President’s Report - December 2023
It’s that time of the year when December marks the beginning of the festive season, schools break for the summer holidays, we start to plan escapes to the beach and the sun graces the skies for extended periods casting a golden glow over landscapes. It is also a time to reflect back over another year and what a great year it has been for our club!
So many wonderful events, excellent speakers, great technical sessions and a healthy club membership holding steady around 330 active members.
Two recent events stand out as particular highlights:
This year’s Concours at Cruden Farm was an outstanding success. Jointly shared with the Aston Martin club in the spectacular setting of the gardens of Cruden Farm, blessed by perfect weather, more than 120 members attended in 80 club cars. A theme of elegance was clearly apparent with so many exquisitely dressed picnic tables sitting beside gleaming PMCs all beautifully set out under the magnificent trees and down along the lake. Our chief judge, Neil Matthews and his dedicated team of judges had their work cut out for them with 20 cars entered for judging.
Our splendid Club Christmas Party and Annual Club Awards picnic at Gerald Swinnerton’s Kyneton property. A perfect setting graced by a wonderful collection of club cars and 130 club members. Picnic tables adorned with colourful cloths scattered underneath the expansive canopy of leafy trees in a meticulously manicured garden. Lots of laughter and chatter mingling with the aroma of freshly prepared dishes enhancing the atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration. Special thanks to our hosts Annie and Gerald for a day that was done to perfection.
At the Christmas Party we enjoyed the opportunity to present our Annual Club Awards.
Congratulations go to Club Award recipients for 2023:
Club Member of the Year – Wayne Spittle
Partner of the Year – Lorraine Spittle
Queen Elizabeth II Ladies Trophy – Catherine Collett
Bill and Jean Allsep Memorial Award – Edward Zygmunt
Distinguished Service Award – Stephen Young
Ian Dodd Award – Noel Baker
I would like to round out the year with a heartfelt thank you to my fellow committee members, to all our appointed officials, to all our volunteers and especially to all of our club members who make this club so great and so enjoyable.
Enjoy the festivities and I am looking forward to seeing you all in January at our annual Summer Picnic at Iron Bark Station.
Howard Wraight