George Green Goes to Cowra
Report by Euan And Wilga
Photos by Photos by Syd Reinhardt and Dave Stuart
OUR GEORGE GREEN RALLY
This year our Rally began with the arrival of Dave and Mary Stuart from Raworth to our home in Orange for a few days in advance in their Vauxhall 23/60. Dave claims that the journey through Gulgong to Orange is far more pleasant than fighting Sydney traffic. We love their company at any time but we have a sneaking suspicion that this is merely an excuse to top up his supply of Gran Wilga’s Plum Jam.
We left on Tuesday heading for morning tea at Woodstock. Hoods were up as Rain was very threatening, and there we met with the Bentley entrants, Blackmores, Thearles, Youngs, and Victorians Glyn Farrell and Brian Flynn.
We had a pleasant morning tea at the Pub, with a good catch-up. This to us is what Vintage Motoring is all about, going on a trip in an open car and talking to good friends with a similar passion. The roads about here have been badly rain-affected and it is not so much avoiding potholes as avoiding the real rim splitters. Dave checked with the local police about the road to Darbys Falls and Boorowa and was told it was open but badly cut up. We found it to be a road in better condition than most.
At Boorowa we met the rest of the entrants for lunch and heard tales of Alpacas, rain and cold. After Boorowa we motored to Cowra and the Motel which was to be the base for the rest of the Rally. The Motel was a bit tired but clean and comfortable, the main feature is that it could accommodate most of the entrants, which is a big factor. The Managers were a bit confronting but with the good humour of the entrants it was a pleasant enough stay. Our evening meal was at the Motel.
The next day we headed to Canowindra for morning tea at the Age of Fishes Museum, which is a collection of fossils from the local area. It is well-researched and provides an insight into ancient Australia.
Following this was a short run to Eugowra, famous for its murals on walls and silos. We were directed to the showground where there was a sheepdog demonstration covering the training and the rules for sheepdog contests. Although it was still cold and wet most found the whole process fascinating.
Lunch was then at a local coffee shop where we were held up by some locals who demanded cash with menaces for local charities. There was a talk on the greatest robbery in Australia, of the Gold Escort by Bushrangers just outside of Town. The rumor is that not all of the Gold stolen was recovered.
The rain had gone by this stage and it was ‘hoods down’. The countryside was revealed in all its Spring glory with the yellow Canola, sometimes as far as you could see, contrasting with the rain-induced green of the paddocks. Then it was back to Cowra and dinner at the Cowra Golf Club- another pleasant mealtime with lots of discussions.
Thursday we were off to Grenfell to the historic Railway station. Morning tea was provided by the local volunteers with a talk on saving the Railway Station from demolition. The Motel provided Breakfast every day so we really didn’t need the morning tea but it was so good. Another 53 km drive saw us at McFeeters Motor museum in Forbes. Bill and Jan welcomed us and Bill gave a guided tour of his cars. It really is a great collection and well displayed, with many entrants catching up with the cars of their youth. Lunch at the Forbes Golf Club was irresistible. The evening meal at the Quarry Restaurant was a really top-class meal in great surroundings. Again Julie and Royce organized bus transport.
Friday, the last day of the Rally was another beautiful day with shorter runs. The morning was spent at the Japanese Gardens. We had not seen the Japanese War Cemetery section which also contained graves from the internees and is well worth the visit. The Cherry blossoms were still very evident in the garden section which is really attractive and well-maintained. We then had a short drive to Wyangala for lunch at the Dam, a well-organised meal stop. The final Dinner that evening was at Canowindra with Tommy and his female impersonation with a musical show. Great entertainment for the last night.
Saturday was the farewell day as entrants headed home but we only had a 100km trip.
We must congratulate Julie and Royce on a well-organised, and very interesting tour which gave us a lot of pleasure. Personally, we hope they continue to organise these tours. The entrants were so grateful that we spontaneously shouted them a night out in the big smoke.
For members who don’t attend these touring events –you are missing out badly on something that is very satisfying.
Euan and Wilga
