Recent TOUR Reports
TOFS Tour 733
Friday 26 April 2024
The National Motorcycle Museum, Nabiac
(Organised by TOFS MC Sub-group)
TOFS (10): Dave T (351), John M (70), Alan M (228), Dave G (308), Allan E (311), Malc S (359), Graham S (377), Alan M (406), Glenn T (408) and Vic C (414)
It was a grey morning, with a threat of rain and a real feel of autumn, when all the adventurers met up to take to bus on this trip.
A few had “cried-off” earlier and when phone calls were made to missing others, it was discovered that some had forgotten about the trip were still in their pyjamas! In the end 10 discerning members joined in on the trip. We eventually got away about 15 minutes late, but it was only a few minutes’ drive to our first and very important stop for coffee.
Our coffee stop was at the Discovery Park, Darawank, overlooking the river. This caravan park is converting to mainly cabins and looks like it's growing to twice its original size. Thankfully we were able to sit inside as the wind was rather cool. There was the usual banter, but this increased when no-one would admit to ordering latte with honey!
From here it was back on the bus and a ten-minute drive south to Nabiac and the National Motorcycle Museum. The National Motorcycle Museum was initially located in Mitchell, a suburb of Canberra, in 1990. It was started by Brian and Margaret Kelleher, who at this time had been in the motorcycle retail industry for 18 years. A few years later they retired and moved to the Mid North Coast of NSW and built this facility. This museum comes as a bit of a surprise and is very large, housing over 1,000 motorcycles, ranging from the very early 1900's (quite incredible machines) through to the great British motorcycles of the 1920's through to the 60's, such as BSA, Norton, Triumph, Ariel, James, Matchless, AJS, to name a few. It had many of the famous European brands, such as BMW, DKW, Bultaco, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, MV Augusta, as well as HD and Indian from the USA. There was also a large collection of Japanese Bikes (Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha etc.) While some purists will cringe, there was also many scooters from the 60's including Vespa and Lambretta and a collection of mopeds.
While the focus is on motorcycles, there is also a collection of cars, from 1909 through to the sixties. They even have a couple of Goggomobiles (Gee Oh Gee Gee Oh), including a Dart!
As everyone mulled around the museum there were many shouts of “I had one of those when I was in my teens!” and for those who thought they had lived very adventurous (read misspent) teen years, they soon realised that they were not the only ones!
From here it was just around the corner to the Nabiac hotel for lunch. They had several rather good lunches for $12 – great value I would have thought. Listening to the many stories being told about our times with motorcycles, it's a wonder we all survived. A great trip that brought back so many memories and stories.
Soon was back on to the bus and we were back home by 2pm.
For more from this trip see this video from A Monroe, their resident filmmaker.
Link to the museum website https://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.com.au/
Alan M (406)
TOFS TRIP 741
Wednesday 24 April 2024
Fassifern to Toronto Walk
(Organised by TOFS WW Sub-group)
TOFS [20]: JP (27), Denis S (60), Daryl H (65), Bruce K (68), Terry O’H (147), Phil G (154), Rex M (179), Graham L (185), Ron O’H (231), Stuart P (264), Peter M (288), Peter O (348), Gregg B (365), Gary H (366), Paul E (380), Graeme L (392), Don N (400), Rob E (431), David W (434), Bobby T (448).
It is a well-worn observation amongst members that TOFS has taken us to many a place that we have not been before, and to many a place that as individuals we would never have thought of venturing.
And so, the various comments before our walk about “never got off a train at Fassifern before, don’t know anyone who has” was a sure sign that we were breaking new ground.
Fassifern itself is, dare I say it?, a ‘ fassi-nating’ place. No shops, no pub, no TAB, a couple of distant houses. There is a bike rack, a Pay phone, a bus stop, a kiss-and-ride zone, a carpark but no people.
I think it was a sportscaster in Sydney who thought he was being colourful when he described something as ‘like a runaway XPT through Fassifern’. Some realism is added to that witticism when you imagine the speed which a train could generate as it hurtled down the Fassifern Bank, just to the north of the ‘town’. Town?
Conversely, the struggle of steam engines in the past, including Garratts which had to be coupled together, to negotiate the 1 in 40 grade of the Fassifern Bank, hauling up to 1200 tons of coal bound for export from Newcastle, made that section of rail a photography paradise for steam enthusiasts and fanatics.
The Branch line to Toronto, opened in 1891, was a much more sedate affair. Originally privately owned, the track from Fassifern to Toronto was serviced in turn by horse-drawn carriages, a variety of 19th century steam engines, including the aptly named ‘Coffee Pot’, and some steam trams brought up from Sydney.
Maintenance of the track was an issue and deterioration forced the closure of the line in May 1909. Amid a public clamour, the Government stepped in and made the necessary repairs and the line reopened in August 1910.
