Wow, what a busy few months we have just endured. The end of March saw fourteen Australian members travel over to New Zealand to take part in the 2008 Carrera Down Under. What an amazing journey this turned out to be. Meeting up with our many friends from NZ, Ilse Nadele from Germany, John and Michelle Jenkins plus Susan and Bill Gordon from the US, we set off for a two week touring holiday which was planned and executed to perfection. The highlights of this trip are far too many to mention here so I will not elaborate any further, Priscilla Kopp has written a wonderful account of these events, but I would just like to say that we owe the New Zealander’s a great deal of admiration and gratitude, accompanied by a solemn promise that we will provide something rather special in two or three years time to repay their hospitality and efforts.

Within two weeks of arriving home (without vehicles), we were off again on the Gathering of the Faithful event being held in and around Merimbula. Both Peter Makeham and Peter Lonergan had obviously gone to a lot of trouble to plan this event and thankfully it was well attended and enjoyed by all that participated. Beautiful scenery and incredible roads along with rather historic locations such as the lovely Tilba Tilba, and the Kameruka village, made this trip something different and interesting. A full report on this event also is included in this issue, many thanks to both Peter’s for their efforts.

Next years GOTF is being planned around Bright in Victoria, commencing on Friday 24th April till Sunday 26th April 2009. Barry and Lynne Aitken took a detour on their way home from Merimbula and checked out accommodation and restaurant possibilities for us. This along with Graeme Peake’s immense knowledge of the roads and scenic locations in this region, we can promise a very entertaining event I am certain. Many thanks to Barry and Lynne for their efforts. Bookings are already under way and it promises to be another hugely successful weekend. This event will certainly be limited in numbers due to the availability of accommodation, eating venues etc, so do not hesitate to commit yourselves when entry forms are made available.

The Annual Dinner is planned for Saturday 21st June at Fedele’s Restaurant in Mt. Waverley, Brendon Downey is emailing details to all members currently, do not miss this opportunity to sample fine Italian cuisine with your old and new found friends, at a very reasonable price. Members are also invited to bring otherfriends if you so desire. A major door prize is also on offer on the night!

Keep the Faith
Wayne Hevey