Port Stephens Ulysses Branch

Transcription

1 Octvember 2014 Port Stephens Ulysses Branch President: Kerrie Skinner Ph , Mob Secretary/Treasurer: Anne Crowley Mob Committee: Jackie McCallum, Brett Davis, Brian McCallum, Bob Lucas Ride Liaison Officer: Brett Davis Ph , Mob All sensible correspondence to: PO Box 356, Salamander Bay 2317 Newsletter correspondence to: Bob , Member of the Month President s Report (for November) Well here we are again at the tail end of the year, wondering where the time went and where the box of Christmas lights are at the same time. Ok, so on to the last of our events for the year; Jennifer Brett and I were the only participants for the trip to Sabor in the vineyards, so we changed plans and had breakfast in Newcastle at Paymasters Café - yum. And then I introduced Jennifer and Brett to the Newcastle Farmer s Markets, and I think entrée at our Progressive Dinner will be inspired from that little adventure. We have nineteen for our dinner, and it should be a great night. Don t forget to dress for the occasion. And then it will be our final get together for the year at the annual Christmas BBQ. As usual if you would like to bring along a gift for either male or female or a unisex pressie to the value of around $10, Santa will distribute them as only he can do. BBQ will be $5.00 per head. Salads, potatoes, bread rolls and sweets will be provided along with condiments. Please BYO drinks, chairs, plates, cutlery, nibbles etc. Many thanks to Jackie and Anne, for holding the reigns in my absence last month. It s been a year of highs and lows, and I know I m not Robinson Crusoe in that regard. I also know we can let the low times smother us, or gain strength from the highs, and along with the love of family and the true friendship of good friends, we can see the bigger picture and know that life is pretty bloody good. I would like to thank all of you for your ongoing support of myself and the committee. I wish you a all a safe and happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you at our first meeting for 2015 on Friday 30 th January. Your President Kerrie

2 President s Report (for (for October,, for those who missed it) The end of the year is approaching, and with it the last of our events for the year:- a ride to Sabor in the Hunter on November 16 th, the Progressive Dinner on Saturday night 29 th November, the Toy Run Sunday 7 th December, and finally our Christmas party on Saturday 13 th December. Jackie is taking the reins at the October Meeting as I will be slumming it at a wedding at the Sheraton Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast. It would be great to see as many members as possible at the last of our organised functions for the year. If anyone would like to make salads for the Christmas Party and do any other small jobs I will be asking for names at the November meeting. Anyone making salads will be reimbursed for the ingredients. We will also need a couple of shade shelters and tables. Please continue to think of ideas for rides for the New Year so we can put on the calendar. They can be day rides, overnight or weekends away or even a night out. The weekend at Bargoed House (and what looked like might be our quietest one yet) turned out quite well, with eleven for dinner on Saturday Night. If anyone wants to tell you a story about ice and smashed eggs don t listen - none of it is true. Its weekends like this that remind us all just what wonderful friendships we have in this fantastic branch of ours. Don t forget to get your registrations in for the Meet and Greet. You don t want to miss out by leaving it too late, and it would help out with funds if we get our registrations in early. Thanks to Jackie for standing in for me, and I will see you at Sabor and the progressive dinner. Keep smiling Your President Kerrie Little Billy asks his dad for a telly in his room. Dad reluctantly agrees. Next day Billy comes downstairs and asks, 'Dad, what's love juice?' Dad looks horrified, and tells Billy all about sex. Billy just sat there with his mouth open in amazement. $$ thanks to Brett (not Davis) for that one Dad says, 'So what were you watching?' Billy says, 'Wimbledon...'

