Social Days for 2024 | Arpa4wd Group

Social Days for 2024
1. January: Wed 17th
Mid-summer lunch at Southern Bar Gaming Bistro, South Rd St Mary’s
Lesley and Keith
Report:
14 members enjoyed lunch and a long chat session at The Southern Bar & Bistro, St Marys. It was great to see 3 inaugural members of our Group there, and a special privilege to share in a slightly belated 99th Birthday celebration for Glenda. Glenda has been a stalwart for the Group for the whole 34 years of its existence. We were the last patrons to leave after lunch at about 2.45pm.

Present: John & Dilys B, Les & Brenda B, Yvonne N, Julia & Bruno G, Lesley Sch, Robyn G, Ron S, Barbara P, Keith W, Glenda G, & Bob B.
Apologies: Barrie & Lesley Str, Nan & Bob F, Rick & Mazz, Edith & Stuart StG, Jenny & John L, Kent & Cecilia M, & Wayne Sch. Organisers: Lesley Str & Keith W.

2. February: Friday 16th
Mystery Day Trip.
Kent and Cecilia.

Trip Report:

The 4WD Group Social Day Mystery Trip held Friday 16 February 2024

Several 4WD Group members met at Thorndon Park Reserve, Athelstone at 9:30 for a 10am start on a beautiful, warm summer's day.

After a BYO morning tea and chat under the shelter overlooking the lake, each vehicle was handed out instructions with directions to follow.

The picturesque route through the Adelaide Hills covered 65km, in a N.E. direction with less than 10km of gravel road.

The route was easy to follow and the quiz not too taxing.

The group finished up in the Forreston area at a shady picnic spot under the pines at Rocky Crossing.

After a relaxing picnic lunch and interesting conversation, it was only a 45-60 minute drive back to the city.

A great day out on roads less travelled.

Mystery Trip organisers were Kent and Cecilia.

Photo of the group at The Rocky Crossing picnic spot.

3. March: Sat 16th - Sunday 17th
Weekend Getaway & Monarto Safari Park visit on Monday 18th.
Meet and stay at Murray Bridge Marina Caravan Park.
Saturday night dinner & Fringe Event at Bridgeport Hotel.
Julia.
Trip Report:

Our Social event this month was a relaxing long weekend staying in Murray Bridge and visiting Monarto Safari Park on Monday. A total of 10 members found time in mad March to participate and enjoy the warm summer weather and each other’s company.

Saturday afternoon we met at the Marina Caravan Park camp kitchen for happy hour before heading off to the popular Bridgeport Hotel for dinner. It so happened that a Fringe Festival event was held that night in the hotel and 6 of us were entertained by Carla and her cabaret performance of “That’s Not Amore”. The others in our group amused themselves playing board games in a nearby accommodation.

On Sunday we took a back road to Jervois where the highlight was a drive along Gazzola Rd. A few minutes later we stopped at the huge mural on the Beston milk processor’s wall. Not far down the road, morning tea and breakfast awaited at the unique “Kiosk Ego Farm”. We had fun feeding carrots to the ponies in the yard next to our table.

We passed several dairy farms on our way to Wellington on the River Murray. The historic ferry was exceptionally busy with vehicles and vans queued up for over 100 metres waiting to cross. The men in our group were entertained watching the vehicles board the ferry.

Taking the B45 we headed off towards to Langhorne Creek

We turned onto the dirt track leading to Tolderol Conservation Park. The Alexandrina Lake area attracts thousands of migratory birds from the Arctic between September to May every year. Unfortunately we didn’t see many birds as the wetland basins were dry due to the redevelopment work being undertaken. With high reeds and no signage we ended up at a dead end and had fun backtracking our way out.

Eventually we arrived in Langhorne Creek for lunch in the shady picnic grounds.

Leaving Langhorne Creek we took well-formed tracks to Ferries- McDonald Conservation Park.

All the group except 2 took the 3 km sandy track through the dry mallee scrub. We then headed back to Murray Bridge via the Brinkley Rd and finished at the The Roundhouse, overlooking the River Murray and the bridges.

For our final night we gathered in the camp kitchen for dinner. The Berkis’ treated us to ice-cream, watermelon and assorted berries for sweets. Very welcome after a hot day!

