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1 Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring Track Torque TRACK December 2014 Newsletter Torque The President s Page Inside this issue: Member s Page/ Open Forum Minutes from March General Meeting Trip Reports Club Trips Advertiser s Page Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 1 Editor s Notes/Kate s Articles (PR)

2 WANGARATTA 4X4 CLUB President Vice President Secretary [Minutes] Treasurer Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Committee Members 4WD Victorian Representative Membership Officer Merchandise Officer Newsletter Editor Property Officer Publicity Officer Trip Coordinator Minutes Secretary Committee Member Non Committee Positions Training Coordinator Sergeant at Arms First Aid Officer Social Co-ordinator Web Master Vacant Andrew Brown Bill Willett Tim Meek David Robinson Richard Rhodes Kate Burke Andrew Brown Graeme Martin Kate Burke Steve Fuller Bill Willett Damian O Connor Tom Barnard Peter Burke Richard Rhodes Steve Fuller Paul L Huillier WEBSITE: The Wangaratta 4WD Club has evolved from a few members in 1983, to a membership of over 80. The Club is made up of individuals and families who are interested in responsible Four Wheel Driving. There is no restriction on the make or type of four wheel drive vehicle, and there is always plenty of variety and camaraderie amongst members. Where we live: Members live all over the North East and beyond, including from Benalla, Beechworth, Corowa, Glenrowan, Milawa, Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Goorambat, Tatong, Langwarrin, Molyullah, Myrtleford, Mount Beauty, Mulwala, Yarrawonga, Stanhope, Violet Town, Melbourne, Rosebud and Overseas (England). Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club is a member of the Victorian Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs. Affiliations: Members of our club are proud to be part of the Adopt a Hut Program and work with Parks Victoria to look after Top Crossing and Lake Cobbler huts. We are also affiliated with the South Coast Four Wheel Drive Club based at Wollongong, and the Four Wheel Drive Club of WA. Current members of the respective clubs are entitled to Reciprocal Membership. Membership: Single or family $ p.a. General Meetings are held on the 2 nd Tuesday of the month, generally at the North East Car Club Rooms, Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve, commencing 8.00pm. There is no meeting in January. Please refer to the club calendar. Visitors are always most welcome. Track Torque: Newsletter Contributions may be forwarded to Editor : Andrew Brown : editor@wangaratta4x4club.org.au Editorial Deadline Usually 1 st of the month. This is your newsletter so be a part of it and send any articles of interest, comments, birthdays, etc, to the editor. Advertising: $100.00/yr. Please contact the editor for further details. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the editor or of Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc. The editor reserves the right to delete any section of any article, or reject any article, which has been sent in for publication in the Newsletter. Front Cover: Damian O Connor leads an Intrepid group on the High-Country Huts day trip. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 2

3 The President s Page Track Torque Hi members and friends, Andrew (VP) here. A fe da s ago Ro o te dered his resig atio as Clu Preside t. Robbo has a very busy professional and family life as well as his love of 4Wding, the bush and other pursuits which along with the Presidency has become too demanding of his time. Whilst it is disappoi ti g to lose Ro o s e thusias a d i ra duri g the later part of his ter, it is eas to understand and appreciate the pressures he has been dealing with. I, the Co ittee a d I sure ou, our e ers ould e te d a ote of tha ks to hi for his ti e as President and wish him and his family, well for the future. See you at the next meeting Robbo. Speaking of Club Meetings; tonight is our last for the year starting at 6.00pm with a BBQ (byo food and drinks) and it is an opportunity to compare rigs and vans for those inclined to bring them for us to see. The meeting will be starting at the usual time, 8.00pm. Please bring your photos and stories to share. This has ee a i e e d to the ear i the past, so I looki g for ard to seei g a of ou there a d hopefull hatti g a out hat has happe ed this ear trips et a d hat e all pla for e t ear. Let s make it a positive and trip-full new year. There are a ouple of terrifi trip reports i this editio. I tha k Da id Ja kso a d Da ie O Co or for their leadi g trips i to ester Vi toria a d the High Cou tr Huts da trip respe ti el a eso e effort. Can I also say thank you to the group led by Ian Barry who completed the Canning Stock Route earlier in the year and who gave a very well thought out and visual presentation for their Trip Report last general meeting. Thank you Ian for your detailed description and history of the route, to Irene Jones and Jeanette Wallace for their professional slideshow with excellent video and amazing live commentary accompanying the video footage which illustrated the level of respect, camaraderie and fun a trip like this can bring to a group of 4wd enthusiasts who get out there and make life happen. With the help of their respective friends and spouses chiming in when needed, the story of their adventures was re-lived by all those attending the meeting. An epic trip with life-long memories for all invol ed I sure tha k ou all for a terrifi prese tatio. Let s see if e a ha e ore of these sorts of stories to share i the ear to o e. Andrew P.S. Can I remind you that nominations for all positions within the Club are open for election March Please gi e the Clu s ell ei g so e thought a d if ou a help, offer to do so at hate er le el ou a commit to. In the meantime, I and the committee will continue to move the club forward. Have a great Christmas, keep safe on the tracks and the roads so we all can have a great New Year. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 3

