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Paskerville Rally Report |
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Where to start? Little did I know when I started this project two years ago where it would end up. Highlights? There have been so many wonderful things I really don't know where to begin to explain – but let's try.
Firstly, the friendliness – the overwhelming number of people who have come up to say "We have been made to feel so welcome!" Then the volunteers, and what a fantastic job they have all done. Volunteers proudly wore their T-shirts almost everywhere – thanks to the sponsorship of The District Council of the Copper Coast and SA Tourism Commission, they all have a lovely memento of their working time at the Rally.
To my knowledge there has not been one cross word since our Members joined the queue on Monday morning to come into the rally site. Everyone was very impressed with the ease of how they could be parked on site. They arrived and were made comfortable without any stress. Monday morning was obviously peak time – I stood on the veranda and to see it all start after so many weeks and months of planning was pretty emotional. But the most important thing was that everyone coming in that gate in their motorhome had smiles on their faces. That is all I wanted to achieve - to make people feel relaxed, feel comfortable, and I think our team has achieved it and more.
My executive committee of Anne Noble and Fay Bussell, in their respective roles, have been invaluable. There have been no cross words between the core committee and our friendship has deepened. Anne did a fantastic job on the program single handedly. Fay ran the office very smoothly and any minor problems were sorted within minutes with no animosity. All were "mother ducks" when I got my cold in the middle of the rally itself!
Evening entertainment went off extremely well especially when you consider the extreme cold and wind of most evenings. Without exception it was all talent local to the area of the Yorke Peninsula. Take a bow you gifted people! And we found even more amazingly creative people in this region, including the craft ladies – Yorke Peninsula Quilters Guild and local community ladies who gave us their time and took classes. We didn't have one class that wasn't full. The Squeeze Me chickens were particularly well liked and very cute. Even Sonja Rigby-Jones from NHQ went off to do a chicken. Her chicken has been christened "Harry", which was a bit of a worry considering it lays an egg!
Congratulations to all the participants in the disc bowls competition. Even if you didn't get a place, you are still a winner just for having a go!
We had about 1300 people through the gate on open day and the Country Fire Service at Paskeville very gratefully received the proceeds. They have asked me to convey their thanks.
Other activities included helicopter rides, sheep dog trials with sheep and ducks, 50 plus market day stalls, "Colo" the clown with his balloons for the kids, and a motocross demonstration.
Our wonderful choir performed with enthusiasm. Sunday morning devotions would not be the same without you all and your "Grease" presentation was astounding, especially John and Olivia! The CMCA skits and talent show provided as good an entertainment as you could buy anywhere!
The Rock and Roll night was well attended, but due to the cold not as many people as expected were in costume. However, those who did dress up were fantastic. I suspect there may have been a few sore muscles on Sunday morning – some of those moves on the dance floor were reminiscent of 30 or more years ago!
Congratulations also to Laurie and Keith Smyth for the best Wanderer article.
Lyn's Country Kitchen did a roaring trade every night without fail and the local butcher, fruit and vegetable and grocery shops all did well. "Sweet Tooth" did extremely well with the Darrell Lea chocolates.
At the time of writing, we still have the trivia night and the bingo plus a few more seminars and activities, but unfortunately we have a deadline to meet so this is a nearly finished rally report.
Thanks to our major sponsors, Telstra Country Wide, Onan, Ken Tame Insurance and also Hyundai for their courtesy cars and also to the Mayor, Paul Thomas and The District Council of the Copper Coast.
I hope you all enjoyed the Paskeville rally as much as we have! z
Karen Griffin, V3960, Chrissy Eustace,Q23798.
Greatful thanks to Chrissy for helping me with this report. Karen Griffin.
ALAN GREENWOOD TROPHY PASKEVILLE DISC BOWLS RESULTS
Mixed Triples
Gold – Blue Gum Rovers
Vi Newman, T9441
Billie Fogarty, T9446
Arthur Fogarty, T9446
Silver – Hunter Coastal II
Bernie Power, N6439
Darryl Rowney, N2550
Sharon Rowney, N2550
Bronze – Hunter Coastal I
Hazel Short, N79
Val Lyall, N23444
Ken Lyall, N23444
Ladies Triples
Gold – Sydney Wanderers I
Robyn Procter, N4002
Aileen Smith, N14213
Dot Harjes, N9362
Silver – Murray Borderliners
Val Leeworthy, N1980
Judi Brushett, N2197
Isabel Forster, V7307
Bronze – Southern Explorers
Delphine McGlone, V1622
Erica Musgrove, V28359
Ila Hughes, V19534
Mens Triples
Gold – Sydney Wanderers I
Syd Harjes, N9362
Brian Smith, N14213
Ken Collins, N2113
Silver – Highway Wanderers
Merv Rogers, Q18661
Dennis Felton, N5136
Phil Procter, Q1881
Bronze – Murray Borderliners
Col Leeworthy, N1980
Randolf Belt, V7079
Arthur Forster, V7307.
