Editors:

October, 1964 Len Shearer

* * * * * * *

About twenty members attended the September social on Friday, September 4. Nice to see Gerry and Elaine back after a 3 month absence, and also George Marney from the Vespa Club. Business was discussed and concluded by about 9.30pm, following which a few games were begun with ping pong balls and string. Barbara brought along a new type of game using a balloon filled with water and ping pong balls again. This managed to get most members into spasms of mirth and soon after we had supper. This was quite different from the usual cakes-sandwiches affair. Fred Carron supplied a hamburger-fishanchips supper with a choice of tea or coffee. The result was really marvellous, and all those present really appreciated the change. Following the eats and wash-up, the balloon game was continued, with Kevin and Cynthia’s cousin Bob being the champions. Shortly afterwards, Bob G and Len managed to burst a balloon outside, with Len trying to catch the water with his chest — very successful. Most left for home at about 11.45pm, and the hall was closed at 12.10pm.

Eight members met on Friday, September 11 for the proposed evening at Luna Park. Unfortunately we were a week too early, as it was not open, so we decided to go ten-pin bowling instead. Went to the Mutual Bowl in the Degraves Street Subway, our first time there. Managed to put in two games each, with some very high scores by Richard (163) and Darryl (141). Cynthia’s cousin Bob gave a grand display of how NOT to bowl, finishing with a total of 51. He would probably bowl better if the lanes were side-ways. Left at 9.30pm and went for supper at Raffles Coffee Lounge, where a grand feed of waffles, trifles, sandwiches and coffee was enjoyed amongst the usual scooter club noise. Dispersed at about 11pm.

Sunday, September 20 was the date arranged for the maintenance day at Darryl Wilson’s home at Preston. Had a "new" face along, namely Bruce Talbot, who we had not seen since April. Coming up in the world too — now owns a Maico. Ross’s Diana was out of action, and Tony, Len and Graeme comprised the rest. Arrived at 9.30am and proceeded to dismantle the machines. Tony fixed the clock on his Maico; Graeme oiled his Lambretta cables; Darryl replaced a clutch cable; Len repaired some burnt-out wiring. Peter arrived a little late and began to work on his Maico; managed to find a burnt-out wire in his voltage regulator and decided to go to Ken’s at St Albans for a spare one. Lunch was cooked on the barbecue and a lovely cuppa tea and cakes followed. Bob G. arrived after lunch for a brief chinwag, and we left at about 4.00pm. Many thanks to Mr and Mrs Wilson for opening their home to us for the day.

Father of 6 month old baby boy arrived home from work and greeted his wife: "Hullo, dear, have a good day?"

"Well, I did, but Junior didn’t."

"Why, what happened?"

"First, he broke his first tooth. Then he took his first step."

"That’s marvellous. Keep going."

"Upon taking the first step, he fell over and knocked out his first tooth. Then he spoke his first word."

A cold night greeted us for our outing to the Royal Show on Tuesday, September 22. Left the city at 7.15pm, and arrived at the venue at 7.30pm. Here we met Peter and Malcolm and began to walk round the showgrounds. Managed to visit a few of the pavilions, while Richard, Graeme, Ross and Darryl went for a flip on the Mad Mouse — returned a pretty shade of white. Spent some time eating and drinking, and buying a few sample bags. Graeme delighted us all by falling over and rolling over twice in the mud. Everyone bought an ice cream except Len, who preferred a toffee apple. Dispersed for home at 10.30pm, to find Graeme’s helmet and gloves pinched from his scooter. Managed to get home OK with Len’s spare one. This, however, should be a warning to members — don’t leave your helmets on your machines, even with a lock and chain. If somebody wants to take it, they won’t let anything stop them from doing so.

"Sorry I’m late, boss, but I ran over a milk bottle. No, I didn’t see it. The flamin’ kid had it under his coat."