4 CLUB APPAREL Track Torque Club Tee Shirts, badges, jumpers, windcheaters, etc. are available from STEER Clothing 15 Baker St, Wangaratta [new address]. Contact person is Bruce Steer. Phone: (The club shirt should be a dark green with gold embroidery. Club Badges New Club Members who have not yet received their Club badges or any other club member who would like to order new badges at $10.00 each, please Kate Burke our Merchandizing Officer and let her know exactly what you require. Kate s address is: bettabuilt@westnet.com.au Member s Page Open Forum Hello everyone, Just a re i der to follo o fro i trodu tio of the Ope Foru i the August 2012 newsletter, please feel free to contact me if you have something to sell through the club or have an idea you would like to have discussed at the General Meeting or brought to the Committee. (Please send newsletter advertisements straight to the Editor. address above.) See Note Below My contact details are: Mobile: Home: gr.ht.martin@hotmail.com Graeme Please Note All Ope Foru discussion topics to be directed to me (Editor), till further notice. editor@wangaratta4x4club.org.au Thank you. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 4

5 General Meeting. Minutes: 11 th November, 2014 Apologies: David Robbo Robinson, David Blore, Tim Meek, David Chapman, Noel and Irene Ham, Richard Rhodes Welcome: To all present Minutes of Previous Meeting: Moved Kate Burke, seconded Monica French minutes confirmed. Carried. General Business: David Jackson convening meeting, and Andrew Brown Sec/Treasurer report. Benalla's A Day in the Gardens didn t proceed this year due to the Club not paying for a site. This was disappointing as this is one of two major new member s promotions we do each year. Thanks to Noel and Irene Ham though for their flyers Treasurer's Report: General account: $11, Term Deposit Account: $ Accounts to be paid: Stones Throw IT (web Hosting) $59.50 Moved: Allan Wallace, seconded Monica French Carried Correspondence: None Tendered Trip Reports: The Canning Stock Route Trip Presented by Trip Leader Ian Barry, Irene Jones and Jeanette Wallace (with help from many others who were on the trip). This was a very detailed trip report combining the use of maps, (Australia and detailed survey maps which were later donated to the Club for the use of others wishing to also do this trip. Thank you Ian), slideshow of the wells and camping situations the group met and excellent video footage with running commentary by Irene and Jeanette. This was a very detailed and thoughtful presentation which only covered a small amount of the total trip. It goes to show, preparation and planning are essential to the success, safety and the smallish number of breakages on the participating vehicles especially on such a long and demanding journey. A very well done to all involved. What s your next trip Ian? Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 5

