President’s Report - September 2025
Greetings all, I write this month’s Presidents report in departure mode as Cath and I prepare for a long overdue holiday. I also write on somewhat of a high, after our club enjoyed two very successful events.
Our 2025 regional meeting was held in the central region of the state, incorporating activities in Maldon, Castlemaine and Bendigo. Our meeting was held amongst an amazing collection of social history covering many aspects of life at the Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum. We extend thanks to Renee Thompson and her team for feeding us and Alan Miller for being our first guest speaker. As an enticement for what was to come, our second guest speaker, Steve Strangward, gave us a great introduction to the Victorian Goldfields Railway and we were very privileged to share the next part of our journey on historic first-class train carriages, leaving Maldon, travelling through Muckleford and on to Castlemaine and return. This was a trip enjoyed by all, a few members had the honour of riding in the engine room and seeing how it all happens firsthand. Can I thank Steve Strangward and the fabulous team of volunteers led by CEO Will Mayor for making this possible.
I know everyone was impressed by both the Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum and the Victorian Goldfields Railway, both organizations would be very appreciative of you spreading the word through your friendship circles or other car clubs/service clubs and consider a visit. Any support for these community organisations is greatly appreciated as both organisations rely on donations to operate. If you would like to financially support their endeavours you can get in touch or donate via their websites, www.maldonmachinery.com.au and www.vgr.com.au. I will certainly be planning a return midweek run to the museum so that members will get a greater opportunity to explore. I thank those who assisted marshalling and parking cars and with other logistics on the day, thanks also to everyone who participated and supported this event and to Troy and Michael for the concept.
Kate Stedman (Steve Strangwards partner) was also instrumental in making this event happen and took a small group to the gallery in Castlemaine. For members interest, Kate has been taking small group bespoke tours to Europe and beyond for 25 years. Originally a Historian, languages and Literature teacher, Kate’s business, French Fusion Travel takes small groups to different parts of the globe each year sketching and painting. A keen sketcher and artist herself, Kate invites a variety of renowned painter/sketchers as the guest artist/teacher to accompany each tour. Have a look at her website to see what is on offer in Australia and overseas in 2026. www.frenchfusion.com.au
On Sunday 17th August, our club joined many clubs across the globe to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and its Bentley derivative the T series. More than 50 members enjoyed a fabulous high tea at Marybrooke Manor and I can guarantee no one left hungry, again a fabulous afternoon of camaraderie and I would like to thank Stephen Peoples for organising a famous afternoon (thanks also for the perfect weather Stephen).
We have some great things happening in the next few months too.
Our September technical event sees us visiting Simon Elliott at Derby Works and our September General meeting features all things Bentley, celebrating the birthday of the great man himself, also in September. We will have something old and something new to acknowledge this significance of the Bentley marque to our club and our members. One of our premier and unique events is our Drive and Be Driven Day, this year we feature prewar cars and will have guests from the Austin 7 club.
So, lots happening and please keep your eyes open for the emails and reminders with further details.
I leave you in the fabulous hands of our committee, led by Stephen Peoples, please lend them your support and encouragement.
Stay well and drive safe.
Keith Mortimer
