PAST EVENTS
Mid-911 Run to Healesville Country Club 11th December, 2022
Story by Chris Ryan
A bright sunny morning made a nice change from the previous few weeks of arctic weather. A great turnout of various models including the beautiful black Carrera 2.7 of Paul and Deborah Blackie and Nigel Watson’s immaculate guards-red 944 Turbo S. The Hughes / Donald family of four squeezed into their 89 Carrera Cabriolet 911, proving that a 911 can be a people carrier as long as the rear seat occupants are young. The run got off to an interesting start when more than half of the participants took a wrong turn at the very first instruction, which some put down to taking the wrong exit from the Stud Road McDonalds. A short diversion and a u-turn in a suburban street later and we were on our way through the hills of the lower Dandenong ranges, passing through Cockatoo and Gembrook, two of the most beautiful towns in Southern Victoria. We then headed to Hoddles Creek and Yarra Junction before our final destination of Healesville.
While the road had some nasty potholes in places (fewer than expected, given the rain in Melbourne over the last couple of months), the rising and falling, curvy blacktop was just what we needed to stretch the legs of our Mids. We arrived at the modern and impressive Healesville Country Club and parked in the underground car park. The restaurant upstairs was excellent and provided us with a hearty lunch of various dishes and drinks. The catering order was a bit enthusiastic and we could have fed many more but the atmosphere and conversation was fantastic and everyone left fully fed and watered.
The end-of-year raffle went off without a hitch and the winners were;
Neville Sampson, Sylvia Rogers, Peter Hemphill and Christopher Ryan.
A big thank you to Jim and Mandy for organising what was their last run as Mid911 register captain.
Mid 911 Register Run to Djinta Djinta Winery
Sunday June 12th, 2022
Story by Deborah Blackie Photos by Deborah and Keshav Bhattacharya
If you don’t like the weather wait a minute . A Melbourne expression and truism for our rumble down to the beautiful Gippsland region with the Mid 911 Register to Djinta Djinta Winery.
We rendezvoused in rain at the Hampton Park MacD’s where the not so well oiled staff struggled to deliver coffees under 15 minutes but did kindly impart the fact that Seniors are able to get a free small sized coffee any where in Australia.
It was particularly interesting to note the absence of many genuine Mid 911 cars- in fact excluding a couple of 930 Turbos, there was only one! Did the prospect of a wet, slippery run scare them away- I wonder?
Jim Adamson gave an excellent team orders briefing followed by 20 cars attempting a Le Mans start only to create a Porsche plug at the exit while carbohydrate craving customers attempted to enter. We eventually untangled ourselves and set off in the drizzle for the 1st stage diving through the suburbs of Pakenham, Berwick and Officer. The scenery mainly consisted of huge housing subdivisions with names like Arbour, where every tree had been cut down and Arcadia where the houses were so close to one another they read as one solid building that covered acres. All goes to show developers have a rather dark sense of humour.
We arrived at our morning tea pitstop Caldermeade Farm and Cafe celebrating all things bovine with a jersey milking heard and shop selling aisles of chocolate. The farm stars are 2 Scottish Highland cattle Bonnie and Bugle, who peered at us through a mop of shaggy red hair and wondered who had bought all those noisey metal things. This breed is the oldest registered “coo” and used to sleep inside the crofters’ huts where their body heat kept the folk warm. Makes you grateful for a good split system.
After a cake and coffee it was time to set off for stage 2 along the ridge lines with double apex corners. Drivers could use the loud pedal turning those purring ,well mannered Zuffenhausen machines into throaty ,fast and incredibly fun cars of passion. Everyone behaved and no one went over 100km - around the corners. We had gone through fog but were now driving in glorious sunshine through stunning, bucolic scenery. It was so green it could have been England except for the eucalyptus, shearing sheds, camels …. You get the idea . We lost only one participant on that stage but Jim’s notes clearly said right not left at the T junction onto Sth Gippsland hwy so not sure what happened there.