6 Pre-Trip report: Track Torque Damian O Connor gave a pre-trip report of his upcoming High Country Huts trip. He has 6 vehicles committed so far. DJ reminded us about the Edi Cutting event (see Trip Calendar) to be held on the weekend of Dec th. There will be some day trips out the back of Whitfield and around the King valley for those attending. Please call or the trip co-ordinators, Steve Fuller or Damian O Connor to confirm details. Wangaratta Leisure Fest Dates: 28 th -1 st March. Club volunteers will be needed to man the tent. Other General Business: The Club has been awarded a Certificate of Participation for our continued support of the Cancer Charity Ride held in October, led by Burkey and Kate. Congratulations to Tom and Zoe who are to be married next weekend from all members of the Wangaratta 4X4 Club. Some members are still waiting on the arrival of badges from the Club time to look into this situation. Next Meeting: Tuesday 9 th December early start (6.00pm) with a BBQ then the normal meeting at 8.00pm. Sgt. at Arms: Burkey did his rounds and embarrassed a few members Members News: John Sullivan was asked to comment on rooftop tent. It is a sleek James Baroud number that has gas struts that allows for quick set up a spare wheel could be held on top and it also has a solar panel ability. It is very comfortable and very easy to use. Meeting Closed: 9.45pm Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 6

7 Victorian High Country Huts Association VHCHA For information about huts please visit VHCHA website : This site has further information on the Victorian High country huts and activities associated with each area. Our club is a member of this organisation, with Graham Abotomey our representative. FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA Driving In A Sustainable Environment For more information visit the website: FWDV Delegates Brief Sheet to be read out at Club Meetings, and printed in Club Magazines Sat 13 th & Sun 14 th December 2014 CLEAN UP THE BUSH PILOT At Hill End School, Paynters Road, Hill End Get there via Trafalgar, Moe or Noogee Note: Event subject to weather conditions Come and join us for 1 day or 2 days gon or Trafalgar We would like two vehicles from each Club, so that there is a primary and sweep vehicle working together. You will need a Driver and Navigator/Spotter in each vehicle. Saturday 13 th December Registrations from 10.00am Workshop Track Allocation Briefing for Mock Rubbish Search Approx 11.30am Rubbish Search begins 4.30pm Back to Base Saturday Night FWD Vic BBQ Sunday 14 th December Same day program as Saturday 3.30pm return to Base, pack up and home. Directions to Hill End School from Princes Highway: Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 7

8 Turn north at Trafalgar on Willow Grove Rd, Left at Moe-Willow Grove Rd. Cross River Connection Rd, Farrell Rd, Next left Paynters Road Bring : Club Banner & mounting GPS WGS84 / Rooftop Maps Compatible Camera & cables to hook up to computer at Base Camp Please register your Club and number of vehicles with the FWDV office on or office@fwdvictoria.org.au Wayne Hevey General Manager Four Wheel Drive Victoria Trip Report Inaugural Border Track and Big Desert Adventure. Thursday 9 th Sunday 12 th Oct 2014 This was our promise - The Best Dune Driving outside the Simpson This is predominantly a drivers trip, not a sightseeing trip, we will be covering long distances & experiencing as much sand (and mud) driving as we can fit-in in our 4 days. Our itinerary requires long fun filled hours in the saddle travelling at a brisk pace to experience all this fabulous area has to offer. Vehicles will have to be well prepared for this inhospitable environment with drivers & passengers equally well prepared for long hours and desert conditions. WARNING - Some pin striping may occur on the Border Track. Our destination was the Wyperfield National Park - Big Desert State Forest - Big Desert Wilderness Park and the fabulous SA/Vic Border Track and it had to be done before it was locked up for the summer at the end of October. Trip leaders: David and Matthew Jackson A comment from one of the seasoned 4wdrivers this is the best trip I ve ever done 8am start from Wangaratta saw myself and Dean head off to meet Terry and Peter on the Hume at Benalla, not much room in the shorty so we had to tie Dean s monster swag onto the spare wheel hanging off the back. All the way down the Hwy he was watching and hoping he didn t see a big puff of down feathers from his swag as trucks roared past us. Rearranged a few things with Terry taking our spare fuel, the swag and a few bits and pieces and off we went for our much anticipated sand adventure. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 8

