tickfordclub@picknowl.com.au

Our annual club event of a weekend in Melbourne for the FPV Family Open Day unlike previous years started with four separate groups departing at different times and on different days, the first group leaving Monday, two groups leaving Friday (early and not so early) and then last but by no means least on Saturday (early) morning.

Friday night with most of the club members at the Coburg Motel we did our usual courtyard dinner of $85.00 worth of pizzas and a "couple" of drinks till about 12.00 when we heard the reception phone ringing!

Saturday morning Randall and Adrian attended the FPV Presidents meeting, arriving right on time….Adelaide time that is, for a Melbourne time meeting. This was followed by intense car washing/detailing ready for the big day. These blokes really do need to buy something other than red polish for their cars. While the boys were busy the women were even busier with a massive retail therapy session and on return most had serious scorch marks on their credit cards. The Melbourne Motor Show was attended at various stages during the course of the weekend with most going Saturday night after the washing/shopping session.

Sunday started with the temperature at typical Melbourne setting..FREEZING..but eventually became pleasant at packing up time. The Grand Opening of the FPR workshop/showroom/money pit was spoilt only by the PR system and the massive crowd that prevented all vertically challenged people from seeing anything. FPV merchandise sales after the grand opening could only be likened to a stock take sale; if you didn't have your bat and helmet you didn't stand a chance. We are not talking bargain prices, just excited customers. The overall winners in spending stakes goes to … the Brown/Citric Acid GT family!!

We were lucky enough to have John Bowe come over to our club display and give our members photo/signing opportunities and a chance to comment on his shoes once again. The boys were pleased to talk shop as he checked out their pride and joy. Most notably, our Port Augusta member Bryan who is still coming back down to earth.

Trophy presentation followed. Three of our merry band - Scott, Gordi and Matthew were our volunteer judges for this task. Our thanks to each of them (and from those on the winners list-the cheques in the mail guys!)

With the formalities over, weary club members headed over for the big photo shoot in front of the FPV workshop. Our member Marcus once again did us proud with his photography skills.

Dinner followed as tradition would have it at El Cicio's with the usual stuff up of orders but great food once it eventually came.

Monday morning early, but definitely not bright and early, saw the first 6 cars head off and others followed as they slowly came to! Radios in cars made the trip not only enjoyable but also economical, as each driver was informed when the boys in blue - some well disguised boys in blue, came to join our convoy. Lunch at Bordertown with the customary order stuff ups was our final gathering for the weekend. As we approached Murray Bridge drivers started to wave goodbye. Another great weekend with our great club!