It's grandad's pride and joy

veterans car tour

MARCH 2017 | Wai Lin Coultas

FOR TWO days in February, seventeen veteran cars leisurely cruised through the quiet roads in the Meander Valley, their drivers enjoying great scenery with thankful hearts as locals patiently waited for them to slowly pass; cheerily waving and showing great interest in the vehicles wherever they stopped.

The tour of 36 people included 5 drivers from Tasmania’s Northwest, 4 from its South, and 8 within the North. Two Meander Valley locals joined in from Westbury and Birralee.  The drive was made even more memorable by the wonderful country meals served by Hall committees at Rosevale and Chudleigh, as well as by Westbury Primary School P & F at Steam World.

The Mayor awarded a hamper to the owners of his car of choice, a 1908 REO owned by Peter and Jill Hawkins from Turners Beach.

The Peter Waddle Trophy for best reconditioned car was won by Francis Ransley and his grandson Jasper Quilliam in their L plate carrying 1911 T model Ford roadster which they restored together.

“Thanks to some sponsorship, we gave away some good prizes of local crafts and food hampers,” shares tour director Joe Clippingdale.

So the organisers are looking forward to hosting the national one and two cylinder veteran car tour over five or six days around this region next March.

“We would love to see locals come and enjoy the cars while we enjoy the Valley,” adds Joe.

Photo | Mike Moores