We’re OutwardBound

November 2013Issue 326

Monthly newsletter of the M itsubishi 4WD O wner ’s Club of Western Austra l ia I nc. 1985

Christmas PartyMARGARET RIVER

Dowerin 4WD Gathering

Proudly sponsored by

Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club

of WesternAustralia Inc.

PO Box 655South Perth WA 6951

Meetings:1st Wed of each month except January

Manning Senior Citizens Centre3 Downey Drive

Manningwww.mitsubishi4wd.org.au

email: secretary@mitsubishi4wd.org.au

Publication issues:-editor@mitsubishi4wd.org.au

President:Peter Cole

Vice President:Peter Belcher

Secretary:John KingTreasurer:

Bridget McPherson

Editor:Martin ArcherEnvironment:

Stephen KalynuikWebMaster:

Michael GilbertTrip Coordinator:

Guy LehmannTraining Officer:

Richard KingMembership Officer:

David JonesInsurance/Propoerty:

Glen BignellWA 4WD Assoc.Delegate:

Keith ParkerSocial Chairperson:

Denise Belcher

CONTENTSPresident’s Report

News behind the meeting

Christmas Party

Fraser Island Cleanup Invitation

Dowerin 4WD Gathering report

Images from Perth 4WD Show

Margaret River Weekend Trip Report

Fly Season

Changes to Club Policy

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President’s ReportNovember 2013

Taking a hint from Martin’s Presidents Report for November last year I will take this early opportunity to wish all members a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.

I believe that due to the vagaries of magazine publishing the President put out his best wishes in a December magazine, which was not received by members until January ! So not wanting to commit the same “offence” and suffer the consequences, and there are always consequences in this club, I have expressed my wishes early.

Another consequence we have experienced is that associated with another successful year of being “outward bound”. Changes to our membership list and also to our trip planning system have resulted in increased attendances to all of our recent activities to such a degree that the Management Committee has had to respond to some of the consequences of being so successful by making an adjustment to the Policies and Procedures, section 20 – Visitors. More detail on that later in this edition.

Attendances at all of our recent events have been high, including our last Environmental Day at Churchmans. All of our Trip Leaders have shown a marvellous ability to manage larger groups and cope with the additional pressure that comes with this increase in demand for activities. It just may be that we have to examine what additional resources we, as a club, will need to provide for future Trip Leaders to ensure we continually achieve a high standard of enjoyment without suffering any adverse effects to this change.

I know change is not always welcome in the real world. Inevitably though, we cannot escape from that real world. So we have to examine, learn and adapt as we move into another year. At the beginning of this year we had changes within the committee, we have changed our trip planning system, our club sponsorship arrangements have changed, and even the membership list has changed quite a bit. Following our attendance at the 4WD Show in 2012 we have harvested a sufficient crop of new members this year to maintain our total membership to about the same level as 2012. Such a “turnover” of membership also brings changes of a different kind in that there are new personalities, new enthusiasm and new ideas. Our challenge is to incorporate all of these changes into an already successful club model and just as car manufacturers do, continually refine the vehicle performance for the maximum benefit of the driver ! Does that make sense ?

Our club year comes to an end in December, and of course without a meeting in January we come together again in February. So the Committee have to hit the ground running as the train then steams into the AGM in March. First quarter of the year gone already !!

I will close this report as it started. To all our members, all our sponsors, all our magazine advertisers, and to all our visitors, on behalf of the Club Management Committee I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and Happy New Year.

Peter Cole

President

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News behind the MeetingOctober Memebr’s Meeting 2013

A VERY full hall, in total 73 people, 14 of whom were visitors. Best attendance of members for many months. Peter advised everyone to arrive early to get a seat at the December meeting as it follows the 4WD Show club marketing.

All systems were normal with front computer still not talking to back computer to deliver the attendance list of visitors’ names. Hmmm.. should we consider Cole sabotage somehow?

The big news for our Club was announced by President Peter Cole that through a fortuitous phone call made by Michael Gilbert and answered by Mr. John Hughes himself...nothing like going straight to the top... we now have a very pro-active sponsor in John Hughes Motors. With only a short lead time they had produced for us the flyers (with their advertisement on the reverse) for the upcoming Show. This welcome injection of funds will be used in many areas and many ways for the advancement of our Club.

Next segment was the Where are They Now.. and the only members out there currently are Malcolm and Trish Harrison. Malcolm has set the bar high for future notifications. His email came complete with a colourful trail meandering across the Oz Explorer map plus UTM readings. As Peter apparently held an Oz explorer training session recently, Malcolm’s presentation was a ‘validating’ demonstration supporting his lesson.

TRIP REPORTS:

Paul Ryan then gave one of his comprehensive and amusing reports on the Apprentice Locked and Lifted trip he led. Great photos. I think they found 4 o’clock tracks every hour!! And the apprentices gained a lot of knowledge from very experienced and considerate members.