Monday was another hot day and after a 20 minute drive from Murray Bridge we met at the Monarto Safari Park. This park is the 2nd largest safari park in the world after Africa! The modern air-conditioned hop on hop off buses took us around the 12kms+ trails. We learnt so much from the excellent guides on board and the different animal keepers.

A memorable end to an enjoyable getaway!

Report and photos by Julia, trip organiser.

4. April: Thursday 4th.
Mystery Day Trip.
Rick.

A mystery trip with a bit of a difference and a couple of extra twists was held on the 4th April starting at Normanville on the Fleurieu Peninsular south of Adelaide.

Attended by 15 members, Keith & Yvonne, Kent & Cecilia, Neil, Sue & Lorraine, Bruno, Julia, Les & Brenda, Ron & Jim and organised by Rick and Mazz.

Members were given a ‘strip map’ (my version) instead of the usual list of road names and instructions on which way to turn, which did cause a certain level of initial dismay with some navigators. The route was circular, starting and finishing in Normanville, so there were two versions of the strip map, one clockwise, the other counterclockwise.

Cars were sent off initially in three different directions, the first down South Road out of Normanville, the second east into Yankalilla and the others to complete a task in Normanville before heading off in one of those two directions. The purpose of this was to separate cars so that they were not following each other in convoy style and to try and create doubt as to who was going in the correct direction and who was lost. When members saw other cars going in the “wrong” direction, or later coming towards them, some questions were asked. I think my plan worked to a large degree. 😈😊🤭 We were pleased that no-one needed to open the written instructions to complete the journey.

As the route went through farmland, pine forest, native forest and next to Deep Creek Conservation Park, there were good opportunities and sufficient time for members to stop for a short walk in the forest, admire ocean views or visit the plant nursery. Lunch was to be taken at a picnic spot of individual choice, but most seem to meet in the car parks above or on Blowhole Beach.

Most met back in Normanville at the new Aqua Blue Cafe around 4 pm for a coffee and 10 stayed on for a very enjoyable dinner and social evening in the new restaurant. Mystery drive question sheets were marked, and first prize awarded to the Gazzola crew and second prize to Keith and Yvonne.

Although I volunteered to organise this activity, my special thanks go to Mazz who put in at least as much effort and time as myself.

Finally, I want to mention that we gave (on behalf of RASA 4x4 group), a small gift to the lady who owns the gnome garden for allowing us access to her property. She was pleased that the group could enjoy her garden. Unfortunately, she was in hospital after a car accident, so her neighbours liaised with her on our behalf. We, that’s the 4x4 group, also gave them a small thank you gift.

Rick and Mazz.

5. May: Tuesday 14th
Tour of City of Adelaide Clipper Ship at Pt Adelaide with lunch at a nearby hotel.
Lesley. (Cancelled)

6. June:
Myster Day Trip.
Keith & Yvonne.

Trip Report:

Despite the forecast of no rain, a heavy shower was experienced in the hills on our way to Mylor Oval where we had morning tea and departed from the oval for the mystery trip about 10:45 AM

26 people in 11 vehicles, including two new participants, Kevin and Irene, followed instructions for a scenic drive throughout the hills.

Passing wheelbarrows on tree stumps, bicycles incorporated on gates, alpacas and the interesting Township of Paechtown where half timbered houses were viewed (Fachwerk construction). Heavy frames of red gum held together with timber dowels and filled in with bricks sometimes wattle and daub or clay and stones, with shingle roofs.

Some roads are not signposted but using the given instructions or a GPS, the tour was easy to follow.

Passing the vineyard of Sidewood. the makers of superb cold climate wines, and the largest certified sustainable winery in the Adelaide Hills.

Coming to the end of the trip we pass through an expanding housing area of Mt Barker, where roads have changed, and choosing one that led to Susa Café, for lunch. The name Susa meaning sister in Pidgin in Papua New Guinea.

Prize winners of the questionnaire were Barry, Wayne and Lesley, and Bruno and Julia.

The rain held off, and an interesting trip through the hills took us to places we haven’t seen for a long while.

Some of the features to be seen on this tour:

George Paech's farmhouse c. 1854 Fail on bushbashing technique

Where's the carpark? Who is Les Pins?

