Rob contact Charlie Anderson on 07 5578 1832
The trip will depart Brisbane on the 5th Aug and arrive in Alice Springs on the 26th August, Via Longreach, Normanton, Lawn Hill, back up to the Gulf and around to the Stuart Highway down to the Alice. 4988Km
I will post more info on the events forum for Charlie soon.
Charlie will be at Corowa and will have all the info you need. Look out for the orange 1959 F100.
I will be there too.
Cheers
Jeff

Thanks very much Jeff, I hope to meet you at Corowa.
Thanks Rob

Moo Cow
 

Hey Rob,
How about an update pic of the moo cow with the painted tray and canvas.

G'day Euan,
The moo cow is going well, Jack and I drove to Nowra with Mark and the Yass crowd for the open day ( a few months ago ). It went very well on it's first major outing, I am working on the tray to set it up for camping in at Corowa and the trip next year. I brought 2 fuel tanks that came of a Acco on Wednesday and will fit them later ( running out of time to have them ready for Corowa ). The canvas has worked out well I cut it up into 3 pieces and had them sewn up and eyelets put in. I am now getting a mesh window sewn into the front piece to allow some air in, I pick it up today. Still haven't worked how to paint it, the faded yellow colour isn't to bad and the stains add to the look !! I have added some pics, hope they work
Talk soon Rob

who,s coming.
 

How many visitors do we have coming from O/S and are they interested in taking our spare blitzs to help with numbers.???

I know we have Chris from Switzerland but he already has a vehicle. I haven't heard from any other overseas people. Richard Farrant wanted to attend but is going on the Normandy trip instead.

The second KVE Newsletter will be going out within the next few days. If you are not on my database and want a copy send me an email and I wil include you on the list.

Please take note of the following:

Guidelines for AFV’s

As mentioned previously, here are a set of guidelines that AFV owners/drivers need to adhere to. There is nothing overly out of the question here and most of them are basic common sense and safety requirements that are echoed in most clubs.

There are also a few guidelines included for the Carrier Pilots to read.

On behalf of the committee, we do not want to come over looking like control freaks or fun police. Remember that in this world of litigation and insurance, this entire week we enjoy, could become just a memory if we do not act on the side of caution.

1. No AFVs in Van Park
2. All vehicles are to be registered, on Club Plates or valid permit.
3. All vehicles to have third party cover.
4. No vehicle is to be driven on roads or paddocks without a crew commander for additional visibility.
5. All drivers and crew commanders are to comply with National road laws pertaining to alcohol consumption when operating vehicles.
6. No riding on top of vehicles at any time.
7. Lights must be on whilst on public roads.
8. Pedestrian traffic has right of way.
9. Working Intercom (IC) between driver and crew commander mandatory.
10. Any damages that occur are the responsibility of the vehicle driver.
11. All vehicles are to be driven at walking pace with a guide on foot approx 5 metres in front of the vehicle when driven in pedestrian areas and close environs. This is mandatory within the airfield and pedestrian areas.
12. Guides are to wear a high visibility vest or clothing at all times when guiding a vehicle and must be visible to the driver. Vehicle is not to proceed if guide is not visible to driver.
13. There is to be no AFV movement outside of designated areas without KVE approval.
14. Public access to AFVs should be at owners’ discretion.
15. All of the heavier tracked vehicles are to be co-located within the one area to minimise damage to park grounds and increase vehicle security.
16. No AFVs to use the track along the riverside near the Van Park.
17. No moving AFVs after dark.
18. AFV owners are to adhere to directions given by staff and committee.

In addition there should be rules for owners and drivers of LP Carriers. These should include:
19. All vehicles are to be driven at walking pace with a guide on foot approx 5 metres in front of the vehicle when driven in pedestrian areas and close environs. This should be mandatory within the van park and airfield areas.
20. No vehicle driven without crew commander.
21. Controlled access to riverside track area during daylight hours only.
22. Guides must wear high visibility clothing when in high pedestrian and close environs.
23. All vehicles are to be registered, on Club Plates or valid permit.
24. All vehicles to have third party cover.

As stated earlier, it may look a lot, but most is common sense and a requirement of most clubs anyway. It just looks a lot when put down all at once.

Sleeps
 

Thanks for the countdown Bob.

The 2nd KVE Newsletter is now out and there are lots of updates. Ben will be putting it on the KVE Website as well. If you haven't received your email copy of the newsletter please forward me an email to put you on the database for future Corowa updates.

