George Green Rally 2024
21-25 October
Photos by Kyrstyna Andreoni and Anitra Kenny. Report by Kyrstyna Andreoni.
Organised by Rex and Norah Vincent.
It is almost impossible to write about the Rallies we do with the VSCCA and do them justice. Scroll down to read the entire report.
The best way to view the photographs below is to click on an image to enlarge it and then click on the arrows to go through the entire collection.
George Green 2024 Memorial Rally
21st - 25th October
It is almost impossible to write about the Rallies we do with the VSCCA and do them justice.
I never know where to start but this morning I was inspired by the ABC’s “Macca All Over”, Sunday morning radio program's discussion: All of life is about changes … we need to learn to adjust. We sink or swim in life. Adventures are made by swimmers, those who keep their heads above water when life is in turmoil.
While listening to the stories of people who call into Macca from around the world, I am reminded of the George Green Rally experience is about adventures. Sharing with fellow travellers, the changes of scenery, the right roads and wrong turns that challenge both drivers and navigators. The relief of getting back on track and finding that special coffee place with a delicious Carrot Cake.
The best advice I heard over the four days came from Syd who told my husband, Richard, - “Just remember… the navigator is always Right, even when they are not @!” (I think I heard the message correctly???) All I know is when I mention the next manoeuvre three times before execution, Richard still asks: “What do we do here?” The most annoying experience is when he sails past a turn that I have just told him to take …. “Oh, you meant there?” Me: “YES … I said it was coming up!”
Or when he follows someone who has turned, for who knows what reason (?), ... “but they went that way”! Does that sound familiar to anyone else? Hmmm … do drivers really listen to navigators???
As many Veterans of these Rallies have told me in the past, these runs are a test of how good your relationship is at handling conflicts. Navigators need a special patience award at the end of each day. But it is the sharing of experiences, the beauty of the roads less travelled, the stories we share over coffees, happy hour or meals that make those moments of angst worth travelling with old cars over old roads.
My Favourite Road - Day 3: Bucketts Way between Gloucester and Krambach - a winding, beautifully curving road, travelling through undulating countryside that looked rich, fertile. I would have been happy to traverse it several times.
My Favourite Coffee Stop - Day 4: The Frothy Coffee Cafe at the Boat-shed at Smiths Lake on Macwood Road … the BEST Carrot Cake Ever!
My Favourite Cars: The 20’s Vauxhall Saloon belonging to the Merton's was definitely impressive with its Upholstered Sofa backseat and Fancy-inlaid drinks cabinet … only needed son, Andrew, in a chauffeur’s cap to complete the image of long gone opulence.
The 1910 Silver Ghost driven by Bill and Simon is always a showstopper whereever it goes … how can we not be impressed that it speeds along any road.
Then how can I choose between Jaguars or Porsche 911 … so many beauties on the road!
Back to the actual schedule:
Day 1: Meet 10:00am at “Pie in the Sky” on the Old Pacific Highway heading for Gosford. Travelling toward The Entrance and Terrigal, lunch at the Diggers Club at The Entrance. Then we headed for the Motel at Rutherford for dinner and drinks. Dave Stuart, who lives in the area, gave a very interesting history of the settlers around Morpeth and “Duckenfield” property. Dave and Mary always provide wonderful directions and places of interest to keep us well informed and amused.
Day 2: Passing the scenery around Duckenfield on to coffee at Patterson and then over the Bingleburra Range to lunch at the Royal Hotel at Dungog. Back to Maitland for dinner and the night.
Day 3: Pack the bags for our move to Foster via Stroud for coffee and my favourite road from Gloucester to Krambach on Bucketts Way. We were abler to visit a wonderful collection of English cars and motorcycles. A great collection of Morgans. A very impressive workshop where one could eat off the floor. Good fortune that David, the mechanic was on hand to give some assistance to a worrying clutch cylinder problem on an MGB … up it went on the impressive hoist and of course like Bees to honey, the boys gathered to consult. They cannot resist being involved in any repairs. Success in resolving the problem seems to satisfy the mechanic in these old car drivers.
Day 4: Started with a trip to Forster/Tuncurry Marine Rescue facility where we were informed by the volunteers of their duties in rescuing those in trouble on the nearby waters. I was amazed that some of the people whose lives are saved forget to be generous in return with donations to the dedicated volunteers. Manners seem to be missing in many arenas of life these days! We drove on to the wonderful area around Seal Rocks, beautiful beaches and a climb to the Lighthouse for the adventurous. The Bulahdelah Show Ground lunch was provided by the Lion’s Club. One more collection of motorcycles, cars and other curious bits and pieces were to be seen at the National Motorcycle Museum. Our last dinner was at Forster Bowling Club.
Drive home again and back to the normal humdrum of life after a wonderful adventure which was carefully pulled together by Rex and Nora Vincent, the dynamic duo who always lead with style and panache. Thank you to all who made this a wonderful adventure by sharing your stories, wisdom and cheer.
Krystyna Andreoni
(Unfortunately riding in 2007 For Falcon Wagon due to Jaguar MkV being on sick leave)