Great spot for brunch. Good food - happy customers.

7. July:
Mid-Winter lunch
Keith.

Mid-Winter Lunch Report:

It really did feel like mid-winter with a max temp of 14°C forecast, but what better way to
spend it than to gather with friends for lunch in the pleasant environment of the Southern
Bar Gaming and Bistro at St Marys. 26 members were present, including centenarian
George with Val and Group founding members JB & Dilys.
A raffle was held with 3 prizes to be won, and this raised $70 for the Group’s social funds.
Lesley Str updated us on upcoming social functions, and Julia addressed the gathering on
options which were available for the Group to continue (or not) following the closure of the
Retire Active SA association. A decision regarding the Group’s future to be made at the
AGM in November.

Present: Les & Brenda B, Dawn B, Bob B, John & Dilys B, George & Val C, Bazza C,
Nan & Bob F, Bruno & Julia G, Jacquie H, Yvonne N, Lesley Sch, Karen & Garry S, Edith &
Stuart S, Lesley & Barrie Str, Ron S, Barry & Chris T, Keith W.
Fae & Jim T were last minute withdrawals and wished to be remembered to everyone.
Report by Keith (organiser)

8. August: Friday 23rd.

Tour of the Adelaide Oval, followed by lunch at the Wellington Hotel.

Organiser Lesley S

9. September:
Mannum Getaway 2 nights stay.
Lesley S

Report on Mannum Getaway 24th & 25th September 2024

It was a rather gloomy 2 days with cold temperatures, constant low grey cloud cover and occasional showers.

An enthusiastic group of 15 met at 4pm in the spacious well equipped Mannum Caravan Park camp kitchen and chatted over nibbles and drinks

Unfortunately the “Big Bend By Night Dark Sky” tour was cancelled because of the thick cloud cover, so we had time for an invigorating walk across the river via the two ferries.

Later, after dinner in the camp kitchen, we entertained ourselves by playing a variety of games until it was time for bed.

Next morning at 10.30am we gathered again in the camp kitchen for morning tea and a special meeting to discuss the future of our 4WD Group. Keith Watkins and Lesley and Wayne made a special day trip to Mannum to be part of these important discussions which lasted till 12 Noon. A brief report is attached.

T ime to head off to Murray Bridge for our two hour “Four Knots River Murray Cruise”, which left the shore near the famous Bunyip home. Despite the rain & wind (this gave our captain a hard time mooring upstream at Avoca), we enjoyed the scenery, the hot coffees, teas and delicious muffins.

Arriving back on shore, several of us drove to Mypolonga & visited the Aussie Apricots Shed /Shop. Surprisingly inside was an American Muscle Car Museum. We all left with a bag of local produce. Yummy chocolate coated figs, dried apricots etc.

On the way back to Mannum, Some of the group took the scenic river road via Mypolonga, Woodlane, Caloote, then the Mannum waterfalls track and lookout.

Our Getaway finished that night with a hearty dinner at the Mannum Community Club. Of course the sun came out the next day when we departed.

Many thanks to Lesley Strachan who organised the trip, but couldn’t make it at the last minute.

Attendees: Bruno & Julia, Alan & Sue, Barry & Chris, Rick & Mazz, Yvonne, Brendan, Dawn & her two daughters, Raelene & Rodney (leaving Wednesday after the meeting), Lesley & Wayne (for meeting, boat trip and dinner), Keith (for meeting).

Report and photos: Julia Sept 2024

10. October: Tuesday 8th
Prospect Hill Historical Museum.
Raelene.

The rain coats were fortunately not needed but it was cold, windy conditions for the 23 participants (20 members & 3 visitors) who braved the conditions and met at the shelter opposite the Prospect Hill Historical Museum at 10.00 am for morning tea. A tour of the museum followed at 10.30, when we were guided around the complex by a knowledgeable local, a 6th generation descendant of the original owner and a lover of old engines. The museum claims to be a treasure trove of history and memorabilia, a fact certainly born out as we explored the site which consists of a complex of several historic buildings along the main street crammed with exhibits depicting life of the district’s early pioneers.