9 Frankston boys left about 9am after dropping the kids at school and we all met up as planned just before 12;30 in Inglewood for a spot of lunch, a check on paperwork and the normal meet and greet for those that hadn t met before. Now we had 4 vehicles 7 participants with one more meeting us at camp that night. Got to Hopetoun fuelled up the cars and jerries and off to Western Beach camp on Lake Albacutya, one of our group who will remain nameless was really looking forward to a swim and a freshen up alas no water to be seen. However we were very impressed with the standard of the amenities there. Keith arrived just before happy hour giving us a full complement of 5 vehicles, with our 6th participants having to bail because of illness. We had our first and only bogging of the trip that same afternoon as our Melb guys got used to sand, sand and more sand. Friday saw us doing the Milmed track and quite a few tracks in the Big Desert before we came upon our first big challenge The Big Dune. We tried it this way, that way, with an extra bit of this and a bit less of that. High range, low range, locked and unlocked, even threw out the passengers to see if that would work. 3 tracks were available, all 3 to within a cars length of success with the sand monster pulling us into the ground each time. We were learning a lot about sand and loving it! We planned a trip into Pinnaroo on the Saturday morning for fuel, so camped at the Ngallo Park tennis courts just out of the desert expecting to find amenities NO NO NO, it was very primitive so we saved up for the morning to attach the Border Track fresh. Border Track now is well gated and offers the drivers and campers an opportunity to pay $10. per car for the privilege of being there. We were more than happy to pay and receive our permits which were proudly displayed. Only to meet the Ranger later in the day who didn t even ask to see them what a letdown! Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 9

10 Each morning we were up by 6:45 and on the road by 8:15. Saturday saw us start the Border Track proper at 10am and we were well finished and into camp at Red Bluff by 2pm. Red Bluff is a lovely area but has been ravaged by fire recently, burning down the amenity block leaving a smelly hole in the ground and millions of bees. We thought better of staying there with 2 anaphylactics in the group so after playing on a few more big dunes and some mighty deep (dry) mud holes a little further south we backtracked north to Diggers Hut camp which while it had no amenities was a delightful campsite. Even at 7pm there were at least 6 or so vehicles still driving south down the track. I must say I was a little disappointed in the condition of the track compared with about 9 years ago when it really was a challenge or could be if you didn t take the chicken tracks. The main track can now be done by any 4WD with the correct tyre pressures. The establishment has fixed it up in the same manner as Blue Rag and the Staircase in the high country. Pity! Sunday morning, back down south turning east onto the Red Bluff track then north back up the very dry clay based Murrayville track. No doubt a totally different story after some rain, as we could still see tyre marks set into the road from the last wet trip thru this major access road. Really, really enjoyed the smooth run after the incessant whoop de doos of the previous few days. Back east again on Chinamans Well track and eventually into Rainbow for a feed and a fuel up. The first few kms on the blacktop were like heaven did I mention we were over the millions of whoop de doos. We said our goodbyes as each of us had a different preferred path to take home. Remember Bathurst was on that same day. We stopped in Donald for a cuppa and half hour in front of the tele and then stopped for tea on the Hume and saw the last 12 laps or so a consolation prize for a great weekend away. We ve booked the weekend before Bathurst for next year s run, with the passengers all saying they want to drive their own rigs next year. Thanks to all the guys, you worked really well together, we all learned a lot about sand driving and how to get the best out of our vehicles. Air pressures were the key ingredient learned time and time again. Some of us redid the tyres 4 or more times till we got them right. Tyres ranged from muddies to all terrains no clear winner here. Fuel consumption varied a lot between the vehicles as did internal vehicle set ups and packing. Most of us bought too much gear, some of the swags were nearly as big as a camper trailer. Food! We could have fed Burke and Wills and Leonardo De Caprio and the Titanic crew. Everyone took a turn leading and as TEC. There should be some great movies and pics from this trip. Weather was fantastic similar to Wang I believe. The nights weren t as cold as planned so a bit of gear was never used. Recoveries as I mentioned were non-existent once the tyres were dropped. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 10

