Club Run to Marong Picnic Day

The last day of winter arrived, calm but with an overcast sky, after a week of late wild winter weather. Eighteen enthusiastic members in 12 cars gathered at the clubrooms starting at 8 a.m., ready to depart at 8:30 a.m. As we drove up the Calder Highway, low clouds and light drizzle followed us until we reached the other side of Kyneton. We made a brief stop at the Ravenswood Service Centre to see if any members from the north would join us. After a quick pit stop and a group photo, we continued on our last leg of the drive, arriving in the tiny town of Marong and Malone Park Recreational Reserve.

Those who drove classic cars parked on the trotting track with the other clubs who were attending, while those in modern vehicles found spots near the food vendors and the hub set up by the Federation of Veteran Vintage & Classic Vehicle Clubs. Mr. President brought our club flags, and after setting up our display with flags proudly flying, we took a walk around the track to admire the variety of cars, tractors, buses, and trucks on display. The oval track was full of cars with a rough count on the day of about 220 vehicles on show.

The day turned out lovely, with the sun warming us and making everything quite pleasant. Many clubs had set up well with their BBQs, tables, chairs, and picnic blankets. The tempting aroma of onions, hamburgers, and sausages wafted through the air, and the coffee van was always busy. Vehicles were required to stay on the track from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Each car that entered the gate in the morning received a raffle ticket. Later, during the raffle draw, a few of our members were fortunate enough to win prizes, which included car products and the like.

After the draw, we returned to our club display and it was decided by a few to visit the local Marong Hotel, where we enjoyed a great pub meal in good company, while others made their way home. We wrapped up the day about 3 p.m., heading home after a wonderful day filled with great company, fabulous cars, and a pleasant outing in the country.

Club Members can check out the full album of photos from the day by logging in to the Members Section of the website.