The weather was looking good for our sojourn to Toowoomba, so we headed-off to meet some of the members at checkpoint #1, the Grandchester Pub. After a quick meet & greet, it was off to checkpoint # 2, the Plainlands Pub, {we really need to start changing our meeting places, people might get the wrong idea, although the time of day that we meet is hardly when one would be at the pub}.

On arrival, we found some of the members had spotted the local markets that are held here each Sunday, and were taking advantage of what was on offer. A few cars ended up a little heavier than when they had begun their journey that morning. So many bargains were snapped up {and “No” I’m not responsible for any purchases made by some of the wives, being very good myself at resisting the goodies!}.

During all this the cars once again 'lined-up' for their photo shoot, { it’s almost as if they can do this by themselves as they have been rolled-out for photos so many times now!}. Purchases made, cars packed, it was soon time to head-off in convoy to Toowoomba and Cobb & Co. We had decided to take the 'scenic route' through Gatton, Grantham and Helidon, which was a nice change to our usual 'fight with traffic' runs.

The air was crisp, the sun was shining and the wind blowing, but that’s Toowoomba for you. {actually, that was good weather for Toowoomba!}. We soon arrived at our destination, where we met-up with the members from Toowoomba and those who drove in from Kingaroy and Jandowae. Lining the cars up in the car parks outside the museum, cameras and passersby were soon taking the usual interest in the cars.

While all this was happening, some of us decided to check-out the museum {after all, that’s what we came to see}, and the café for a quick pick-me-up. Seeing the museum again took me back to my youth, when, as a very young and impressionable girl, my fellow classmates and I, plus a teacher or two, were taken to the museum {in another part of Toowoomba back then, so this was probably where I got the taste for all things old}. Anyway, the museum is much bigger and better now. A big 'THANK YOU' to Dylan and Jesse for helping me to see it once again through the eyes of a child, and for helping me find the hidden Bilbies.

After looking through the museum, it was time for lunch and to park the cars around the corner from the museum. Chairs were set up near the couple of picnic tables which just happened to be in the grounds of the old showgrounds, {as is the museum}. This really bought back memories for some of us, especially Pete, me and Darryn, {although he reckons he doesn’t remember much!!!} as Pete’s brothers, my Dad and uncles and Darryn’s Dad all raced here in Speedway back in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s.

It was great to try to remember where the buildings and grandstands used to be, and it was good to see that the small hills where we would sit to watch the racing, were still there. So many memories of a time gone by! Anyhoo, the cars were lined up on what was once the old racetrack, and photos were taken for posterity. 12 cars in all, what a great turnout !!!!. Then it was time for our tri-monthly club meeting, after which most of us were then ready to head for home.

By this time the clouds were getting dark, so we said our goodbyes and started to head in different directions. But then there was a cry of panic , 'I can’t find my keys!!!!!'. After searching high and low again and again, the keys were found. The look of relief was indescribable, {and a little sheepish !!!}. This person shall remain nameless.

The trip home was uneventful, the day, a great success, so thank you to all who came, especially those new members, Craig, Wayne and his wife Sandra and Steve Ruhle and those who travelled from afar. We hope you all enjoyed the day and that we will see you and your cars on our next run.

A special thank you to Peter Davis for the photos that accompany this blurb and my photos.

Gail [Photos courtesy of Peter Davis and Gail Steel]