Hopefully people have had time to read the KVE newsletter. If you haven't please read the following:

Secretaries / Public Relations Report
This report contains some updated information. Please read carefully and contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you to the people who have sent emails and private messages regarding the first KVE newsletter. I would appreciate people passing on these messages to other participants. Many thanks to people who have contributed and particularly Ben Hemmings who has put the final product together. We are looking for articles from participants for our next newsletter which will go out in late April or May. For any contributions please send me an email kveinc@optusnet.com.au

Changes to the entry of Ball Park Caravan Park
There have been changes to the entry to Ball Park. If coming from Victoria you turn right at the bottom of the Bowling Club (where the original entry used to be) and if you are in NSW heading towards Victoria you turn left just after the Bowling Club.

Entry Forms:
Please send your entry form in ASAP including the second page which asks if you will be attending the meal functions. Please complete this with your entry form. We require numbers for some of our meal functions.

Entry Fee - $10 per vehicle
I now have over 80 official vehicle entry forms and a number of entrants who are still unsure of what vehicle they are bringing to Corowa this year. I would like to encourage all participants to send in a form with a $10 entry fee as you will receive more than $10 in return. We have organised mementos and you will also receive a discount meal on the Saturday night provided by the Corowa Rotary Club. Some people are not bringing vehicles but are keen to receive the package and mementos we will be handing out.

It is great to see people supporting the themes each year. There are currently 25 Blitzes and 4 Amphibious vehicles entered to date. I am looking forward to receiving more entry forms over the next few weeks.

Group photo at 7.30pm Saturday 14th March of people who were at the first Corowa Swim-In in 1980:
It has also been suggested that a photo be taken of people who attended the first rally. If you were at the rally in 1980 please be at the Auction & Presentation evening on Saturday 14th March. We would like to take a group photo. The best time to take this would be at 7.30pm. Please advise me if you attended the first event in 1980. If you know someone who attended the first event please encourage them to come along this year. We will probably put up a list at the Site Office.

Important update on the Parade
At this stage we are unsure what the status will be with Tracked Vehicles in the parade. They will probably form up in Edwards St. The roads have been spray sealed and we are waiting on approval from the Corowa Council. A driver’s briefing will be held probably on Friday for people with Tracked Vehicles.
There have been some changes to the roads especially the entrance to Ball Park so we have decided to commence the Parade from Bangerang Park / Bowling Club Carpark. Due to the large number of vehicles we are expecting it would be great to have them lined up in categories such as Jeeps, Champs, motor cycles, Dodges, GMC’s, Studebakers etc. We will require a person to be the leader of each group of vehicles. The person will join the parade at the appropriate time and ensure the vehicles following line up at the Airport in the required places.

Awards & Voting Form
In each person’s participant pack you will receive a Voting Form. This will give you an opportunity to nominate people for awards and also suggest a theme for 2013.
VOTING FORM
Please put this form in the Suggestion Box by 12 midday on Saturday 14th March. At 1200hrs this box will be cleared and any forms received after this will not be included. We need time to count and organize the results for the presentations on Saturday night.
Awards: Please give the person’s name and the reason for them to be considered for an Award.
1. Mal Mackay Memorial Award: This award will be given to an individual who appears to get the most enjoyment out of being at Corowa.
Name: Reason why:
2. Hard Luck award:
Name: Reason why:
3. Breakdown Award:
Name: Reason why:
4. Longest distance driven in a military vehicle:
Name: Number of Kilometres driven:
5. Encouragement Award:
Name: Reason why:
6. People’s Favourite Choice: For your favourite vehicle attending this year.
Vehicle rally number: Type of Vehicle:
Suggestions for a Theme for 2013
Suggestions for places to visit in 2010

Auction:
Donations for the auction would be greatly appreciated. Please bring them to the Site Office at Ball Park and hand them to a KVE member. We have an auctioneer from town running the auction and this money goes towards our insurance and running costs of the event. We need your support to make this a special event for our 30 year celebrations.

Camping at Corowa Airport:
Tabitha at the airport would really appreciate people pre-booking their powered or non-powered sites so she knows how many people are staying. She is considering hiring more toilets and showers but she can only do this with knowledge of numbers.
Upon arrival at the Airport you must visit Tabitha or Tim in the Jump Shak before setting up your campsite. The Airport is located at Redlands Road Corowa. Contact Tabitha and Tim Hughes on 0415 704748.
The cost will be $10 per person, per night for a powered site and at this stage she has some beds left in the Jump Shak for the same price. There is now air conditioning in the Jump Shak. Meals will be available but you must inform Tabitha ahead of time. Last year there were a few dogs at the airport. This year it will be STRICTLY NO DOGS. These rules apply at all airports.

