IMSMC Christmas Party 2017

Sunday 3rd December, 157 members, family and friends attended our Christmas Lunch at TerraNova bar and restaurant.

The presentation of the restaurant was fantastic. The food and beverage was exquisite, the service was second to none! (I should mention there was an abundance of food!)

The day beginning with aperitifs while members mingled and shared in the experience. With a very brief Christmas cheer from our president, lunch was soon served (for the next 4 hours!)

Our club raffle was held, we thank all who donated. Every guest received a "Pandorino", compliments of our IMSMC

As the afternoon unfolded, we had a visit from Santa Claus, bringing good wishes to all... many of the children hitting heights of excitement.

Thank you to all who were in attendance. The atmosphere created by everyone, certainly highlights that our Club is alive and well. Bring on the next event... bring on 2018.

St Albans 500 Drive Day

On Sunday the 12^th of November, 11  Fiat 500s with 30 family and friends attended the FIAT 500 run to Saint Albans.

Upon meeting in McGraths Hill, the cavalcade was underway, crossing some of the nicest countryside in Sydney’s back yard!

The impact our “Little jewels” have on passing motorists and the general public is amazing – smile, waves and a gentle toot on the horn, always in abundance.

At Wiseman’s Ferry, we crossed the river, by punt and made our way to SETTLERS Pub @ Saint Albans, where we had lunch in the beer garden, on a reserved table/setting, for the IMSMC Family.

At the conclusion of lunch, we made our way back across the river by punt, then following the river bank for a 30km cruise, admiring the sites. I call it our own little Lake Como – the settings truly similar to many picturesque views  & locations of Italy!

 

A great day had by all with the little classics ensuring that we all made it home safely!

Classic Yass

On Saturday and Sunday the 4th and 5th Of November, 26 members and 15 cars participated in a weekend in Yass as part of the Classic Yass car festival.

Our departure from Pheasants Nest, creating a cavalcade for the next approximate 200kms to the wonderful Yass Valley, into Banjo Paterson Park. Somehow we created a grand entrance, as the public immediately noticing that the Italian classics had come to town.

Food stalls in abundance, with artifacts of yesteryear on display and for sale - some members obtaining some of those "hard to find items".

The park was full of wonderful cars, of all makes and sizes pre 1980! Amazingly, over 300 vehicles on display.

Members enjoyed a great country lunch and beverage, as only country towns can provide!

Our Saturday night involved a gathering (via a courtesy bus) to The Soldiers club of Yass, where we enjoyed music of the 60's & 70's, by THE HIPS, containing 2 of the original members of Ol 55' . Halfway during the night, we were entertained by the local Dance group, turning on a wonderful display of Jive, Rock n Roll, Charleston Dance! What a delight!

Sunday morning saw the crew reassemble for breakfast - soon after on our way, bound for Home! 

One must report that the traffic allowing our vehicles to remain in single file for the trip home, showing respect for our classic vehicles with a honk & a wave!

A great weekend enjoyed by all.

Auto Festa 2017

On Sunday the 29th of October, 50 IMSMC cars ( and 1 Vespa) participated in the annual Auto Festa at Pioneer park, as part of the Norton Street Festa, Leichhardt.

At 9:00am, Parramatta Rd was transformed in to the Via Appuania, with Italian motor vehicles of all shapes and sizes, historic & modern classics, each greeted and respected by the Sunday morning traffic in Sydney.

Upon arrival, our machines looked great, as our members parked with great efficiency and respect of the public alike.

.Auto Festa is a day of all things Italian (and some).  Food, wine, fashion, engineering, song and dance It was estimated that the event was attended by over 150,000 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

Certainly a substantial claim to being  the biggest street Festa in all of Australia. We congratulate the organisers and thank Patrick O'Reilly of Impact exhibitors!

At lunchtime, All IMSMC members and guests were treated with a porchetta roll, courtesy of the event manager! 

A huge THANKYOU TO CARMINE LOSINNO, ANDRES MENDES LOPES & ROSITA CARA, for graciously giving up their time carving up and serving the porchetta rolls for all to enjoy!

Our Club stall was in full swing - A SPECIAL MENTION TO HELEN CHANTELLE,  for her efforts in manning our Bancarella - Thank you Helen.

It was wonderful to note the number of members that participated in the day, bringing along family and friends... in excess of 100!