11 Keith mentioned after the first day and later re confirmed that this run was much harder than his recent trip to the Simpson. He stood out as one that especially honed his driving skills and got much more out of his vehicle as the days progressed as we all did. Well done Keith and to his mentors. A great trip everything that we d hoped for no mechanical problems what so ever, new friends and a love for the sand tracks. We re looking at Robe 2014 towards the end of the year, which will be different again that s why we love 4WDriving. Report by David Jackson Ed: Thanks for this report David.glad to include it here today, sounds like an awesome trip. The High Country Huts Trip 9 vehicles in total attended the high country hut day drive, Damian (trip leader) Kerry (navigator) and Thomas (lil Tom) O'Connor in a 80 series Landcruiser, were followed by Chris Penniceard (tailend Charlie) in a Hilux, Steve and Tracey Twomey and kids in a 80 series Landcruiser, Dave and fiona Van Zanten in a GU Patrol, Noel and Virginia Robinson in a GU Patrol, De Brown in a GQ Patrol, Barry Burns and kids in a GQ Patrol, David Chapman in another Hilux and Milton Davies in a Pajero left APCO service station Wangaratta around 8am in the morning to head towards Lake William Hovell, where we arrived at around 9am, we all lined up in a row for a photo opportunity together with our vehicles and then air down for the journey ahead of us. We then started to hit the tracks up behind Lake William Hovell, where our journey started by tackling Buckland spur track up to Tomahawk Hut where we had morning tea, checked the hut out and talked to a nice couple that had camped in the hut over night, the bloke was disabled in a wheelchair, but was a keen 4wder that liked to get out and about, he also had a nice looking GU Patrol (we won t hold that against him though). After morning tea, we set off and headed towards no. 3 road, which was a rocky hill climb with switchbacks that took us up to a viewing point to take some photos at the corner of no3 rd and Westons track, which over looked a couple of valleys. We travelled down no.3 rd a bit further till we come to no. 3 hut, where again we took the opportunity to take some more photos. We proceeded further along no. 3 rd, until we found Razorback track, which lead us up to Razorback hut, which when we got there I was surprised that no one else was there at all, as the last couple of times I had been there, musterer s with their horses were occupying the huts, but it was deserted this time. As we left Razorback hut, we then did some easy driving along the Circuit rd, past Telephone junction (Mt. Stirling cafe) which is shut for renovations at moment, then we did a hairpin turn to the left and made our way to Howqua hut, where everyone relaxed and enjoyed their lunch and had a look around. To our surprise, someone had put 3 big logs of timber in the ground around a fire pit and carved 3 arm chairs to sit in. They weren t there two Saturdays before when I and a couple of other club members did the recce for this trip. We then continued along Circuit rd for about 25 minutes before we came across Monument track, there we waited for our convoy to regroup as the dust was thick and getting hard to see at times. Once together, we then did the climb up Monument track, which lead us to Craigs hut car park, but before we made it to the car park, we had encountered our first lot of traffic on a track that didn t Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 11

