Walnut Run 2009

Sunday morning the 19th of April saw many members of the IMSMC partake in one of our biggest Calender events The Walnut Run.

Meeting at the Mc Graths Hill Mc Donald's at around 830am, members chatted in the cool morning breeze as members slowly began to fill the carpark. here we met new members Lionel & Colleen Rodriguez, very proud owners of a beautiful Maserati quattro-porte sedan, a very welcome addition to the Italian Made community.

We made our way west through Windsor, North Richmond and set off for our destination Mt. Irvine. Picturesque roadways, overlying ferns made for a truly scenic European style drive!

Upon arriving at Arellana, our walnut destination! Members scrambled to collect their buckets and began picking, it is estimated that 200kgs were picked and purchased!

Next stop, the Cathedral of Pines picnic ground. A group of members arrived here some 10 mins prior to the masses thronging the picnic area, and right on cue... it began to rain.

Chief engineer and construction managers Charlie and Joe Losinno, Foreman Lino De Iulio along with son Michael and Joe Di Marti, quickly constructed a shelter. With all hands on deck, ropes, tarpoaulins, beams and rafters went up and created a refuge from the elements, fit for royalty.

All of a sudden, picnic baskets, bbq's, coffee pots (cafetiere) began to appear, with enough food to feed a large Roman Legion! truly a sight to have experienced!

Over the next three hours, most of the food vanished and a bottle or two of wine was shared, as members ate and drank their fill. Afterwards, a lucky "tent" prize was given away. first winner Andrew De Iulio, then redrawn with the result of Lino De Iulio, redrawn once again to everyone's amazement, Oriana De Iulio! (am i sensing a reccuring theme!?) Finally, after the 4th draw, Construction manager Joe Losinno was awarded the prize. A bottle of special reserve red wine! And a worthy winner too!

Hope to see you all again next year for the Walnut run!

Auto Italia 09

It just gets bigger and better every year. This year especially, what a great gathering of Fiat, Ferraris, Lancias, Alfas and Lambourghinis!

The Canberra Fiat club has put a great deal of effort into this event and it has proved to be a very successful!

On behalf of the entire IMSMC we wish to compliment the Canberra Fiat club in putting this hugely successful event together.

The IMSMC contingent was made up of 9 classic vehicles motoring under their own power and two veteran vehicles being towed. We stayed together for the trip as we were all headed towards the nations Capital to be part of the big event, the biggest gathering of “Italian Made” vehicles in the country.

As a part of a recurring tradition we have made the VC (Victoria cross) Mackay rest area our coffee, chat and stretch break. This rest stop is named after John Mackey, he lived and grew up in Leichhardt who served with the Australian Infantry forces during the second world war he was sent to Tarakan to defend Australia from possible invasion. During an action he showed true courage and determination in a very awkward situation, He was killed, He was 21.

Next stop -Goulburn were we fueled up our cars and ourselves, joining together for lunch at the Great Goulbourn bakery.

the final leg of our trip toward Canberra down the federal highway was great the temperature was conducive to the optimum operation of our vehicles. Upon arrival we unloaded the vehicles and prepared all vehicles for the next days event..

As we do, after a short reprieve we proceeded to the Italo-Australian club were we indulged in some light conversation and a number of “cleansing Ales” before dinner. Dinner this year was in the upstairs Chinese restaurant and we we settled into a great Chinese banquet.

After dinner members went downstairs to digest, dancing to many familiar Italian tunes. The band was great and all enjoyed the music that was played.

Some of our more energetic members were entertained in the early hours of the morning by a magician who made a lit cigarette disappear into thin air, he used part of Cathy Jamieson's dress and the dress had no holes! a good party trick!

Sunday morning we all convoyed to the grounds in front of the old parliament house where we set up our display of vehicles. with the IMSMC Banner standing tall and proud, a number of comments were passed complimented in the way we displayed our fine vehicles both by officials and spectators..

The day progressed beautifully and before you knew it the presentations were on and time to pack in readiness for the return journey.

The drive home was long but worthwhile, an excellent event that was once again well attended! We hope to see many more cars at next years Auto-Italia celebrations in Canberra.