In the meantime, the Government were building a heavier standard gauge railway along the route, which opened in May 1911, when a through-service to Newcastle was introduced using the available main-line locomotives of the day.
After the electrification of the main northern line to Newcastle in 1984 did not include the branch line, a shuttle service of diesel railmotors ran between Toronto and Fassifern.
Due to declining patronage, the line closed in March 1990.
The corridor was passed over to Lake Macquarie Council in March 1993, which built a cycleway/walkway along the route, opening in June 1996.
This was a gentle stroll of about 4kms along the walkway down to lunch at the historic Toronto Hotel, the walk interrupted only by a photoshoot at a spot called the Wetlands. This otherwise non-descript patch of damp lakeside grass was apparently awarded the Tidy Towns Award in 2007. (The list of candidates must have been short).
The Tour Organiser accepts full responsibility for some late deviations off-course by some members, and perhaps should have doubly stressed that we would “follow the rail line all the way”. Still, all were re-united and enjoyed the refreshments and meals as we gazed over the expanse of Lake Macquarie. I wonder who did win that yacht race?
Thanks to all who attended, especially Gary H (366) whose enthusiasm for Fassifern inspired this outing.
Rex M (179)
TOFS TOUR 744
Monday 15th April 2024
CALLAN PARK GUIDED STROLL
(Organised by TOFS SS)
TOFS (31) : JP 27, Bruce K 68, Michael F 108, James Mc 118, Phil G 154, Graham L 185, Chas H 203, Jim Mc 209, Rod K 226, Ron O’h 231, Paul T 233, Kenn W 243, Stuart P 264, Peter M 288, Colin C 291, David G 342, Dave E 343, Phil B 345, Peter O 348, Frank C 375, Paul E 380, Lyle W 386, Graeme L 392, Don N 400, Jeff G 405, Col C 411, Mike B 426, Rob E 431, David W 434, Bobby T 448, Ron B 446, Laurie G (visitor).
On a perfect autumn morning, thirty-one green capped guys (making up two busloads), assembled at Callan Park looking forward to a leisurely stroll through the grounds. Before doing so we thought it’s appropriate to stand and quietly remember the tragic events of Saturday 13th at Bondi Junction.
Colin C (291) was our guide volunteering his time and knowledge gained working in a senior position at Callan Park in years gone by.
Colin’s tales were both funny and sad and much appreciated especially hearing the finer details of the “ha ha “walls. We were impressed that there still remains a huge green space in the inner west of Sydney. Specialist psychiatrists oversaw the building of the facility (1878-1914) to accommodate the mentally ill. The treatment etc. was extremely harsh even for this period, indeed it is documented that there were many bashings, murders, and rapes. Some tried to escape the gaol like conditions. It was said if one was not insane on entering it was possible to become so.
We realised there is still more to be learned of this complex and all couldn’t be included because of time restraint. Many were keen to revisit and hopefully we can look at another visit in September.
We filled the bus on our way to Railway Square and after a short walk arrived at our luncheon venue, Great Southern Hotel. There we enjoyed great food, drinks and of course conviviality.
Thank you, Colin.
JIM MC 209
TOFS TRIP 743
Thursday 11th April 2024
MOUNTAIN MURDERS WALK, GLENBROOK
(organised by TOFs NM group)
TOFS (16): JP (27), Graham L (185), Keith A (195), Chas H (203), Ron O (231), Stuart P (264), David M (271), Peter McK (288), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Bill R (389), Graeme L (392), Jim E (394), Rob E (431) Neil D (436), Bobby T (448).
Keith H (266) joined us for lunch.
On a beautiful autumn day, 16 TOFs met up at the coffee shop, and then set off on our walk, led by our guide Doug Knowles and his colleague Chris, both volunteers with the Glenbrook Historical Society.
Doug began with a brief outline of the story and filled in all the details as we proceeded.
A brief synopsis of the story is as follows: In 1896, a retired English sea captain, Lee Weller was in Sydney looking for a new adventure, and he replied to an advertisement from Frank Harwood Butler, looking for a partner to go mining out west.
Little did Weller know that Butler was a serial killer. He was thought to have been responsible for the deaths of several miners on the goldfields of Western Australia.
Soon into their trip, Weller was shot dead and buried in a shallow grave. Butler fled by ship to San Francisco, using the name of Lee Weller. Before long the police were on his trail and by some miracle the NSW police were waiting on Butler when he arrived in San Francisco. He was extradited, brought back to Sydney, tried, was found guilty and hanged at Darlinghurst Jail.
For those interested in learning more of this intriguing story, there is a lot of material from newspapers of the time on Trove.
