PETE'S RAMBLE

A message from Peter Streader, President of the Hovercraft Club Of Victoria.

Well here we all are approaching the end of 2010 and wondering where the first 10 years ( or is it 11?) of 20xx have disappeared to. Just another year for the Hovercraft Club of Victoria I hear you say, but then some great times have been had ..... let's recount a few :-

January:-
2010 started slowly with the first planned fly day at Point Wilson (championed by Dave Cropley) in mid January unfortunately cancelled due to crazy high winds. This resulted in the first “informal” get together at Paradise Point (Lake Narracan) over the Australia day weekend.

February:-
The first official fly day was again at Lake Narracan with good attendance and lot’s of blackberries picked….

March:-
March Rally: Lake Nillahcootie…. Where was everybody??
Great day - low water meant only a few boats but only Dave, Paul and myself to enjoy it all!
See the May Newsletter to see what you missed!

April:-
Easter 2010 : What a good Rally!
Beautiful weather, a pristine Club Site and lot’s of happy hoverers…… but there was an AGM and somehow I ended up as President. Still wondering how that happened…….

May:-
A great day was had by a few intrepid hoverers at Lang Lang (Col Dainty, Glenn Azlin, Tony Westwood and Tony Moretti amongst them) where they were made welcome by the resident caretakers of the Foreshore Camping Grounds……. Nice to be appreciated !

June:-
Another pleasant event over the Queens Birthday weekend at Paradise point.
Who said it too cold in June??

July:-
Yet another good day at the club site – check out the August newsletter for all the fun had…

August/September:-
Finally the weather conspired against us and not a lot “officially “ happened in August and September as we prepared for the “big event” on the first weekend in October.

October:-
The Non Bi-annual Rally at Lake Narracan was great success with guests from Queensland and South Australia making the long trip to attend. Weather turned out to be great and towards 20 craft (well maybe not all at the same time…) operated over a top weekend.

November:-
The rains have truly returned and small group of members had a great day on a near overflowing Lake Eppalock. A rough estimate (via google earth) indicates we travelled at least 70km on the Lake and river that day!

December:-
Back to Lake Narracan for the Christmas dinner event which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended on a remarkably beautiful Saturday evening sandwiched between all the rain!


So, now we head into Christmas and looking to 2011. Before I go there I’d like to first sincerely thank the dedicated committee members and other volunteers who have made the above events possible and navigated the “issues” (that I won’t bore you with) in 2010.
Col Dainty & Tony Westwood who truly give the club a pulse, Reece Isaac with untiring newsletter production and $ counting + the “property team” of Tony Moretti and Glenn Azlin. All of you have been the glue that’s made the above events possible together with able support by other willing members.
Looking at the above events in 2010 it’s especially obvious how much the club members enjoy Lake Narracan and therefore why it’s important to adequately maintain this unique club site.
Sure there have been a few “bumps” but I’m sure the club will only gain in strength in 2011!

I wish all members and their families all the very best at Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Safe 2011!

Speaking of which here is what we have in store for you!!
Start planning now!
Wednesday, January 26th - "Australia Day BBQ" , hovering , mowing..... ( Lake Narracan)
Sunday, February 13th - First "normal rally" - Lake Narracan.
Sunday, March 13th - Seymour River cruise. Not to be missed!
Easter - April - Easter event - Lake Narracan.
Sunday, May 15th - Bonnie Doon - yes there is WATER again!
Sunday, June 12th - Lake Narracan
8th, 9th, 10th July - AHF National Rally QLD - the BIG event... change the trailer bearings, buy those tyres, prepare the craft and BE THERE!
Sunday, August 14th - Lake Narracan
Sunday, September 18th - Away - , suggestions welcome!
Sunday, October 16th - Lake Narracan
Sunday, November 13th - Away - , suggestions welcome!
December 3rd / 4th - Christmas Event - TBD

Happy Hoverin',

Peter