Alan Greenwood Trophy
For the best article submitted for The Wanderer in the previous year.
Winners
Harold S-MX, Keith and Laurie Smyth V6311
— for their articles In the Doghousepublished in the September and October editions of The Wanderer 2002.
A BIG THANK YOU
We would like to thank all the major sponsors of the 18th National Rally in Paskeville SA, October 2003.
And a special thank you to the District Council and the people of The Copper Coast for making us feel so welcome.
Day 7 - the last day at Paskeville Rally
The choir accompanied the multi-denominational devotions this morning. They were in fine voice and obviously their practices during the week were worth the effort.
The General meeting commenced at 9.30 am, chaired by local Mayor Paul Thomas. All six resolutions were passed by both the members present and those who had sent in proxies.
The Annual General Meeting followed. The election results were declared with Gary Rebgetz being the only nomination, elected as Chairman and Peter Anderson filling the role of director. This now means there is a casual vacancy for Gary's previous position of director and the Board will appoint someone to that position. The statutory reports including financial statements published in the recent Wanderer were all accepted.
There was a bus to the harness racing and quite a few people took advantage of the fine but continuing windy conditions to have a half a day off site.
The Alan Greenwood Trophy for the best article in the Wanderer was won by Laurie and Keith Smyth V6311 (and their four-legged friend Harold). Congratulations, especially to Harold for his contribution.
Now it's off to the Toowoomba presentation for the September 2004 rally, more fine music from the choir and the skits and talent show. Unfortunately we have to leave tomorrow but will send an update on the skits from somewhere on the road.
I hope you have enjoyed this insight into our 18th National Rally and that it will encourage you to join with us in Tasmania in March 2004. There are already over 900 bookings on the Spirit I and II which leave from Melbourne and Spirit III starts operations from Sydney in January 2004. Add that to all the Tassie members who will converge on Carrick and we expect to have a ripper - beauty - bonza - time. I have already checked out the crafts section with co-ordinator Annette Tyson and believe me - you are in for a real treat - there are topics for guys and gals a-plenty!
Till next time we meet - take care - drive safely and above all - remember our motto "Laugh More Live Longer"
Chrissy Eustace Q23798 - your on site reporter at Paskeville
Day 6 at Paskeville
Windy but fine for our open day - thank goodness it wasn't raining. Members and visitors craft market stalls appeared to have sprung up everywhere overnight. They certainly were out and about early getting set up.
"Colo" the wandering clown greeted the children of visitors, some of whom took advantage of the Moonta Train as a means of transportation around the grounds. The Barossa Valley helicopter offered rides at $20 - very reasonable I was assured - but there were quite a few of us (chickens maybe) who preferred to keep our feet on the ground. However those who braved the experience came down with glowing reports of how exciting it was.
Two sessions of sheep dog trials with the border collies were probably my personal highlight of the day. We took Rex (our border collie) but he was more interested in being sociable than in watching how to herd the ducks or sheep. There were little puppies only 8 weeks old and already you could see the inbred working dog in their attempts to start rounding up the sheep. Now Rex - see how it is done????
Motorcross demonstrations were held at the other end of the grounds and a number of people watched some daredevil maneuvers.
There were two highlights of the day - one the finals of the disc bowls - the other the rock and roll night.
Congratulations to all who participated in both events - they had a common factor - you were out there socializing and getting exercise at the same time. The disk bowls results will be advised shortly when all the names of players are collated.
Now it's off to check out the rocking and rolling -
Take care - Chrissy Eustace Q23798 - your on site reporter at Paskeville
Day 5 at Paskeville
Already it's Friday and the rally is speeding away from us. This morning I sneaked in to hear the choir practice - they are doing exceptionally well for such a short time together.
Yesterday's disc bowls resulted in joy for some teams who got through to the Saturday finals and disappointment for others. However the most important thing is the manner in which the game was played - in true CMCA fellowship. First timers were seen alongside veteran performers - all trying their best for their respective chapters.
There was a bus to Kadina Bowling Club for the lawn bowlers - some were obviously suffering withdrawal symptoms and were looking forward to their social games.
Seminars of interest from local speakers include details of the Banking and Currency Museum (a must for anyone who collects notes and coins), the gems and minerals talk (wish we could find gold somewhere don't we) and the daily array of craft classes. There were auditions for the CMCA Talent Showcase - which will follow the skits on Sunday night.
The CMCA Casino village update by Alan Tesch advised members of progress and Alan and Vince have been talking constantly to interested parties in the Trades Hall all week. They could have quite sore throats by the end of the rally.