The sun had disappeared and drizzle was coming down as we arrived at Djinta Djinta Winery. The name is aboriginal for Willy Wagtail birds and as most aboriginal bird names are onomatopoeia, it is the territorial sound the bird makes at night.
Eleonor, the winery owner, welcomed us and gave us a brief history of the property and given the vineyard is situated in a wet and cold area not ideal to grape growing, she has specialised in cool climate wines producing 5000 bottles in a good year. The last 2 years have been hard and Eleonor is doing a Herculean job of doing renovations to allow more functions as well as run the vineyard. We wish her well for the future.
With Wilson’s Promontory only 50 minutes away discussions over lunch compared stories of who had the worst holiday story staying there in inclement weather. Read gale force winds.
After a long and enjoyable lunch it was time to meander home with full tummies and ears ringing from laughter and tall stories. Another very enjoyable day spent with club members who love their car as much as you.
I did an informal survey during the day of where people were born or were 1st generation Australians and discovered in our group of 39 minus the 2 who went AWOL, we had people from Poland, United States, United Kingdom, East Timor, Denmark, New Zealand, Greece, Singapore, and Cypress . The admiration of a great German marque knows no borders.
Congratulations to raffle winners Mandy Adamson, Peter Janusik, Colin Smith, Thomas Som. Thank you Jim and Mandy for my wine gift and the huge amount of work you put in to give 39 people some great memories.
Looking forward to Christmas in July.
MID 911 Run to Malmsbury
12th December 2021
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It was the last register run for 2021 and the sun was shining down on us as we all met at the BP service centre Rockbank. Today we were heading to Trentham for morning tea and onto “The Stables” Malmsbury for lunch.
During the morning briefing we welcomed first time run attendee David Hopkins and his Silver 1981 911SC. David made the trip back from NSW just for the run. That’s commitment. Well done David. Looking forward to seeing you at many more runs.
We had a great mix of cars, as always, and given the lack of traffic lights, we were in convoy all the way into Trentham. I was at the back of the convoy, allowing me to take in the sight of 15 odd Porsches snaking their way up the mountain. Magic. Trentham was thankfully a little quiet which provided us with plentiful parking.
After the obligatory coffee, a chat about land speed records (seems a shame not to give it another go Jane…) and admiring Jim and Mandy’s recent purchase (997.2 Carrera, very nice guys) it was off to Malmsbury.
The roads through Lyonville, Bullarto and Musk showcased the power of mother nature. Many a tree succumbed to the high winds that have been battering the state of late. It made for spectacular and eerie viewing. As was the house in Lauriston. Not so much eerie, but sporting a turret it is certainly, well, different.
We all had pre-lunch drinks in a private area behind the bar before settling to our tables for lunch. And it was at lunch that I learnt we had a movie star in our presence. Well, not so much a movie star per se but the owners of a movie star car. Registration, TwoHands. Then there’s the one that got away hey Paul and Deborah…
It really is amazing the stories and people you meet at a PCV event. Here’s to 2022 and a lot more PCV events.
Paul.
Mid 911 Run to Hidden Valley Resort
11th July 2021
Image Gallery Click Here
Our meeting place was at Macca’s in Endeavour Hills for a 10.00am start with a group of supposedly 20 Cars. There were 10 Air Cooled, 2 x 996’s, a 997, 2 x Caymans (one with a very sweet sounding exhaust) and a very nice “Mint Green” 968 Cabrio’ owned by first time PCV event participants Alex & Joanne Danielson, Welcome, and well done driving with the top down all day.
Our Register Captain Jim Adamson welcomed us all after along gap between runs (this event had been postponed / rescheduled due to (you guessed it) another Lockdown. Jim schooled us on the Obligations and the Do’s & Don’ts of being part of a Club run & sent us on our way, with well-prepared run notes.
