The day showed every sign of remaining sunny so it was 
decided to take the 1934 Lagonda Rapier. Running late as 
usual we arrived at the Stamford Hotel 5 minutes after the 
appointed time, however 10 minutes before the nominated 
departure time. Here we met up with Graham McBain and 
friends in the ’39 Mercury, Greg and Marilyn Cohen in the 
’33 Dodge, Les and Pauline Standing in the ’32 Austin and 
travelling modern were Keith and Sheila Shugg, Fred and 
Valda Lubbe, Ray and Ruth Paterson, Fred and Loris Elliot 
and Albert Briffa and Peggy Plaice.

A driver briefing was held and I was nominated lead car and 
we discussed the route to get us to Yarra Glen. Fred Lubbe 
our illustrious Club Captain was heard to say "We’ll STOP 
and RE-GROUP at Yarra Glen." 

At 10:00 hours on the dot we departed travelling as slowly 
as the traffic would allow via Stud Road, FerntreeGully 
Road, Burwood Highway and Dorset Road. When turning right 
into Boronia Road we got the first panic stricken Mobile 
Phone call "We got separated, where are you?" We slowed 
down even more and continued via Dorset Road, Colchester 
Road, Canterbury Road, Hull Road, Victoria Road past the 
Lillydale airport to Yarra Glen where we finally stopped
to re-group.  

Here we were stopped by Keith Shugg (how did he get ahead 
of us???)and met up with Brenda and Peter Chessum in the 
’34 Chevrolet, Pat and Peter Grogan in the ’34 Dodge, 
Grace and Ron Hickmott in the ’38 Dodge, Myra and Sam Capes
in the ’47 De Soto and Sue and David Pater modern. Missing 
is the Club Captain and two of his intrepid followers. 
I tried to ring Fred on his mobile number to be told this 
number is not connected, I tried to ring the last answered 
call on my mobile but I’m still mobile illiterate. Next 
panic driven call is from Fred "Where are you? We’re at 
Sugar Loaf Reservoir". Amongst much laughter I asked, 
"What happened to STOP and RE-Group at Yarra Glen?"

At the appointed time to leave Yarra Glen 11.20am (Stan’s 
idea of precision) we departed for Sugarloaf Reservoir 
leaving a few caffeine lovers to exclaim, "What about a 
cappuccino?" Sue and David headed for the local Sunday 
Market to see if there were any bargains and the rest of 
us joined the Club Captain at the lunch spot past the 
"dam" wall. I asked Fred not to use such language over 
the mobile service, but I don’t think he heard me. 

The lunch spot was perfect and the dark cloud that 
dropped twenty spots of rain on our cars earlier moved 
aside for a glorious sunny day. We had great facilities, 
clean close toilets and plenty of shelter if the weather 
decided to change. Barney did his best to look like a 
wombat when it was discovered that dogs were not allowed 
and settled for being leashed for the duration. An 
enjoyable picnic lunch was partaken by all and some 
walked off the calories before returning home at their 
leisure. 

A great day, pleasant company, perfect weather and an 
array of 1930’s vehicles that attracted an admiring 
look from the visitors to Sugar Loaf Reservoir on that 
3 June Sunday.

The Right of Reply

We started the day by meeting at the Stamford car park in 
Rowville with the normal pre run chats, checking on what 
the weather may do,before departing in convoy for a re-
grouping at Yarra Glen. Then proceeding in convoy on to 
Sugarloaf Dam. 

Travelling through the outer suburbs towards Lilydale we 
struck some roadworks ( on a Sunday would you believe. 
Plenty of overtime for the asphalters.) With hindsight 
this is where the group separated into two and the rear 
group arrived at Yarra Glen before the front group. 
Assuming the first group had proceeded on, the rear group 
continued on to the dam only to find that the others had 
not arrived. Thanks to modern technology, a call on the 
mobile found the others faithfully waiting at Yarra Glen.

With this sorted out, we eventually all met up at the 
picnic area where there were plenty of free electric 
BBQ'S, tables, and shelter. Fortunately the weather was 
fine and people started to peel off their winter woollies 
in favour of short sleeves. 

The Club cars attracted the attention of one of the rangers 
who came over to admire the vehicles, and upon doing so 
spotted Barney Capes. The ranger came to the conclusion 
that Barney was a dog, and therefore was not permitted 
in the park. After some discussion, and recognising that 
Barney was well behaved he agreed to turn a blind eye to 
Barney being there provided he was not allowed to run 
loose.

After lunch some departed for a tour of the local wineries 
and antique shops, while others went for a stroll around 
part of the dam to take in the beautiful scenery Sugarloaf
has to offer.

The walk also served as a reminder that we are still in 
need of a lot more rain, and the need to conserve water, 
as the water level appeared to be extremely low. 

Over all a great day was had by all.

Fred & Valda Lubbe

In Club Cars attending Sugarloaf Dam run
Peter & Pat Grogan	1934 Dodge Sedan
Ron & Grace Hickmott	1938 Dodge 2 Door
Kevin & Carol Clarence	1934 Lagonda Rapier
Peter & Brenda Chessum	1934 Chevrolet Sedan
Greg & Marilyn Cohen	1933 Dodge Sedan
Les & Pauline Standing	1932 Austin7 Tourer
Graham McBain, Joy Brink,Theo Timmermans and 
	Maria Gamon 	1939 Mercury Sedan

In Special Interest Means Of Transport
Sam & Myra Capes	1947 De Soto

In More Modern Means Of Transport

Albert Briffa & Peg Place
Fred & Lois Elliot
David & Sue Pater
Ray & Ruth Paterson
Keith & Sheila Shugg 
Fred & Valda Lubbe