The buildings included the original 1872 general store and post office which consists of various room settings, including a parlour, kitchen, two bedrooms and a photographic display area. Another building has an exhibition telling the story of the Ash Wednesday bushfire in 1983 which destroyed many of Prospect Hill’s buildings, including the original stone barn on this site. It also houses a display about the local scout group, the RSL and the CWA. Nearby are a cellar, blacksmith’s shop, old schoolroom, the burnout shells of 3 vehicles and an unusual 1850s portable shepherd’s hut. A little further away is a dairy museum housed in a 1940s dairy which tells the history of the dairy industry form the 1800s to today. The Flag Tree shed (called this because outside is the site of a former “flag tree’ used for signalling the arrival of ships in port) on the other side of the post office houses a large collection of transport, logging and farming equipment with working engines, horse drawn buggies, trucks, early cars and stationery engines.

Moving on from here, we took to the dirt and travelled to the Tree Climb site in Kuitpo Forest. With time to chat and catch up on each other’s news over a picnic lunch, a pleasant time was had by all. Unfortunately however, being school holidays it wasn’t the quiet peaceful surroundings anticipated, as seated below the zipline, children were frequently whizzing by above our heads on their way to the next tree station. On the plus side though, we were able to enjoy a coffee and icecream from the kiosk.

Attendees: Barrie, Lesley, Brenda, Les, Susie, John, Brendan, Julia, Bruno, Bazza & friend, Keith, Yvonne, Edith, Stuart, Rodney, Raelene, Bob, Ron & , Chris T & 2 rellies, Dawn.

11. November: (1.) Tuesday 12th. 11am AGM and Lunch at West Adelaide Football Clubrooms.
(2.) Sunday 24th - 30th. Christmas Camp at Clare.

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Social Days for 2023

February 9th Thursday
Mystery Day Trip:
Starts at 9.30am Victoria Hotel Car Park.
Organised by Julia/Bruno

Report:-

A glorious warm, sunny day enticed forty three 4WD group members and friends to an interesting trip through the backroads of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The morning was not without incident- one couple had a flat tyre when leaving home, hold ups in traffic roadworks and one couple went to the Victory Hotel at Sellicks Beach instead of the Victoria Hotel, Ohalloran Hill.

Nevertheless, a convoy of 16 vehicles headed off at 2 minute intervals from the carpark at the Victoria Hotel. After an easy drive to Clarendon and towards Kuitpo Forest, we travelled through native bushland on well-formed dirt roads. On Range Rd we were greeted with some panoramic views.

Around 10.30am, vehicles starting arriving at the Mt Compass Wetlands for morning tea. Everyone enjoyed chatting and catching up with old and new members. It was hard to get a couple of people moving as they were quite happy to mingle. We had to arrive at our lunch venue by 1.30pm.

About an hour later, cars started off again through farmland around Nangkita, Tooperang, onto Deep Creek Rd and Flagstaff Hill Rd with stunning views of Encounter Bay.

Heading towards Goolwa, there was a dirt track with tall grass and deep ruts which tested the driving skills of our members. Everyone negotiated this successfully.

The mighty River Murray greeted us as we drove along the water’s edge to the Barrages carpark.

Several members had time to stroll under the huge Norfolk Island pines and along the manicured pathway. We learnt lots about the river’s locks system.

The group had stretched out by this time and we all gradually reached our final destination which was was just over the Hindmarsh Island bridge at the Islander Tavern. We were warmly greeted by six other 4WD members who didn’t do the drive.

The tavern staff were very attentive as we enjoyed our lunch overlooking the calm waters of the marina.

No Mystery Trip is complete without a quiz to answer along the way. This encourages everyone to be alert to the surroundings and follow the directions to the end of the trip.

Prizes for the trip quiz were awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Winners were Lesley & Wayne, Raelene & Rodney and Edith & Stuart.

Our 4WD members and friends had fun answering the quiz, enjoyed the scenic trip & especially enjoyed the camaraderie at lunch. A fine end to a fine day!

Report by trip organiser

Julia.

See photos:

March Friday 17th
Guided walking tour of Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
Organised by Lesley.

On Friday March 17th, St Patricks Day, a group of 15 met at the kiosk by the lake in the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide for a morning coffee at 10 am before meeting our guide for a walk through some areas of the gardens. We were all pleased to sample coffee not the other green drinks as we were not really involved with St Patrick. It was a sunny day which was going to be fairly warm. Some of us had managed to find car parks on Botanic Drive while others very cleverly had managed to obtain lifts into the city. Along the road we saw evidence of the Womad Festival with stands and other equipment being dismantled.

