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To quote the Bendigo advertiser, the Calder Freeway became a mobile museum last Saturday, 22/9/2018, as cars, trucks, buses and motorbikes, made their way from Calder Park Raceway to Bendigo for the VACC Centennial Cavalcade of Transport.The Cavalcade of 100 vehicles from 1918 to 2018, was lead by a 1918 Buick Roadster followed by a variety of vehicles, which included many beautiful old and new exotic cars. Many cars made their way to Bendigo to also participate in the Show and Shine in the Town Centre. All participants received a keepsake medallion.The lead car is owned by Club members, David and Marge Barnard of Horsham.BUICK Club members were well represented at the event. One of them, John Egglestone received the 1918 to 1945, Pre -War Trophy, with his 1937 Pontiac Coupe, (Sloper). The trophies were awarded by Shane Jacobson. It was a remarkable event and a great day for motoring. Well done to the VACC.

Nearly 60 entrants assembled at the Dalby Homestead Motel, for the Meet and Greet. This was the first gathering of what turned out to be a very interesting week. Day Two saw us travelling across the Western Plains to Jimbour House, a magnificent, rural, two storey homestead, built of sandstone, with a French Provincial character. It was built around the late 1840s, and remains a private residence with its own airstrip.Day Three saw us out on the Western Plains again; this time to Warra and a visit to the farming property of Buick Car Club members, Jeff and Marilyn Bidstrup, who have a wonderful collection of Buicks and a V12 and V16 Cadillacs. Of course, need we say, another delicious morning tea. This was followed by BBQ lunch at the Warra Hotel. That evening we had a buffet dinner at the Windsor Hotel followed by a sing along which was led by none other than Linda Hall and our own Lenny Wright. A great evening!Day Four saw us heading down the Warrego Highway to the Jondaryan Woolshed. Not only a woolshed on a giant scale but a whole village has also been assembled on the site. This time morning tea comprised of damper drizzled with golden syrup. Lunch quickly follow our tour of the village. This too was delicious homemade shepherds pie/ or corned beef and veggies followed by apple crumble. Yum!Day Five saw us assembled in the morning, at the Dalby Showgrounds, for the Show and Shine. A great array of Buicks from 1922 to the 1980s. That afternoon we had a tour of the Dingo Mini Digger Factory. In the evening, we attended the Presentation Dinner which saw Bob and Barb Mc Bride, take home the award for Best 1970s Car and Robert and Lyndal Croxford, take home, The Mayors Choice Award.The Best of Show went to Colin and Dawn Castle with their Maroon 1950 Super Convertible. Many of the attendees are already looking forward to the 2020 National Meet in Victoria!

Last Sunday Club members visited the third largest collection of Minerva cars in the world.Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom, medicine, commerce, handicrafts, poetry, the arts in general, and later, war. In many ways similar to the Greek goddess Athena, she had important temples in Rome.Minerva cars were built in Belgium from 1902 to 1938 and were on a par with Rolls Royce for quality of engineering and finish. From 1908 onwards, Minerva cars used sleeve valve engines, under licence from Charles Knight, who invented and patented the double sleeve valve engine.Sleeve valve engines were also used in aircraft including the Hawker Typhoon and the Focke- Wulf 190 fighter aircraft of WW11. Bill and Dianne made us very welcome, to their home, garage and factory. We were amazed to see a collection of rare Minerva cars ranging from 1904 to 1932.The collection contains about 15 vehicles and includes: A 1904 Minervette, single cylinder, being one of only eight known to exist in the world. A 1925 four, cylinder sedan, with a fabric body and which has travelled 55,000 kms from new.A 1932 eight, cylinder sedan, formerly owned by the Catholic Archbishop of Chicago.A 1930 Cadillac, V16, seven, seater sedan.Dianne invited us to view a collection of magnificent Asian Artefacts, which includes carved ivory. We wish to thank Bill and Dianne for their hospitality.Following the viewing of the collection we had lunch at the Wheelers Hill Hotel. Bad weather did not deter attendance and we had an extremely, pleasant day!

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On a really beautiful sunny winters day we drove up through the winding roads of the Dandenong Ranges, passing through Ferntree Gully, Belgrave, Kallista to Sherbrooke.Marybrooke Manor has an old world charm in its architecture.This complemented the display of our Buicks, which ranged from 1937 to the 1970s.The dining room was decorated in keeping with celebrating Christmas in July.The luncheon which consisted of pumpkin soup, roast turkey, ham, vegetables and all the trimmings and which ended with Christmas pudding with brandy custard, followed by tea or coffee.Thanks to all who made this a really enjoyable event.

Buick & Oldsmobile Car Clubs combined on Sunday 27th May for a charity event, with proceeds donated to a breast Cancer fund. Around 50 people attended with 11 Buicks and 2 Oldsmobiles. With a lovely lunch provided by the members, and games played for the inaugural piston trophy, won by the Oldsmobile chapter.

Fly the Flag Friendship Tour.

A few photos from the Gembrook All American Car ShowOn Sunday 18th February

This is a great collection of cars including Cords and a Tucker plus a lot of memorabilia including Peter Brock cars and non automotive wares and collectibles.

All set up for the Bendigo Swap Meet this weekend, come say hi to Andy.http://www.bendigoswap.com.au