See Elephants' Rest, the African garden gallery at Callington

This post was contributed by Graham Edwards and Brenda Cowie of the Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge.

In overcast weather, 15 Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge members in eight mainly classic vehicles have met at their clubrooms to receive directions and the program for the club’s 2021 ladies’ day outing.

With trophy quiz competition sheets distributed and a run book for COVID records entered by organiser Brenda Cowie, it was time to “start your engines”.

President Claude Minge took full advantage of ladies’ day by electing to be chauffeured in their modern Land Cruiser by his wife Liz.

The groups’s first stop after travelling along the Old Princes Highway was the Elephants’ Rest African garden gallery, where members were greeted and welcomed at the main gate by owners Bob and Cheryl Kovarskis.

Prior to morning tea, everyone browsed the life-sized statues of African animals strategically placed around the neat gardens of the property at Callington, before entering the premises to view a wonderful collection of artifacts and items for sale in a well stocked gift shop.

The owners gave members a detailed and interesting talk about their many interesting trips driving around Africa, camping in the wild and staying with Masai villagers, and mentioning some young Africans who they had sponsored to attend school and university.

They indicated that the reason they opened their doors to the public each season, from October to the end of April, was to continue their support for the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, where a dedicated team of people rescued young elephant orphans, rehabilitated and released them back into the wild.

Supporting their coffee and gift shop at Elephants’ Rest enabled all monies raised to go towards supporting elephants and rhinos.

Following a morning tea of scones, jam and cream, a delicious hummingbird pineapple and banana cake made by Bob and various types of tea and coffee, members said their personal thank yous to their hosts for their hospitality.

It was an attraction well worth a visit and not to be missed.

After a leisurely drive through historic Monarto, past Rollo’s Airfield, then a left turn on to the Murray Bridge to Mannum road, the group arrived at Mannum Community Club, adjacent to Mary Ann Reserve.

Members made their way into the club, where a table overlooking the mighty Murray was set up for members to enjoy a great midday meal.

Following lunch, quiz sheets were collected from members and the answers read out; however, members will have to wait until the annual presentation dinner in June to find out who the trophy winner or winners were.

Mr Minge thanked all for coming, run organiser Ms Cowie for the day’s outing and the management and staff of the Mannum club before wishing members a safe journey home.

• More information: elephantsrestafricangardengallery.com.

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