Club Profile |
BRIEF
HISTORY OF THE CLUB
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On the 28 November 1999, 18 people answered an advertisement in the local papers in Rockingham, Mandurah and Fremantle and met to discuss the benefits of forming a Mini Club based south of the river. After a little discussion it was decided that we had enough interest to form the Club. The original name decided on was “The Southern Districts Brick Club”. This soon gave way to the “ SOUTHERN DISTRICTS MINI CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA ”. Hence it was born.
During the first year our membership rose to 35 with membership mainly in the Rockingham Mandurah area, although we did have members all over the Metropolitan area from as far south as Busselton and as far north as Wanneroo. It was also during this year that we decided to offer an overseas member an Honorary Membership. Mr P.E. Tan was happy to accept the offer made to him.(More on Mr Tan and his lovely wife later). Some of our functions in the first year included a trip to a couple of wineries, a few mystery runs and treasure hunts, a tri-series challenge against the Mini Car Club of W.A., an AFX day and a couple of displays to finish off a very productive and busy first year. We concluded the year with a BBQ after our very first AGM. It was a very good first year for a club that was on the move.
Our second year saw our membership rise to approximately 60 people. With the word spreading about the great atmosphere and friendship that was becoming a trademark of the club. We continued with the events with one event almost every two weeks. We ventured to Whiteman Park for the Classic Car Show for the first time. We also ventured out to Movie afternoons at Kings Park, tripped down to Qindanning Hotel for a great drive and meal and also trekked to Gin Gin for the British Car Day.
Our third year (2002) saw more of the same. Our membership rose to around 80 members and the events just kept on coming.The Annual Christmas Display and BBQ at Adrian and Christine Vernon's house was getting bigger and bigger with over 25 cars parked around the verge to greet many admirers. Even Santa made an appearance to hand out presents and lollies for the kids. January saw us take to the Estuaries of Mandurah for a River Cruise and a Spot of Wine. Just the start for everyone to get to know each other again after the Christmas Break.
There have been a few events that have highlighted the first few years of the Club, but, in my opinion, one stands out more that any other. During our first year we displayed our cars at the Fremantle Leyland/BMC day. During this display, a Mini Fanatic from Singapore (Tan Pof Eng and Cheun Ling) spoke to our club members and showed a great deal of interest in our cars and our club. It was a very interesting talk and the experience and friendship that was struck on that day has held fast within the club.During the following general meeting, it was decided that we offer Mr and Mrs Tan a Honorary Membership for our Club. They accepted the membership with the same enthusiasm that every member of the club has shown. Even though these members are not able to attend all the meetings or events, they journey across to Western Australia each year and leave a huge impact on all our club members, old and new. They have been treasured members of our club and have been welcomed each year since their first visit.
Our fourth year has seen our membership remain steady. Although the numbers have not increased, the friendship and comradeship of all club members has been a huge bonus for the club. Members know that if they need help, they only need to pick up a phone. This friendly atmosphere is renowned in our club and one that all the people that join our club realise. Listed below are the people that attended the first meeting and also our honour roll since our first meeting.
The first meeting of the club was held at 4 Prevelly Circle Waikiki on 28 November 1999. Those in attendance were: Jim and Joanne Hill, Jenny Philpott, Steve Padley, Laurie Kennedy, Sophia and Peter Clarke, Phillip Bainger, Sean Grey, Andy Humphries, Lindsay Doyle, Alan and Anita Strong, Brian Devey, Andrew Eaton, Adrian and Christine Vernon and Jason Jenkins. (Picture below)
'Jim Hill'
