Anything But Average Nov-Dec 09 - Leyland P76 Club of Victoria

President’s PageWell here we are close to Christmas once more. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of yourcommittee to wish all our members and their families a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.We have recently concluded our 2009 Concourse and congratulations to the winners of the various trophies. Itwas good to see the turnout of 17 P76's, a Kimberley and the Holden Ute with a P76 V8 engine once again. Itwas a beautiful day with only a shower or two. The hills around the Dandenongs were looking glorious – thegreenest I have seen them for many a year. The new venue was very different from the Caribbean Gardens –the only downside was the lack of opportunity to show off our cars to the general public – something we willaddress next year.The standard of cars attending the Concourse continues to improve which is most encouraging – members aretaking the time and making the effort to continually upgrade the cars. Well done to all who attended, especiallythose travelling some considerable distance – we hope you all enjoyed the event.While John Ernst has a number of important events scheduled for next year, I would like to outline our plans forthe Nationals. We intend to travel in convoy up the Hume Highway leaving Melbourne on the morning ofWednesday 30 March 2010. We will overnight in Yass. Julie and I will probably be staying at The HamiltonHume Motor Inn in Yass. There are plenty of other motels in Yass as well as a large camp ground. As it is soclose to Easter I will be booking this accommodation in the very near future. I suggest that those that areattending the Nationals and wish to join the convoy do the same. Accommodation en route will NOT be bookedby the club – it is an individual member's responsibility.We will then leave Yass on Thursday morning and have a leisurely drive to Goulburn where I hope we can meetup with the members of the ACT club and the NSW Country Club (and maybe even members from the SA club)for the drive up to Motto Farm. We will be taking the M7 by-pass so we will not be driving through Sydney –this is a toll road but the Melbourne E tags are accepted. We should be arriving in Motto Farm by midafternoon. What a sight that will be if we can get all the members of these clubs driving up the Hume and ontothe Newcastle free-way in their Leylands in convoy!All in all this should be a comfortable drive of perhaps 7-8 hours on the Wednesday and about 5 – 6 on theThursday.The trip back will be up to individuals, but Julie and I plan to return the same way staying overnight at Yass onthe Monday 5th April 2010. If you wish to join the convoy, please let me know where on the Hume you want tomeet up so we can agree times etc. Drop me an email or give me a call so we can add you to the list.Have a great Christmas period and stay safe on the roads. We will see you all in the New Year.KenMembership Matters…As a result of recent committee discussions, the amount due for Family membership will be increased to $75 asof July 2010. As mentioned in the June-July edition, this increase is required to cover the cost of increasedinsurance.Since introducing the family membership, we have seen an increase in the attendance of spouses and childrenwhich is fantastic. In the coming year we want to hold even more social events and encourage our members tobring their families along. If you have any concerns about the increased membership fees, please contact Ken.Deluxe Models…The P76 Deluxe kits being made by the NSW Owners Club are now ready forsale. The models do come as kits not assembled $75 each. Assembled and painted$75 + $65 for regular colours - included is the "Peel Me Grape". If you want othercolours there will be an additional cost required due to buying the paint.Each club will only get 11 models on the first allocation. Some more may becomeavailable as there are only 100 being made. All models are numbered with #76being auction at the Easter Nationals. Please contact John Ernst if you would like topurchase one of these models.