Our first leg to our morning tea destination was to head to Healesville via Emerald, well for some this caused an issue after leaving Macca’s carpark. It was like tennis balls being hit in every direction, cars going left, right & some on the correct track. This was all sorted out quickly and the Conga Line was formed, made up of two or three groups. We headed towards Emerald in the Fog, which always highlights the tall Eucalyptus trees as you rise up towards the Dandenong Ranges on this ever winding road in which our Marquis excels. Over the Puffing Billy crossing onwards to Cockatoo and then following the Koo Wee Rup Rd along the valley with its open farming paddocks going through the hamlets of Nangana, Yellingbo, Badger Creek towards Woori Yallock. Onwards towards Healesville, the fog lifted and the sun peeked out from behind the clouds.
On arrival at Healesville we parked and the group split to head to the nearest Café to grab a coffer and maybe a cake. This town now being a vibrant place for the weekend getaway, finding a Café large enough to cater for all of us was challenging.
We all met back at the carpark some 45 mins later and off we headed towards Hidden Valley.
Turning left on to Maroondah H’way and again left on to St Leonards Rd, which lead us to Myers Creek Rd, which again is a beautifully piece of winding road for Chariots and drivers to enjoy.
Up through the Toolangi Forest, once again with the majestic Gums & large Tree Ferns with the Sun shining through the canopy. “Such a majestic part of our town”.
Onto the Melba H’way looking for a left turn onto Westbridge Rd, this caught a number of people out, as the turn off is quite tricky to see. Winding our way upto Kinglake, once there the road, sort of straightens out as you follow it along the top of the ridge line. On one side farms & houses on the other Kinglake National Park, then down through Humevale. As you head down the hill towards Whittlesea, you can catch a glimpse of the Northern Urban Sprawl making its way further & further out. Passing through Whittlesea the local footy game was well attended but I could not see the score! Eyes on the road.
With another 20 K’s or so to go to reach our destination. Turning right into the resort you can see the attraction for those who like space, horses & golf. Pulling into the Resort carpark with our Porsches all lined up and a very grand looking Club House, which had us seated in our own room. Everyone was chatting & new acquaintances where made. The menu was impressive with a great choice selection, with ample sized portions. I could not fit dessert in! Ooh Maybe just one piece.
As is normal practise on these runs, there are always a couple of bottles of vino to be raffled.
And as tradition has it, a new member is always the first to pick a name out of the hat. So up came Alex and promptly drew his name. This had the room in laughter & jesting for a redraw!!
Also congratulations to Cahit, Matt & Christian on being winners, 3 of the 4 bottles end up on one table.
Thanks to Jim & Mandy Adamson for their efforts in organising a great run.
27 March 2021. Mid911 Run to Black Horse Hotel, Bulla.
Story: Paul Sbrissa
Photos: Karen Bentley Click Here for Image Gallery
Good things come to those who wait and we certainly waited to be back on the register run wagon. Saturday 27th March kicked off 2021 for the Mid911 Register with a run to the Black Horse Hotel, Bulla. Meeting at the Gisborne McDonalds an excited and enthusiastic group of PCV members gathered for what would be a great day. As always, a great mix of old, new, 911, Boxster and Cayman attended. Of note, was a 1968 911 Targa and a 2021 911 Targa. This is what the register runs are all about. Variety and inclusiveness.
After the usual formalities and welcoming returning member Steve White, we headed of to The Stables for morning tea. The sight of air cooled, water cooled and turbo power Porsches starting up and moving off together brought a smile to all of our faces. And together they stayed. With minimal traffic, members enjoyed the roads around Spring Hill and rolled into The Stables in an orderly fashion filling the carpark.
The stables provided great coffee, fabulous New York Cheesecake and Baklava (thank you to Gina and Kosta) whilst we all gathered again for some long overdue conversation. As we were walking out a large group of Hot Rods rolled in, thus an obligatory walk through the sea of Hot Rods was required before getting back on the road for the second leg to The Black Horse Hotel.
Watchbox Road and Bourke and Wills track rarely disappoint and today was no exception. Enjoying our cars in their natural environment is a big part of any register run. Finishing off on Wildwood Road we turned into our final destination for lunch.
