facility on site. The Tassie rally team have chosen their traders well. Mrs M's Restaurant has seen increasing patrons each night - $10 for a roast dinner and an extra couple of dollars for sweets is worthwhile when we have been wandering the grounds all day.

Let's hope tomorrow is a fine day – it's open day and market stalls will be in the Ken Tame building plus disc bowls again with skits at night. A big time ahead!

If you couldn't come to Tassie for whatever reason, I hope this shares with you some of the wonderful times we are having. We are all part of the extended CMCA family and this report, in a small way, hopefully keeps us all in touch with the two largest happenings in our year.

Your on site reporter – Chrissy Eustace Q23798