President’s Report - May 2023
As I contemplate this month’s president’s report and think back over our April events, I am reminded of the dangers of making predictions about the future. In 2017 an independent think tank that focuses on technology-driven disruption and its implications across society made the following prediction: “By 2030, the overwhelming majority of consumers will no longer own a car – instead they will use on-demand electric autonomous vehicles.” Only 7 years to go and if this is true, none of us will own a car!
Having learned from our guest speaker this month, Malcolm Corban from BP about the amazing number of research initiatives underway by fuel companies, encouraged by Governments as well as car manufacturers, I am not so sure this prediction will come to pass. It seems that the age of fun to drive, internal combustion engine motor cars is not yet over, with the high probability of sustainable bio-fuels becoming available to power our cars for some time yet. We will still be able to confess to fellow club members for many years to come that we have purchased yet another car to add to the collection.
With the historic decision made at Federal Council in Hahndorf to move forward with the incorporation of the Federal RROCA, each branch club is required to nominate two directors for the new company to be incorporated by the RROCA. I am pleased to announce that your committee has nominated Keith Mortimer and me to be the inaugural directors representing the Victorian Branch.
We have a number of great events coming up in May. The technical section will focus on starter motors and our speaker for the general meeting is David Rayner from Rare Spares and he will be bringing his fabulous Shelby Mustang as the display car. Our club is invited to visit Shannon’s Auction Rooms in Heatherton for Coffee and Cars on Saturday 20th.
Definitely not to be missed, our Sunday run is to the top of Mount Macedon to view the wonderful colour show put on by autumn and then through meandering back lanes and roads to Heathcote for lunch at the award- winning Silver Spoon Winery. Details including the TryBooking link are provided in this newsletter. As a special winter treat, we have arranged for High Tea in June at the Flowerdale Estate in Strath Creek. Look out for details shortly and remember to book early as this will be very popular.
Happy motoring.
Howard Wraight