After an amazing antipasto we all enjoyed a fabulous lunch. Rahul of The Black Horse Hotel promised a great meal and he didn’t disappoint. Conversation was flowing. Wine was being given away. Congrats to Ken Anson, Nathan Perkins (ne Ingrid Halsall), Peter Stepowski and Karen Bentley for their lucky dip wins. A toast to congratulate Grant and Rosalie on their 41st wedding anniversary weekend and before you knew it, the restaurant was closing and it was time to go.
It really was a great day. Life is starting to get back to some sort of normal. Finally.
Paul.
Mid 911 Register Run to Eildon/Mansfield
Written by : Lily Williams
The Mid 911 Register Run to Eildon/Mansfield met at the Croydon McDonalds where we were kindly greeted by Jim and Mandy Adamson. We welcomed new club member Jim McPhee on his first ever run with his beautiful 1986 911 in Grand Prix White.
The weather gods were certainly tantalising us with a most gorgeous forecast for the weekend. A superb Saturday morning made for an enthusiastic bunch of drivers raring to head off, but not before Jim Adamson kindly extended his friendship by offering overnight accommodation to any late comers (although we are still not sure if he was offering his bed or paying for a spare room!!)
The group headed off at 10.15am on the first leg toward the Yarra Ranges bound for the delightful town of Yea. It wasn’t too long before we passed the lovely Biachant and Chateu Yering Wineries perhaps a little teaser for some delightful wines to enjoy in the afternoon!
We made a left onto Butterman’s Track where the group enjoyed the road ahead, great corners, narrow tight roads high up through the Kinglake National Park. As we came down through the park the road opened up for some fantastic long sweeping corners where we could really let loose particularly through Break Oday Rd towards Flowerdale. Stunning pastural valley’s and long meandering roads were perfect timing to up the music and throttle to really take in the surroundings on a brilliant spring morning!
We arrived in Yea at 11.35 to meet up for a much-needed coffee and delectable cakes at the Rendezvous Café whilst enjoying some banter in the wonderful courtyard sun
For our second leg we headed off at 12.30 for Eildon where once again we had the pleasure of a relaxing drive through Acheron and the stunning valley’s through Taggerty and the wonderful sights of the Cathedral Ranges and finally meeting an hour later at the Aqua Bar and Café for lunch
The 911’s had pride of place in the main carpark (thanks to Greg from the Aqua Café) which made for a great photo opportunity. We enjoyed lunch on the decking with uninterrupted views of Lake Eildon and were quick to head to the bar for refreshments which certainly quenched our thirst as we basked in the amazing afternoon sun. For Lunch there was a great selection from the menu such as Battered Flat head tails, Steaks, Salt and Pepper Squid to name but a few. Lots of laughs and a great afternoon enjoying each other’s company.
All was well until the raffle, where Table 26 suspiciously took all the spoils, some would say rigged yet somehow, they called it lucky!
Anyway, congratulations to our raffle winners: Mandy Adamson, Kenny Eve and Harriet Anson.
A special thanks for our hosts at the Aqua Bar & Café, Greg and Tracey, who kindly donated a bottle of wine for the day’s scribe, and went out of their way to make us welcome.
For our Final drive the group heading off at 3pm for the longest section of our run: Eildon to Mansfield. This leg was approx. 2 hours where the drivers were really put through their paces on the extremely tight and very winding narrow roads, with many ascents and descents in this leg. Driver skills was really put to the test. We drove through Eildon National park where we were enclosed by the magnificent dense bush and the feeling of being “on top of the world’ Several of the group gathered for a stretch of the legs at the scenic Look Out which show cased the gorgeous region with the Howqua Inlet below. This was a terrific spot for some wonderful panoramic photos. After a short stop over we were off and running again and with the roads finally opening up as we headed into Mansfield arriving at 5pm.
The group had several hours to unwind before we took a short walk from our accommodation to meet at 7pm at the Bos Taurus Restaurant. Pre-dinner drinks where enjoyed outside the upper deck on a balmy Spring evening followed by a wonderful dinner with the speciality being the premium steaks from Australia’s best producers. A lovely night full of laughs, wine and conversation with fabulous friends and a few celebrities look a likes within our group; Ewan Walsh aka Drew Carey and Murray Seymour aka Shane Bourne. A short stroll home and a well-earned sleep after an amazing day was had by all.
