The future is like a Zombie land at present so nothing will be happening until confirmed so please keep referring to the website for our fortnightly update after the usual meeting date – even if we don’t have a meeting!

Officially the current NSW lockdown is proposed to extend to 28th August with RMYC expected to re open following the easing of lockdown restrictions. However, we must all wait and see – take care.

Next planned General meeting will hopefully be early September (TBA) – to include a tribute to Alastair Browne’s passing – chance for members to add some good stories. We will also have the chance to remember and honour founding member, Bill McMurrich (“Many Kicks”) who passed away suddenly on Monday 12th July. I suspect we may have to wear masks and have distanced seating. RMYC will specify.

AGM ...... hopefully early September (TBA) – Yet another postponement. However, as the current committee have all nominated to continue and as there were no additional nominations for any position, then there will be no change but we still must hold the AGM as planned. Important presentations for Club Member of the Year, Michael Andrews Trophy and this time we have a Life Membership to award. We will express appreciation for the valued contribution that women make in our club, as frequent participants, delightful company and willing workers in club activities. We invite our companions to attend and contribute to the evening with a longer time for après meeting drinks and chat

A novelty auction will be held at our general meeting following our AGM to sell two historic “Pittwater” number plate attachments (auctioned separately) which are new “old stock” and unavailable since 2016. Are you saving up?

Publicity and Communications Officer . As you all know, Our Treasurer, Graeme initiated the redevelopment of our website and the result has been nothing short of astounding and a great benefit to all. We need a member with tech ability to assist with managing our website and some publicity. This is not a big deal – uploads once a fortnight of Minutes and Newsletters, then John Kaye videos on demand and Stay Tuned magazine every two months. VP David does the events.  If you are interested and wish to discuss, please contact me or Graeme.

Stay Tuned magazine is now only available online but can be accessed on any internet capable device such as smart phone or iPad as well as usual computers. Only three members do not have a computer or smart phone and they have been contacted by phone but displayed little interest in gaining access through family or friends.

Membership was 433 as at 30^th June 2021. Membership’s David has persevered with many enquiries and processed 61 new memberships this financial year but disappointed that 21 of those have failed to participate in any of our events. However, we have gained some lovely new members who contribute to our esprit du corps and we are pleased to welcome them.

Vale Ken Daley

Ken (member 651 since June 2016) has recently passed away. His brother, Phil (member 634) has advised us of Ken's sad passing and I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him.

Bill McMurrich (alias, Many Kicks)...contribution from David Rundle - member number 13

We learned this week of the sudden passing of original member number 24.

Bill was one of the very colourful character that this club has produced in its 25 years of operation and many of the older members, especially the motorcyclists will certainly miss his welcoming smile.

Bill was a man of his time with a rugged exterior that encased a warm heart. Dressed in his bike gear he depicted a Biker straight out of Marlon Brando’s gang from “The Wild One” complete with a host of tattoos from his youth.

He was a tough and a good bricklayer to the end. Bill had a wonderful relationship of 19 years with his Thai wife, who adored him.

To those who appreciated his bevy of motorcycles, including older Harleys, Triumph triple, Triumph Bonneville, and his amazing Knucklehead, it was obvious you were looking at the work of a perfectionist who genuinely loved his craft. His painted finish on the motorcycle tanks was truly beautiful.

The nick name “Many Kicks” was related to the kick start lever on the old Harleys that could rebound and lift the heaviest operator into orbit.

Because of the pandemic and traditional Viking style funeral will be impossible, therefore let us take a moment to listen to the last reverberations of his Harley Knucklehead’s exhaust as he disappears into our memory.

Goodbye my friend, ride on.

David 

Bill McMurrich (left)

 

Happy motoring and enjoy your club – your attendance is our measure of success!        

Kerry Benson

President.

With the ongoing changing pandemic situation regarding NSW Government Health Orders, it makes it very difficult to plan with Events. The large car display Events are being regularly postponed, some with new dates locked in, others with new dates to be announced. Others are simply being cancelled.

As we now know, this current lockdown has been extended to end at midnight on 28th August, at this point I am still planning future Events to avoid mass panic organisation (for me!) when we are able to again get together. During these difficult times, it is essential to regularly check the PMEA website for up-to-date information and amendments!

You will need to re-register (RSVP) on the website for a re-scheduled date change Event if you intend going. Please be sure to also fill in your name/s, not just an email address.

Also, a reminder, if you are unable to attend a PMEA Event, please cancel via the website, so that we have accurate numbers and names.

All future PMEA Events will be subject to the current COVID rules at that time.

The Event Calendar has had some major changes, the most important ones being:

We still plan to go ahead with our postponed visit to the Private Italian Car Collection visit at Mortlake/Breakfast Point. I have been working with the organisers regarding date availability, because of it not being able to be scheduled for one of our fortnightly, post meeting runs, the only available date, which has now been confirmed, is Sunday 12th September

Shannons Day 15^th August has been postponed with new date TBA. Existing tickets purchased will be transferred to the new date. PMEA still have some tickets remaining, we will make these available when a new date is announced.

All French Car Day has been rescheduled to Sunday 26^th September. This date is also scheduled to hold the Northern Beaches Car Bike and Truck Festival, however with COVID this Event is still subject to final Northern Beaches Council approval.

Upcoming Events (Subject to Lockdown Orders and other regulations)

Our next planned Sunday run Event was to be to the charming Sandy Bear Café at Clontarf Marina on Sunday 8^th August. This is an OUTDOOR café, with great middle harbour views and a great spot to soak up some winter sunshine. Unfortunately this event is also postponed until further notice.

 

Upcoming PMEA Pre-Paid Events

Pre-paid bookings are now being accepted for All British Day for Sunday 17^th October. EFT $10.00 per vehicle to PMEA BSB 062205 ACC 1046 7182 by the 29^{th of} July to avoid disappointment.

There are limited spaces remaining, the club has secured 30 tickets and 17 are already sold. Currently there are still 13 tickets available. We’d love to see some new members attend with their British vehicles!

BE SURE to also RSVP on the relevant Event page on the website once you have paid your money!!

 

Don’t Forget

New PMEA windscreen banners have been procured, these are available for $25 each, please log-in to the Members section of the website and go to Club Shop where you will find a picture and instructions on how to order. Should you have any difficulties, please contact me directly.

The Michael Andrews Memorial Trophy has concluded for another year. Points are recorded for attendance at every General Meeting and all Events. Now in its third year, again the points were remarkably close right to the very end, and I am pleased to announce that we have a clear winner!

I will be presenting the MAT Trophy to the winner at an upcoming General Meeting, with date to be announced. Please do come along to this meeting when PMEA present this and our other club awards for 2020/2021 and congratulate the winners.

Keep those wheels turning

 

David Cawthorn

Vice President & Events.