Stephen Kalynuik showed us images of the parklike Churchmans Brook area of Wungong Regional Park where the club removed (hopefully eradicated) newly introduced boneseed from the area. Again earning us the accolades and excellent chance at future grants and support from DPaW. The 1000 seedlings that were previously unavailable for our use during this past year will be available for planting next year. There is a large sward of grassed area, was an old landing strip, that is proposed to be ripped and treed. Seems a shame. For WA...it looked lovely.

Guy reported on the successful 4WD Association Dowering Gathering. Most arrived Friday and the program was over the Saturday and Sunday. 14 members and 5 visitors from our Club supported the event. 130 vehicles from many clubs arrived though only a few tackled the track. Made for great spectator sport.

The event was held on the wide flat area where the Dowerin Field Day is held every year.

A little bit of background to Dowerin’s Field Day. It started as a plan simply to raise funds for a new community pool but has grown to be the largest mechanical display in Western Australia and rivals many similar events across other States. Up to 600 exhibitors now show their big machinery over the 3 days.

For our event the new sporting complex was left open for use over the weekend. Toilets and hot showers. The large dining room and kitchen was taken over by one of the clubs to cook and cater three course meals for those who wanted on Saturday night and bacon and egg rolls etc on Sunday.

Approximately $8000 worth of prizes were donated and raised $2000 which will go towards the costs of next year’s Gathering. The track was constructed by the Council in consultation with the Association.

Guy also admitted on his drive home the generator light stayed on.

Did he stop.. No.. or check it? No..

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g He blew 17 fuses and needed a new battery. The battery had “moved” during travel and arced. No he hadn’t taken it on the track. By the time he arrived home and looked under the bonnet, his battery was “swollen”. So was Wendy’s bollicking!

UPCOMING TRIPS:

Michael’s Lancelin “Up and Down the Dunes” on 15th December. Meeting of course at the bakery. George (who’s been absent traveling for a quite a while) called out.. “Nothing’s changed while we were away!!”

Peter Nicols Locked and Lifted Powerlines on 23rd February next year. (His comment... “Yes I only found out about that one tonight”!)

Craig reminded everyone of the imminent 4WD Assoc. Kaarakin tour, BBQ and Lions mobile bus free hearing testing on 16th November.

REPORTS:

Trackcare : Bruce talked of the upcoming Wilbinga Clean up. Indicated the Trip Sheet on the white board where volunteers could enter their names. DPaW will be putting on a BBQ lunch for all volunteers.

He also reported that interpretive signs advising local aboriginal and European history are being installed around Warriedar Station. Our trip there plus repairs happened last May. Apparently the Homestead is being well used by travelers passing through or to the area.

The Mount Jackson homestead is next to be restored.

4WD Show Michael reported the show stand to be well manned (womanned) and that this W.A. event is becoming one of the premier events in Australia. Increasing numbers of dealers are exhibiting and offers of really good pricing on products are available at the show.

Denise Belcher reminded all coming to Xmas party to advise numbers and food they are bringing to share.

FORUM:

Peter Belcher asked if anyone has a spare air compressor to sell.

Pat O’Dowd showed us a very entertaining video of how not to go crossing a tidal flat.. and how to lose TWO vehicles in one event. Great viewing. You Tube : 4x4 Recovery Gone Wrong. Demonstrates Richards constant admonition.. walk the area first!!!!

Tony Weldon then showed his video from You Tube: Gore-Tex Guaranteed To Keep You Dry..also worth a look and a laugh.

Troy reminded everyone of good deals for members from himself and Richard Nicholls at the ARB tent at the Show.

Raffle was drawn.

Reminder of committee meeting on 20th November and that Club meeting on 4th Dec will have a guest speaker author publisher Nick Underwood plus there’ll be a lucky door prize.

Socializing began. One of the problems developing, being a once a month get together, is that there are now so many people we don’t get to catch up with as many as we’d like.

Rick and Sue Irvine held a mini meeting to talk to the group about their Lorella Springs planning for next year.

Lights went out.. sometime.

Judith Brinkley

Behind the news behind the meeting

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Mitsubishi 4WD Club Xmas Party

Sunday 8th December 2013 from 11am to 4 pm.Point Walter Reserve - function area 2

All members and their children and grandchildren are invited.

Please contact Denise with the following:

• To confirm that you will be attending, and include the names and ages of the

children you will be bringing.

• To inform me what sharing dish you would like to bring, and your telephone number and email address in case we need to alter it so we can have a varied table (at the moment we are a little short of desserts).

Please bring: BYO meat and drinks,

Sharing dish ie salad or dessert,table and chairs, cutlery and plates.

