St Helens Combined Chapter Rally February 2007

To understand the origin of the Combined Tasmanian Chapter's Rally we need to revisit the late 90's, during this period there was only one Chapter of the C.M.C.A. operating in the State of Tasmania, that being the Island Wanderers. The Committee of that time was finding it increasingly more difficult to locate suitable venues for Rally's due to the large number of members attending. So, the Blue Gum Rovers Chapter was formed in the southern region of the State and to some extent that relieved the situation. As numbers again grew the Van Demons Chapter was formed in the north-west region of the State. Since then the Overlanders Chapter and Dalrymple Drifters Chapter have also been formed.
Each year a Chapter takes the responsibility to arrange a Combined Chapters Rally in their region, to allow all Chapter's to come together to renew old friendships and enjoy social interaction. This year the Island Wanderers Chapter had the responsibility to co-ordinate the Rally.
In early years the numbers at such a rally were approximately 150 and slowly growing. With the five Chapters coming together this year the amount of Motorhomes, Campervan's and 5th Wheelers totaled 355, which includes interstate members of the C.M.C.A.
As the Combined Chapter Rally's grow; so does the infrastructure required to bring about a successful Rally, We are fortunate that the township of St Helens embraced us and the Break O' Day Shire Council supported and sponsored the Island Wanderers in their endeavours. We were to name this Rally "The Friendly Rally" and took the decision to go back to "basics" with plenty of entertainment, thus the only power available was for general office use and Medical Power. We set aside areas for generators and those who were able to use Solar Power and of course an area for the larger Motorhomes, 5th Wheelers and trailers etc.


St Helens Sports Complex prior to Rally	Georges Bay, St Helens and Sports Complex Photograph by Gary Richardson

Volunteers from the Island Wanderers arrived on site on the Sunday & Monday prior to the Rally, primed with the task of preparing the sports complex for the first arrivals on the Thursday the 22nd. We parked willy nilly in the first instance for Graeme, along with his team, needed to measure and mark out the parking bays, given this it wasn't long before the site became a hive of activity.


Loaded up for the Rally	Laying out the Marquee	Brian driving pegs for Marquee

Out came the Marquee and it was duly laid out and the task of hammering in the car axles and pegs was undertaken by Mick and Brian with the rest of us laying out the poles and then up it went, next was "Bee Haven" which was somewhat overshadowed by the Marquee. Both structures were joined together to make one continuous shelter. Then time for a cuppa and then place the sides around the two structures to act as a wind break. We had chosen this period in February for it is normally the most stable and and sunny.


"Bee Haven completed"	larger than normal "Bee Haven"	Graeme marking out parking bays

Unfortunately, this was not the case and we had showers and overcast weather before the sun broke through in the afternoon, after lunch the ladies gathered for the onerous task of filling the Rally Bags with all the material and rally programme for distribution to the Rally attendees. Then it was time for happy hour and it was obvious that quite a few were happy to relax and take in the friendship in large doses, it was noticeable that many retired for the night reasonably early for it had been a hectic day.


Production line in action	Loading the Rally Bags	Completed Rally Bags

Wednesday dawned very foggy which had made the ground wet, there was a continuous stream of attendees making their way to the showers and at nine the office persons and other groups met again to discuss their responsibilities. At 10am all volunteers on site made their way to the office to pay their Rally fees, this gave the office volunteers an opportunity to test the procedures that they had put in place. Of course it went off like a charm so we are looking forward to the many interstate and intrastate members arriving on Thursday.


Manning the Office	Preparing the raffle prizes

Our un motorised Motorhome arrived on site and was quickly set up as the first aid and security office, our raffle girls were busy checking the prizes and getting ready for the sale of tickets the proceeds all going to the cancer council "Relay for Life" Island Wanderers Project. This raffle ultimately raised $2200 for the project and along with a donation from the rally surplus took the final figure raised by the Island Wanderers Chapter for the cancer council "Relay for Life" to $14000.00
Before we knew it happy hour had arrived so we settled in once again to enjoy ourselves.
Thursday dawned overcast though there was no threat of rain and the gates had to be opened earlier than advertised for motorhomes were blocking the highway right down into the town centre. Within an hour the motorhomes were processed by our efficient office staff and parked up quickly by our parkoligists thus the road blockage was removed.


Jim & Brian on patrol	Parking the large motorhomes and 5th Wheelers

During the afternoon a Satellite television demonstration was held in the Football rooms and was well attended, there were many questions as to the service available and where to buy the necessary bits and pieces to get on line. During a wind squall one of the satellite dishes fell over, which was convenient for it allowed the organisers to give a demonstration on how easy and quick it was to get onto the appropriate satellite signal.
In evening we had our home grown Country and Western night which was well attended, the entertainment was very much applauded and especially the skit " Can I drive the tractor dad" performed by Judy & Graeme of the Island Wanderers. There was much applause and plenty of laughter. Already the signs of this being a successful rally were appearing, judged on the various conversations taking place.