A great display from IMSMC. Wonderfully participated.

 

A very big thank you to all members and guests who participated in the days event!

Italian Rugby League Launch

On Thursday 12th of October IMSMC was invited to
display a few of its wonderful classics at the Italian Rugby League World Cup Dinner.

This event, organised by TNT sports management, was held at the iconic Doltone House, Darling Island.

Several members were in attendance, Giovanni and Maria Melissari, Charlie and Marie Losinno, Robert and Elissa Losinno, Tony and Frida Albanese and Michael and Cate Stivala representing IMSMC at the event.

The Dinner showcased the Italian team for 2017 Rugby League World Cup, including James Tedesco, Mark Minichiello & Terry Campese. The World Cup will be taking place in locations all over Australia commencing end of October.

The 830 attendees were entertained by M.C. Matthew Johns, comedian, James Liotta and VIP guest, racing driver, Mark Winterbottom whilst enjoying a sumptuous three course dinner with Italian wines and beers.

A wonderful night, Italian style. 

Burwood Festival 2017

On Sunday the 8^th of October, a contingent of IMSMC members made representation at the Burwood Spring Festival.

A Huge congratulations to Charlie Losinno, picking up “The Best Restoration 1940’s”, for his jewel – 1948 Topolino. Well done Charlie, your “Goiello” continues to attract appreciation.

The festival is one of Sydney’s large gatherings of cars. It’s a great day for all, with a significant emphasis on activities for Families with young children. We’ll always do our best to cater for all interests within our club!

Thank you to our IMSMC participants!

Concorso D’Eleganza 2017

Sunday the 10th of Septmber saw a large number of members turn out for our annual Concorso D’Eleganza, at Gough Whitlam Park in Earlwood.


We were blessed with a beautiful sunny day for the event and in usual IMSMC style it was not long before the homemade salami, wine and lemoncello was being enjoyed, as members picnicked under the shady trees.



A BIG thank you goes to the following:-
Nat Stillone for his organisational skills in parking our display of cars today and acting as our judging Co-ordinator.

Our concorso judges, Tony Albanese, Rob Losinno, Tony Portelli, Vince Li Vaccari, Giovanni Melissari and Joseph Scarcella, who smoothly carried out the scoring notable mention to
Ivana Perri for assisting with the score tallying.


IMSMC would like to thank all our sponsors for contributing towards our beautiful trophies.

· Gladesville Auto Bodyworks
· Campisi Fine Food Deli
· High Performance Smash Repairs
· Fine Serve Autotmotive
· Frank’s Pitstop Motors
· Napoli Excavations
· Prime Real Estate Agents
· Oran Park Town Café
· WealthWiz Wealth Management
· Il Magazzino

Congratulations to all the trophy winners, especially to new member, Bob Young, who took home the “Best Car of the Day” trophy, for his beautiful Lancia!

Ferragosto 2017

Sunday the 20th of August the passionisti of IMSMC, presented themselves at the FerrAgosto display of Five Dock.

 For the vast majority, the day began at 430am, with all participants arriving at our cavalcata point on time...and right on cue, our stallions arrived at the Festa site!

Hats off to our club registrar, Leo Di Rocco, taking the "Bull by the horns", suddenly becoming "Chief Marshall" sending out instructions to the official marshall's and positioned our cars, ready for the public to feast their eyes!

All things considered, our contribution to the Festa was extremely significant... and the Festa's contribution to us was too! Gelato, Arrancini, Porchetta, Delicatessen delights, Food and drink all in abundance! did I mention Cannoli?

Our Club Stall was kept busy on the day and with great success. Thanks to Lino, Ori, Cate and yours trully!

Quite noticeable the smiles and inquisitive expressions of everyone that pass our vehicles... why do they have to pat the cars? Something we might work out next year....maybe!

A HUGE THANK YOU to all our participants. Your contribution to one of Sydney's biggest Italian festa is noted by some very important dignitaries.

THANK YOU!

Easter Creek CMC 2017

On Sunday the 13^th of August, 40 x IMSMC cars created the most stylish and colourful display at the Shannons CMC Classic at Eastern Creek Raceway.


