Sport
20 April, 2022
Historic car club visits Noorat
NOORAT was a hive of activity last week when the Austin 7 Club visited as part of its national rally.
NOORAT was a hive of activity last week when the Austin 7 Club visited as part of its national rally.
Dozens of vehicles descended on the town last Wednesday, offering locals the opportunity to get an up-close look at the historic vehicles while enjoying a morning tea fundraiser prepared by Noorat Primary School parents and the community.
Noorat Primary School principal Ilona Watkins said club organisers had been in touch when scouting the route for the rally, and the school jumped at the chance to make a day
of it.
“Our parents and friends association and the local community have stepped up to provide all sorts of treats,” she said.
“We had cakes, biscuits, slices, tea and coffee.
“The last couple of years have been tough for everybody, and we’ve not been able to have people in the school environment.
“To be able to have something like thisis fabulous.”
The community turned out in droves to get an up-close look at the historic vehicles, but few were as excited to greet the visitors as Noorat Primary School students.
“The kids have been fascinated,” MsWatkins said.
“We don’t often get to see cars like this, and certainly not in so many different shapes, sizes and colours, so they’re just fascinating.
“The Noorat community have come out to support the occasion and have a look around, so it’s just wonderful to see so manypeople here.”
Among the Austin 7 Club members to visit Noorat was Graeme and Bev Logan.
Mr Logan, the Austin 7 Club spares co-ordinator who oversees the more than $400,000 inventory of spare parts to keep the vehicles good as new, thanked Noorat Primary School staff and parents for their warm welcome and generosity.
“It’s been absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“The school has been wonderful for us.
“As soon as we contacted the principal and suggested the visit, (Ms Watkins) wasvery proactive.”
Mrs Logan said the rally was a special occasion for the club as it celebrated a century of the iconic vehicles.
“Every five years we have our national rally with people coming from all around Australia, so we get the opportunity to catch up with the friendships we have made over the years,”she said.
“The first rally we attended was in 1972, and this year we’re celebrating 100 years of the Austin 7’s.”
Mrs Logan said the club had decided to visit Noorat to take in the sights and members had enjoyed learning more about attractions such as the stone wall.
“It’s worked out really well and it’s justbeen fantastic,” she said.