Smiley Bus's in action	Participants in the Craft "Paper Tole Cards" class

Friday and most rally attendees were on site with only 60 more expected during the day as they finished their work commitments, the morning saw the Smiley bus's commuting every half hour into the village central, which would occur for the duration of the rally. St Helens a holiday destination has had its economy devastated by the wildfire that went through some sections of the municipality which had a terrible effect on the community. This rally would assist in healing the devastation that took place.
During the afternoon the ladies were engrossed with their craft classes with so many differing types of craft, such as Paper Tole, Beading, Patchwork, Crochet, Ribbon Pansies, Ribbon Punch embroidery and Bees Wax Painting. Being so popular it extended into each day with the last class being held on Monday morning. There were more than 100 participants daily, a real credit to the team leader Kaye and her band of helpers.


Rally co-ordinator Jim, Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Peter and Mayor of Break O' Day Municipality Mr Robert Legge	Attentive audience at official opening by the Mayor of Break O' Day Council

Our happy hour was as usual great with tickets being sold for "Relay for Life" and much laughter and meeting friends from past years travelling, was well on the menu. Redman Motorhomes of Exeter donated $1000.00 to the Island Wanderers "Relay for Life" fund which was met with much applause.
We had the privilege of having the Mayor of the Break O' Day Municipality officially open our Combined Tasmanian Chapters Rally and during his opening speech indicated that he was amazed at the size of the Rally and the different shapes and sizes of the campervans and motorhomes. The Mayor gave special mention to the effect this Rally would have on assisting the recovery of the municipality and wished all participants a wonderful time though he had no hold over the weather conditions. Peter Paulson represented the St Helens Chamber of Commerce and the St Helens Tourism body and also welcomed us and hoped that we enjoyed the time spent in the area.
A Grocery Bingo evening was held in the football rooms who had a special licence for the occasion. It was well attended and it was eyes down at 7.30 pm and went well into the night with all satisfied with the nights entertainment.
Many on site who did not attend the Bingo went out in the Smiley Bus's to the various eatery's in the town which greeted members with a smile and served up good meals, we were to hear no complaints about service, quality or quantity.


Disc Bowls Committee	Van Demons awaiting the competition

Rain was experienced during the early morning hours of Saturday though it cleared away to overcast skies which allowed the Disc Bowls to go ahead. Now here is a competition which is conducted with much fervour to the point of rules being upheld to the highest standard as the Chapters compete for the perpetual shield. The shield has been held by the Blue Gum Rovers Chapter on more occasions than other Chapters and as Chapters improve their game the chance of them loosing their grip on the shield is nearing, they may have won again this year on a count back. The Island Wanderers were the runners up.


Blue Gum Rovers	Overlanders in action

Our happy hour was another well attended function and the Sheriff was in full flight admonishing many for alleged misdemeanours to much laughter, however on this occasion he was caught out for he felt that no one knew about his birthday so after much shiacking a hearty rendition of happy birthday could be heard across the rally grounds. Though, the Sheriff was not happy with the rendition and demanded it be sung again, so with much laughter it was sung again though on this occasion "why he born at all" followed, to much laughter. Chapter skits was be the evenings entertainment so all went off for their evening meal with the office closed and the Smiley Bus's not running this evening, other than to convey people from the outlying park up areas.


Peter receiving his prize from Denis	"Uncle" Dick announcing Raffle winners

The weather was to deteriorate with showers being the order of the evening, the chapter skits are a very important section of the entertainment calendar. Come hell or high water they go ahead and given that there was not a building large enough to house all attendees a Marquee and "Bee Haven" joined together formed the shelter with a few hardy souls taking front seats all rugged up in wet weather gear.


Dalrymple Drifters in action	Blue Gum Rovers singing their Chapter song

The skits were a real hoot with so much laughter that there was not a dry eye in the house, so to speak. The men in shorts only showed grit and determination to pull their act off for they must surely have been feeling the effects of the showers and cold weather.


Van Demons skit	Van Demons in action

All the acts were performed on the tray of a pantech truck which unfortunately did not keep the weather completely out, our music man Allan and his good wife Annette were to operate their electronic equipment out of a tent erected on the rear of small music van.
Again the resilience of the the CMCA family came to the fore and all problems were overcome thus ensuring a wonderful evenings entertainment for all.


Overlanders high kicking	Island Wanderers hobo skit


Island Wanderers finding help for Madge	Security people resting after skit night

The Binalong Bay Fire Brigade were to supply our security whilst the evenings entertainment was underway; making sure that all motorhomes and their environs were completely safe and they did a wonderful job, though it was noted they now and again checked out the entertainment area. After the skits finished many went onto to the Football club rooms to catch up with the football played in the AFL on television and wind down the adrenalin rush from all the laughter and good humour that was the order of the night.