Our weekend began on Saturday, with a number of members setting up the garage display. A huge THANK YOU to Gerardo Mediati, Ric Capolino, Filippo Foti, Oriana and Lino De Iulio, Leo and John Di Rocco, for attending the garage on Saturday. Thank you for setting up our display for the Sunday extravaganza. Ric assisted in setting up our DVD presentation and Gerardo for setting up “The Concept” which attracted many visitors to our garage on the day.



Always wonderful to see so many cars of different makes and models from years gone by. The passion is alive throughout the fraternity!At 2 o’clock our Club Parade lap was underway... including 20 x Fiat 500s. The biggest contribution to the 60^th anniversary celebration in the country. Our lead cars were made up of another 20 Italian Machines of classic makes and models – certainly lending itself to being the biggest club display of the day.

We also Thank Carmine Losinno and Emmanuel Ziino, for participating in the Presidents concourse with beautiful examples of a Topolino and Alfa Spider respectivley. Thank you gentlemen! 

Armidale Weekend Away 2017

Oh What a Weekend!

Brad and Bernadette Aitken have “done it again” – Well planned drive, perfect accommodation, exceptional venues, certainly a drivers delight in our Italian made vehicles, all the way to Armidale and back!

Our initial rendezvous was Windsor, a great drive along the Putty Rd (the delight began)stopping at the Grey Gum International Cafe. Soon after, we were back on the road, bound for the James Estate winery in  Pokolbin. After an excellent lunch & wine tasting, we were off once again and bound for Gloucester. Our Friday night meal at the Fox Den Cafe was shared in the great company of members!

Saturday morning saw us depart in convoy bound for Carson’s Lookout, where homemade cakes were shared to the accompaniment of member Vito Mazzotta playing the “squeeze box” – assisted digestion!

Onward to Walcha – where a warm coffee (after visiting the township) was most welcomed. From there we saddled up and made our way to Uralla where we had many lunch options including the Thunderbolt Pub! Our final leg of the Saturday tour, saw us in Armidale, where we had a meal at the New England Hotel, followed by our accommodation at the Moore Park Inn, where a few light refreshments were enjoyed near a roaring log fire, in the piano lounge, that same afternoon!

Sunday morning saw our cars displayed at the Armidale Farmer’s Market, attracting a great deal of interest. many members took this opportunity to purchase local produce and also took a “Historic Walk” through Armidale – what a lovely town! We then made out way to Peterson’s guest house for  brunch – another very classy venue. Brunch was concluded with a wine tasting session.

After Peterson’s we made our way to  Apsley Falls, a natural waterway and a “waterfall” that reminded many of us of the Daintree, within The Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

Next, was the most memorable drive thus far, at any IMSMC event – Apsley Falls to Port Macquarie via the Oxley Highway – 84km of perfect roads, 50+ Km of the windiest, smooth, clearly visible, 100% correctly cambered roads in the country! Certainly the talk of the remainder of the weekend.

Port Macquarie marking our final night’s stay – but not without another gathering for dinner within the Rydges Hotel.

Monday morning saw a number of scattered departures (some earlier than others)... another 400+Km of driving our Italian Machines.

What a weekend – the greatest highlight, of course, was the company – reinforcing our social nature. Well done everyone and again, Thankyou to Brad and Bernadette Aitken for your expertly executed event.

IMSMC AGM 2017

Friday Night, 7th of July, our annual General meeting was held at Club Marconi.

Close to 100 members and guests attended a great night. The theme was "Social".

A number of "formal items" were presented as we made our way through the agenda, including our financials and other matters of business.

Leo Di Rocco presented what looks to be a very interesting trip to Dalesford Victoria in 2018. Rob Losinno presented the latest developments in the "modified and logbook" schemes offered to members.

 

At the conclusion of proceedings, a video of the last year's club activities was played, while members and family enjoyed a complimentary serving of "Fettucini Boscaiola & Penne Napoletana". Our traditional "Mille Foglie" cake was offered to everyone with a "Salute", marking the start of a new club calendar year.

Our raffle was held, always an entertaining part of our functions!

No elections were required, as no positions were contested, hence our existing committee is endorsed for the next 12 months. We look forward to more social & spirited events, as always!

Fiat 500 Festivities

On Tuesday night, the 4th of July, 18 Fiat 500's and 60 members & Family gathered at Cafe Gioia in Leichhardt.

Why? To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic & mighty Fiat 500.

What a great night. As 6:30 pm approached, a mass of classics made their way into the reserved car park of the restaurant, amazing how many people filled the restaurant as they exited each 500.

