The Red Baron arrived at my place about 1030 and we departed for a fast trip to St.Arnaud. On entering the town limits I completely missed those fairly obvious VMMA members standing on the main road outside the motel waving to us. We ‘U’ turned and checked into our rooms, in what can be best described as a clean motel with a somewhat picky and grumpy owner. No noise, no party etc etc; obviously this man didn’t know that some people like to enjoy themselves, even a little bit!
Anyway, we all played along like good customers and did what we were told. Once most of the team had arrived we were escorted up to the Master Elects house for a BBQ lunch. Wor Bro Terry McSwain, his wife Ann, and very helpful teenage son Nathan served up a great meal; the highlight of which was undoubtedly the yummy soup. Thanks Ann.
Terry then led us down to the lodge room for our rehearsal; on his immaculately clean BMW. The rehearsal went as planned, and being satisfied with our work (now that sounds a bit Masonic), we returned to the motel for some well earned refreshments. Whilst swapping yarns it was noticed that Viv Cash’s motorbike chain was looking as floppy as a dead snake. To Viv’s amazement, her tool kit was missing from the ducktail of the bike. We duly took charge of the situation, and with tools coming from other bike kits, in no time the chain was tight and all was well.
John Wilson, our Patron, had an idea that we should have at least one bike in the supper room, so Dave Cash was asked to display his very impressive Ducati. We arrived at the lodge at the appointed tyling time of 1830, but not before John (in car) and Dave (on bike) were breath tested in the deserted main street. Once kitted and spurred we were subsequently admitted to do our work, and as usual we performed professionally, and I’m sure to the satisfaction of all present. We left the temple for the adjoining supper room, which was now a busy scene with 15+ chattering ladies and a handful of caterers making final preparations for the banquet. I counted 55 brethren and ladies assembled in the cosy supper room. VMMA members in attendance included: Rob Fisk, David Payne, Chris Wells, Robert van Lunenburg, Terry McSwain (Worshipful Master accompanied by his wife Ann and son Nathan), John and Lois Wilson, Colin Fletcher, Graham and Marilyn Elso, Dennis and Anita Setterfield, Dave and Viv Cash, Dean Lugton, Bob Nichols, George Allen, Rob O’Meara, Brian Sanders, Mal and Lynn Pitcher, and Pedro.
A lovely spit roast was provided, with other tasty treats such as calamari, prawns and BBQ chicken wings available. Food and drink was aplenty and the social chatter was very friendly amongst those assembled. The main meal consisted of yummy roast beef, chicken, and pork, not forgetting the pork crackling and apple sauce (my favourite) and lots of hot veggies. Good to see our Patron (a Past Grand Master) roll up his sleeves to collect plates during the banquet. Some would say he was getting into practice for next Saturday night at Kooweerup when he is to be invested as a Steward of Kooweerup Lodge – yes that’s right, even the past Grand Master is happy to pick up plates and serve. Second and third helpings of the spit roast were had by those not on diets.
During his customary speech as Installing Master, John Wilson called up VMMA members Vivienne and Anita to speak about our charitable work and motorcycling, then the Masters son Nathan to answer a few family questions, and lastly the Masters wife Ann to fill in the final gaps about Terry. John concluded by encouraging the brethren to give a rousing acknowledgement of the ladies of the Stewart Lodge for their loyal and continuing involvement. A toast was then made to the Master, his wife, and the Stewart Lodge, which was concluded with 3 boisterous cheers interspersed with vigorous stamping of feet. Desserts were then served. It’s not often you get a choice of 4 types – again, all were very nice.
With everyone still eating and relatively quiet, local celebrity Tom Stewart had no difficulty in selling raffle tickets. The merriment was very evident from Chris’s table and much laughter was generated from all sorts of funny and amusing stories. The volume of talk and laughter at times was very loud but it was good to see people from this farming community having fun and enjoying themselves, given the tough times they are experiencing. As usual the VMMA did well in the raffle by securing 3 of the 6 prizes.
The evening finished around 2330 and we returned to the motel. The local Police ‘divi’ van was cruising around town on our departure to the motel, but on this occasion we did not receive an escort. Regardless of the grumpy motel owners warning to be quiet or be kicked out (yeah right!) we gathered in our room (now to be known as the ‘Snake Pit’) for our traditional after installation night caps, and again we were suitably entertained by the Baron until half past midnight.
We awoke at 0630 to the now familiar cries of “Morning Campers”, and accompanied by our new VMMA musical instrument – a cow horn trumpet, acquired in Bright by a well know VMMA character. The early morning check of the bikes whilst wiping off the overnight due discovered that Dennis had a deflated rear tyre on his GTR 1000. We finally managed to get Dennis out of his room to pass on our discovery. Dave and I produced tyre repair kits and went to work on the tyre, with Taxi removing the nail and reaming out the hole, spreading the glue and inserting the plug. I followed up by inflating the tyre with two compressed air cylinders, and all was done – we hoped. An old style truckies breakfast was consumed over the road in the service station roadhouse. After breakfast Dennis further inflated his rear tyre (and reported to me on Monday that he and Anita got home OK and that the plug was holding pressure).
A couple of members decided to go straight home after breakfast whilst the rest of us headed out to Chris and Sharyn’s country hideaway at Moonambel for morning tea and a natter. Jean Nicholls spoilt us by providing her yummy rum balls. Terri and Dean had brought up their dirt bikes so it was an opportunity for members to have a squirt around the paddocks – that is, once they got the DR 600 started! Mal and Lynn Pitcher carefully negotiated the dirt road and track to El Rancho Wells without ripping the exhaust system off their mint condition 1981 Corvette, and joined in the relaxation and conversation, which was occasionally interrupted by the buzzing of the dirt bikes. Around mid morning The Baron and I departed and headed for home. A ring around on Monday confirmed that all had got home OK.
Once again, it is very pleasing to report that we had a fantastic weekend, and we are certainly looking forward to Myrtleford in 5 days time.
Ciao for now, Pedro.