Relaxing in the football club	Poets Breakfast

We awoke on the Sunday morning to beautiful sunny weather without a cloud in the sky a complete change around from last night. At 8.30 am the Poets Breakfast was held and was well attended with many different versions of Banjo Patterson and the like being performed, there was certainly plenty of poetry written by rally attendees. It was so good that it went right up the members market.
Members set up their stalls at around 11am and there was a continual stream of CMCA members on site buying all sorts of goodies with a brisk trade reported.
Public open day started at 12.30 pm with the local St Helens Hospital Auxiliary manning the gates receiving a gold coin for their ongoing work, they were very pleased with monies raised. Many of our members opened up their motorhome's for inspection and the locals were impressed with our way of life with many inspecting those motorhomes that are for sale including Redman Motorhomes of Exeter who were pleased with the result.
The smiley bus's were doing a brisk trade down into the village which augured well for the economy of the village, evening arrived and the nights entertainment of a Karaoke night was underway, it was well patronised with many getting up to sing a few songs most were excellent others gave us a few laughs with their antics, all in all it was good night and when the Karaoke machine broke down Rick, our visiting musician, quickly set up his gear and in a very professional manner gave a couple hours of music up until 10.30 pm


Sunday evening Karaoke in session	Rick belting out Country and Western music

Monday turned on a warm sunny morning though a little windy, today was a general free day allowing the rally attendees to enjoy the hospitality of the St Helens community and its environs. At 12.30 pm quite a few gathered under "Bee Haven" to recite the travel experiences, tall stories or other humorous happenings.
Today was our last happy hour of the rally and it was most enjoyable with plenty happening and of course our Sheriff and his Deputy demeaning us as usual, though all in good fun. Peter was to have his birthday to which we sang a hearty rendition of Happy Birthday, Peter then went on to give one of his wonderful poetry recitals. Our Rally co-ordinator handed the baton on to the President of the Dalrymple Drifters who will stage the 2008 Combined Tasmanian Chapters Rally in Georgetown.
Rotary came on site and run a chocolate wheel, selling tickets for a crayfish for funds for the St Helens "Relay for Life" project, in all they sold heaps of tickets and members won 12 crayfish. It has to said that rally attendees have been most generous in support of the cancer council project, every person knows of someone who has been afflicted by this terrible disease.


Monday and the office is quiet	Rotary serving up barbecue meat to Denise


Being fed by Rotary volunteers	Island Wanderers Chorus singing "We'll meet again"

We lined up for our barbecue and it was good to see that we had gathered to eat our final evening meal of the Combined Tasmanian Chapters Rally together, there has been many friendships formed and others re-visited over the past five days and there is no doubt those friendships created will stand the test of time. We were lucky to have a fine warm day for the last full day of the rally and the only thing missing was an ice cream van to top off a very good barbecue. We must give a warm thank you to both the Rotary and Lions Clubs who had volunteered to cook our barbecue as a community service.
Then it was time to perform our final concert, this was lead off by the host chapter the Island Wanderers who were to sing the Maori farewell song which bought much applause, this was followed by the Dalrymple Drifters whose Debbie sang two songs.
Our music people, Alan and Annette took centre stage and in no time at all had the audience singing along with the words to each song on the television screens, it could be that this could be called the modern form of Karaoke, this was well received with all present participating.
Then Rick came on with a Country & Western session which was very professional and well received, both Trix and Judy gave us an impromptu session of line dancing, which was really great.
Alan & Annette came on for a final session and then Rick took over until closure at 10.30 pm. What a wonderful night had by all and then it was off to bed.


Allan our music man leading the singalong	Trix & Judy line dancing to Rick's Music

Tuesday, our book out day welcomed us with heavy rain and in between showers many filled their tanks with water plus there was a long line of vehicles to empty grey and black water at the dump point; which the council had installed for travelling peoples. Mungo our radio announcer gave his final radio session bidding all a safe and satisfying journey.
There was steady flow of traffic out of the complex and by late afternoon there were only about dozen motorhomes on site, a quick check of the area showed that there was not a piece of rubbish anywhere and frankly speaking you would not believe that 355 campervans, motorhomes and 5th wheelers had been on the site for the past 5 days. A real credit to all CMCA Members, with this type of effort it makes it hard for our detractors to be critical of our presence.
All in all, it has been a very successful Rally with only one complaint being lodged which turned out be very minor, there was absolutely only laughter and good fellowship with those attempting to cause problems with childish aggro quickly ignored by all.
Many of our interstate boat people were to lodge thank you cards and personal thanks to the organising committee indicating they had enjoyed the experience of the "Friendly Rally"
This rally would inject over $40,000.00 into the St Helens community over the five days , the township gave a special welcome to our CMCA members and in return rally attendees patronised traders displaying their support.
Out of the surplus funds of the Rally the organising committee were to donate $1000 to the St Helens Hospital Auxiliary's, $1000 to St Helens Navel Cadets for their building project, $500 to Rotary and $500 to Lions with a large amount going into the Island Wanderers "Relay for Life" project fund bringing the total raised by the Chapter to $14000.00 which will be presented to the cancer council at our next Rally at Penguin from 23rd to 25th of March.
We hope you enjoyed this web page as much as we all enjoyed the Combined Tasmanian Chapters Rally and we thank all those interstate members "Boat People" for attending who added an extra dimension to the rally.

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