AFTER two years of delays due to COVID-19, the Hamilton and District Veteran, Vintage, Classic Driver’s Club are finally celebrating their 50th anniversary with a full day of activities tomorrow.
The club, which has over 160 members, first started in 1970 and offers membership to owners of cars that are at least 25 years old, however, anyone can join as a social member.
Hamilton and District Veteran, Vintage, Classic Driver’s Club secretary, Pam Pollock, said preparations were in full swing for the special occasion, with all members excited to finally be able to hold the event.
“It will be a belated 50th anniversary ... because of Covid we had to put it off,” she said.
“We’ve invited all our inaugural members to come back.
“We have 19 50-year members, with most saying they will attend.”
Ms Pollock said the day would have a 70s style theme as a nod to the decade when the club first began, with attendees requested to dress up and bring afternoon tea matching the theme, such as lamingtons, butterfly cakes, or pavlova.
The fun will begin at 9am with a light breakfast for members at the club rooms on Hiller Lane, followed by a drive through the CBD at 10.30am where locals will get to see the classic cars cruise along the main streets of Hamilton.
After the drive, members will return to the club rooms where they will share stories and socialise before having a barbeque lunch at 12pm, followed by a performance from ‘Footprints in the Custard’ choir who will sing a range of popular songs from the 70s.
A memorial plaque containing all inaugural names will also be unveiled at 2pm by Rita White, followed by a 70s themed afternoon tea.
Hamilton and District Veteran, Vintage, Classic Driver’s Club president, Richard Neaves, said they were hoping to have a range of classic cars on display tomorrow, including Austins, Zephyrs, Mustangs, Chryslers and Commodores.
“There should be quite a wide selection,” he said.
“Anything on four or two wheels is welcome, we don’t discriminate.”
All members of the public are encouraged to admire the classic vehicles as they drive around the CBD or afterwards when they are parked on display at the club rooms.
Each month, the club has a meeting, as well as two drives, where members get together and go on either a full day or half day outing, with recent trips including taking back roads to admire scenery while driving to Port Fairy, Dunkeld and Coleraine.
The Hamilton and District Veteran, Vintage, Classic Driver’s Club always welcome new members.
