February - Mazda MX-5 Club of Victoria & Tasmania

Chapter news ...The Presidential Tour of Northern Tasmania~ 21-22.1.2011 | Northern Tassie■ Words: Ken & Ruth Beaton ■ Run organiser: Ken Beaton ■ Photos: Bruce Harvey, Rob Bryan, Alyssa FinlayOn Friday, 21 January, the Club President, MurrayFinlay and the First Lady Alyssa arrived by air intoDevonport where they were met by the Governor(sorry, Convenor), Ken Beaton and the Lady Ruth.After some initial confusion theproper protocol was observedand the official party set off for aquick tour of Devonport on theway to Beaton House, the officialresidence of the Governor (sorryagain … Convenor).A drive led by Lyn Dunham andKen, accompanied by Bruce andCheryl, was organised to visitsome of the back blocks of NWTasmania. The little group of threeMX-5s set off to drive the roads ofthe Nook, Preston and Ulverstone,finishing at the Forth Hotel twohours later. Here they were metby Ruth, Keith and Sandra Tillack,Malcolm and Rita Eastley and KenDunham (who had had to earn aliving, it was Friday after all). Theroads were in only fair conditionwith some of our favourite areasdamaged by floods and somebridges washed away. We all hada big evening meal and retiredback to Beaton House for officialdiscussions on future plans for theClub.Saturday, 22 January turned outto be a glorious summer’s day aswe left Devonport just after 9amheading to Deloraine by the backroads. The route took in some ofour favourite roads which wasalso appreciated by a couple ofour local members who had nottravelled on them before.We arrived at the “50s Diner” inDeloraine, a little late but full ofexcitement as we just had sucha wonderful drive. The Diner is amust-see in Deloraine, not just forthe great hot chocolate and coffee,but the terrific craftsmanship ofthe owner Carl who builds “HotRods”. He was kind enough toopen his work shed to show offhis current project. Also he hasone car on display in the Dineramongst his ’50s collection ofmemorabilia. Even the “loos” arean experience!After breakfast we headed off toLongford to collect a couple moreMX-5s and gathered for a shortchat. Rob and Trish Bryan lead 14MX-5s out of Longford on the backway to Campbell Town, wherewe regrouped before taking aleisurely drive to Ross. On arrivalwe parked along the river lookingonto the famous Ross Bridge.We were joined by the two Johnsfrom Hobart who had arrived toexchange prisoners … er, I meancollect the President and hismissus.After a picnic lunch by the river, itwas time to farewell the Presidentas he joined the southern Chapterto head south to Hobart. Fromhere we travelled independently.Tim Manion and Bruce Harveytook the long way home toGeorgetown and Launceston viathe east coast. These guys just loveto drive their cars. Ken Beaton ledanother six MX-5s on a quick tripthe back way to Longford wherewe relaxed with coffee and drinksout the front of the famous TassieLongford Bakery.A great day was had by theNorthern Chapter as becameevident from the commentsaround the table. ■16