Octagon March, 2016

CHAPTER Chatter
Wide Bay Chapter
by David Hall and Lyn Hayward
Another year has passed and a new one just
beginning. Well here in the Wide Bay we have a
new coordinator and that’s me! Firstly I would like to
take this opportunity to thank David Carter, Darrell
Martin and Allan Dansie for their contribution to the
Wide Bay Chapter and the MGCC of Qld. Their
work for us all has been constant and of a very high
standard. Looks like I will have to get my act into
gear to carry on our chapter with the assistance of
Eric Beckman in Bundaberg.
7th January - Contributed by Paul Overton
Our first run of the year on 7th January was
organised by Paul Overton taking the Hervey Bay
Mob on an early morning run. As the sun rose at
5:15am and the birdies were singing, there was
a hush all over The Bay! Most of the MG folk are
sleeping in whilst their MGs collect cobwebs.
However there was a small group of six MGs
preparing for an early morning breakfast run. As
they gathered all they could talk about was their
Christmas goodies. David Carter couldn’t stop
boasting his mini power pack, enough to power a
fleet of MGs with flat batteries!
They were lead out by Paul Overton towards
Toogoom when Warren Innes took over the lead.
He proceeded to show us the delights of his small
town. With Paul back in the lead the run continued
to Torbanlea. Only these early MGs could feel the
exhilarating fresh cool air with sounds of cicadas in
the eucalyptus. Five minutes late we arrived back
at our departure point, only to find three more MGs
and their drivers chomping at the bit for breakfast.
With nine cars and seventeen hungry tummies
we proceeded along the Esplanade to Point
Vernon and our favourite Homemade Café. Over
breakfast we enjoyed the pristine views across
the blue waters of Hervey Bay. I overheard heard
someone say “It’s a difficult life here when you live
in paradise!”
Sunday January 10th The Bundy Crew led by
their new coordinator Eric Beckman accompanied
by his good wife Janelle took 10 Cars and 17
members on a run around the area to finish at the
Bundy RSL for breakfast. They all participated in an
informative discussions about their MGs and what’s
on the agenda in 2016.
Sunday January 17 was the Luggi Bryant
Memorial Run. Both groups consisting of 7 Cars
and 11 members from Bundy and 12 cars and 22
members from Hervey Bay joined in a combined
run meeting at Teddington Weir where we enjoyed
a BYO morning tea. For our new members Barbara
Shields explained the significance of this run being
the Annual Memorial Tribute to Ian Bryant (Luggi
Emgee). Ian was the inspiration behind forming the
Wide Bay Chapter and was the Coordinator from
its formation until his passing. Our chapter is now
in our 11th year and our memories Luggi Emgee
will live on in our hearts and minds forever. Thanks
Barbara for your tribute that was complete with
a large portrait of Ian and memorabilia including
photo’s of his TD that John and Barbara Shields
purchased and now John is restoring it to a very
high standard.
After morning tea we crossed the Teddington Weir
and travelled through the scenic cane fields of
Bidwell and back over the Granville Bridge into
The Octagon - March 2016 53