A present for Santa to give to your child/children up to the value of $15 each.

An early reply would be appreciated.

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TRIP NOTES Big Valley 2013

Location: Margaret River. WA

Trip Leaders: Martin and Karen Archer. Roger and Janice Freegard.

Participants: 53 Adults and 3 children

12.11.13. to 15.11.13

The arrival of the forward scouting party of the Belchers, Archers and Freegards at the big valley camping site.

This period prior to the arrival of the main group of members on the 16.11.13 was primarily to carry out some pre tripping of the proposed 4WD runs for Saturday.

This decision was soon found to be fortuitous as a large number of the proposed tracks leading to the proposed runs of Boranup Beach and Canebreak Pool , were blocked with fallen trees on the approach routes.

Beaches were also severely eroded making access for beach runs very difficult especially as the expected convoy numbers were expected to be high.

Friday 16.11.13.

Saw the arrival of the main group of members, quickly filling up the site which had increased its capacity both in power and water sites from the early years of the clubs visits.

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The lamb was slowly cooking on the spit during the afternoon whilst members and visitors quickly sorted out all their camping equipment and facilities.

The evening commenced with the lamb being carved by volunteer chefs, Rick, Martin and Jeff. The ladies assembling a fabulous array of salads, pastas, various meats.

Deserts were as good as any top Perth hotel.

The evening was wrapped up with a few beverages and a camp fire get together with visitors and members.

Saturday 17.11.13.

Was yet another fine day in paradise. Those deciding to join the arranged trip were assembled by 9.30am for a pre-trip talk from Martin. The balance of the couples had decided to do their own thing for the day, sightseeing, shopping or just relaxing in the sun.

Seventeen vehicles had decided to join the run for the morning, a short trip through the forest to Cainbreak Pool for Morno’s and /or swim, followed by a track trip through the bush back to the camp.

Unfortunately early into the trip, Glen experienced an electrical problem, the cause of which was not immediately obvious. This resulted in Jeff in his Mitsubishi, almost having to tow Glen in his Toyota back to camp. Fortunately Glen with his expertise of most things electrical soon discovered a severed wire which when replaced proved to be the problem solved. Thanks go to Jeff and Maxine for their valuable assistance in this matter.

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The convoy continued through water and bush hazards that proved to be only a small challenge to most drivers, eventually arriving at Cainbreak Pool. A couple of the members decided to swim with the rest enjoying a quick refreshment break.

The second part of the trip was led by Roger who proceeded through the forest and located a pre tripped long forgotten track. Negotiation of this section was interesting, having an extremely overgrown track for drivers to successfully negotiate.

Fortunately due to his better understanding of Oz Explorer, Roger did not manage to get lost on this trip and arrived back at camp with all members of the convoy present

Saturday evening a quiz night had been arranged by the Freegards. As usual the assembled 7 teams soon entered into the spirit of the game, giving the poor questioner no peace all evening.

A spirited close game ensued with the winners declared as table 6, a table including George, Brett, Julie, Rick, John plus 1 other.

Sunday 18.11.13.

Members who had been participating in the “Hit and Hope” golf completion which took place over the three days , completed their cards for the tournament and submitted to the adjudicator for the male and female winner to be decided.

Lunch was held at Woody Nook Restaurant, a venue successfully used during past visits. The majority of members and visitors attended the function and good food was received by most.

The winners of the golf competition Linda and George were awarded their prizes, with the understanding that their win will ensure handicaps will be drastically reduced next year at this event.

Those travelling back home on this day said their fond farewells to the group and the remainder went back to camp via the chocolate factory, cheese shop or winery for a well earned rest.

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Dowerin 4WD GatheringMalcolm and TrishAfter a longer than expected sojourn with the gracious Brinkleys we were encouraged when to sever the umbilical by holding off leaving until the 4WD Association Meet at Dowerin. And not quite wanting to cut all ties straight away, we set off Friday lunchtime with the Brinkley’s Hilton camper in tow...trying to get them to arrive before midnight.Met Wendy and Guy at the entrance and they showed us to their chosen camp site for the group. Not many people had arrived so there was plenty of choice.

Set about trying to remember how to put up our own Best Western. Just a few months living under a roof and we’d forgotten our CSR routine. The Holbrooks Snr & Jnr had their tents up in no time.

It wasn’t long before the men who’d arrived decided to help Malcolm erect

the Hilton. Wendy and I watched from the sidelines with glasses of wine in hand. Being such a superior camper, the annex and awning took a bit of phiffing and phaffing to get the right? poles into the right? places but they soon had it looking like it was supposed to.. they thought.

A certain couple were pleasantly surprised to arrive after dark and find the erecting had been done. ‘After Dark’ being the key phrase here as the wonkiness of the annex wasn’t quite so obvious.