On Sunday and we awoke to another glorious spring morning where we met for breakfast at
The Coffee Merchant with some delicious breaky options such as Pork Benedict, Ham and Gruyere croquettes and of course a mandatory coffee. Before too long we said our good byes as we made our way home with a few in the group heading for one last run through to gorgeous Healesville.
Mid 911 register members would like to extend their special thanks to Jim and Mandy Adamson for organising this thrill filled run, accommodation options and fabulous places to dine, wine and enjoy.
A Terrific weekend was had by all.
Mid 911 Run to Hogget KItchen
Sunday 2nd June 2019
Well done Jim and Mandy for another memorable Mid 911 Register run. Big thumbs up for also organising a break in the rain for the day.
It all started in Endeavour Hills McDonalds where we met new members Leo Fusinato (Cayman), Steven and Susie Perien (911SC), and Anthony Presta (911 GTS). Welcome to you all. Anthony’s GTS was parked next to my SC and apart from being wider, longer, faster, fitted with AC and other interesting things is was clearly in the same family. As we always say, it doesn’t matter what Porsche you have, you’re always welcome on any register run. With a great mix of old, new, 911, Cayman, a Mini (?) and after the obligatory jokes about Jim’s lead foot we set off for morning tea in Korumburra.
All was well till Ewan (my navigator) and I decide to follow Google Maps and not Vickie Morris. Bad mistake. Vickie and her 964 knew exactly where they were going. At least Goggle maps does get you back to where you are meant to be. We stick (sort of) to the notes from there on. Travelling through some very picturesque scenery as we head through Beaconsfield, Koo Wee Rup and Nyora, Ewan and I decide again to make an unintended detour through Poowong, with Anthony in tow. Eight little LED lights shinning back at me through my rear-view mirror. Elegant yet sinister at the same time. Eventually we arrive into Korumburra for morning tea, attracting the appropriate ribbing for getting lost twice. All in the fun I say. Anthony didn’t seem to mind.
We head back out and admire each other’s pride and joy before heading off for lunch in Warragul. Leigh and Dianne Sampson’s 993TT for mine. Lovely vehicle. Exceptional drive through Mount Worth State Park. Lots of slow corners with beautiful natural Australian bush as a backdrop. Nothing like seeing a train of Porsches flowing corner through corner. No navigational issues this time around as we all make it to Hogget Kitchen within a few minutes of each other.
A winery as a backdrop we head in to find the cellar door. Drinks in hand we sit down for an exceptional lunch. The grass fed 350g Angus steak a clear winner on the menu. So good in fact that John Gedye heard about it and turned up last minute just for lunch! After a good chin wag Jim presented Margot Templar, Barbara Ellaway and a lucky yours truly with a bottle of wine as raffle winners. Does it get any better than this?
Mid 911 Register Run to Myrniong
Sunday 31st March 2019
Story by Anna Cook Photos by Paul Sbrissa & Ken Anson
Twenty-five cars arrived at McDonalds, Gisborne in cool weather and under an overcast sky. Register Captain Paul Sbrissa welcomed everyone including guests, Natasha and Charles Dixon and John Browne.
John’s Cayman, Design 1, 2006, was notable for its lowered suspension, custom vinyl black-on-black graphics on its exterior and it’s very revvy numberplate ‘VRM VRM ‘. Of the seventy-seven models made, only twelve reached Australia.
Arriving at Mt Macedon, the mist lifted and the sun shone. After Woodend, Kyneton South and Spring Hill we stopped for morning tea at the Glenlyon Store. Members gathered in and outside under its handsome wide verandas sipping and chatting.
All cars set off for the second leg to Myrniong via Trentham i.e. except for two! Drivers Randall Leacock and John Browne turned left instead of right unaware that their spirited driving was off piste and headed back to Gisborne. John and navigator Murray Cook finally caught up with Randall and got back on track.