At 10.30 we met our guide, Michelle Walker, who came armed with a folder of photographs & a bag of specimens. As the theme for this walk was Aboriginal use of the plants, both for food and medicine, we headed into a more wooded area of the gardens where we saw many trees with their various uses explained. Remembering their names was at times difficult but many of our members could identify them from their frequent trips into outback territory. During our walk of 60 minutes we found that trees would have multiple uses such as wood for weapons or for fire, fruit for food or for medicine, shelter, or the means of trapping animals or birds. We saw a large range of plants but these are some I found most memorable.

The Grass Tree is a local plant with many uses. Firstly it was used as a source of sweet nectar in the spring while the shaft of the flower spike was important for lightweight spears and for fire sticks. Grass tree spears were made by attaching a pointed, hardwood end to the stem of the flowering spike. This sharp end was tied on using kangaroo sinews and a cement resin gathered from the trunk of grass-trees. Both the whitish base of the young leaves and roots of the plant were edible. In summer the seeds were ground to make flour for damper. The stems of the flower sticks were joined to make rafts.

Although from Queensland we saw the Macadamia Tree with nuts that have one of the hardest shells in the world and are difficult to crack without mashing their contents. Aboriginal people in Queensland used an ingenious method of cracking these nuts by using slabs of tough rock with a number of depressions in the ground. Nuts, tightly held in the depressions, were expertly cracked with a blow from a hammer stone.

The so called Bottle Tree can survive long periods of dryness by storing water in its trunk. Aboriginal people needing water would chop into the trunk and squeeze the soft, moist wood to obtain a drink.

Wood from Casuarina is hard and ideal for making a number of implements including spears, clubs, clapping sticks, digging sticks and return boomerangs. Also small cones high up on the trees were soaked in drinking water to provide a lemon flavoured drink.

The Spear Lily from NSW had many uses. The large flower stalk was soaked prior to roasting and eating. The edible roots were crushed with rocks and then baked. The flowers attracted many nectar-feeding birds. Camouflaged hunters with nets would hide under the large leaves waiting to capture these birds for food. The leaves could be easily split into strips for weaving mats and basket

We saw a magnificent example of the Red River Gum, which has been growing here, on what was Kaurna land, for more than 250 years -100 years before Europeans came to South Australia, an amazing thought. On the eastern side, at the base of the trunk, is a dead wood hollow typical of these trees. Kaurna people would sometimes burn the dead wood in the centre of big red gums trees to form a shelter. It was possible to see the shape of missing bark on the trunk similar to the shape cut for canoes. The wood was used for a range of utensils and weapons including digging sticks, carrying dishes, shields and boomerangs.

Many insects, birds and other animals that live in and around the tree were hunted. The scratches on the northern side of this tree are possum marks. Native bees living in the tree were a source of honey and wax. Hollows also provided homes for birds like parrots, kookaburras and wood ducks, all of which could be hunted for food.

Different types of crushed gum leaves provided relief from congestion and when laid on a fire the vapours were said to smoke out fever.

I think this talk tested our botanical knowledge but there is no doubt we were very impressed by the variety of examples shown on this walk. At 11.30 we thanked Michelle for a very interesting walk or perhaps a stroll as we moved slowly stopping to look at the vegetation.

Next we moved to the Royal Oak Hotel in O’Connell for our lunch to complete an enjoyable morning.

Report by trip organiser

Lesley

April Thursday 6th

Tour of RM Williams, Percy St, Prospect, with lunch at the Wellington Hotel.

On the 6th of April 2023, 14 people arrived at 10.15 am at Barker Gardens, Prospect, for morning tea and a chat.

At 10.45 am, some members walked and others drove to nearby 5 Percy Street, Prospect, where R.M.WilliamsCompany was founded and established in 1932.

Started by Reginald Murray Williams making quality leather ridding boots and saddle ware.

A self guilded tour of the museum at the back of the shop we were able to learn of the history of the man and Compny from 1908 - 2020, displayed in photographs and written word.

