President’s Report – September 2024
Firstly, I would like to thank those members who renominated for positions on the club executive. The club does not run itself, and without the small group being prepared to take on positions, we would not have a club, despite having over 200 members. Dean Berlemon has been elected to become an executive committee member, and Duane Kaak has taken on the role of competition secretary in addition to holding club secretary.
Members would have seen in the media the sad and untimely death of recently retired Supreme Court Judge, Malcolm Blue in a farm accident a week or so ago. Although Malcolm did not attend meetings or club events, he had been a member of TSOA for many years and owned two TR6’s which he had on the concessional registration scheme.
My wife, Sue and I were unable to attend the August run on Sunday the 18th to Kersbrook Hill Wines and Cider. I trust this was an enjoyable outing. We had a good turnout to the mid-week lunch at The Uraidla Hotel last week. Thanks again to Lawrie and Kaye Placing and everyone who attended this most enjoyable afternoon.
We had two cars on stage at our September meeting being Ian Young’s and Tim Wachtel’s GT6’s. Whilst both were Mark 3’s, they had come quite different journeys, with Ian having set his up for eventual racing, and with a 2500cc petrol injected motor, and Celica gearbox, and Tim having imported his GT6 from the UK, and having had many problems and challenges thrown at him during the process. Thanks to both Ian and Tim for sharing their different stories of each vehicle.
Our Day of Triumph on Sunday the 22nd September at Civic Park, Modbury looked like it was going to be a washout early, with persistent light rain through the morning, but clearing in the afternoon to a very pleasant day. Dean Berlemon, ably assisted by wife Lisa, as well as Bill and Margie Berlemon, Ian Rigby and others did a great job of organisation, and we ended up having a strong turnout of vehicles, despite the early inclement weather.
Congratulations in particular, to the top three cars in Concours, being Trevor Hawkins’ TR4A, Roger Lange’s TR7V8 and Lisa Vettese’s Stag, as well as all other class winners. Thanks to everyone to assisted with judging and other organisation. We are also grateful to Dino and Lisa Vettese who provided $10 vouchers for breakfast at Café Primo, Tea Tree Plaza, and which were enjoyed by many of the DOT attendees.
I will be en-route to Western Australia for the TSOA National Meeting at our next club meeting, but I am sure that Vice President Richard Sellars will do a great job chairing the October meeting in my absence.
Alex Smithson
President