Motor club draws engine lovers to town
ENGINE lovers streamed into Beechworth last weekend for the annual ‘Drive Back in Time’ run by the town’s Old Cranks Motor Club.
Held in the Police Paddocks on Sunday, organisers estimated more than 175 vehicles had packed out the venue.
Vintage, classic cars, hot rods, old engines and motorbikes that had to be more than 25 years old purred, rumbled and revved into town to be on show in the colourful and shiny line up by owners drawing motor enthusiasts from around the region, the state and interstate .
A number of the club member vehicles were on display in Ford Street too.
Club president Ross Barlow said the club had been delighted with the number of entries this year.
“It’s been a good turnout today with the Police Paddocks full and the event is great for Beechworth,” he said.
“Drive Back in Time is one of the big drawcards to the town with accommodation booked out for the weekend as many people have travelled to the event from far away.
“We had the local Golden Serpent Dragon Boat Club here today to help them promote their sport as well.”
Club secretary Peter Deith said the event had been bigger than last year.
With a 94-strong club membership, he said the growth with members had contributed to more volunteers helping out on the day.
“We have more volunteers here today than we’ve ever had before and if we didn’t have volunteers the event wouldn’t happen at all,” he said.
“It’s a really great turnout, people know about it and they always come back.”
Beechworth’s Howard Moreton, who had three vintage motorbikes on display, said the show and shine is great for town and surrounding area.
“There are more cars here today than I’ve seen before,” he said.
Mr Deith said funds raised from the event go back into the community and help run next year’s event.
With funds raised this year of around $1500 from gold coin entry donations and car entry fees, Mr Deith said most of the money had been donated to the Jack Tolley and Ivy Rose fundraisers.
The tractor run did not take place this year as members had taken their machines to Corowa for a fundraiser to help the Rose family as their little girl has leukemia.
A number of trophies skillfully crafted by Beechworth Men’s Shed members and sponsored by local businesses and other organisations were presented by the mayor Bernard Gaffney to winners of different categories for their prized metal possessions.
“The Men’s Shed does a fantastic job and we will always have them make our trophies,” Mr Deith said.
Midnight Spare’s Terry Collins from Yackandandah entertained the crowd with his old time rock and roll that added to the groovy vibe.
A small number of vehicles joined the cruise around town the day before at 4.30pm where owners honked their horns and waved and to onlookers.
Cr Gaffney said the event had been good for businesses around town.
“It’s good for the local economy and there are so many tourists here today,” he said.