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2023 OGG Motoring Event
Friday, 8 December 2023
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Thank you very much for taking part in running of the 12th annual OGG Motoring Event and contributing to its success.   Entrants were welcomed at the GGS Equestrian Centre, we were joined by many regular entrants as well as some who were new to the event. Entrants received name tags, questions to be answered along the way and the un-jumble the words questions. After the drivers briefing the cars were flagged away in perfect conditions.   Section 1 took entrants to the You Yangs Regional Park where they visited Big Rock, Victoria’s answer to Uluru, and the Turntable carpark, the highest point accessible by car. Along the way they answered questions as they enjoyed the wonderful views from the You Yangs stretching over farmland and the Avalon airport to Corio and Port Phillip Bays. Entrants then headed to Inverleigh via Anakie, Maud and Shelford travelling on some of our favorite roads. Inverleigh is always a popular spot for the morning tea break, the sheltered picnic area next to the Hotel is the perfect spot for a cup of tea and a catch up.   Entrants looking for answers at “Big Rock” First cars at Wormbete Section 2 Entrants departed Inverleigh heading East on the Hamilton Highway. On leaving the Highway they passed through Moriac and Modewarre again travelling on some of the best roads in the district. I note that entrants were faced with countless potholes and broken edges with the recent heavy rains and flooding having played havoc with the road surfaces. Entrants arrived at our lunch / finish point, Tony Blakeley’s [M’77] most beautiful property, Wormbete. Cars were parked on the lush emerald green lawn in the walled courtyard and entrants set up to enjoy their picnic lunch and catch up with other entrants. Tony kindly showed entrants through his historic homestead and around the wonderful grounds.   Some shots in the walled courtyard at Wormbete. Including one of the GGS flag flying from the flagpole in the courtyard garden.   English cars again dominated the entry list followed by 4 from Germany, including the 3 colour matched black BMWs and the Land Cruiser was the solo Japanese entrant.  Thanking our hosts Tony Blakeley and sons Charlie and Tom for their warm welcome and for the preparation of the magnificent grounds, and announcing the winners. In 3rd Place were first time entrants, Peter Bustow and Kate Bonner, in the mighty 79 model Land Cruiser, they were ready for any conditions, fully prepared to tackle the Simpson Desert or even the potholes of the inner WD. They proved once again that you do not necessarily need massive horsepower to get on the podium.  In 2nd Place, regular entrants teamed up, Charles Henry & Andrew Urguhart in the bright orange 2018 Morgan, this is the third time that Andrew has stood on the podium.  In 1st Place were Martin & Kammy Hunt with Margie & Charlie Gillette, they enjoyed the luxury of the 1986 Bentley Turbo Saloon. For Margie & Charlie the podium is familiar territory have made it there in 2019.   Our winners have already advised that they will be returning next year to defend their title, As Margie Gillett said “We do concede that having four minds wrestling with the mind-stretchers made it possible to gain gold position on the podium. But all credit to Martin the chauffeur for providing such a noble chariot as the 1986 Bentley.” Many entrants commented on the GGS crest bumper badge fixed to the grill of our 1967 MK II Jaguar. The badge was spotted by Ben and Jean Shinners in an antique shop. Most interestingly Jean and her late husband Hayden worked at Timbertop for many years in the 70‘s-80’s as head chef and in charge of the dining hall. On spotting the badge Jean contacted Tony Blakeley, Tony purchased it and kindly lent it to us to display on the Jag during the OGG Motoring event. Nothing is known of the history of the badge; it has the word LONDON engraved below the crest. We are very keen to hear from anyone that may know something of the badge’s history. An article seeking any information about the badge will appear in an upcoming edition of Light Blue. Again, thank you to all entrants particularly to those taking part for the first time. We encourage you to spread the word, and the attached save the date doc, to any who you think may be interested in taking part. I would also like to thank Belinda Henry for her help in plotting the course, for scoring and collating the results, Happy Motoring. David Henry [FB’70] dhenry55@optusnet.com.au. 0518 550 555. |