Day out for the ladies of the Murray Bridge Auto Club

This story was contributed by Elizabeth Minge.

The Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge have held their annual ladies day run in late May, featuring a scenic drive through the Adelaide Hills.

The journey began at Sturt Reserve, where 12 vehicles gathered for departure in quite mild weather and in stark contrast to the preceding few days.

Participants followed the Old Princes Highway, marveling in the realisation that not only was it once the main road to Adelaide, but also the main Adelaide to Melbourne route.

All the trucks and slow traffic winding through the hills!

Certainly not in the numbers going to and from Melbourne that we have today, but significant all the same, especially considering the road conditions and vehicle capabilities of that time.

Never the less, we were soon at our first destination, the Classic Motor Studio
at Totness.

This specialty showroom offers a curated selection of high quality cars, motorcycles and garage memorabilia, including enamel signs, vintage petrol bowsers, oil bottles and other garagenalia.

The owners, Matt and Kerrie gave an exclusive look at their most recent
project; the almost completed mezzanine area which is intended to be used as
a function room.

Suitably decorated for car and bike aficionados, they hope to hire out the venue for parties, weddings/funerals or anything, as soon as the rest of the bespoke furniture arrives.

Only pristine and mechanically sound vehicles are bought, sold or are on consignment through this showroom and it appeared that there was an
emphasis on cars with an Australian, American or European origin.

One vehicle however, a 1956 Jaguar XK 140 Hardtop Coupe, produced in the aguar factory in Coventry, England grabbed the attention of one member of the group especially -we will await the outcome with bated breath!

Needing sustenance, we next travelled to the Lobethal Bakery at Woodside, a local institution in the Adelaide Hills renowned for its delicious baked goods, including its famous giant donuts.

The bakery is part of a family-owned business with deep German roots, reflecting the region’s rich European heritage.

Established by German-born, Helmut Trinkle in 1975, the hearty breads, pastries, soups and a variety of other savoury and sweet offerings soon sent many of the well intentioned diets out the window, with a promise to start again tomorrow.

The final destination for the day was to Karkoo Nursery and gift shop.

Established by Jane and Peter Rowat over 20 years ago as a wholesale garden centre in Mount George (which is still in operation today).

The nursery produces sustainably grown plants, using recycled pots and with none of the harsh chemicals or growth inhibitors widely used within the industry.

The Oakbank outlet is the flagship store for the family and spans across three acres filled with plants, pots, garden art, antique artefacts, a clothing boutique and home and giftware.

All set amongst the beautiful historic buildings of the old Johnston Brewery site (circa 1843).

With the nature of this picturesque site, the owners have expanded into hospitality, including a 150 seat licensed Garden Kitchen in what was the original horse stables.

It was very interesting to note a glass-covered panelled section of the flooring, showing the original wooden cobbles in the stables, used to prevent the horses from slipping.

There was an assortment of plant-based ice-cream and gelati flavours available for those who might be tempted; surprisingly, despite protestations of “I had such a big lunch at the bakery”, this temptation proved too much for several car club members… no names mentioned.

By mid-afternoon and with the weather getting a slight nip in the air, it was time for ladies day to come to its end for another year and whilst the name might suggest otherwise, this was certainly a day enjoyed by both genders.

We were all extremely appreciative and acknowledge the beauty of the classically restored motor vehicles at Totness… we were all well fed at Oakbank and we all learnt more about the local history of the Adelaide Hills and environs.

Thanks to John and Vicki Courtney for a great Ladies Day Run.