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Potholes and paddock to the Park
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25.01.2022 Members of MGMC&LCC enjoyed salt flat racing at Beachport, Here are 2 pictures from Potholes from the event.
23.01.2022 Well, getting to the end of my posts on Vol 2 of Potholes. This is the ad for the first open road race on the sealed circuit, bearing in mind they had one earlier when it was still unsealed.
23.01.2022 Some of Adelaides Speedcar drivers came down and competed at Bucks Hill. This is #18 car and photo is courtesy of Neville moody.
22.01.2022 Ron McCourt was a very good rider and I had very few photos of him to include in 'Potholes and paddock to the Park' but this was provided by his family so pleased to share it with everyone. Ron was the Chairman of the Millicent Club when it formed in 1951. He burst onto the scene with some outstanding performances in the district, riding both Solo and Sidecar events.
22.01.2022 This photo is of the first bitumen being applied to the limestone track surface at Mac Park. Someone may be able to help with volunteer's names, please?
21.01.2022 This is a great photo given to me by the late Barry Bellman. It is Melbourne man Don Cobb with Ken Bellman
21.01.2022 During the research for my book Potholes and paddock to the Park I had the pleasure of interviewing many former members of the Mount Gambier Motor Cycle & Light Car Club and I featured them in one of the final pages in the book. I shall post 4 photos each day from the book. Today, the 1st 4, Alan Johnson, Barry Williams, George Turnbull and Bruce Pederick. Wonderful people and I thank them for their help.!
20.01.2022 This will be my last post from Potholes and paddock to the Park Vol 2 as we have reached the end of the 320 pages. I am thinking perhaps i could go back to where it started, Vol 1 and post some pictures from there. Todays photos are of Max Hellyer, often spoken of as being Rons passenger son, but a rider in his own right and the second photo is of Lance Fisher, who raced solos and sidecars. Thanks for your interest. Followed by commercial - I have copies of Vol 1 and Vol 2 of Potholes for sale still. $55.00 the pair, plus $11.00 postage to Australia.
20.01.2022 Many functions were held at the ranch House at Mac park and many a bevvie consumed. Here is a group of the boys raising a glass to you. Wishing you all the best for Xmas and the New year and thank you for following Potholes and paddock to the 'Park'. Some of the blokes are known: L to R : Paul Moody, unknown, Donald Telford, Leo van Dam, John Smith and Harry Vause. Incidentally Harry Vause will be 90 in January - he is the only remaining member of the group that walked the scrub block that was to become Mac Park.
20.01.2022 Not a good way to start the year with sad news, but I was informed yesterday that one of the MGMC&LCC's "most proficient riders" Trevor Stafford passed away on Dec 12 2020 aged 91. Riding his Matchless motorcycle, Trevor emerged into the spotlight in 1949 when he won the Club's premier Trials event, the Lou Wittwer Trial. This was a Observed Trial win was a great result for Trevor as he was classed as a Novice and beat all comers. For the next few years he figured prominently... in the Wittwer Trials, twice being runner up to Bruce Pederick. He was versatile too, riding in Beach races, Hill Climbs and in 1950 won the Club's 80mile Reliability Trial, a road event, if you could have called them roads. He became Club Vice Captain taking over the position from his best friend (Tom Cyril) in 1952. He officiated at Club events and was Head Flag Steward at a Championship event. Tom Pannell, a very colorful local character was Pilot and it seems many adventures were had in the air, Tom passed away 12 years ago, but Bruce Pederick is still going and is over 90 years old. See more
19.01.2022 Club stalwart Joan Coombe contributed her memories of early days of Mac Park life to Potholes and paddock to the Park. McNamara Park was then known as the Old Quarry. Access was through a bush track along Siggers Road. Large blocks of Limestone littered the area. The Ranch House was our base, with old lounge chairs and car seats, a wood stove built into the stone wall and an open fireplace built by Alan Adamson. Chop Picnics were held here to raise money towards the track.
19.01.2022 Gday all. Todays posts from Vol 2, Potholes is to do with Mac Park track sealing underway, 1961. First pic, Sealing the track and the 2nd Shell Co. account for the work.