Accommodation at Ball Park Caravan Park:
For those requiring a powered site at Ball Park Caravan Park it is advisable to contact them ASAP. Some years they have run out of powered sites and with the increased interest for 2009 I would be getting in early.
Contact Sonia & Andrew Palmer on (02) 60331426

Entry Forms:
We have started putting together rally packs and appreciate if people can send back their entry forms ASAP. Please remember to send in your entry form & entry fee prior to the end of February so we have an indication of the numbers of vehicles and people attending. We will then be able to determine how many special mementoes to order. Please ensure you complete both pages of the entry form. You will realise that the second page asks for numbers of participants to the meal functions.

Site Office:
Please let me know when you are able to man the Site Office. There are many new faces and it is always a good opportunity to meet people. A list of duties will be provided so that anyone can help with this task. We do require a member from KVE to be on each shift and we would like to invite other participants to help out. The Site Office will be open from 8.00am until 10.00am, 12MD until 2.00pm and from 4.00-6.00pm daily. Upon arrival in town we would like you to come down to the Office and register ASAP.

Themes for 2010, 2011, 2012:
In 2010 the theme will be Year of the Jeep.
The theme for 2011 will be Year of the British and European Vehicles
In 2012 the theme will be Year of the 6X6.
Participants attending the event in 2009 will be able to make suggestions on the theme for 2013.

Tooles Disposals Warehouse – Open days
Tooles Disposals will be opening their Warehouse for the last time to our participants from 10.00am until 1.00pm on Tuesday, 10.00-12MD on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The address is Tooles Rd. Bandiana off the Kiewa Valley Highway.
For further information on the event please feel free to give me a call on 0423 943010 or send an email to kveinc@optusnet.com.au To ensure you are kept up to date with details send me an email to get on the database.
Special thanks to Ben Hemmings for putting the newsletter together. He is also in charge of our website.

Ozamphibian Platypus
This vehicle will be in Corowa during the week. Take a look at the information on the vehicle further in this newsletter. There will hopefully be a demonstration and talk on Thursday and possibly at other times during the event.

‘Classic Restos’ interviews and filming on Tuesday and Wednesday
Mark Fletcher (otherwise known as Fletch) from Classic Restos on Channel 31 will be coming to Corowa on Tuesday 10th March and will be staying overnight to do a few interviews. His negotiated sponsors are American Autos Rare Spares & Valvoline. His company is called Itchybutt Productions
A little bit of history on Fletch:
Fletch’s first gig was in 1969 at the age of 4 when he sang the song “I like aeroplane jelly” at the Rockdale Town Hall. He won his family “jelly” packs for 6 months.
Voice antics started for Fletch in 1985 when he used to carry out character voices for Sydney radio station 2UE. Over the years, right up until 2000, and even occasionally these days, the odd character voice on radio can be heard when called upon.
He has appeared on ‘Hey Hey It’s Saturday and many regional TV commercials and pilot shows on the Channel Nine Network. He has an established association with comedian Rodney Rude. In 2003 he toured regional NSW and parts of Queensland as Rodney Rude’s son, performing his own show.
Fletch is heavily into the automotive scene. He has a fully restored 4 door Chrysler Regal sedan and is restoring a 1969 Dodge Coupe. He is the official presenter for the Summernats and Chryslers on the Murray DVD’s.
Please contact Jan if you would like to be part of the interviews.

Volunteers are required for the following:
Site Office at Ball Park Caravan Park
Setting up the vehicle arena at Corowa Airport
Taking down the vehicle arena at Corowa Airport
Marshalls for the parade on Saturday
Speakers for the Wednesday school display

News on the Meal functions:
I would appreciate people letting me know whether to include them on the meal lists as catering is not an easy task.

On the Thursday evening the Corowa Shire Council would like to give recognition for our event especially since we have been in their town for the past 30 years and will put on a Civic Reception from 6pm at the Corowa RSL Club in Betterment Parade. At this stage the plan is for the RSL club to provide some finger food and we will buy our own drinks. It won’t be a long function so please come along.