The President and Secretary's meeting was attended by about 30 people from a variety of chapters. Peter Anderson and Don Eldred outlined - amongst other things - the latest news about rest areas, how certain chapters welcome new members, the necessity for registration of all attendees at chapter meetings to sign (otherwise you aren't covered insurance wise). The meeting concluded with a talk from Chairman elect Gary Rebgetz on his vision for the coming year for the Club.
Lyn's Country Cooking continued to do a brisk trade - it's so much easier to eat out than cook some of us lazy cooks have decided, especially after a day spent socializing, at crafts or in seminars.
Tomorrow is a busy day with disc bowls finals and open day..Till then - take care - Chrissy Eustace Q23798 - your on site reporter at Paskeville
Day 4 at Paskeville
The pitter-patter of raindrops awoke us at dawn but fortunately by breakfast time the skies had cleared and we were blessed with fine weather and light winds for the start of the disc bowls at 10 am.
The competition is not as large in numbers as we had at Casino - but don't worry - the enthusiasm is there both for participants and spectators alike. The draw continues through this afternoon and the finals are on Open Day.
On our walk this morning, a member of the local Country Fire Brigade stopped us. He had seen registration boards, heard people talking with anticipation of today and just HAD to know what were "disc bowls"? So we soon enlightened him and we expect to see him as a spectator on Saturday. One comment he made certainly rang true - "You guys act like one big family - I've never come across anything like it! Everyone seems to be running up to someone and giving them hugs or handshakes!"
Our team had a bye in this morning's competition, so at least we can go home and say (well sort of truthfully) that we made it through the first round! We will give it our best shot this afternoon but only one of our ladies is really experienced…..oh well, it's all the fun of being here that matters. If you put more discs out than you put in - at least you have participated.
There are lots of people booking either their transportation or registration form for the Tassie Rally. Remember there are only 500 powered sites - the ground will take over a thousand vehicles - so if you want a powered site, get in early.
So, it's off to do some practice and hopefully I won't disgrace the team. Till tomorrow - take care
Chrissy Eustace Q23798, Your on site reporter at Paskeville Rally
Day 3 at Paskeville
The day started again at 8 am with the UHF radio announcements by Stuart Harrison. The melodious voices of the CMCA Choir could be heard coming from the Telstra Pavilion and before we knew where the time had gone, it was morning tea again!
Bookings were taken for the tours around the area or the round trip bus which enables people to go into town and do their own shopping. The nearby CMCA Trade Stall seemed to be doing very steady business and Ken Tame Insurance always had someone around the table, talking to the friendly staff.
Once again the ladies were enjoying the craft and numerous people listened to presentations including one of particular relevance, KESAB - Keep South Australia Beautiful, with the emphasis on how we should leave rest areas cleaner and tidier than when we came.
The First Timers afternoon tea was a font of information for our "newbies" and without exception, they all indicated they were having a very interesting time. Past Chairman Alan Tesch was seen wandering into a "newbie" motorhome discussing at length the pros and cons of various batteries and helped our "newbies" decide it would be worth investing in solar to give them more independence while camping.
No doubt the highlight of the day was the Opening Ceremony and Banner Parade. The speech by Mayor Paul Thomas was most convivial. As usual Diana Worner handled the MC component of the evening with aplomb, welcoming all the dignitaries. Chairman elect Gary Regbetz greeted other VIPs, introduced the Board members and their wives but paid particular attention to the work of the volunteers - without whom any rally would never get off the ground. The nominated representatives carried the banners of their respective chapters with great pride and the loudest group was, without doubt, the Solos - probably because they are also the largest at this rally. A fitting conclusion to the evening was entertainment by Jeff Cook and David Croser - both true blue Aussie's!
We drifted home under a star-studded sky, hoping that the wonderful blue skies and minimal wind would continue tomorrow for the start of the disc bowls competition.
Until then - take care and remember our motto - laugh more - live longer! Chrissy Eustace Q23798 - your on site reporter at Paskeville
Day 2 at Paskeville
With over 400 motorhomes now on site, the rally site is looking more like the gathering of kindred spirits we expected. Unfortunately Day 2 dawned with lots of clouds which soon turned into scudding showers. However, they say every cloud has a silver lining and in this case it was the trade exhibitors, as members soon scurried indoors when each down pour occurred. Fortunately by lunchtime, the blue skies reappeared and it was far more pleasant.
The NAC meeting was convened at 9 am and took most of the day. Chairman elect Gary Rebgetz outlined matters of interest to members and each NAC representative will no doubt report to give to his/her chapter on return home after the rally. I was permitted to give an address to the NAC on the banner quilt project and was encouraged, yet again, with the enthusiasm shown by another group of members.