19.01.2022 In June 1961 a Reliability Trial was held over 40 miles of district roads. Harry Vause was the winner, Alan Johnson was 2nd overall, and winner of the Sidecar section. First picture shows group of riders, with John Smiths Harley Davidson outfit in the foreground. The second photo is a group of riders at the starting point, Hellyers Garage. Alan Johnson is the tall fellow with back to camera and his passenger is Brian Manton at right, with his pudding basin helmet on. From page 274, Potholes".
18.01.2022 Able to sit back at keyboard for a limited time, so thought some pictures might be in order. I had posted the complete Vol 2 of Potholes and paddocks to the Park so am just posting random photos from my collection. These 2 are from Sellicks Beach in the 50s I would think. I bought some negatives years ago and scanned them. Hope you like them.
18.01.2022 From potholes Bob Northcott wins 1961 South Australian Sidecar Titles, 11 Nov. On a track at Victor Harbor, described as one of the roughest ever, Bob Northcott defeated former champion L Wilson after a close tussle. Northcott, with Leo van Dam as passenger, set a cracking pace and in an effort to match him, Wilson turned his outfit over. The Mount Gambier pair ran away from the rest of the field and won the All Powers title by a large margin, so giving them the 500cc, and the All Powers titles.
17.01.2022 Colin Hogg, here is one for you. Ian Hogg in car, unknown young man looking into sun, Laurie Fox, Des Hastings and unknown gent.
17.01.2022 Gday all. Todays photos are again some from those sociable times had by Club members in the Ranch House at the old quarry at Mac Park. First is Alan Adamson, as usual keeping the machinery going with the lighting for the evening and the second, is a very sociable group some of who are very recognisable.
16.01.2022 Sad news today regarding the passing today of one of our local post WW2 m/cycle competitors, Don Hamilton. Don passengered for Alec Campbell mainly in scrambles, but filled in for others at times. He also rode Trials and two of my favorite pictures feature Don. An absolute gentleman, he will be missed. Sincere condolences to Pat and the Hamilton family.
15.01.2022 One of the last photos of the year and it contains the father of Mac Park, if I might use that term, Frank McNamara (seated in leathers) in the pits at a race meeting somewhere. The other is Frank with his work Norton outfit, which has sidecar wheel drive.
15.01.2022 As mentioned previously, Mount Gambier has produced several top sidecar riders and this pic is Alec Campbell with Paul Moody as passenger. They are on an Ariel, a make used as a starting point by several of MGMC&LCC members. Alec went on to achieve success in his racing and motor cycle business, but lost his life sidecar racing at the International Raceway in Adelaide 1978.
15.01.2022 Rediscovered this great photo whilst looking for another in my collection. It is a water cooled Lewis owned locally and as you can see taken Xmas 1914.
14.01.2022 Two of the lovely couples from the MGMC&LCC that were interviewed for Potholes. Peter & Janet Johnson and the 2nd John & Pauline Smith. Peter was a solo rider and John, solo and sidecar with both being quite successful racers.
12.01.2022 Well as mentioned I am getting to the end of my posts from Potholes and paddock to the Park Vol 2 but amongst the last photos is this one, page 306, of 4 generations of Hellyer family. I love it, hope you do too. Photo courtesy of Max Hellyer. From left, Max holding his son Jason, Ron on the outfit and Reg Hellyer. Reg was a great supporter of the club and although not a rider, some of his feats in his truck and loading it are legendary down this way.
12.01.2022 Todays post from Potholes page 272, is of two of our top sidecar riders.. Bob Northcott leads in 1st picture, and in 2nd, Alec Campbell, ably assisted by passenger, Don Hamilton rip into a left hander.
12.01.2022 Gday all. Todays posts from Potholes feature two great riders from the MGMC&LCC, both equally at home on Solos or Sidecars. Pic 1, Ron Hellyer, with cigarette as often riders of that period smoked and the second is of Alec Campbell leading Ron at Nangwarry in 1961. Ron won 4 races that day riding in the lightweight classes, with Charlie May winning the A Grade and Alec Campbell second..