3 Secretary/Treasurer s Report (for October,, for those who missed it) A short report from the Secretary/Treasurer: How the days are flying only one more meeting this year after Friday 31st. We haven t had a meeting on a 31 st of the month since January the days are not going faster, we ve lost some. So Bob, you can stop stressing about deadlines for Newsletters. What an intimate little meeting in September. Kerrie and I felt a little lost sitting at our big table and only a few members scattered across about two tables. The room had been set up for a wedding the next day and we were swamped with large round tables. Still it didn t take long to round up the fines. Looking forward to our progressive dinner in November followed by our Christmas Party in December. Have you got your suit ready Al for the big day? Anne WHOOPS! A newlywed couple wanted to join a church. The pastor told them, "We have special requirements for new parishioners. You must abstain from sex for an entire month." The couple agreed, but after two-and-a-half weeks, returned to the church. When the Pastor ushered them into his office, the wife was crying, and the husband obviously was very depressed. "You are back so soon is there a problem?" the pastor inquired. "We are terribly ashamed to admit that we did not manage to abstain from sex for the required month," the young man replied sadly. The pastor asked him what happened. " Well, the first week was difficult; however, we managed to abstain through sheer willpower. The second week was terrible, but with the use of prayer, we managed to abstain. The third week however, was unbearable. We tried cold showers, prayer, reading from the Bible, anything to keep our minds free of carnal thoughts. But one afternoon, my wife reached for a can of paint and dropped it. When she bent over to pick it up, I noticed that she didn't have panties on and I was overcome with lust, and I had my way with her, right then and there," admitted the man, shamefacedly. " You understand this means you will not be welcome into our church," stated the pastor. "We know," said the young man, hanging his head. " We're not welcome at Bunnings anymore, either. thanks to Brian for that one

4 MINUTES OF SOCIAL MEETING 31 October 2014 (at Soldiers Point Bowling Club) Meeting Opened: 8.05p.m. Apologies: Leo & John, Kerrie, Bob & Marilyn, John & Gail, Trevor & Sue, Spike & Robin Attendance: 18 The Jackie Report: Jackie welcomed all present New locals Bruce Gendle & Cate O Kane joined the meeting now residing at Mallabula Jackie spoke about the progressive dinner on Saturday 29 November $25.00 a head:- Entrée at Brett & Jennifer s at 5.30pm (58 Government Road, Shoal Bay) Mains at Jack and Eve 7.00pm (81 President Wilson Walk, Tanilba Bay) Dessert at Kerrie s from 9.30pm (7 George Street, Fullerton Cove) Members who confirmed attendance:- Anne & Paul, Jackie & Brian, Jack & Eve, Dave (looks like Mrs Dave is working), Bruce & Cate, Doreen & Malu, Brett & Jennifer, Kerrie, Leo & John, Bob & Marilyn Bargoed House report good weekend good food Correspondence: First Aid for Motorcyclists on 29 November 2014 at Edgeworth Sport & Rec Club - $ am to 12.30pm and 2.00pm to 5.30pm. Accommodation costs etc from Sovereign Inn Motel at Cowra Treasurer s Report: General Account $1, Meet and Greet Account?$2, General Business: Jack spoke about boys ride to Bendemeer Hotel leaving 9.00am. Thursday 13 November 2014 returning early pm 14 November 2014 Reminder of ride to Sabor on 16 th November leaving Paul s Corner at 9.00am Toy Run on 7 th December 2014 Branch Christmas Party 13 th December 2014 Jackie provided details regarding the Meet and Greet on May Only 33 registered so far. Numbers limited to 200 for the Moonshadow Dinner Cruise on the Saturday night $65.00 per head 6pm 9pm. Jack spoke about the Postie Bike Grand Prix at Cessnock on 25 & 26 October 2014 lots of crashes lots of naughty riders Jack splattered in tar by end of weekend approximately 80 riders - pubs ran out of beer shops ran out of water hoteliers happy customers grumpy.

5 Jack spoke about the highlights of the ten day ride to Innamincka early October with Bob Lucas, Bob s son Adam, Dave, Billy, Ken all dirt riding something about Bob not coming off his bike and there being a fine in there food budget $350.00, Beer $ (and they ran out of beer) Bruce Gendle welcomed to branch recently relocated from Windsor with partner Cate O Kane. Bruce has a 2013 Husky TR650 dual sport adventure rider, also a 2009 GTR 1400 Kawasaki (for sale) and a 2010 Luxury Goldwing. Bruce is trying to retire still working at the moment. Cate working at Commonwealth Bank, Raymond Terrace Brian McCallum sold his bike Fun Things: Birthdays for October: Peter Cragg, Judy McTaggart, Andrew Bellott, Carol Mahoney, Carole Crooks, John McGrath, Cheryl Allen, Leonie McCarthy, Steve Grimmond, Robyn Marlin. Fines $6.00 John Kerr, Dave, Paul, Malu (taken three years to register his bike) Raffles $55.00 Eve, Doreen, Brian AND: Birthdays for November: Trish Beddoe, Malu, Brett Davis, Sue McGarry, Marilyn Couch. AND: Birthdays for December: Don Mills, Jackie McCallum, Shirley Stark, Col Williams, Dennis Mahoney, Ian Ripley, Leo Evans, and to our Angel above and dear friend Ron, here s cheers. AND: Birthdays for January: Eve Johnstone, Garry Ennis, Lindsay Cole, Wanda, Ross Lister. Meeting Closed 9.05pm Our irregular mid-week Ride Leader Steve Manning bought this new MT09 recently, to dream about during his recuperation from surgery. This one is for real - from the marketing boom of 1964 when WD40 was first released! Great looking ride Steve, and best wishes for a speedy recovery thanks to Big Al for this one