The weather having turned cold, arriving at The Plough everyone sought the warmth of a large log fire. Sipping wine, everyone enjoyed a main course of roast chicken and pork.
Paul Sbrissa awarded raffle winners with bottles of wine - Shelley Stepowski, Oltam Pantell, Sylvia Rogers, Randall Leacock and Sue Davis (Tasmania). Ken Anson thanked Paul Sbrissa and his wife Karen Bentley, for their excellent organisation and logistics.
I chatted to raffle winner, Sue Davis who with husband John (964, 1990, Red), hail from Hobart and are members of the PC Tasmania; recently purchased digs in Docklands and are regular visitors to Melbourne. They are new members of the PCV, 356 Register. (Their 1963, “Tassy Tub” lives in Hobart.) I then introduced Ken Anson who extended a warm welcome and gave insightful info about the PCV. We trust to see the Davis’s again and again!
Mid 911 Run to T'Gallant Winery
Sunday 4th March 2018
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Mid 911 Run to Yarra Valley
Sunday 29th October 2017
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Mid 911 Run to Hogans Hotel in Wallan
Sunday August 13th 2017-08-13
Story by Gail Chittleborough Photos by Neville Sampson
I looked across to the carpark and saw 21 Porsches and 1 Ferrari, all beautifully clean, polished and fuelled, along with 39 members and guests, all ready for the “run”. Old and new members listened as Ken Anson provided a briefing about the route. Ken welcomed new members participating in their first run: Simon Best, driving a 911SC (1980 Light blue) and Barry and Ursula Pritchett driving a 911 3.2 Carrera (Silver), and guests John Sharley and Bruno Scambiaterra. Armed with our comprehensive itinerary notes we left Roxburgh Park shopping centre carpark on a beautiful sunny winters’ day.
Zig zagging across the Hume freeway, we enjoyed a relaxing 89 km drive through the newly developing outer suburbs north of Melbourne and north to Kilmore. The drive included some sweeping curves, narrow bridges, a concealed switchback, roadworks and some rolling straights. We had a leisurely morning tea break in Kilmore, with time for chatting in the sunshine, with the cars in view in the car park.
The second leg of the run was 99.8km and again we zig zagged across the Hume highway. We travelled north from Kilmore to Strath Creek, and on through Broadford-Flowerdale, Whittlesea, ending at Wallan. We travelled across rolling plains of farmlands, and natural bushland with gumtrees shading the road. There was little traffic on the first half of this leg as we drove down the escarpment into Flowerdale, and while the traffic increased in the second half the run, it was a very scenic drive through East Kinglake and down into Whittlesea.
The best part of the trip for me was observing the line of Porsches along the road - looking ahead there were 7 Porsches snaking their way along the road and behind in the side mirror I could see another 7 Porsches. Quite a sight! As we arrived at the Hogan hotel carpark in Wallan, Ken and Harriet were waiting for us – with car spaces secured for all.
Conversation flowed as lunch was served efficiently by the staff at the hotel. Neville Sampson, the photographer on the day, grabbed the smiles and machinery throughout the day. Ken conducted the raffle with lucky winners: Jeanette Sampson, Harriet Anson, Allan Hines, Bruno Scambiaterra, Norman Smith and Jane Hallam.
While most of the cars were mid 911, there were some Caymans and Boxsters. The friendliness of participants is a common feature of these runs. The passionate car owners always have something to share about their cars and today was no different. Conversational titbits included hearing about a “great” recent experience at the Porsche Sport driving school at Mt Cotton in Queensland, and a memorable and impressive factory tour and museum visit to the Porsche facility in Stuttgart, Germany. The engine of one 964 was proudly displayed complete with original oil stickers etc in response to a conversation. I also heard about the restoration of a 964, the anguish over stone chips and deliberation over tyre brands.
The route that Harriet devised was superb and the weather magic – great organisation! Many thanks Harriet and Ken for a great day.