HISTORY OF OUR CLUB
Early in 1977, founding members Graham O'Neill and Robert Wilkie decided to place an advertisement in the Beaudesert Times to see if there was sufficient interest to form a vintage car club. At the inaugural meeting held at the Beaudesert State School on 11th February, 1977, nineteen (19) enthusiasts attended and four (4) apologies submitted. It was decided to form a Club with
membership open to anyone interested in the restoration and preservation of veteran, vintage and post vintage vehicles whether they own a vehicle or not. An election of officers was held for the ensuing twelve months:
President: Cyril Payne
Vice-President: Robert Wilkie
Secretary: Graham O'Neill
Treasurer: Graeme Bigalla
Club Patron: Merv Lahey
Dating Officer: Ray Ducat
Rally Director: Ron Toy
Social Director: Lynn Payne
Others present at the inaugural meeting were: Jim Ferguson, Daphne Toy, Bill Horsnell, Byron Payne, Charlie Falkenhagen, Neville Falkenhagen, Bob Arthy, Robert Arthy, Percy Arthy, Glen Payne, Terry Power, Brian Nutley, and Ian Lahey. Apologies were recorded from Merv Lahey, Noel Dever, A.Ferguson and Ron Jurgensen. The first Club outing was with the Austin 7 Club on 20th February, 1977, when a barbeque and picnic run was held. The Club had its first Show Display at the Beaudesert Show in September, 1977. Terry Moore was the Club's first Auditor and his wife Carol typed up our News Letter in the Club's early days when John Ackers was editor. Our Club Badge was designed and ordered in May, 1978 from badge maker A.J. The first Swap Meet was organised and held in the small area of the Beaudesert Show Grounds known as Side Show Alley on 17th September, 1978. It produced a modest profit of $128.00. Our Swap has grown over the years to the point where 5,000 enthusiasts now attend each year. Since inception the Beaudesert and District Restored Auto Club Inc. has donated a substantial amount to local charities. With the assistance of local Clerk of the Court, Gary Taylor, the Club became an Incorporated Body on 3rd August, 1983 (Certificate No. 144). To encourage participation in Club activities the late Jim Ferguson donated a perpetual trophy during the 1979 year. A points system was devised around attendance at meetings, rallies, etc. to determine a winner each year. Besides its Monthly Meetings, the Club's social activities revolve around its scenic tours throughout the district each month, occasionally venturing beyond the Shire into other areas for extended periods of time. The Beaudesert and District Restored Auto Club Inc., in conjunction with the Veteran and Vintage Chevrolet Association of Australia, hosted the Combined Council Rally in June, 1984. The Rally was based at Kooralbyn on this occasion. Our Club has conducted a major rally each five years by inviting our many friends from similar clubs throughout Queensland and Northern New South Wales. We are most appreciative of their friendship and support. The Club continues to meet on the second Monday night each month (except Dec/Jan) at 8pm in the Beaudesert CWA Hall. Brisbane St.