6 MINUTES OF SOCIAL MEETING 26 September 2014 (for those who missed them last month) Meeting Opened: 7.30p.m. Apologies: Jackie McCallum, John West, Brett Visitors: Scott, Ashley & Baby Evie Attendance: 16 President s Report: Kerrie welcomed all present. Kerrie spoke about the Progressive Dinner on Saturday 29 November 2014: Entrée at Leo and John s Salamander Bay Mains at Jack and Eve Tanilba Bay Dessert at Kerrie s Fullerton Cove Will need numbers at October meeting. Members responsible for their own transport. On behalf of Brett, Kerrie discussed ride calendar. A few dates still available. Correspondence: Nil Treasurers Report: General Account $ Meet and Greet Account $88+ - there is lots more as deposits for Meet and Greet are deposited regularly General Business: Leo provided details regarding the Meet and Greet on May Deposits received regularly and members reminded to get their deposits in as numbers limited to 200 for the Moonshadow Dinner Cruise on the Saturday night $65.00 per head 6pm 9pm. Jack spoke about the Memorial Ride at Paterson. Good ride great weather and some members later lunched at the Junction Inn. Jack not riding in the Postie Bike Grand Prix at Cessnock on 25 & 26 October Anne spoke about the ride to Greta on 13 September 2014 found some great scones with jam and cream made by the local CWA ladies. Fun Things: Birthdays for September: Wozza, Bob Lucas, Simmo, Terry Power, Steve Manning Fines $7.75 Al, Paul Mulvay, Anne Raffles $64.95 Trevor, Big Al, Kerrie

7 has flown! Here we are with Christmas just around the corner once again. I can t believe how quickly the past year Apologies for the lack of an October newsletter, but as explained so well by Brian (thanks mate!), we were on the run without service, and it just wasn t possible. As a result, I ve included some October stuff in this one, which is coming to you all the way from Lismore where we re enjoying our new grandson, Clancy. As a result of our absences I now have an absolute motza of material, and will do my best to fit at least some of it into this month... the rest to come in later editions... MEET & GREET DUES I know this has been said before, but I ll keep plugging it... the committee still needs monies for our Moonshadow booking, and remember, the cruise is limited to the first 200 with monies in! You can direct transfer to BSB , A/C or send monies to our mailbox at PO Box 356, Salamander Bay Bob s Blurb STARKIES CATCH-UP While in the Lismore area we took the opportunity to catch up with old mates Lee and Shirley (and Bob) at their new ranch in Casino. Great to see that they re all well, and have moved on from biking to bowling, with a passion! OUR TRAVELLERS Brian and Jackie have just returned from a relaxing cruise around the south-east Pacific, and last time I tried to reach John and Merilyn they were too busy to speak, as John dragged in yet another monster flathead up at Tuncurry. I really must find out which Co-op he s getting them from. BUGGERED HOUSE And speaking to Kerrie during our brief visit to Port Stephens recently, it seems the weekend at Bargoed House was very enjoyable for the 11 people who attended. A small number, but well enjoyed by those who went. JACK S SOAP BOX Jack as usual hasn t slowed down for a moment, and straight after his 4,000Km outback ride enjoyed his day as Marshall at the Cessnock Postie Bike races. He also organised and participated in his mid-week ride to Bendemeer... albeit on his own on the off-road version. Sadly, only 3 other riders participated, opting for the sealed roads instead of the dirt. Here are our members screaming for mid-week rides, one is arranged, and hardly anyone participates! A very disappointing result, and I d say it may be quite awhile before Jack suggests another ride We need to pick up our act, guys BEST WISHES TO ALL! As this will be my last newsletter before Santa comes, Marilyn and I take the opportunity to wish those who have suffered injury or illness during the year a healthier one in To those who have lost loved ones (especially you Kerrie ), our hearts are with you. We hope you all have a very merry Christmas with your loved ones, and a happy and healthy New Year in Grey-haired riders don t get that way from pure luck look around you...