On the Saturday evening at Ball Park Caravan Park we have decided to get the Corowa Rotary Club to provide a meal for participants. We haven’t done this for a few years as people tend to be blasé about whether to attend or not but due to this being our 30th Year we would like to encourage people to come along to our presentations and auction. Come along and support the local Rotary Club. We have a local person doing the auction this year and Tim Scriven has organised a couple of marquees. If you prepay your Entry Fee you will be entitled to a 2 course meal for $10 per person (Adult) and this includes any person you have nominated as attending on your Entry Form. KVE will subsidise the extra $4.50. The fee for children will be $2 if you have preregistered or $7 if you haven’t preregistered. We understand that people need to be fed at some stage during the evening so decided to have the Rotary Club start serving at 6pm. If possible it would be great if all who are attending could have eaten their main course by 7pm and then dessert will be served. We are aiming to commence the official proceedings at 7.30pm sharp. I would prefer people to give us an idea of numbers attending so we can provide accurate numbers prior to the event. You will be required to pay for this upon arrival and will be given tickets.

The Sunday evening Carvery meal at the Corowa RSL Club is always a great night. A booking has already been made but we need confirmation of numbers also. It is always good to encourage people to stay until the Monday so they can come along to this function. The cost at the moment is $18 per adult and $7.50 per child.

Programme of events – updated information
Tuesday 10th March: Visit to Bandiana
Visit the Tooles Disposals Warehouse from 10.00am until 1.00pm
1.00pm: Visit The Army Museum Bandiana

Wednesday 11th March: School visit. The convoy will depart Ball Park at 9.45am
We are looking for a selection of vehicles to take to the Corowa Primary School at 10am. We have offered to give the children a chance to have a look at and hear some information from owners about your vehicles. There will be a list placed at the Site Office for participants to put their vehicle and name on so we get a selection of vehicles attend this event. If possible prepare a 5 minute talk on your vehicle and its use in the war.

Thursday 12th March: Trip to Maurice Wilson’s property
We have been invited again to Maurice Wilson’s property on the outskirts of Corowa. This would be an ideal location if the amphibious vehicles were able to do a trip down the river. The road run will depart from Corowa Airport at 10am. Feel free to pack some lunch. Demonstration and talk on the Ozamphibian Platypus. Take a look at the website www.ozamphibian.com


Friday 13th March: Trip to Milawa:
The current agenda is as follows:
• 8.00-8.30 Depart Corowa
• 9.00-9.30 Arrive Milawa
• 9.30 Small parade through Milawa to primary school
• 10.00 Visit Milawa primary school – activities and answer children’s questions
• 11.30 Cheese factory/art gallery - cheese tasting and grab a bite to eat
• 12.30 Mustard shop – taste different kinds of mustards
• 13.00 EV olives – taste olives and olive oils and bring a container to fill up if you
want to buy some olive oil
• 14.00 Brown Brothers
• 15.30 Depart Milawa

Special thanks to Sue and Leon Heynders for organising the agenda.

Friday 13th March: Talk by Major Graham Docksey at Corowa Airport
Commencing now at 7.00pm instead of 5.30pm.
Graham will provide participants with information on various topics including:
• Practical Demonstration: with tac signs and weapons
• Information on the Army History Unit Australia
• Information on the Army Museum at Bandiana
• Information on Graham’s Tours of Gallipoli

Saturday 14th March: Parade, Swap Meet and other activities
Saturday is the main day of activities commencing with a parade departing from near Bangerang Park at 9am sharp.

With the large number of vehicles likely to be present we may need more assistance with the line up of vehicles prior to the parade. To make things easier make sure you register in at the Site Office during the week and place your vehicle number on your front windscreen or bumper bar. This is the easiest way for us to get a vehicle list together after the event. For those arriving on the Saturday morning make sure you go directly to the line up and see me for your vehicle number. If you pay your entry fee you will receive a vehicle certificate of attendance.
After the parade, follow directions for parking your vehicle so we can obtain a group photo of the vehicles. We hope to have a number of marshals assisting us with this task. If you are able to help please let me know.

The Corowa Rotary Club will be running the Swap Meet again in 2009. Please abide by their regulations and do not start selling until 9.45am, once the parade vehicles have been displayed. It will cost $5 per site and they will have lots of food available. It is advisable to bring along some shade if you are having a stall at the Swap Meet. KVE will have a site at the Swap Meet and this will be your last opportunity to complete your Voting Forms where you can nominate people for awards and make suggestions for the Theme for 2013 and the Friday trip in 2010.
The arena will be set up again near the airport for vehicle activities.

