28 The <strong>Octagon</strong> - <strong>November</strong> <strong>2017</strong>
CHAPTER Chatter BUNDABERG & DISTRICT CHAPTER 8-10 Sept-- 3 DAY COUNTRY SOJOURN – by Jacqui Mutton Excitement was definitely in the air when 10 little MGers met at our usual meeting spot on Quay Street, Bundaberg, for the start of our 3 Day Country Sojourn. Robyn & David, Leigh & Jacki, David & Sonya (from Hervey Bay crew), Peter & Margaret, Adrian & Denise, Jenny & David, Clive & his Mum, Beryl, holidaying from the UK, Steve & Tracy, Steve & Teena and Jacqui & Ray – all eagerly waiting for take off!!! And off we went down the highway for our first rendezvous at Biggenden to meet up with Gary & Meryl in their red ‘B’. Morning tea taken care of and all very eager to hit the road, it was time to point our pride and joys down the Burnett Highway towards our first night camp at Gayndah. A small pause in the trip at Ban Ban Springs to check out the ‘Springs’, and of course a photo shoot, the first of several!! It was lunchtime as we arrived at the orange capital of Gayndah. Some chose to picnic under a tree beside the Burnett River and others chose to find the local bakery for some delights. Eventually we all made it to our motel and after settling into our rooms, we met at a centrally placed table and chairs with either a cold ale or a cuppa in hand. Later on in the afternoon we all headed off to Peter Huth’s, a resident and retired Mayor of Gayndah, who just happens to have a small collection of approximately 20 vintage & veteran and rare Citroen cars. It was like walking into Aladdin’s cave and everyone was suitably impressed with not only the cars but the wonderful stories that accompanied them. How very honoured we were to have been shown this unique, worldwide collection. Many thanks to Peter. Peter did mention at the time that he was going to start selling some of his collection, beginning with the more later models. One of our group, who shall remain anonymous, as I would live in fear of retribution, decided to take him up on his offer!!!! His wife heard about it after!!!! Well, as much as we were in awe of Peter’s collection, Citroens just don’t have the ‘style’ of an MG, not that I’m biased!! So needless to say a fair bit of s..t was thrown at Steve – oops our anonymous member!! After the Citroen collection and leaving our beasties at the motel, we walked up the main street and headed to the Grand Hotel for a lovely dinner, a few drinkies and a lot of laughter, which continued on well after we got back to our motel - the new Shitroen owner being the prime target!!!!!! Up in the morning and off to Mundubbera today. The Old Gayndah Mundubbera Road was to be our route, which took in a scenic, meandering path along the Burnett River and plentiful citrus orchards. These scenic views were thanks to the devastating floods in this area 4 years ago, when huge, aged, old gum trees were toppled, allowing the river and surrounds to be seen how it is today. It was cuppa time just as we drove over the Burnett River at Mundubbera and we pulled into the park right on the river banks. As our next function wasn’t until midday, so as soon as cups were washed, wiped and put away, everyone adventured off on their own, to inspect the thriving metropolise of Mundubbera. At midday we all congregated at the Mundubbera Museum, where Faye Whelan, Deputy Mayor, was introduced to all and was going to reveal to us a small snapshot of her district and town. And this started off with a luncheon, put on by the Mundubbera Historical Society, presenting some of the local produce, including the Australian Award Winning Sausages. Everyone was most impressed with not just the splendid food but by the diversity of it in this district. After thanks to the ladies and gentleman of the Mundubbera Historical Society, Faye took us down to the old railway station where the locals are trying to restore this past important link in their town. This was where The <strong>Octagon</strong> - <strong>November</strong> <strong>2017</strong> 29