8 RIDE TO ITALIA DAY AT TOMAGO HOUSE Just before I went outback riding with the Geriatric Ninja Turtles, a number of us from the branch enjoyed a day drooling over the Italian bikes and cars at Tomago House. Incredible brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Bugatti, Fiat, Alpha Romeo, Ducati, MV Agusta, Benelli, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi... even the legendary Vespa was represented. An easy run and an inexpensive day was had by Simmo (without Renate), Big Yeah, right Brett... but it s not yours! John (without Gail), Ken (without Deb), Brett and Jen, and myself and the bride. Apart from the vehicular collection, there were also great Italian food vendors on site. Marilyn found her dream car, and Brett fell in love with almost everything he saw! Only a small attendance by our branch, but a beaut catch-up nevertheless.... Pix & words by Bob They used to issue these to priests in Italy

9 Jack s and my shopping for the trip LOCAL GERIATRIC NINJA TURTLES HIT THE CORNER COUNTRY Where do I start, and where do I finish...? I ve not long returned from an amazing trip Jack the chef, Mendooran through uncharted tracks to the Strzelecki Desert with middle son Adam, and Jack, Dave and Billy... and good ex-wallerawang mate Ken Bell driving Adam s ute as back-up vehicle. What an adventure... and we made it home without serious injury to our bodies or the bikes! Over 4,000Kms in total, with 2,700Kms in the red dirt, sand tally. and gibber, in just 11 days! And I was the only one not to suffer an off, when I normally lead the Louth pub On the banks of the Castlereagh, Louth OK, you may remember this trip was my brainchild for over 12 months ago, when I called it off because of injuries sustained in the very Enduro course that was supposed to prepare us for it. Very briefly, we headed out through Mendooran to Nyngan, then onto the red stuff via Scary soap holders at Louth devious routes (some on recognised roads, and some through private properties where we were to be informed we were not supposed to be!), visiting iconic places and pubs like Louth, Tilpa, Mt Jack, Packsaddle, White Cliffs, Tibooburra, Cameron Corner, Innamincka, Noccundra, Bulloo Downs, Hungerford, Yantabulla and Fords Bridge, before heading back through Nyngan and home. Tilpa pub Saw 1,000 s of square kilometres of beautiful country (if you like red soil), and spent a lot of time dodging sheep, cattle, roos, emus and wild pigs. Billy and Jack did a superb job of cooking most of our meals, and the quick shop that Jack and I did before we departed lasted the entire distance. Doesn't On the way to Mt Jack Towards Darling-Paroo NP

10 sound impressive, you say? That involved 60 breakfasts, 60 lunches, and 60 dinners... and snacks, and grog! Ken and I were sacked after our first cooking effort, although Ken did redeem himself by knocking up a couple of beautiful dampers in the camp Dead battery, Mt Jack Nobody s toilet, White Cliffs oven along the way... just a shame he used a truckload of hard-earned firewood for each session (he hadn t experienced the superb coals available from gidgee and mulga White Cliffs before)! He also provided neverending stories of his early experiences in the force at Happy Hour, around the campfire, in the pubs... in fact every time we stopped! Yep, we did suffer some hiccups along the way:- Billy had the first puncture and ended up with about 4 tyre repairs (front), along the way. Adam lost 3 out of his 4 blinkers, and more expensively (when he gets time to do it) he needs to find his lost 5 th gear. Billy s first flat... Dave escaped event-free (apart from a few lost legs) until the final run, when his 1988 alternator quit and left him with a trailer ride home this side of Mendooran. Packsaddle pub Jack had a faultless run from his little WR250, and despite the thrashing it copped he suffered only one flat rear tyre... and being tubeless it took only minutes to repair. Me, well I had 2 flat rear tyres one day, another 6 on the 25Km run from Nockatunga to Noccundra, my battery suffered a fatal attack on a property (near Mount Jack, of all places!), lost 2 of my 4 blinkers, and my rear carry rack fell apart near Cameron Corner... but I never had an off. Milparincka ruins And Adam s ute decided to drop it s bulbar in the Strzelecki Desert on the way in to Innamincka due to poor quality welds... not a good advertisement for Ironman after-market 4x4 stuff! Tibbooburra pub Milparincka pub