The craft classes started to fill up and seminars were attended. The local butcher, greengrocer, convenience store all seemed to do a reasonable trade - and better than that, I discovered "The Sweet Tooth", a little retailer who, not only sold normal lollies - but also Darrell Lea chocolates - just the thing for a birthday girl I thought!
I was on "Meet and Greet" in the afternoon. Obviously the largest influx of numbers was on the Monday so our team had a fairly quiet afternoon. That didn't matter however, because we all nattered in between times amongst ourselves and with the siting and security guys who were nearby. We exchanged many happy tales and had many laughs along the way.
People soon disseminated everywhere for happy hour, only to appear again after tea for the Tasmanian Anniversary Rally presentation. Co-ordinator Don and deputy Peter extoiled the virtues of our small island state, advising that over 900 motorhomes were already booked on the Tasmanian Ferries and that Spirit III would commence duties ex Sydney in January. Bookings for the Tassie rally were to be taken at the office as from October 22 and there were many murmurings heard of "and when are you going?" or similar words. Director for Chapters Peter Anderson make the announcement of two new chapters joining our family - now a total of 65. Entertainment by Hank and Donna Marie completed the evening, with many voices singing along happily until the end of another happy day.
Chrissy Eustace Q23798 - your on site reporter at Paskeville
Day 1 at Paskeville
Blue skies and a slightly lesser wind than we endured on the weekend greeted the opening of the 18th National Rally at Paskeville today.
By 7.30 am there were nearly 50 motorhomes waiting very patiently to come in. Many old friendships were renewed and new ones made as people stood in the sunshine knowing that the gates would open very shortly. Even the puppy dogs were very well behaved and watched patiently the goings-on of their humans and friends and one director discovered his long lost cousin (now that's another story!)
The meet and greet team were in fine form. These excellent ambassadors soon smoothed over the time spent waiting to be processed.
The siting team took over from there and soon sorted the big rigs from the little ones and placed them accordingly. As you will see from the photos, there were huge buses with trailers and little one person vehicles, with everything in between.
Today was a fairly informal day with morning tea for an extended period of 9 am to 11 am being welcomed by both volunteers and arrivals.
Tomorrow the rally starts to get into gear - we will all have full days from Tuesday the 21st through to Tuesday the 28th. By the time that comes, we will have all probably talked ourselves hoarse, laughed ourselves silly and be regretting that it has all finished so quickly.
Co-ordinators Karen and Anne and their teams have put together a very interesting package of events - sure to have something for everyone.
Tomorrow's highlights include the NAC meeting, 12 volt Seminar, Craft classes, disc bowls practice, Best Water Filter presentation, the Tasmanian Rally presentation, new chapter banner presentations plus lots of entertainment, even including a movie.
Each day we will give you a report so you know what you are missing!
Till then - take care - Chrissy Eustace Q23798 - your on site reporter at Paskeville
We say, very correctly, CMCA is a big extended family – in this instance, it was a vehicle for reuniting a family. Many years ago, the maternal grandmother passed on, the two sisters moved to different cities and their respective children lost touch. But at Paskeville two of those cousins found each after more than fifty years apart. It is a story which had brought a warm fuzzy feeling to more than a few of us at the rally, privileged to be aware of the reunion – and I am sure you will feel the same.
Both men had been to rallies at Parklands in 1996, then to Warrigal, Griffith and even Casino and never did their paths cross until here at Paskeville. By chance the wives were both on the same meet-and-greet team. In the course of conversation, one, noting the surname, said to the other, “Do you have any relatives called Ken and Kay?” - “Why yes, they are my husband’s twin brother and sister!” came the surprised reply. Vicki and Norma soon returned to their respective husbands excitedly with news, “Do you know a Richard Harradine/John Samin?” And, of course, the response was “Yes – he’s my cousin but I haven’t seen him since he was a boy!”
For many years, Richard had wondered about the whereabouts of his grandfather's war medals. Little did he know that John has carried them in his motorhome since 1996. A.J. Beer left Sydney on the S.S. “Borda” to go to France as a replacement. He was hospitalized in London with pneumonia and ended up with the 36th battalion AIF, seeing duty at the Somme and Messine, where his group jumped into an existing bomb crater in an endeavour to escape another incoming bomb. The battalion was completely wiped out. A.J.’s body was never recovered. The family received a card from the stretcher-bearer and his name is engraved on the Mennin Gate Monument. John, on an overseas trip, found a grave in the Toronto Road Cemetery marked “unknown soldier of Australia”. He decided that was the resting place of his grandfather and marked it with two poppies and an Aussie flag. Over 57,000 soldiers of the British Empire (including Australia and Canada) were killed on that day.
Now all these years later, through this CMCA rally, these two cousins, whose lives have run in an unknown parallel, hold their grandfather’s medals. We are sure he is smiling down from above.
Chrissy Eustace, Q23798