Temperatures well into the 30s didn’t deter the Bundaberg 4WD Club members who attended the annual Mount Perry races recently.
The fashion-conscious club members of the group donned their glad rags to take in all that a country race day offers.
Being camped at the racecourse gave members an opportunity to pitch in and help setup for the once-a-year event.
Races spread over the afternoon saw the enthusiastic mob cheer for the horse they had put their hard-earned money on.
Various systems were used to pick what they hoped was a winner at the Mount Perry Races.
This included the colour of the jockeys silks, the number of the horse, the name of the horse. Some even used the form guide, who would have thought?
The racing was only a part of the day’s activities with “Fashions of the Field” (which yours truly and partner Petrina Pashley won the best dressed couple), and the “Jocks Plate” also on offer for those who wanted to try their luck another way.
The “Fillies Dash” made a return to the Mount Perry Races as well.
The ladies didn’t have to get down to the same attire as the gents, which made for an eventful dash to the line in most of their finery, less the high heals of course.
Live music played into the night to entertain the stayers on.
Annual awards presentation
As part of the race day, the weekend was also the club's annual awards presentations and a chance to reflect on what we have been up to over the last 12 months.
Giving back to the environment we travel through saw us, once again, participate in was the annual clean up on Fraser Island run by Four Wheel Drive Queensland, the annual Clean Up Australia Day where we cleaned up Kinkuna National Park.
The people of Mount Perry have supported us as a club for many years so we enjoy being able to support the town when we can so we once again helped the Show Society prepare for their show.
Weekend camp trips featured heavily in the year with the long weekends most suitable for getting away.
Members journeyed to Blackbutt to participate in the annual 4WDQLD Country Meeting/ Corroboree.
Day trips in the local vicinity varied from beach to bush.
State forests and private properties were used throughout the region.
Our own club campsite, which will see us continue our training and other club activities, has come along in leaps and bounds with storage sheds and shade shelters taking shape.
Promoting responsible four wheel driving is high on our club's agenda and are grateful for the support that people give us to continue our chosen recreation.
One of the standout trips members did this year was the month long trek to the centre of Australia where 10 club vehicles visited the lowest point in the land, Lake Ayre, and also a couple of the centre points as well.
Sales of our fundraising calendar, and other fundraising events run throughout the year, enabled us to donate $1000 to the Integrated Disability Support Services in Bundaberg.
Presentation of our coveted trophies was held after a short drive and a BBQ lunch back at the Racecourse.
Members had voted on categories such as “Best Photograph”, best “Camp Cook” and “Best Club Activity” but others were awarded trophies on a tally taken over the previous twelve months, including the “Most Recoveries” and “Most Damage”.
Life membership was also awarded to Ian and Elizabeth Jones after reaching the milestone of 20 years membership with the club.
We thank those businesses that support our club and also the people who allow us access onto their properties, to take members to those special spots that the general public is unable to go.
To find out more on the Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club and activities we have on, contact us via email, info@bundaberg4wdclub.com, on the net at www.bundaberg4wdclub.com or catch us on Facebook.
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