Auto Italia 2018

What a weekend!

Over three data, April 15-17, 55 members attended in a capacity that made the AUTO ITALIA weekend a HUGE SUCCESS.

Saturday morning 35 cars soared down the Hume Highway, members making their way toward Mackay VC rest area, where 55 members and friends enjoyed a morning tea, courtesy of IMSMC. The perfect start to a perfect weekend. Freshly baked bread and fine cold meats purchased from Campisi Deli (and fine foods, indeed). Coffee provided for all (Thanks Prodata!) and cakes, biscuits provided by a number of members and "ladies" . A huge thank you to all that contributed to, cutting, serving, providing goodness for all; Rino, Lena, Nina, Ady, Frank, Gerardo, Mick and Cate (I hope I haven't forgotten anyone!)

We had a brief petrol stop at Goulburn, then onto the Weereewa Lookout for a traditional photo opportunity. Onward to the centre of Canberra to our respective places of accommodation, then a gathering at The Realm Hotel Bar, for a quiet (which became not so quiet) drink, snack and great company.

Later that night, a bus was organised to transport 60 members and family to our eatery of the night. Another impressionable experience for all.

On Sunday, we were escorted to Pialligo Estate, headed out by our good friend Geoff Hall with 42 cars cavalcading and weaving through the streets of Canberra. What a sight! Our arrival at Pialligo, allowed our club  (mostly) to create a "club display", which lead to 3 of our members rewarded for; Best Fiat 500 (Classic), Best Fiat Coupe' and Best Alfa Spider, Joe Lecce, Mick Stivala and Sebastian Ferla respectively.

The conditions this year were "challenging" (very cold) which we conquered with fine dining - more Campisi delights, coffee, cake and all the things you use to "keep warm" on a cold day!

Sunday night saw our "masses" head toward home, bound for Sydney - whilst another group remained behind, enjoying fine cuisine at Bellucci's Restaurant, staying the night and returning home on Monday morning.

Thank you to all that participated, your support is greatly appreciated and noticed by many "outsiders" around us.

Happily we report that everyone made it home and all the classics performed....classically!

What a Weekend.

La Pasquetta

On Monday the 2^nd of April, members and family enjoyed La Pasquetta, an Italian tradition, where “Easter Sunday left-overs” are finished the next day at a picnic.

 

Our meeting place was at McGraths Hill Mc Donalds ( the traditional meeting spot). Right on time, we made our way toward Mt. Irvine.

 

Our picnic site was set up, with immediate impact. Members sharing in fine cuisine, home made olives, salami, cheese and all the “normal” appetisers, that an IMSMC gathering brings! 

Most members took the opportunity to visit the farm and collect chestnuts & walnuts. By the time they returned, the BBQ’s and more cuisine were ready and on for the offering!

 

By the conclusion of lunch a full array of “home made cakes and biscuits” filled our tables – do I sense a theme? Naturally,the coffee was on!

 

Most importantly, our event attracted a great number of families! Wonderful to make acquaintance with a fantastic group of people.

 

All cars performed magnificently, climbing the challenging hills of Bells Line of road and beautiful roads beyond!

 

A great day!