January Midweek Run 2026

However, our Australia Day themed picnic in the shady park on the main drag in Lancefield wasn't without its weather related challenges. A sometimes gusty breeze blew over vacated directors' chairs when attendees gathered eagerly around picnic tables weighed down with delicious home-cooked goodies. This too made many reflect on our good luck.

There were so many treats piled up that some Lamingtons didn't even make it out of their esky. There were classic sandwiches. There were chocolate crackles. There were shortbreads cut out with a Pontiac Firebird profile cookie cutter and finished in red icing. And there were fresh baked scones with jam and cream. In between sampling mouthfuls, opinions were exchanged as to the optimal application of jam and cream. Discussion ranged back and forth over the viscosity disparity of the two. Should the higher rated - the jam - go on first as a sticky base lubricant, with the lower rated - the cream - applied as a lighter layer on top? Or vice versa? But there was general agreement that after the first bite it didn't really matter. This lead to the airing of differences over the order in which milk should be blended with thermos tea. In the end we agreed we were lucky that tolerance and good humour, amongst other national characteristics, were celebrated on Australia Day.

We all caught up with the joys, and trials, of Christmas and New Year, and other conversations ranged far and wide. Your reporter is now better informed about the virtues and vices found in a brand new Chinese van, and also understands more of some expectations and concerns about going into 4th grade at school ( Gary's granddaughter Zoe joined us on the day ).

There were 8 club cars to appreciate, especially a couple of dinky - di Aussies in a FJ and a Monaro. Exactly where luck came into the end of local car building was a conundrum. Where was it when Joe Hockey and Tony Abbott finally spat the dummy and refused to play money - go - round with that particular mob of global capitalists any more? Bad luck for their workers and local suppliers anyway. The years roll on, and we all, including the 21 Mid Week Runners present on the day, must negotiate our portions of luck, good or ill, as they come to us. But we're all looking forward to Pam and the crew planning more Mid Week Runs for the coming year. How lucky are we?

Cheers, Greg Brown