11.01.2022 I have some nice photos from the all British rally in 2009 which I would like to share. Nice Ariels in this one.
10.01.2022 Known local Dispatch Riders: Dispatch Rider Donald Howland, attached to the 3rd Light Horse at Glenburnie Camp was killed on his motorcycle whilst returning fro...m a dance. The accident occurred on the Bay Road by the Blue Lake in the early hours of Sunday morning 27 April 1941. Kenneth Colin McPherson, a Dispatch Rider at the Military camp, however was lucky not to have been injured when a truck turned in front of him without signalling. John Charles Herbst is also thought to have carried out Dispatch Riding duties whilst in 121 A Gen Transport Coy. It is quite likely that other motorcyclists from this area served as well, but are not recorded. Dispatch Rider Colin G Henderson of Mount Gambier was thrown from his motorcycle in Adelaide in March 1942 and died in hospital of his injuries. Overseas, Private P L Butterworth, the first man to enlist from Rendlesham (near Millicent) was killed on duty as a Dispatch Rider. He had seen service in several theatres of war and was only twenty years of age. Dispatch Rider Roderick Wilson late of Penola, transferred from the 3rd Light Horse to the Navy and was posted to HMAS Sydney as a Sick Bay Attendant. Wilson was on board when she sank off Western Australia with all hands lost. Picture below was courtesy of the late Colin Cameron, who was in Glenburnie Camp with Roderick. They decided to 'transfer' from the army to he Navy. Other pictures Murray Howard and Ron Hellyer both RAAF. LEST WE FORGET. See more
10.01.2022 Not from Potholes and paddock to the 'Park' but of Alan (Puss) Corner on his 4 valve bronze head Royal Enfield JF. Allan lived at Marleston (Adelaide) and worked at Holdens, Woodville, for many years usually riding motorcycles to work, including this one. On his way to afternoon shift at Woodville, it was his usual practice to nip into the Hilton Hotel for a couple of pints of Cooper's Ale. He later had a Harley with sidecar and the Barman would hear him coming and have a pint pulled and waiting for him on the bar.
10.01.2022 Four more of the former members of the MGMC&LCC who I interviewed for Potholes. Left to right: Donald (Jack) Telford, Kevin Lock, Noela Hellyer and Harry Vause. Good memories from each of them recorded in the book. Thank you for being involved.
09.01.2022 Over the years I have been lucky to be the beneficiary of some motorcycle photos and thought I should share some that were given to me. These two from Karl Unger of sidecar action on Mac Park. One is of another one of the top sidecars Mount Gambier has produced Jim Coombe and passenger and the other #85 an unknown competitor.
09.01.2022 With the sealing of the track working bees were held to finish the job. In this picture 3 volunteers are brooming the track.
08.01.2022 One of the not quite so good photos from the Night Scrambles at the Showgrounds. John Harris leads Peter Johnson.
07.01.2022 The motorcycle Club joined with the motor car owners in 1914 to form the S E Motorist's Association and in 1915, during WW1 they planned a parade to raise mone...y for the Belgian Fund. This excerpt and photos from Vol 1 Potholes. ". At this meeting members were authorised to obtain new members and a Carnival was planned for March 24, 1915 to aid the Belgian fund also. The Grand Motor Carnival was held at Frew Park, on the afternoon of Wednesday 24 March 1915. It was said in the paper prior to the Carnival Every motorist expected to appear at the Grand Motor carnival next Wednesday. Whilst they didn’t get every motorist it was still a good turnout as 35 motor cars and 20 motorcycles (mostly decorated) participated in this event. Admission fee for the day was set at sixpence." The motorcycle in photo 1 was registered to Mr George Gavens. See more
06.01.2022 Gday! Two pictures from Potholes and paddock to the Park today. First one a Go Kart competing at the Night Scrambles at the Showgrounds and the second a photo from an interstate scramble, showing very flat terrain and possibly at Chute.
05.01.2022 Todays pictures from Potholes are of a working bee at The Park and the second, an invoice for hot bitumen for the track. Page 287.
05.01.2022 Four more pictures of former Club members who assisted me when I was researching Potholes and paddock to the Park. The first, Marg Hastings, 2nd Don Hamilton who recently passed away, 3rd Henry Taylor and 4th Joan Coombe. Remarkable people.
