1997 Wolseley Car Clubs National Rally

1997 9th National Rally, Nowra, New South Wales.
Once again NSW organised the 9th National Rally to Nowra NSW, you may note the year was 1997, not 1996, the reason being a Hundred Years of Wolseley Rally was held at Forbes NSW, so it was decided to have a two year break before the next National, three rallies in three years was thought to be a little hard on the pocket.

Sunday 8th June 1997.
The day was spent arriving at' Nowra, booking into our selected accommodation, and registering at the Riverhaven Motel where we met new and old friends and had a Welcoming Dinner in the restaurant.

Monday 9th June 1997.
We drove the short distance north to Port Kembla Railway Station and boarded the "Cockatoo Run" train for a scenic trip to the Southern Highlands. A stop at Summit Tank for the engine to take water, and we had a chance to take photos, just beautiful. Then on to the town of Moss Vale for lunch and a look around. The return journey was just as exciting. Dinner that night was at the Bomaderry Bowls Club.

Tuesday 10th June 1997.
This was another day with a difference. We formed two groups, one to have a boat cruise on the Shoalhaven River on the "M.V. Christina", while the second group were taken by coach to the Shoalhaven Paper Mill. This tour was specially for the Wolseley people and is not normally available. Both groups arrived at the Shoalhaven Heads Bowling Club for lunch, and then swapped tours. A novel and interesting day. As I said in previous accounts, your interest is always held at National Rallies. A free evening to do as you wish or a DIY BBQ with meat and salad supplied.

Wednesday 11th June 1997.
Driving south today saw us at Huskisson on Jervis Bay where we looked over the "Lady Denman", (an old Sydney Harbour ferry) at the Museum, where some members tried their hand at boomerang throwing, not very successfully. After morning tea we moved on to HMAS Albatross the Naval airfield and Aviation Museum where the cars were put on show and judged. Lunch was at the base restaurant, and after- a look around we returned to Nowra. Dinner was at the Shoalhaven Golf Club.

Thursday 12th June 1997.
Today we drove our cars, and climbed the escarpment to Cambewarra Lookout for panoramic views of the Shoalhaven district and Nowra, then descended through Kangaroo Valley, a most beautiful area. Lunching at the local pub, we then had a tour of the pumping station and generation plant of the hydro-electric system. Traveling on to Berry, an old town- full of arts and crafts. The Presentation Dinner was held at the Bomaderry Bowling Club.

Friday 13th June 1997.
Unlucky for some I suppose, but to us it was a little sad as another Farewell Breakfast had arrived and we said our good-byes with a good hot meal under our belts and lots of hugs and kisses from our friends, the Wolseley people. This occurred at the Riverhaven Motel. All vowing to meet again in two years time after a really great time together, all 53 cars and their human occupants.

Keith.