The shop front displays goods from wallets, belts,shirts and jackets, trousers and shorts to the famous boots.

After an hour of brousing the museum and shop, we were joined by extra members who enjoyed a pleasent meal at the Wellington Hotel, North Adelaide.

May 11th Mystery Day Trip
Organised by Keith.

Mystery Trip Report

What a perfect day! Beautiful mild,
sunny autumn weather enticed 26 members out for a great morning of driving on unfamiliar roads, admiring
the clear views and exercising observation skills whilst deciphering some obscure and cryptic clues to answer a set of questions (good brain exercise).

Starting from the Mylor Oval the Group enjoyed a chat over morning tea at 10am, and were given a set of directions to follow in order to locate the quiz answers and guide them to a mystery destination for lunch. The drive took them over back roads of the Adelaide Hills, traveling in a south-easterly direction between Mt Barker and Strathalbyn via the very scenic Bugle Ranges.
Scenery changed from bush land, to lush green farm pastures with contented stock, to vineyards, to open drier farm land and finished up at an oasis complete with palm trees.

More specifically The Oasis Gardens Restaurant & Function Centre (just out of Belvidere between Strathalbyn and Langhorne Creek) was the venue for lunch, where full table service for a fixed menu was enjoyed by all. See separate menu.
Here are some examples of the observations which needed to be made in obtaining answers to the quiz. If you wish to see them more clearly you can expand the picture by clicking on it and stretching
the corners.

Congratulations to the winners for the day ,Rick & Mazz.

Keith, trip organiser.

June Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th

Morgan Caravan Park

Organiser Julia

Morgan Riverland Getaway 27– 29 June 2023

Trip Report.

Rather than have a one-day social outing for 4WD members, a three-night getaway was planned as an alternative.

Morgan Caravan Park was our base camp with eight members choosing cabin accommodation and

seven members staying in their caravans. Two members stayed in nearby Cadell in a holiday home.

The weather was glorious with crispy, chilly mornings and mild, sunny blue skies greeted us each day.

We had heavy rain over night on Tuesday but on the following days the roads and dirt tracks were all in good condition.

Tuesday 27th June – Julia & Bruno, leaders of the trip, welcomed the group in the camp kitchen for a

happy hour and discussion about the two days' activities. Some members arrived on Monday and others stayed on until Saturday.

Wednesday 28th June - Scenic Drive to Waikerie

A leisurely 9.30am start opposite the caravan park. Seven vehicles made up our convoy, we set our

radios to channel 38 and Mazz and Rick went tail end Charlie.

Following the Goyder Hwy north of the River Murray, we arrived at Lock 2 for morning tea and a short walk. The weir was overflowing, and birds were swooping around looking for a feed.

The indicator shows the 2023 flood level at 11.2metres.

At Waikerie we crossed the ferry and continued on to view the giant murals painted on the silos.

Members did their own thing for lunch with the bakery being a favourite spot. We gathered again at the Lions riverfront park and then took a scenic route to Cadell passing through Ramco, several historic buildings and numerous orange groves.

At Cadell we visited the boat ramp and enjoyed a close-up view of the river.

Further along the 4WD track we tested our driving skills when confronted with a fallen tree.

While at Cadell we visited the Community Club which only opens Wednesday and Friday evenings for a buffet dinner. So we decided to come back that night for happy hour and a hearty dinner. It was only a 10Km trip back to Morgan across the ferry, however four members chose to stay in the town. Some members preferred to eat at home.

It was a lucky night for Rick and Julia because they both won meat trays in the raffles.

Thursday 29 June – scenic trip to Mount Mary

Today we could sleep in or take the scenic walk around the historic wharf area and township of Morgan.

The convoy headed off at 11.30am and followed Brenda Park Shack Rd south of Morgan.

Several shacks were in various stages of repair and the height of the floodwaters was visible as a brown line on the shack walls.

As we saw in Cadell, piles of flood-damaged building material still lined the track along the river.

Time to leave the river and head inland via Stock Road, through saltbush and mallee countryside with a few sheep and two swift emus. At our lunch destination, the popular Mount Mary Hotel, we enjoyed the open wood fire in our dining room and of course the delicious country pub food. My scallop hotpot was yummy!