11 All in all though, a pretty good result, even though the failures caused delays along the way and resulted in late arrivals at some of our destinations. We did become misplaced a coupla times due to confusing tracks and inadequate maps, but the most worrying moment was when we came down through Tickalara and into Bulloo Downs looking for the Wild Dog Fence to follow into Hungerford. Due to poor mapping we ended up on the wrong side of the fence, which we found wasn't even the real Dog Fence! By this time we were running low on fuel and daylight, and by the time we found our way out across country after superb navigational work (and exploratory rides by Adam and Jack) we rode an hour in darkness dodging the roos and pigs, and camped beside the road 73Km west of our destination Hungerford... after 12 hours of riding! Not our best day, but hey, what an adventure! Bob s first flat Bob & Adam at The Corner Store Jack helping QLD s drought problem An absolutely awesome ride, highlighted by countless good stories and belly-splitting laughter, but most of all the incredible mateship we shared along the way, overcoming the various hurdles we encountered. The riders at Cameron Corner Oil rig near Delta Gas & Oil fields Another one I can cross off my bucket list Pix & words by Bob Jack s mishap, Strzelecki Desert dunes. The flag s supposed to indicate the hole!... and the bulldust blowout that took him out. Not enough air, Jack! But all s good

12 Innamincka pub Looking for yabbies in Cooper Creek Ken s first damper, Innamincka On the banks of the Cooper Bullbar repairs, Innamincka The Dig Tree, Innamincka Billy s 2nd flat, near Nockatunga Bob s 2nd flat, near Nockatunga Noccundra pub Noccundra billabong Bob s 6th flat, Noccundra billabong Noccundra billabong Noccundra billabong Jack s only flat, near Tickalara

13 Seriously misplaced on Bulloo Downs Dave getting legless, Bulloo Downs The Gate... at last, The Gate... but the wrong bloody one! Hungerford pub, 16 hours overdue! Jack bites the dust again! Billy riding the wrong Wild Dog Fence Me & Carol, one of the girls I met along the way Hungerford pub Adam showing off towards Yantabulla Adam showing off towards Fords Bridge Fords Bridge pub Yantabulla Tennis Club Mine host Sheree, Fords Bridge pub Fords Bridge pub Fords Bridge pub And a bloody good scout! Bloody good mates, some better than others...

14 PROPOSED RIDES & EVENTS Port Stephens Branch Rides:- Dec 07 Toy Run Mar AGM, Wodonga For further information about rides, refer to website:- Upcoming Events:- Dec 13 Branch Christmas Party Jan 26 Feb 15 Australia Day Extravaganza (to be confirmed) John Evans' Newcastle Big Day Out May Port Stephens Meet & Greet NOTE Brett is still chasing ride suggestions for 2015:- January and February, plus March 01 or 15, April 05 or 19, May 03, and June 07 or 21. If you ve not made a contribution, please give him your ideas for a ride on any of these dates. PADDY & MICK TELSTRA needed to hire a team of telephone pole installers for the Stuart Highway, and McMurray and the boss had to choose between a team of two guys from Port Pirie and a team of two Irish guys. So the boss met both teams and said "Here's what we'll do. Each team will be installing poles out on the new road for a day. The team that installs the most poles gets the job." Both teams headed right out. At end of the shift Bruce and Charlie, the two Port Pirie guy's, came back and the boss asked them how many they had installed. They said that it was tough going, but they'd put in twelve. Forty-five minutes later Paddy and Mick the Irish guys, came back in and they were totally exhausted. The boss asked, "Well, how many poles did you guys install?" Mick, the team leader, wiped his brow and sighed, "Paddy and me, we got three in. The boss gasped, "Three? T hose two Port Pirie guys put in twelve!" "Yeah", said Mick, "but you should see how much they left sticking out of the ground! and thanks to Billy for that one

15 FOR SALE (Peter) These people support us.. Do the right thing and support them! John Beddoe financial services & advice Ph Jack Johnstone security system installation & service Ph , mobile Dennis Mahoney leatherwork Ph Doreen Easthope seamstress Ph Jacqueline Scocco Champagne Colours Shop 12, Austral Street Shopping Centre NELSON BAY Ph % off all hair services to Ulysses members and their guests. Always service with a smile. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE (within the Branch) John Beddoe Anne Crowley John Evans Laraine Howes John McGrath Paul Mulvay 150a Salamander Way Salamander Bay merilynevans@ex .com.au and Kim s the boss Yep, Scottie & Karl