Gunnedah Vintage Vehicle Club president Terry Fitzgearld was returned unopposed at the recent annual general meeting and election of office bearers, with secretary Ian Hausfeld also re-elected along with treasurer Ron Murray.
Other committee members elected include Ray Darcey (vice-president), Peter Vernon (assistant-treasurer), with Barry Schofield (public officer), Barry Baldock, Kevin Louis and John Welch (registrars).
The club has been operating for decades in Gunnedah bringing together vintage vehicle enthusiasts who enjoy friendship and the exchange of information as they attend rallies all over the north west.
Every year, the club hosts the North West Annual Swap Meet at Gunnedah Showground, with any surplus funds after expenses returned to the community.
“Whatever is raised in the town stays in the town, ” president Terry Fitzgerald said.
“In the past we have donated to local volunteer organisations like the CWA, hospital auxiliary and others.”
This year’s recipient is the Gunnedah & District Historical Society, based at the Water Tower Museum. Treasurer Alan Barker and president Marie Hobson attended the AGM to accept the generous gift and express gratitude to club members for their support.
This year’s swap meet will be held early in September, with a car show giving proud owners a chance to show off their pride and joy.
The club recently hosted the North West Rally with vintage vehicles seen moving around town visiting attractions, including the Water Tower Museum, Boggabri Tractor Museum and Men’s Shed. Members and guests also visited a long horn cattle stud, the Mackellar family homestead at Kurrumbede, and other attractions, dining out at Club Gunnedah and a farewell breakfast at Gunnedah Golf Club on the Monday.
The club’s vintage vehicles, which are all 30 years or older, often feature in parades and other events such as the Gunnedah Showgirl parade, where the entrants are transported around the arena, much to the delight of the show patrons. The Anzac Day march also features the vehicles carrying veterans who can no longer march the distance.
Members get together every second Tuesday for friendship and organising coming events, with all hands to be on deck for the upcoming swap meet.
Meanwhile, members Barry and Lori Baldock attended the recent Channel Country Music Muster to raise funds for flood-affected Thargomindah, in Queensland. The event generated around $295,000 into the town, with approximately $95,000 from the event itself. A total of 439 caravanners attended along with day trippers.