Saturday morning we watched a few of the more serious off roaders test out their locked and lifted vehicles on the specially made course, before heading off on an organised tour of the wheat belt area.

A well done day trip, but I reckon the club that trip leader Alastair belongs to, might need a few tips on entertaining! By 1:00pm the stomachs in the Brinkley car (all four of us) were growling so loud I thought we had a tiger in the back with us. I’m glad the Mitsubishi Club recognizes that the mornos and lunch stops are just as important as the sightseeing and driving.

Thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend and hope it becomes and annual event. Just a few tweaks needed here and there.

Another note: John Snr informed me we had been renamed the Homeless Harrisons seeing as how we have rented out our house and have now started our lonnnnggg trip to just about everywhere.Love the name but as it is too long to type out we have shortened it to the Harrison Hobos for when we send a short blog for the “Where are they now” segment at the monthly meetings. Also will upload photos to Facebook. Would love to hear from any of you, anytime, so emails and Facebook comments will be welcomed. Will be trying to keep my blog updated this time and if any of you are out there too... contact us and see if maybe we just might be near a spot to meet up with you.

Trish Harrison

Fly Season !Sick of looking through a haze? Still forgetting you’re wearing a fly net and thoughtlessly try to feed yourself through the net? Be free. Use Nature’s Botanical: Rosemary and Cedarwood Creme . Essences in a natural Olive oil base.Some will be available through the Club shop for any who missed out on

the recent bulk buy.Tips: Don’t slather it on. It’s not like sunscreen. 120gm jar can be about a year’s supply Can use it on your pets too. Vets use the creme on animals to stop their ears being stung. Plus the rosemary has a healing factor.

AN INVITATION FROM 4WD QLD4WD Qld FICU committee has had inquiries from associated clubs outside of Qld as to whether other state clubs can participate in our cleanup event.We don’t see any issue with this and moreso encourage as many clubs aspossible to be involved. The clubs will need to be associated with their state organisation and have their own PL insurance.Expressions of interest will be sent out later this month to get rough numbers for planning purposes and we would like to extend this invitation to outside clubs.I would welcome clubs from other states to come along and work alongside Qld clubs to help this national icon.This years event will be much like previous years, with QPWS (Qld Parks & Wildlife) directing & supporting us.Costs will be similar also, with discounted barges, Free camping & 4wdingpermits for the duration of the 4 day event. We are looking at a minor registration fee ($5) for each vehicle, which will help towards the free thankyou dinner.

ABOVE: What I wantBELOW: What I will most likely end up with!

http://www.4wdqld.com.au/fraser-island-cleanup.html

There is also the possibility of extending this if volunteers wish to participate in additional weeding programs.Further information will be distributed as the event nears and planning with QPWS has been formalised.The cleanup event usually takes a few hours in the morning which leaves the remainder of the time to explore, socialise or chill out on the beach.This is great opportunity to see our beautiful island and help keep it that way.

http://www.4wdqld.com.au/fraser-island-cleanup.html

Date of this event is 23rd-26th May 2014.

Could the state associations please list this event with your clubs.Any queries contact me as below.Thanks

Change to Policies and Procedures

Policy 20 – Visitors

At the Management Committee meeting on November 20th the above policy of the P&P was amended to read as follows:

1. As a member of the WA 4 WD Association Inc (WA4WDA) we welcome members of other clubs to attend any general meeting of the club

2. A member of another Australian 4WD Club, upon recommendation of the visiting member’s home club, may attend a club trip by invitation of the Trip Leader.

3. A prospective member, or visitor, may attend any general meeting of the club.

4. Prior to nominating for attendance at any club trip or event, a prospective member or visitor must register their details with the Membership Officer and have attended at least one general meeting of the club.

5. A registered visitor may only attend club trips that do not exceed one day in duration

The two significant differences to the previous policy are:

§No visitor will be allowed to attend a trip without first coming to a general meeting and,

§A visitor is restricted to day trips only

The intent of the amendment is to provide a more efficient method of assessing the suitability of a visitor and their vehicle for attendance on club trips. First of all, a visitor must attend a general meeting, and register as a visitor with the club. Only after this registration process will a visitor be allowed to nominate for attendance on a club trip, and then only for a day trip. There will be increased opportunity for a Trip Leader to have a discussion with a registered visitor about the trip, It clearly means that a visitor may no longer just turn up at the trip meeting point and expect to be allowed to participate on a trip.

A reminder here that Trip Leaders are under no obligation whatsoever to allow visitors to attend a trip. All Trip Leaders have the absolute discretion as to who attends a particular trip, and this applies to members as well as to visitors.

If any member, or visitor, is unsure of how this amendment will affect their participation in any club event please refer your query to either myself or to John King, the Club Secretary, for further explanation.

Peter Cole

President

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