Back to our walk we made our way through the leafy streets of Glenbrook, crossed over the railway bridge, and did some bush bashing until we found the grave site of Lee Weller. Doug had indicated to me that this was an “easy” walk, however we all agreed that he should have pitched it up a bit higher, some scrambling over rocks was required, however, we all survived the trip.
We also examined some rock inscriptions, just about able to be deciphered.
It was soon time to make our way back to Glenbrook Station, stopping for the obligatory group photograph.
Doug is an excellent tour guide and storyteller, and we all enjoyed his enthusiasm for the story.
Lunch at the Red Cow was the usual selection of satisfying meals and enjoyable conversation, before all going our separate ways.
David M (271)
TOFS TOUR 740
Thursday 4th April 2024
COLONIAL CREMORNE POINT
(Organised by TOFS KO)
TOFS (18): Graham L (185), Peter M (288), Paul E (380), Ron O (231), JP (27), Robert E (431), Gregg B (365), Bobby T (448), Phil G (154), Clynt S (69), Peter O (348), Graeme L (392), Bruce K (68), Michael F (108), Daryl H (65), Gary H (366), Richard M (219), Phil B (345).
After coffee at City Extra the group set off on the ferry to Cremorne Point, the clouds coming in from the coast providing a bit of precipitation from time to time, but nothing that an umbrella from The Reject Shop couldn’t handle. We were met at the wharf by our guide, Dr Ian Hoskins the North Sydney Council historian.
Robertson Point lighthouse is named after the recipient of the original land grant of this area – in the same way as Milson and Blue received their allotments further west on the harbour shore. The light is still a part of the system of navigation aids for Sydney Harbour, in the same way as the lights instigated by master mariner Maurice Festu (whose story we have heard on a previous TOFS tour).
The first residential building discussed by Dr Hoskins was the imposing former home of Arthur Whetton, who upon completing his ornate residence promptly added a block of flats at the rear. ‘Montana’ was planned to be a similarly ornate building but at some point during construction it seems the business case dictated otherwise and its decoration was scaled back.
The houses of Cremorne Point display many of the architectural features of the era – high quality bricks with raised pointing, wall-hung shingles, and the half-timbered appearance inspired by housing in Britain. In many cases renovations have been radical, and especially timber windows have been sent to the tip and replaced by something more modern.
A marker along the path outlined the coal mining ideas that were put forward for Cremorne Point, and Dr Hoskins showed pictures of what could have been – what would have certainly been an ugly outcome for such a scenic place. The group then walked upwards to see other architecture including a block of units ‘Narooma’ which was also typical of the era, before heading back to the wharf to make sure we met the bus.
Our bus driver was a jovial and ribald fellow, who fitted much of his philosophy on life into our short journey to Minsky’s at Cremorne Point. Minsky’s is a smart venue with excellent variety in its menu, and it provided a welcome place to enjoy lunch before heading out the bus stop on the way home.
Music for this Tour
The upbeat music for this tour was "Cherie" by the late Ali Farka Toure, featuring his gourd-like guitar or ‘tunga’ with interwoven melodic voices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru0JGaroX-s
Graham L (185)
TOFS Trip No 727
Tuesday, 12th March, 2024
Partners Day Trip - Brisbane Water Ferry Round Trip
(Co-ordinated by TOFS CC)
TOFS [36] : Peter B (32) /Rhonda, Eddie B (93), Peter W (101) /Irene, Ron O’H (231), Andrew M (16) /Barbara, Robert E (431) /Chris, Peter M (155) / Merilyn, Peter Mac K (288), Terry O’H (147) /Julie, Paul E (380) / Sharon, John P (27) / Janice, Phil G (154) /Marie, Chris G (432) /Dianne, Bob S (444) /Anne, Bob B (440), Lyle W (386) /Vicki, Stuart P (264) /Sue, Ron B (446) /Kay, Rex M (179) /Pat, Alan C (294)
PeterW’s Wife, Irene has done this report.
If I had known that I would be asked to do the “Trip Report” I would have taken notes. But, as I didn’t, I hope to get it right.
As we opened our eyes to the day, it was sunny and blue skies. What a great day to go out on the water.
The TOFS guys and lovely partners gathered at Woy Woy wharf at 10.15am. Some stragglers just made it for the photo shoot on the wharf. The ones at the back had to be careful not to start with an early swim. Peter B took the photo without falling from his vantage point. Good job.
We were made very welcome by the chatty, cheerful Captain of the ferry and his assistant. The commentary was informative and fun. The captain asked what TOFS stood for. One of the TOFS guys gave him a ‘naughty’ version. This caused a big laugh. (Later he was given the real meaning).
We got a little history as we moved along the lovely calm waters on the Saratoga ferry. It is a ‘high speed’ ferry but is operated as a ‘slow’ ferry for the regular passengers run to be able to enjoy the beautiful views and scenery.
