Clare Weekender 23rd - 25th November 2018

Our early morning registration got off to a bleak start with drizzling rain and overcast weather, however, this did nothing to dampen the spirits of the weekenders who presented at Carisbrooke Park, Salisbury Park.

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After receiving a welcome pack, and a warming coffee the group headed for our first destination, the township of Riverton.

We spent the next 3 hours exploring the beautiful township. Where we were able to visit the Light Art Gallery, which houses work of both artists Robert (Alfie) Hannaford and his wife, Alison Mitchell, and to explore the historic Sholz Park Museum, and other Riverton attractions.

A generous sit down lunch was provided by the Riverton Bowling Club. Their kind welcome, wide array of food and generous hospitality provided a wonderful start to our weekend.

From there we all headed to Clare.

Friday evening we enjoyed a "Happy Hour", at the Clare Country Club, with one complimentary drink, courtesy of the MG Car Club.

Participants spilled out from Connors Bar to the adjoining balcony and enjoyed chatting with old friends, making new friends and enjoying the scenery!

People went in their own many directions for Friday evening dinner. Clare has a wide array of cosmopolitan food options, Indian to Japanese!

Saturday morning saw the group assemble for morning tea at the picturesque Paulett's Winery, Polish Hill. "Real Coffee', scones, jam and cream and different cake options were all in abundance.

From there we travelled the short distance to the historic township of Mintaro. As there were prizes for the Observation Run Sheet, members took care in exploring the township and looking for the correct answers!

Our destination for this run was another fascinating historic town, Burra. We strolled around the town finding lunch at the many eateries. Many of the ladies enjoyed, and supported "Bull Rush", clothing store, well, we HAD to be seen as supporting the community!

Saturday afternoon saw some reasonable rain which did dampen things somewhat! Particularly the Bennett's bedding on their unique caravan! (this necessitated an unscheduled overnight booking at Blythe as Clare had absolutely no accommodation available anywhere!)

Saturday evening's “Black and White will be alright” 3 course dinner was held at the CCC. This event saw ALL registrants present! Including 'local' new to the Club members, Sharryn and Michael Smith, from Auburn, who sadly, were unable to join in many of the activities to unexpected work commitments.

The Smith’s kindly offered accommodation to the Bennett’s at their picturesque Ulster Park Winery, located just out of Auburn on the Sunday evening. (Great wines by the way, look out for them!)

The theme provided a variety of outfits, glamour, jailbirds, gangsters, various animals, and even a not so blushing bride.

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Diverse thinking patterns were well and truly on display! Including those well red / read!

Denise Micklem was the outright winner in the costume department in yet another very original homemade outfit. Suzette Cook taking out the prize for the most glamorous.

Sunday morning was a beautiful day in the Clare Valley. Made all the better by homemade cakes and morning coffee at Bungaree Station. We were taken on a tour of this historic property and also able to roam the beautiful gardens and fascinating church and cemetery.

Our final event was a "Show and Shine" on the Clare Oval. This event had been well publicised in the local media and drew some interest, including Brian Ballard, who brought the Kimber Run to Adelaide.

Thank you to all weekenders who participated in this event. Especially David McNabb who did his usual brilliant job of chief photographer. to view many photos from David - click here

Also, a very big thank you to the MG Car Club of S.A. and those that so generously gave their time in supporting us.

Barb Harrington and Wendy Turner

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