Back at Morgan, we gathered later in the camp kitchen for happy hour while Bruno cooked the winnings of Julia's meat tray to share around. After much conversation we adjourned to the warmth of our accommodation.

Friday 30th

The June- Departure

The group made their farewells after an enjoyable, relaxing getaway and look forward to the next one.

Participants were Dawn & John, Edith & Stuart, Fae & Jim, Garry, Julia & Bruno, Lesley & Barrie, Lesley

& Wayne, Mazz & Rick, Yvonne & Brendan.

Report & photos by trip leader, Julia.

July Friday 14th

Mid winter lunch at the Southern Bar Bistro St Marys.

July’s Social Day was a mid-winter lunch, and this looks like becoming a regular feature in the Group’s social program.

This year saw 26 members and a grandson gather at the Southern Bar and Bistro at St Marys for an informal lunch, starting at 12 noon. It gave participants time to enjoy the company of past traveling companions, and to reminisce about trips they had been on in past years. 3 inaugural members of the Group were present.

The opportunity was taken for the social committee to have a meeting afterwards, and some thoughts for events and trips for 2024 were discussed.

As usual, the venue provided a menu of excellent variety and the time together was enjoyed by all.

Keith.

Organiser.

August Thursday 24th Mystery Day Trip

Organisers Rodney and Raelene

Trip Report:-

What a turnaround – after weeks of cold, wet weather, we had the good fortune of a beautiful sunny day for our Mystery Run on 24th August. Member participating numbered 23, with 3 more later joining in for lunch.

After meeting at Balhannah’s Johnston Memorial Park for morning tea, each vehicle ventured forth for a 2 ½ - 3 hour trip, finishing at the Victoria Hotel in Strathalbyn for lunch. The route traversed a range of back roads with landscapes varying from vineyards and livestock properties in the Hills, to open paddocks, stunning yellow canola fields and woodlands on the plains, with magnificent views across country from several roads, including Iron Range Rd, Dishers Hill Rd and Shady Grove Rd.

Along the way participants discovered the Bremer River ,Monarto Woodlands, the Murray Bridge to Onkaparinga pipeline and Kidman Trail, where Dorper sheep are bred, bluestone is quarried, copper is mined and Neutrog garden products are made. A little piece of history was also learnt, with the inclusion of 2 South Australian heritage listed properties, the Shady Grove Unitarian Church and Cemetery, and Mooney’s German barnhouse. Knowledge of 4WD vehicles was also put to the test with the inclusion of a question asking for identification of a Willys Jeep, which was one of the few 4WD vehicles made for the public in the late 1950s.

Some questions were challenging, but nevertheless there were several outstanding quiz responses, with Bruno and Julia taking out the winning prize, closely followed by Lesley and Wayne, then Chris and Barry. Prizes

awarded included locally made Hills products from Beerenberg, Emmalines and Nepenthe Winery.

Tuesday 27th June – Julia & Bruno, leaders of the trip, welcomed the group in the camp kitchen for a

happy hour and discussion about the two days' activities. Some members arrived on Monday and others stayed on until Saturday.

September Thursday 21

Tour of Pt Adelaide Train Museum: lunch at Birkenhead Tavern.

Organiser Lesley S

See photos:- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1823391484620323/?source_id=267575853759692

TOUR OF NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM, PORT ADELAIDE

On Thursday 21 September 2023 members from Retire Active SA 4WD and Computer and Technology Groups gathered at the National Railway Museum for a fabulous tour of the railway museum, the history of rail in South Australia. They have an amazing collection of locomotives and carriages from times gone by.

Our guide, Hugh, gave us a very informative tour, explaining the history of rail in South Australia, giving an interesting history of the locomotives on display – some were built in UK, a few at Islington Workshops and James Martin Gawler. Would definitely recommend a visit.

Following the tour of the National Railway Museum we went to the Birkenhead Tavern for a delicious lunch, which was enjoyed by everyone. The Birkenhead Tavern is located on the banks of the Port River, which is a magnificent location

October Mystery Day Trip

Organiser Kent and Cecilia

Thursday 12th October

Meet at Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker.

November Tuesday 14th AGM at the Southern Bistro St Marys.

Sunday 19th - 25th - Xmas Camp at Nuriootpa.

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