Nine scooters and one car met in town on Sunday, September 6 for our trip to Mt Ingoldsby Tower via Anglesea. Left at 9.06am and headed straight for Geelong with no intended stops. Trevor, however, decided otherwise, and after a series of spark plug changes on his Vespa managed to arrive at Geelong at 11.30am. Here Kevin and Darryl joined us on the Diana — Darryl’s machine had gone "kaput" again and had been left at Footscray. Then straight through to Anglesea where we stopped for food as usual. This was shortly followed by a quick kick of the football, and then some rain began to fall, so we gave it up. Then on to the tower, about 2 miles of dirt road, and there it was. Most present climbed halfway but the final leg was blocked off. The view would have been colossal if it had been a clear day, but heavy cloud more or less ruined it. Then Len went for a quick ride along another track, seeing more views, and returned to report in the affirmative. Most went along the track, saw the view, (hereafter called Len’s View) and turned back. Mal and Ken had a ball trying to turn their cars in the 10-foot wide slippery road, but all managed to get out in the long run. Then we headed for the Anglesea Open Cut — something which we had never heard of, that is, except for David. Turned out to be quite large, with bits of black coal all along the road. Left the excavation at 3.15pm and returned to Geelong via Ocean Grove and Torquay. Stopped just past Geelong for coffee and petrol, then pushed on again. The main bunch would have arrived in town at about 6.30pm I think. Ken, Len, Darryl and Trevor formed the last section, and after picking up Darryls Heinkel and overhauling the carby we proceeded for home, that is, after we spent _ an hour fixing Trevor’s lights, which blew when he turned them on. We arrived in the city at about seven o’clock and dispersed from there.

"Everything great happened to me on the same day. I drank my first liquor in the morning. I first kissed a woman in the afternoon, and that very same night I began to smoke."

"Boy, it must have been some kiss!"

Sunday, September 27 was the date arranged for the Day Trial, our first for almost twelve months. Kevin Sheehy was responsible for the preparation of it, and mild weather greeted us at the meeting spot. Nice to see Doug Clarke along, with pillion friend Judy. Also Dennis Weaver (long time no see) and Ann and Kurt (more than 12 months). Met a friend of Bruce’s namely Warren, who rides a Puch. Teams were Lionel-Bruce, Peter-Ross, Len-Graeme, David-Cynthia, Doug-Judy, Richard-Dennis and Bob (solo). Left on the first stretch around the Boulevard and then on somehow to Kew Junction via Studley Park. Most pleasing thing on this stretch was having two Church Streets on the map from which to choose to take. Peter and Ross were having mechanical trouble and Len’s brakes locked at Kew Junction. Most managed to get to Croydon OK, then on to Montrose and Silvan for the first checkpoint. First bike out had not arrived when the last one left this point. Then through the hills via side roads and dirt tracks, somehow to Kalorama, Olinda and finally Belgrave for lunch, but not before the gathering of scavenger hunt items, which included a feather, a walnut shell, a glass of water, the meaning of the word "sinology", a hot friend egg and a lock of blond hair. Left the lunch spot at 2.00pm for Lysterfield via Clematis (more dirt roads) and then on to Ferntree Gully, Ferny Creek, Sassafras and The Basin for the next checkpoint. Bob and Peter-Ross had pulled out by this time. Then on with the final leg, this time through Boronia, Bayswater, Wheeler’s Hill, Oakleigh, and find your own way to the club hall. Most arrived back at about 515pm, and dispersal was completed by 6.00pm. The winner will not be announced until the club social. This trial was a beauty, and many thanks must go to Kevin for the organisation and planning of it, and also to those who took part as checkpoints, namely Ken, Barbara and Alex.

Jack, Jill and Jim, standing near window broken by clumsy Jim.

JACK: Jim, you are a hopeless, stupid idiot.

JIM (hurt): I’m sorry, Jack.

JILL: Jack, you tell Jim you’re sorry you called him a hopeless stupid idiot.

JACK: Oh, very well, if you insist. Hey, Jim!

JIM: Yes, Jack?

JACK: Jim, I’m sorry you’re a hopeless, stupid idiot.
JIM: That’s OK, Jack.