On Saturday 12th October, AMHF volunteer Rod Chivas attended the inaugural Dunedoo Historical Society and Museum Open Day, which was dedicated to Motor Sport activities in the local area. On arrival, parking spaces in the main street were hard to find, with a collection of classic cars from near and far on display.
What a rich history the Dunedoo District Car Club had, with the 1.3km Pound Hill circuit, at least three hillclimb venues, Standing Quarter Mile events and a motorkhana ground at Craboon.
Drivers like Kevin Bartlett and Peter Wherrett competed at Pound Hill alongside successful locals like Ian Fergusson and Rob Medcalf. Most events, if not all, were conducted under a CAMS permit.
Saturday’s display included a one hour video, photos, DDCC monthly Newsletters …. and billy carts! A billy cart contest was held in the town up until 2012. A racing red VW special that competed at Craboon was also on display.
Organiser Sharon Nott best describes the day for the local Newsletter as follows:
Over 120 people visited the Dunedoo and District Car Display that was held on the Museum grounds last Saturday. Most people travelling through our town would probably have the impression that we are a sleepy little village with not much going on….ah, but as locals, we know this is far from the truth. The Dunedoo and District Car Club ran from 1956-1974 and our Museum display brought back memories of car enthusiasts that relished in dust, found no need to wear a seat belt, loved tinkering and replacing motors in cut down cars, and were out for a fun time. The 8mm film received plenty of comments, and combined with photos and trophies gave a glimpse of car racing in the area and a part of our history. We were fortunate to have Brian & Pam Bowman and Stephen Yeo bring in their special cars and with the Billy Cart display, there was something for everyone to talk about and share memories. Would like to thank Anne and David Bowman, Stirling Fergusson, Gordon Innes, James Foran and Anthony and Anne Jones for getting Billy Carts to us. A special thanks also to Mel Farrow and Jane Smith with helping collate all the information and John Horne, for helping on the day. History can easily be lost and so, to Shirley Auld, Brad and Michael Goulding – thank you for having the newsletters, photos, stories and willingness to share, to allow this chapter of car racing in this area, to be relived some 50 years since the last race. If you didn’t make it to the car display we have a permanent display in our Museum – grab a friend and come and have a look.
The AMHF now has Official Results for one Pound Hill event and one Elong hillclimb – copies of any other results would be welcomed by results @ motorheritage.org.au.
Who knows, in future years it may develop into a mini Gnoo Blas-type event.
Rod Chivas