05.01.2022 The Border Watch 17 April 1963 carried a story about the forthcoming Easter race meeting track and this picture of Alec Campbell and Peter Johnson testing the track a couple of days earlier. The track was to be swept prior to that first use of the sealed track. From page 299, Vol 2, Potholes and paddock to the Park.
04.01.2022 Basil Coombe featured today. Great Club man and also sponsored riders. Second pic, dont know who, but I wouldnt be amused if my sidecar wheel collapsed like this one. Page 279 Potholes.
04.01.2022 Two more pictures from Potholes of track sealing operation Dec 1961. In the second photo Laurie Fox is driving the roller.
04.01.2022 April 1961 and racing returned to Nangwarry. 1st Ptholes picture is of Lance Fisher and brother in law Peter Herbert who rode passenger for Lance. They won the Coombe Trophy Sidecar handicap race that day. Second photo Tom Crowe leads Alan Johnson. Alan ended up winning the Over 200cc Solo Handicap.
04.01.2022 Looking through the collection of photographs in my motorcycle file and thought I could post some of them that didnt make the cut for Potholes. These two both of Laurie Fox, photos that Susan Fox and Laurie himself loaned me.
04.01.2022 Gday! Nearly to the end of posts from Potholes & paddocks to the Park, Vol 2. The 1st picture is of a Super Kart on Mac Park and the 2nd is Tom Crowe, Roger Crowe and Laurie Fox on the line for Lightweight race at the initial race meeting Easter 1963. I am thinking I may post some pictures from Vol 1, the years pre Mac Park i.e. 1902 to 1949 inclusive.
04.01.2022 Another picture of Ron McCourt, courtesy of Ron"s family. Some motorcycle and car events were held at the 1954 Millicent Autumn Show and Ron won the motorcycle event. Riding in wet conditions he won from J Butler, C Thomas, C O Brooks and B Eime. This picture looks like is in Victoria, possible at Chute and Ron performed well there too.
04.01.2022 Gday all. Yesterday Colin Hogg posted Birthday wishes to his mother Mavis who turned 90. Mavis (Hogg) was a member of the MGMC&LCC and held positions within the Club and was the late Ian Hoggs wife. Another quiet achiever for the Club. Belated Happy Birthday Mavis on behalf of the Mount Gambier motor cycle fraternity. The picture is from a night at the Ranch House in the late 1950s and i hope it is Mavis with Ian at the function. Colin Hogg, is it your mum?
04.01.2022 Love this photo of a "group of motorcyclists at Glenburnie". Someone may be able to put names to this. 1940 I think.
03.01.2022 More sidecar action from Nangwarry 1961. Page 269 Potholes and paddock to the Park. First photo Bob Northcott leads, and second photo, John Smith leads Charlie May.
02.01.2022 This is from Oct 08 and is posted for Brian Donovan. Found this while looking through some of my pictures.
02.01.2022 From page 281, Potholes and paddock to the Park Frank McNamara and his Norton outfit. 600cc with sidecar wheel drive.
02.01.2022 Following on from the passing of Don Hamilton, I have been informed that keen motorcyclist Frank Hill has also passed away. Frank came to see me with some photos, including one of a Levis he had, which I cant find at this moment, but another he gave me is of his familys motorcycle all loaded up. It is a beaut period photo with Norman, Agnes and baby Frank on their Harley, and I thought it would be good to share it, The second photo is from Potholes" of John Wilkinson on his Douglas at the salt flat races at Beachport.
01.01.2022 Two more photos of Road Trials held in the district, from page 283 Potholes, First, a lunch break, or just a repair stop? Second, a creek crossing. Note the small sidecar - a Tilbrook Tom Thumb or a home made small chair?
01.01.2022 Two pictures from a Road Trial back in the early sixties. Glencoe check point, with Laurie Fox checking. Potholes page 282.
01.01.2022 Gday! Two more pictures from page 291, Potholes Vol 2. Very popular evening function at the Ranch House, Mac Park. Some recognisable attendees too.
