It gives me great pleasure to announce that Michael Cooper, son of the late John Cooper, has accepted the position of Patron of our club. As most of you were aware, John Cooper was our Club Patron until his sad passing on Christmas Eve last year. It is certainly an honour to have the Cooper name associated with the Mini Owners Club Inc. Queensland.
This is an extract from Michael’s letter; I feel extremely honoured that you wish to ask me to fill the position of Patron of the Mini Owners Club Inc Queensland. I would be very proud to continue that position in honour of my father and to help in some small way and to contribute to your wonderful Club. So many tributes have been coming through with regards to my father from all around the globe, but he always mentioned that it was people like yourselves the enthusiasts who kept the Mini going and not us.
This month was our second birthday and judging by the turn up at the MGM we will be around for a hell of a lot more birthdays yet. Who said we would just fade away? He can still join if he wants!
We were entertained at the meeting by one of Queensland’s “Mini Legends”, Barrie Broomhall. He certainly has a nack of telling a story. Some of the things they used to get up to back in 60’s was amazing. He recalled some of his more memorable races and some of the stoushes he had with the likes of Peter Manton, Brian Foley, Beechey, the Geoghegan brothers, Bob Jane and the many local Mini drivers. His slide presentation at the end bought back a lot of memories to a lot of the older members who were “there when it happened” as they say. I hope to do an extended feature on Barrie in a future edition of The Mini Mag.
I must thank Col and Linda Barn for baking and donating the massive birthday cake. Thank you.
One sour note on the night was the very rude people who insisted on holding their own meetings at the back of the hall during our guest speakers’ presentation. I had a lot of complaints the next day from some upset members. I ask all of you to show a little bit of respect when we have guest speakers or any speakers for that matter.
Our run on the 18th March to Lakeside Raceway for the 40th anniversary Historic Race meet saw 70 Minis, 2 Mokes and an 1100 head to the track via Dayboro. The sight of all the cars on the track for the parade lap is something our club can be very proud. If we can muster that many cars for that event we should be able to attract a good turnout for the OZ40 in June.
The OZ40 plans are coming along well but we need a lot of volunteers to man displays in shopping centres, King George square and Super Cheap outlets during April and May. This will be an excellent opportunity to showcase our club and promote the OZ40. Remember, that it takes more than the committee to make any show a success.
Merchandise for the OZ40 will be on sale in the next few weeks. Commemorative Port, Coffee Mugs, Lapel Badges, Key Rings, Shirts and Caps will be offered for pre-sale to members. So order now as they may be more expensive on the day. Fill out the enclosed order form and don’t miss out.
March 2001