Report of VMMA Cystic Fibrosis Victoria & Genetic Support Network of Victoria Ride
Sunday 12th October 2008
This Cystic Fibrosis Victoria and Genetic Support Network of Victoria Ride evolved from the foresight of the Order Of the Eastern Star who invited the VMMA to join them in providing a Charity Ride for members of Cystic Fibrosis Victoria and Genetic Support Network of Victoria (GSNV).
Meeting at Melbourne Zoo and ride briefing prior to departure.
The ride started at the Melbourne Zoo and proceeded to Lilydale Masonic Centre and then a ride through the Dandenong's to the South Eastern Masonic Centre at Keysborough for lunch and then departed back to Melbourne Zoo. Motor cycles and vintage cars were provided as transport for Cystic Fibrosis Victoria and Genetic Support Network of Victoria members.
Cameron has just arrived on the Vincent and a number of VMMA are giving him the VMMA fire.
Larry and Ilona King (VMMA and Order Of The Eastern Star member's) were the main coordinator's between all the groups involved.
The Order Of The Eastern Star were our hosts at the South Eastern Masonic Centre and we thank all involved for the lovely lunch they provided and their wonderful hospitality.
Larry was the main coordinator of this event and is enjoying a very special moment.
Prior to departing the Melbourne Zoo we were able to secure a pillion ride or a vintage car ride for all members of both Cystic Fibrosis and GSNV including their careers, this was an excellent outcome for no one missed out.
The ride from the Melbourne Zoo was a nice mix of corners and straight freeways, traveling down the Eastern freeway to Springvale Rd then onto Reynolds Rd and out the back way to Lilydale Masonic Centre for a short toilet stop for those who needed it, then it was back onto the bikes down Canterbury Rd to Montrose then over the top via Olinda and Ferntree Gully for most of us. Yes some didn’t make it a flat tyre on the nice shiny bike of Richo and Old Faithful the VMMA Mascot the Vincent broke down needing a new spark plug, the rest of the ride continued on without a hitch.
We are all smiles in the car park.
On our arrival at the South Eastern Masonic Centre we were greeted by a large crowd of members from the Order Of The Eastern Star and The Grand Master of the Mark, everyone was made to feel very welcome and all the children were treated to many gifts and lollies.
We were invited into the hall for a cold drink, sausages in bread and a lovely spread of cakes. Then it was down to the nitty gritty a number of speeches and presentations took place, Larry was the MC and spoke of how this event evolved and that the Order of Eastern Star was proud to be the hosts and be involved with the VMMA.
This picture of Red with a very special young person needs no words.
GSNV representative Tallia responded on behalf of the respective organisations and the thank you was absolutely genuine. She invited members of the organisations to speak and to make certificate of appreciation presentations to the Order of Eastern Star Prahran and Kew Chapter's and the VMMA.
Dean was presented with the VMMA certificate of appreciation from Tallia.
It was now time for our and departure back to the Melbourne Zoo, straight down the highway and over the Bolte Bridge where the wind was blowing a gale arriving back to the zoo right on time.
The day comes to an end back at the Melbourne Zoo.
It was time to say goodbye, with huge smiles on everyone’s faces, including the members of the VMMA.
Thank you everyone with your help especially the corner markers as the day couldn’t have been done without you.
This event was a success, achieved its aims and demonstrated what we can do when we work together as one.
Report by Dean
