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TSOA NATIONALS 2008 Report submitted by Carole Cooke
The Nationals were held in Queensland this year, from September 13th to 21st.
We started off at ‘Cherrabah” a country homestead resort near Warwick on the Darling Downs with Registration and the Welcome Dinner.
Sunday the 14th was Pride of Ownership in Warwick on a lovely day. The rain held off until the evening but Greg Bird, (Nationals Organiser and entertainer) and his band, Tuxedo Junction, had to pack up and come into the lounge to play their fantastic music or risk the temporary shelter landing on them as it filled with water.
Monday the 15th was Morgan Park competition. This went well in great weather and the CAMS stewards and Clerk of Course were most complimentary about this stress free and relaxed day.
Tuesday the 16th was a Run through countryside on picturesque back roads, through Toowoomba to the Jondaryan Woolshed, where, after lunch, we were treated to a sheep shearing display and Toby the Border Collie showed us his sheep herding skills. Too soon we had to head back to Cherrabah.
September 17th was the day we all went back to civilisation, to the Crowne Plaza at Surfers Paradise, a 4 and half star resort. We went via Queen Mary Falls and O’Reilly’s Restaurant for lunch, on a road to be remembered! We encountered a large semi on the way up to the Lamington Plateau, then 8 large Army trucks with drivers under instruction on the way down, when there is a fair section of the road wide enough for only one vehicle. Fortunately our little cars were able to fit in the small laybys to let the trucks pass.
September 18th was the Mt Cotton Hillclimb. Another great day with thanks to the Queensland MG Car Club for their help in running this event. Some of those not attending the Hillclimb went for a boat cruise on the Broadwater with lunch and champagne provided.
September 19th was a Run into the Gold Coast Hinterland to Springbrook Manor. It was very misty this day so only some of the wonderful scenery was able to be viewed. After the egg and spoon race we enjoyed a lovely lunch.
Saturday 20th was “On a High’ where we went to the top of Q1 the world’s tallest residential tower. We thought the views from the Crowne Plaza were great but from Q1 they were awe-inspiring. That night was the Presentation Dinner. All the trophies were handed out while we had a fantastic dinner. Greg Bird again played for us, this time with Colin, as the OzBoyz. The dance floor was overcrowded in no time, even the trophies were held high by some of the dancers. It was then time for Auld Lang Syne. West Australia reminded us that it is their turn for the Nationals next year.
Sunday 21st was possibly the last Speed on Tweed at Murwillumbah and 20 Triumphs did 3 Parade Laps before heading off to all parts of Australia.
A small group of enthusiastic Organisers put together a wonderful program for the 2008 Nationals and our thanks go to them.
During the event $690 was raised for the Leukaemia Foundation
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Now. Every one has their own special way of doing things. I tend to excel at really crazy ways of doing things mostly because I'm always looking for a quickest way out.