12 have much room for two way traffic. Being the leader of our convoy, I had a discussion with the vehicle coming toward us, telling them we had nine of us in a convoy. Their response was they had 11 in their convoy, but they were spread out and some hadn t even left the hut yet, so the leader of the other convoy told his other vehicles to pull over where they can to let us pass, as we were all together. We all got past them without any hassles. When we all pulled in to the car park, we all managed to get a park close together just before another couple of convoys made it into the hut as well. It was just good timing on our behalf as it was getting hard to find a parking spot. After spending half an hour or more looking around Craigs hut, we said good bye to 2 vehicles in our convoy, one being De Brown who was heading back to Mansfield, and Chris who was heading to Pheasant Creek from Mansfield, Steve and Tracey Twomey then took on the roll as being Tail end Charlie, which I am thankful for. From Craigs hut, we were going to back track where we had been to get home, but then we decided to check out another way home via Pineapple flats, which meant we would do a water crossing, which was only a trickle and didn t bother any of us anyway, we all had snorkels fitted to all vehicles. Once across the river we stopped and had another rest for about 15 minutes. We watched another couple of cars do the water crossing, when a Landcruiser tray back must of taken a wrong line and had trouble exiting the water crossing. This gave the Nissan drivers ammunition to get into us Toyota drivers. Earlier on in the trip, I was going to fine the Nissan drivers for driving Nissans anyway. (lol). We then travelled on from Pineapple flat along Burnt Top track, which was a good challenge in some areas along a rocky ridge section, that was pretty narrow toward the top and had some steep drop offs at either side when reaching the top of the ridgeline then, back down the other side we found Sandy Flat track, which brought us out behind Lake William Hovell where we had another couple of water crossings to do before making our way back to the car park at the boat ramp. We then aired up said our goodbyes and our journey finished up about 6pm, I would like to say thank you to my wife Kerry for navigating the trip so we didn t get lost. Also to Chris, Steve and Tracey for being tail-end Charlies, and the rest of the club members who attended the trip to make the hut trip so successful, thank you. Damian O'Connor Ed: Well done Damian this sounds like a ripper trip. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 12

13 CLUB CALENDAR 2014 Remember club trips are not set in stone so there will be times when trip dates will be changed to suit members and the weather. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 13

14 Member s Advertisements For Sale: As new Yokohama Passenger Tyres x5 Type: Yokohama Geolander G902 (Tubeless radial) Size: 265/65/R17 (fit 17 rim) Age: Only done 2,000km x4 spare is brand new x1 Note: Owner has purchased a new set of Light Truck aggressive tyres for off-road driving and no longer needs them. Cost: As new these tyres retail for $ Offering them for $ a tyre or the set of 5 for $ Contact: Paul L Huillier (Mt Beauty) Mob: <paullhuillier@bigpond.com> Advertisement for Rod Nudgent: Ed: Please let e k o if our ad has do e it s ork so I a re o e it a d repla e it ith a other tha k you. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 14

15 Club s New Website Track Torque To All Wangaratta 4x4 Club Members To make it easier to communicate with members, the club has developed a new website with the same address In future, all club news, events, happenings and the newsletter Track Torque will be announced on-line via a post (message) on the website. The post is ed to you, drawing your attention to the fact that a new item has been placed on the website. What do you need to do? Visit the club website and sign-up. Look at the top right of the home page for Sign Up to Club News via ' and enter your address then click Sign-Up (view image below). You will receive an automatically-generated asking you to CONFIRM your subscription. We encourage all members to do this, otherwise you will not receive future communications. Then, when you receive a post, you can visit the website at your leisure to view the new information. You can unsubscribe at anytime, but unsubscribing will block all electronic communications from the club. You can also join the club s Facebook group 4x4 Wangaratta The club also has a new address info@wangaratta4x4club.org.au. Regards and thanks for supporting the club. Paul L'Huillier Webmaster Mount Beauty Mob: P.S. There are now sixty members and friends on our database. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 15

16 Advertiser s Section Track Torque Albury Wodonga s Complete 4WD Equipment Centre Notice to Business owners Call or Andrew (Ed.) to book your advertisement in our magazine. (Contact details on bottom of Page 2) DISCOUNT FOR CLUB MEMBERS Andrea Simmons ARB ALBURY Ph Fax asimmons@arb.com.au Hume Street Albury (Next to Hungry Jack s) David Suffield Licensed Plumber 41 Suffield Lane, Moyhu Lic. No: Roofing Maintenance & Repairs Gasfitting New Buildings Stormwater Renovations Water Supply Air Conditioning General Welding Sewers also available Irrigation Servicing Wangaratta, Benalla, Myrtleford and surrounding areas. Tel: (03) Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 16

17 Squires Sports & Mowers Sales & Repairs Mowers, Brushcutters, Chainsaws, Wood Heaters & Bicycles Trevor & Terese Squires 53 Nunn Street, Benalla 3672 Phone/Fax: Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 17

18 TRACk Torque December 2014 Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club A D PO Box 494 Wangaratta Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc December 2014 Page 18