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WA Z Register Peter Hall
Hello Members, an update from Paul from our July meander.
Regards Peter
Midweek Meander July 2023
Midweek Meander Paul Maisey
July 2023
Hi Everyone
Well, another successful Meander was held on 27th July with the participants being Kent Bush, Howard Trevenen, Ken Beattie, Tony Murphy, Chris Bothams, Peter Hall, Roger Bennetts, Andrew Birnie (Guest) and yours truly.
The days leading up to the event were somewhat damp and there was some consternation in the organizing camp as to whether or not there would be sufficient starters. No such fears on the day as one after the other the attendees rolled into Holly Raye’s in Bassendean for the traditional coffee (and not so much cake this time) kickoff.
What was noted and of some concern at this early juncture, was the arrival of Messrs. Bothams and Hall in a vehicle of German origin which lacked any resemblance to the finer Japanese machinery parked about the establishment. Also of concern at this point was Tony’s admission that he had spent some time trying to find the café in the school over the road because “that was number 3”.
Roger Bennetts thought his luck had changed as he approached the café and was accosted by an attractive young lady who, not satisfied with his initial response, followed him inside. Apparently, she was on the lookout for a 280zx with crushed velvet upholstery, like her mother used to have, and was keen to know if anyone had one for sale. We gave her Martin Falconer’s contact details and she moved on.
As the route instructions were handed out to the eagerly anticipating masses, there was a collective groan, probably due to the full page of destinations listed. It was explained that they only needed to be referred to if someone got separated from the group and that there was no expectation of having to read and drive at the same time. A collective sigh around the table was followed by an exodus from HR’s as the Japanese machinery lined up with the German marque relegated to sweeper at the back of the field.
The initial drive meandered through Guildford, South Guildford and the Great Eastern Highway Bypass where we could let the girls stretch their legs out to 100 Km/h. From there it was up through Helena Valley, Darlington, Glen Forrest and across to Parkerville. One of the highlights of this first section was the number of road works we were able to encounter and be involved in, which really did take some serious organizing and drew suitable comments from the group. We did experience a little bit of rain on this section as well, but fortunately, that was it for the day.
From Parkerville we headed north to Toodyay Road, took a right then a quick left into O’Brien Road. For those who have not driven this road, you really have missed something special – it is a great driving road. Unfortunately, one that has claimed the life of one of the legends of Australian motorsport.
We stopped at a nice spot along the way to the Brock Memorial and, as usual, when this crew get together there is no lack of conversation. Have to make special mention of Kent Bush who correctly pointed out that the route instructions were not followed at one particular point and that we should have turned left into Great Eastern Highway before proceeding to Parkerville. Yep, spot on. Last minute change that I thought no one would notice, but there you go. Well done, Kent. Howard informed us that it was possible to travel this road in one of our cars at 80 Km/h for the entire distance, even though some of the corners were signed as low as 30 Km/h. He should know, he has lived in the area and knows the road well. We didn’t try it.
After taking in the view, having a chat and making the most of a photo opportunity we progressed to the Peter Brock Memorial – a small plaque and rock with Brocky ‘s name and details. It’s about 200 metres from the actual crash site and you can walk back to the stump that is left of the tree that was the offending item in his demise. A bit more conversation, another photo opportunity and back into the cars for the final run to lunch.
En route, we encountered a beautiful Australian Shepherd (dog) in the middle of the road, and he was keen to follow us as we passed. We all managed to miss him (although Tony gave it a good shot apparently) and in the end it was too much for the sweeper who stopped, got the dog into the German marque and took it up to the nearby farmhouse where the owner was very happy to relieve Chris and Peter of their much-loved animal.
Lunch, responsible liquid intake and (you guessed it) a lot more conversation ensued, and we finally called it stumps after a couple of hours at the Noble Falls Tavern. It was a leisurely drive home from the tavern for all the team and an enjoyable day was had by all.
Hope to see you at the next one.
Paul
Peter Hall
Vice President
Datsun 240Z & 260Z Register of WA
Pictures, the coffee kick off. The lookout form O'brien Road and parked up at the Brock Memorial.
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