Cup Week in Rochester and Surrounds.
On Thursday, October 31st Club members met at the Trafalgar weighbridge ready to leave at 9.30 am. Those present were Ian Blake, Alan and Helen MacRae, Jan and Collette Parniak, Alan and Tonee Harlow, John and Heather Kerr and Ross and Sue Howell. Members weighed their vehicles and caravans before leaving.
Morning tea was at Officer, and then we had an uneventful trip through the tunnel. Next stop was for lunch at Heathcote, and it was then on to Rochester where we arrived at around 3.30 and set up camp. Sue and Ken Markham had arrived the previous day and were relaxing under their awning when we arrived “en masse” to disturb their tranquil afternoon.
Friday, 1 November 2024
After our long journey yesterday, we were keen to see the highlights of Rochester. The town had been devastated two years earlier by massive flood waters which swept throughout the town causing substantial damage. Some residents are still living in caravans, and we noted several empty houses that were obviously abandoned due to the damage.
Our first stop was at the Rochester Historical and Pioneer Society where the volunteer staff showed us around the internal and external displays followed by a lovely morning tea of scones and tea and coffee. The displays were very well put together and orderly. Thanks to our friendly hosts.
Our second stop was at the Graincorp Silos. The concrete silo was built in 1941 during the Second World war and the steel silo in 1954. Artwork was designed and completed by Australian artist Jimmy D’Vate. The artwork consists of the threatened Squirrel Glider, an Azure Kingfisher eating a Yellow Belly fish and a Platypus with the most amazing eyes. The paintings were truly magnificent.
Our next stop was at Rotary Park where there were various wood carvings, a book exchange, a large windmill and play equipment for children.
We then visited Iddles Lane named after the local Iddles family whose son, Ron, was a well-known and highly decorated Victorian homicide detective who in retirement hosted the TV series The Good Cop. The laneway featured caricatures of the Iddles family and stories. Ron – “the three most important gifts our parents gave us were a moral compass, a set of values and a work ethic.” Ron’s 6 P’s – Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Ron has a twin brother, Barry, who is a chef.
It was time for lunch, so we visited the Rochester Bakery and enjoyed our meal sitting in the park next door.
After that we went to the Sports Museum at the local railway station where we were treated to a fine display of sporting memorabilia. The late John Forbes (ex Mitiamo) donated his huge collection to the Museum. The most famous son of Rochester was the incredible cyclist, Sir Hubert Opperman, whose statue is located across from the Sports Museum. we then headed back to the caravan park for refreshments.
Saturday 2nd, November 2024
Alan MacRae had organised a morning on the PS Pevensey Paddle Steamer disembarking at the Port of Echuca. To ensure we all arrived on time, we enjoyed breakfast at Echuca. Johnny and Lyle’s was chosen for its variety of breakfast dishes on the menu. We all enjoyed breakfast in the garden. Chilli scrambled eggs, Eggs Benedict or Florentine, some had the traditional Eggs and Bacon, or a little spontaneity with Pancakes and caramel sauce. Regardless of what was offered all 14 members enjoyed their meal. As we departed there was a line up along the footpath of patrons waiting for a table. Lucky we prebooked and came early.
The Paddle steamer awaited being the first boarding for the day. It was a perfect day; blue skies and sunshine. The ladies chose the haybale promenade, while the fellows marvelled at the steam engine and its powerplant of yesteryear. Smooth sailing to the rhythmic engine as the paddles propelled us along. A little window allowed an observation point for the enormous paddle wheel, nearby we had easy access to the engine chugging along, safely behind rails.
Following our steamer journey, we enjoyed time to wander around the city of Echuca and the many varied art, craft, apothecary, camping and boutique wine outlets. A few of us had purchases already on our list while others found artwork to suit their home. We had a preset time and rendezvous back at the Port visitor centre to then set off for the next organised attraction. The next would be the Suspension bridge, which wasn’t wobbly enough for some and then follow the leader to the Aussie Beer Shed. A private collection of beer and Australiana memorabilia. After a brief introduction to various exhibits, we were left to explore by ourselves. Admittance included a cool drink and a stubby holder. The exhibitions were varied, but the walls were filled with cans of beer from around the world. Members reminisced on past items that we used during our childhood or reminded us of our grandparents’ homes. A little worrying to find items in a museum that we still use presently in our homes. Feeling old anyone?
Special attention was paid to the farm implements and the holden car collection in the outside shed. Reminiscing of past years spent in the back of the family holden sedan or wagon and the stories these vehicles evoked.
We had an evening meal booking at the Rochester Hotel, so the convoy departed Echuca and headed back to the park to prepare for tea.