Flash photography in abundance, while Daniel Kalcic & Nicholas Santarelli, passionately panned around the car park capturing video of the activities. This video will be beamed to Garlenda, where it will be projected onto a big screen, on stage in front of tens of thousands of people attending the festivities at the celebratory event held over 4 days in the capitol of the Fiat 500.

Our night was filled with great company and we were filled with plenty of pizza and cake!

A great photo shoot certainly reflects the atmosphere of the night.

Happy Birthday Fiat 500. IMSMC is proud to support & represent this great car in Australia.

Let the celebrations continue!

Gosford Classic Car Museum

On Sunday the 25th of June, 27 Italian Made Classics assembled at the McDonalds Car Park in Thornleigh for an 8am departure.

Well, at 8:45am (in typical Italian Style) we set off up the M1 motorway for a Cavalcade, making our way to the Gosford Classic Car Museum.

Our cars were assembled by the Marshall's, creating a display of Fine "Italian Made" Historic & Classic Motorcars.

Once inside, we were spoilt with the finest machinery known to Man (and woman)! The most desirable cars from all corners of the globe. The finest creations with the appropriate price tags attached.

We are happy to hear that the vehicles are rotated regularly and there is always something new to admire with each visit. The owner is always buying additional vehicles, so with every visit, you will not be disappointed.

At the conclusion of our two hour visit to the museum, we made our way to Henry Kendall reserve - where we had our picnic lunch. Once again, enough food to last us 3 days! The "sharing began"... evaluating this year's "shed red's" & "homemade sausages", the sharing of an ale or two. Cuisine to satisfy the taste buds...and the day would not be complete with a freshly brewed espresso or two! Did I mention the amount of cakes & biscuits? All Homemade and organic.. the more you eat, I was told, the better it is for you!

On a perfectly Sunny winters Day, conducive to a relaxing and Social Day, concluding that a great time was had by all.

We'll do that again!

St. Anthony Feast day

On Sunday the 4th of June, 18 member cars were displayed in support of the St. Anthony Feast day in Schofields.

Our day began by a semi circle arrangement of our cars on a soccer field. They looked great!

After a traditional mass & procession, the show began. Fine food, pizza, arrancini, pork rolls, sausage sandwiches, pasta and traditional sweets in abundance, prepared by Paolo Gatto of SUD ristorante. We thank the C.S.I for their gracious support, in offering each driver lunch, drink and complimentary coffees all day.

Our members were kept entertained all day by many musical performances including; Mercedes, Tina Petroni, Matthew Dal Cin, Tony Pantano & The Sydney "Shadows" Club Band.

The committee of the C.S.I club have expressed their deepest gratitude toward our club for our participation and support of this event. The C.S.I, probably represents Sydney's biggest Italian community of the west (of once upon a time!) a number of second & third generation of sons & daughters of the original foundation members are doing their utmost to maintain the clubs perpetuity ... our contribution is noted.

Needless to say, we had a great day, in great company; relaxing and enjoying a mild winters day, sharing the IMSMC spirit, with the greater, wider community.

Thanks to everyone who participated.

Festa Della Repubblica 2017

On Sunday the 28^th of May, 59 members and 47  IMSMC cars, were presented at this year’s Festa Della Repubblica at Club Marconi. Our members meeting at Terone Park and making their way to the grounds of Club Marconi, where we made immediate impact.

The day was full of entertainment, made up of “all things Italian” including, food, drink, song and great company being the order of the day.

Our club stall was kept busy all day – A HUGE THANK YOU to Michael, Lino & Oriana De Iulio, Rose Cara & Michael Stivala, each dedicating a good portion of their day  “behind the counter.”

At 3 o’clock, the Marconi Executive committee s

elected the 3 “Choice Awards” (as voted by them) to 3 of our passionisti!

1^st Price Carmine Losinno – The remarkable Topolino,

2^nd Prize Ennio Alfonsi – A beautiful Alfa Grand Prix

3^rd Prise  John Di Rocco – The 850T Van.

Many members opted to stay for the Foti fireworks spectacular, which are reported to have been one of Marconi’s best!

We extend our thanks to Club Marconi for their invitation and for the complimentary lunch voucher that was offered to each participant.

A great day – another major IMSMC event to be remembered. Well done IMSMC.