The land adjacent to the Brisbane Water was occupied for many thousands of years by the Darkinjung Aboriginal people. Brisbane Water was named in 1825 in honour of Sir Thomas Brisbane, a Governor of New South Wales between 1820 and 1825.
Early activities included the growing of sugar cane and bananas, timber and ship building was a very important part of Brisbane Water. The logs were floated down the water way from Woy Woy area to South Kincumber where big ships were built and there was a thriving industry for many years.
The area today is largely given to fishing and tourism, and a large proportion of the rapidly growing population commute daily to Sydney. The RIP Bridge (opened in 1974) crosses Brisbane Water National Park and Bouddi National Park are nearby. As we live in the area, very near Brisbane Water, it was so nice to see it from a different perspective. The trip was well worth it, just to spend time on the water on a beautiful sunny day and get a great view of the Mangroves, boats, Pelicans and interesting properties. When we arrived back at Woy Woy, we all made our way off the ferry and a short stroll to Woy Woy Hotel’s Pelican Bistro for a much needed drink and lunch. Some tables were noisier than others, but everyone seemed to enjoy the day and their lunch.
Irene W (Peter W ‘s Wife) (101)
TOFS Trip 725
(23.02.24
10 Pin Bowling, Forster
(Organised By TOFS MC)
TOFS MC (20): Lee M (423), John M (70), Ray M (229), Norm MS (306), Kevin H (324), Peter W (326), Vic V (329), Doug F (333), Peter T (352), Ian C (376), Tom H (393), Albert K (403), Alan M(406), Ray L (407), Kit C (415), Alan J (416) and Bob B (418), Bob C (334), John W (338), Vic C (414)
Friday 23rd February started out much like any other Friday at Halliday Shores except for one thing. Today, a new Tiger Woods of Tenpin Bowling would be crowned. As you can imagine, the atmosphere around the Shores Club was electrifying as this bunch of TOFS (some called them Old TOFERS) limbered up by comparing the severity of their aches and pains as they jostled for the best seating positions on the bus.
After a short departure delay, while Lee (our trusty driver on the day) worked out how to close the automatic bus door, we were off with the speed of a startled gazelle toward the Forster Entertainment Centre. Everything was going swimmingly until our driver exclaimed in a loud voice, “Does anyone know where the hell the bowling alley is?” It was then we discovered there was over two thousand different ways to get there in the quickest possible time as all the GPS experts on the bus threw in there two bobs worth.
Arriving at our destination, the TOFS could be seen nervously milling around the bowling ball racks like a bunch of young colts about to experience their maiden race start, as they meticulously selected the exact bowling ball that would win them the inaugural trophy and bragging rights for a whole year.
“Let the games begin!” cried John M, our fearless leader, and so the games began. The players pelted the pins with a barrage of bowling balls that thundered down the alleys like a tropical deluge, toward victory and the coveted trophy donated by Ross the Manager, which was A DELICIOUS CHERRY RIPE CHOCOLATE!
Well, they rolled ‘em down the gutters, they rolled ‘em down the lanes, they even rolled some of ‘em down the carpet in the wrong direction, but they rolled ‘em! not giving a second thought to how they would pull up the next day.
EDITORS NOTE:
One of our esteemed members, and renowned video cameraman, Alan M (406), was busy on the day, not only showing all how it was done, but recording a lot of the action. After considerable editing, Alan commented; “Can't help myself. Here's a short fun one"....his 3 minute video can be viewed by clicking;
OK, back to the day:
Even though there can only be one over-all winner, which in this case was young Ray L, it was evident by the exhausted looks on the tattered TOFS faces that everyone had a great time and were all winners on the day.
After a quick muster and head count it was back on the bus and off to Bukos Bistro at the Forster Golf Club where we enjoyed a great selection of dining options from their quite versatile a la carte menu, washed down with some very welcome chilled liquid refreshments. This is always the time where we all get to know each other a little better as we collectively solve the problems of the world whilst stimulating our endorphins with tall stories and unrestrained laughter. At our table we went back in time swapping stories of when we were kids and all the things you could buy for under a zack 😊
Needless to say, during Happy Hour that night many an exaggerated account of individual outstanding performances was heard, matched only by some lame excuses for “why I rolled so many into the gutter” 😊
Bragging Rights;
Here are the stats for the best of 2 games.
The top 5 scores for a single game were:
1) Ray L 128
2) Vic C 120
3) Vic N 114
4) Alan M 109
5) Lee M 106
Winning Team with a combined score of 392
Ray L
Vic C
Alan M
Tom H
The winner of one of the most coveted titles;
Most gutters of the day;
Bob B (418), who played with John M, Peter W & Doug F.
Cheers,
Vic C (414)