The Rochester Hotel had a variety of reasonably sized and value priced meals, and the owner joined us for a brief chat regarding the recent floods, milk factory closure and family tragedy. He gave the group a few bottles of wine he had acquired from his brother for us to enjoy.
The night concluded after enjoying good food, good service and good company, what more do you need to finish an eventful day and settle into bed for the night. Bex and a hot water bottle maybe?
Sunday, November 3rd
On a beautiful, sunny and warm morning we all left the Rochester CP and travelled SE to Colbinabbin silo art display. The artist, Tim Bowtell, a local graphic designer, has a gift for visual arts. Tim became actively involved in local community arts projects, and he has a strong message with his artworks, as his painting gets a much wider audience than in an art gallery. The art on the silos depict life in the early history of Colbinabbin and the grain industry. We all progressed to the community general store for a morning coffee & cake for some. With a lot of talking, we were in no hurry to move. The men were “drooling” over a magnificently kept, royal blue, Mk2 Jaguar with tan upholstery. The temperature was rising nicely and a few were caught without a hat. Following morning tea we travelled Nth towards Girgarre where we came to the Waranga Gardens and cafe. After a lovely lunch we walked around the spacious gardens of native plants and trees. These gardens seemed to be in the middle of nowhere in a paddock, but very artistically done. Due to the rising temperature we decided to travel back to Rochester and visit the rest of the places on the itinerary another day. A well-earned happy hour in the shade followed our trip home to the CP.
Monday November 4th
It was a day for doing our own thing. Nominally a rest day, but there was still plenty of activity. Sue, Ken and Ian returned to Echuca to complete unfinished business in the town and to visit a vehicle museum. Some took a walk along the river and had coffee in town. The catering team for Tuesday went grocery shopping for our Cup lunch, and others prepared desserts. Ross went fishing, but there were no fish cooked for dinner that night. Alan and Helen met up with friends who had been long term residents of Rochester for 17 years prior to their move to Bendigo in the 90’s and revisited the Hotel where we had our meal on Saturday evening. As was the norm, a chat, nibbles and drinks led us into dinner, and the lead up to our always exciting and successful Cup Day adventures.
Tuesday, November 5th
Our day began with our troupe of happy campers setting off together at 9am for a walk along the Campaspe River and into town for a coffee, then back to camp to prepare for the big event.
The weather was wonderful and warm, and Heather Kerr had our nourishment in hand (with help from Sue Howell, Helen MacRae, Colette Parniak, and Sue Markham), and Alan Harlow was once again delving into wallets to ensure a fun and exciting cup sweep.
Only one horse 🐎 was available for auction this year and John Kerr was the successful bidder. John was given the privilege of choosing a horse for the sweep before the rest were drawn. Unfortunately for John, it was unable to live up to his expectations and our lucky winner was Jan Parniak, collecting $80.00 thanks to No 11 Knight’s Choice. Second place getter had been drawn by Colette Parniak, winning her $50.00, with third place delivering $35.00 back to Alan MacRae.
Congratulations to our lucky punters.
Following our fabulous lunch and the excitement of the big race, many of us rested up prior to the now traditional cup day quiz.
At 5.30 we gathered into 3 teams of 4, and Sue Markham presented her quiz questions. Kudos to Sue for a fantastic job, and really testing our grey matter! The winning team was comprised of Helen MacRae, John Kerr, Ken Markham, and Colette Parniak.
A late dinner of lovely leftovers was followed by a gather around a campfire. Alan Harlow with his trusty boom speaker and Spotify App, played song requests from each person in turn, which saw the close to most enjoyable day.
Wednesday, November 6th
We left at 10am from caravan park camp kitchen, heading towards Lockington. The Living Heritage Complex was closed as well as Ciurleos ice cream and waffle house.
Our next port of call was Mitiamo for morning coffee at the general store, followed by a drive into Terrick Terrick National Park. In the National Park we climbed a massive rock formation which had a 360-degree view of the surroundings. It was very windy and cool on the top of the rock.
Leaving the National Park we headed to view Bernie’s Shed, where the only thing left of the homestead was the brick chimney. On the property was an open shed with painted murals inside. Looks like this location was used by schools as there were children’s drawings on the notice board. Leaving there on dusty road we headed to the town of Pyramid Hill for lunch. The Pyramid really stood out on the vast plain. If it wasn’t for the grassy landscape, you could have imagined yourself being in Egypt. From there we headed back to Rochester arriving back around 2.30pm.
Thursday, November 7th
Time to head towards home. Many thanks Alan for a thoroughly researched and well organised trip, and to all participants who made it a great week.
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