Article – Peter Allen
The Buick Club in Queensland hosted this years East Coast Meet in Port Macquarie NSW. New South Wales members had the advantage of being nearer to Sydney than Brisbane.
Gwen and I decided to leave Sydney on Thursday and make two easy days driving the Marquette. Our good friends, Margaret and Peter Cook, travelled with us in their 1925 Buick Tourer. It is nice to travel with someone who has a similar vehicle in power and speed. We made an overnight stop in Forster allowing an easy drive the next day.
We arrived on Friday afternoon in light rain and soon were settled in our cabin we were sharing with our dear friends, Doreen and Gordon Ball, at Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park. Heading toward the registration cabin, we caught up with many friends who had already enjoyed the morning on a boat on the river. Showers were predicted all weekend but our Queensland organisers managed to keep the rain away for all activities.
Saturday was a pleasant drive to Long Flat via Sea Acres Rainforest. Spectacular trees and foliage were seen on the Rainforest walk and most of us enjoyed a chinwag over a coffee in the cafe. Moving on we saw great coastal views from Tacking Point Lighthouse before we headed west along the Oxley Highway to Long Flat. This part of the road is good for old cars, undulating and winding through beautiful rural country. After a BBQ lunch at the hotel it was back to Port via The Little Brewing Company for those whose fancy its boutique beers. Buses shuttled us to Panthers Club Port Macquarie for Saturday night dinner and social where new friends were met and old acquaintances renewed.
The sun shone on Sunday morning for the show ‘n’ shine at Panthers Club. Some local car club members accompanied us, with their cars on display. It was good to see Ken Knight and Bill Jack, early members of the Buick Club, at the display. Every Buick looked good, which made People’s Choice judging difficult. A short drive and we were at Cassegrain Winery for lunch. The weather looked a bit threatening but again the rain held off for lunch. After the short drive back to Port, the afternoon was free for whatever we wanted to do.
Presentation night was again at Panthers Club and after another good meal (Buick weekends are often eat fests) presentations were made to winners and runners up of the various categories. The Mayor of Port Macquarie Hastings Council also donated a trophy to the vehicle of his choice. Congratulations to all winners and runners up. The weekend passed all too quickly and it was time to say goodbye to our Buick friends until next time.
Finally, but by no means the least, on behalf of the Buick Club in NSW, I thank Linda (and Brian) and Laurene and John for organising another great Buick East Coast Meet.

Article – Doreen & Gordon Ball
What can we possibly say other than on arrival on the Friday how overcome emotionally we were seeing all our friends that we have not seen for many years and it only seemed like last week. The Friday night meet and greet was truly amazing and we could have stayed talking all night in fact we did carry on with a few into the late hours and even met some new friends that very night. We were lucky enough to share a cabin with Peter and Gwen Allen. Thank you, as we have done this before and we have so much fun.
Saturday morning there was a little question as to who would be Graham Weekes’ navigator for the day, so Gwen and I decided we would give him a ladies day for a change and what a fun day it was driving to the rainforest and a visit to the brewery. Thanks Graham, sure have missed the fun and laughter. Saturday night we had a wonderful time at Panthers with a very nice meal and our own designated driver thanks to the organisers for that.
Sunday morning we had our show and shine which gave Gordon and I time to look at all the cars and have morning tea with some of our friends who live in Port Macquarie with three small children who were most impressed with all the cars and so were their parents.
We spent the day with Peter and Gwen in their car and again we had so much fun. Thanks guys, a lovely drive around and had lunch at the winery, back to our accommodation for a little nap and ready for our presentation night again at Panthers with another lovely meal and would you believe the same designated driver he was just wonderful.
Congratulations to all those who won trophies, you most definitely deserved them.

Thanks to the Queensland Club for organising such a wonderful weekend, so much so we have re-joined the NSW Club and hope to join you all for the Canberra leg of the National next year.
Posted 11/2015