Toowoomba Rally Report

The 19 th National Rally of the Club is now just a memory. At the start of the Rally I found it bizarre to have the event that had existed in my mind during 18 months of planning, suddenly come to life. Yes, it was a lot of work, but certainly worthwhile, and I thank all those lovely Members who have written or verbally expressed their appreciation.

We had plenty of room in the showgrounds for the 1,475 motorhomes attending, and could have accommodated many more vehicles, even with the spacious layout used. In addition to being by far the largest Rally held by the Club, the assessment of virtually everyone on site was that it was a very happy Rally. That is probably more important than the size of the event.

Most of our Members were on site for a longer period than usual as we had an additional five pre-Rally days to enjoy the Carnival of Flowers. Heather Webster and the hard-working tours team co-ordinated tours of the prize-winning gardens and other attractions in the Toowoomba area. On Carnival Day we had a fleet of 12 coaches to ferry our Members to the centre of Toowoomba.

Our presence in Toowoomba was highlighted by a huge marching contingent in the Carnival of Flowers Parade. We were thrilled to win first prize as a marching group. In addition, we had a small float with a garden gnome and three decorated motorhomes in the Cavalcade of Cars that preceded the floral parade. The group from Brisbane Sunshine Wanderers Chapter responsible for decorating the motorhomes did a sensational job.

Most Members participated in the Carnival of Flowers theme, with a garden gnome and flowers adorning their motorhome. The winners of the Most Outstanding Garden Gnome Award were Peter and Miriam Sinfield, with Mick and Monique Williams, Rob and Bev Allen, Ray and Susan Gorman and St John Ambulance as finalists. The Prize Garden winners were the Gold Coast Drifters Chapter who set up a spectacular display. Finalists were Mat and Alison Moran, John and Kathy Gerrisen, Lance and Kay Trestrail and Paul and Sue Pitstock.

Our stage decorations also followed the theme of the Rally with a 1.3m high garden gnome made by Ron Steen and Carla Bennett. The gnome’s arm waved, and never failed to raise a laugh from the audience when that occurred. The gnome was set in a garden complete with a giant toadstool and banks of greenery and flowers. The orchids and live plants were kindly loaned by the Native Orchid Society of Toowoomba.

The Rally was packed with activities. There were a total of 66 seminars, all very well attended. The wide range of craft classes and art and hobby workshops were popular, and Members learnt new skills. Thanks to all the teachers and Team Co-ordinators. The lap quilt project started by Anne Winnington-Martin prior to the Quercus Park Rally resulted in 174 quilts being entrusted to the Toowoomba Salvation Army for distribution in the area. Thanks to all those involved.

Opening night saw the presentation of the completed Chapter Quilts that will adorn our CMCA Headquarters in Newcastle. These colourful quilts are made up of squares with an embroidered design depicting each of our Chapters. Congratulations to all who participated in the project. Your handiwork will be on show for many years.

Evening entertainment was of an extremely high standard. Members I spoke to had difficulty deciding whether they liked the Elvis Show, the John Denver Show, Pixie Jenkins or one of the other artists the best. Our Big Night Out on the last Sunday featured Dean Vegas with his Elvis Tribute Show. As part of the act he asked for a volunteer, and Helen Hoveler was persuaded to participate. She was nothing short of sensational!

One of the pleasant surprises of the Rally was the awarding of Life Membership to long-time prominent Members Ray and Peg Lawson. They had been invited on stage on the pretence of giving a short talk about the Kidney Safari. When Gary Rebgetz, our Chairman, announced the real reason for asking them on stage, there was surprise and a few tears.

One of the interesting innovations at this Rally was a daily news sheet with photographs, Rally news and important information. This was produced by our Media Officer, Chris Martin. The extensive media coverage of the Rally included over half the front page of the Brisbane ‘Courier Mail’.

There were close to a hundred trade stands and motorhome retailers on site, and Rod Hall and his team were nearly run off their feet looking after them all. The traders reported great business, with several new motorhomes being sold at the Rally.

I would like to thank our sponsors and traders who donated prizes for the Big Prize Draw. These prizes are too numerous to mention, and include a week’s Maui motorhome holiday in New Zealand, an electric bicycle, Univac vacuum cleaner, Biomagic toilet products, Solarscreen, Dreampot, satellite TV system, Megapulse and a $100 Telstra voucher. I am sure our Members who won these terrific prizes are very appreciative.

I also would like to thank Masterfoods who sponsored our pets attending the Rally with a pet pack of Schmackos for every dog, and also prize hampers for the winners in our fun Pet Parade on Open Day. There were a lot of very happy dogs and owners at the Rally. Our winners in the Pet Parade were Rita Mudistach and Tulip in the Most Talented Pet category; Jo Barham and Sophie in the Best Dressed Pet category; Helen McKinnon and Emma in the Best Dressed Couple category; and John Chapman in the Pet that most resembles its owner category. Thanks for joining in the fun.

Congratulations to the winners of the disc bowls competitions. Leisure Coast Wanderers took out first prize in the ladies triples, with Gold Coast Drifters and Golden West Wanderers as runners-up. The men’s triples title was won by the Solos, followed by Leisure Coast Wanderers and the Lakelanders. The Mixed Triples award was taken out by Hunter Coastal Wanderers, with Golden West Wanderers and Western Port Drifters taking silver and bronze medals.

I would like to thank everyone who volunteered at the Rally, particularly those who took on Team Co-ordinator jobs and willingly put in a great effort. It is absolutely true that a Rally could not run without volunteers, but not the wholehearted commitment that was demonstrated by our CMCA volunteers.

I look forward to catching up with all of you at the Horsham and Maryborough Rallies.

Evon Anderson, Q10543.
Co-Ordinator, Toowoomba Rally