Saturday 14th March: Dinner, Auction and Presentations
Come and support the Dinner, Auction and presentations on Saturday evening. The Corowa Rotary Club will be providing a 2 course meal from 6pm. I would appreciate people letting me know if they are attending the dinner ASAP. (Refer back to the section ‘News on Meal Functions’.)The Auction and Presentations will commence at 7.30pm. There is bound to be a combination of items of interest.



Contributions to our KVE Newsletter
We are after articles for our next newsletter so if you are a member or a participant and have anything you would like to contribute please forward to kveinc@optusnet.com.au
This newsletter is intended to go out to members of KVE along with past, present and future participants of the Annual GPA Swim-In and ex-Military Vehicle Gathering at Corowa, NSW, Australia. Let’s spread the word to people throughout Australia and the world about how great this event is!

Joining KVE Inc
To be apart of the organising of the Swim-In in the future you are welcome to join KVE Inc. You can download a Membership Application Form off the website or ask me for a copy. We will be having a meeting at Corowa on Sunday 15th March so you are welcome to attend.
With only 6 weeks until the event I hope the restoration of your vehicles is going well. If you don’t quite make it there this year we look forward to seeing you there next year.

Until next time,
Jan Thompson - Secretary

Jan

4. Longest distance driven in a military vehicle:
Name: Number of Kilometres driven:
Well finally have the Blitz home but dont think I could pack enough gas to get to Australia to be part of the count :yappy: , not to mention at 25 mph Id be late .

Wish you could do a Internet on line count from all over the world, I bet the numbers would be amazing :D

Chris is here!
 

He's had his first drive of the F15:

... I visited Keith today and drove my beauty for the first time. A wonderful feeling! :kangaroo

Watch out for me in Corowa...

Gear polishing
 

They were new but are now very nicely polished! :eek: :yappy:

But
 

But she's the wrong colour! I thought it would be "Kermit Green"! :yappy:

MLU Photo
 

While I think of it, PLEASE will everyone attend the photo on Saturday! There are so many I have not met, and a few last year that did not attend the photo. C'mon fellas! See ya there, make yourself known! and set aside some time for a chin wag. :teach:
HH

The smile says it all. Great to see you back, and a big aata boy to all those who made it happen.

regards

Col

Looking foward to seeing you driving your blitz :thup2:
Max

Change of plan, the family think it will be good for the boys to go in the parade so we are leaving home at 04:00 saturday to deive the blitz to the airport then Andrew is going to meet us at 13:00 to load the blitz for home.
So we will be there for the drive and the photo I will say G'Day to as many as possible during that time. :cheers::remember

G'day All, I'm here (but I'm a nobody LOL), I have met Howard of 'Ganmain fame seen Hugh T and his ambulance, caught up with Wusty ole twucks (Mark. S) and other people from Yass and I'm sorry that I cannot recall any names etc except for Mark who bought Mike.C's S2 Bloodbox, Tony S was also in and around the park, Hugh D from S.A..
Today I saw 'Swiss Chris' out at Toole's I waved to him from a Land Rover LOL also saw a man with 'SEG' on his face and I told him not to go in as I had bought the lot LOL, all in all a geat place to be , a little wet at times, almost forgot John B with his ' Buffalo' that is a piece of work, also some people from across the puddle (N.Z.) but for the life of me I can't remember their names, I know one of them has a S2 109 Ambulance ex UK anyway having lots of fun and I'm really sorry to torment you all but I just cannot post pictures you will have to wait and gee is their some stuff here cheers Dennis :sheep: :thup2:

Hi Dennis
 

You should have stopped and introduced yourself. Fortunately there was enough canvas left to do Swiss Chris' needs.

Jan also mentioned we have over 180 registered which is a record.

No figures yet on how many are CMPs though.

A pic from this morning
 

A lot of fun...

Where else can you see a Buffalo amphib going for a swim? :thup2:

That's an easy one! Bundy Swim-In this June :D

Seriously, I'd love to be at Corowa. Didn't get there last year, although I was on the way. I flew out to Dubbo and a mate was to pick me up at the airport, but his Disco blew a head gasket outside of Coonabarabran and that was the end of the trip.

Looks like you folks are having too much fun! We'll have the Weasels there someday...

Steve.

Looks you guys have a lot of fun indeed! The flaming exhaust is great to see, I bet it made a great sound as well!

Enjoy while it lasts . . . ;) :thup2:

H.

Fun
 

Yes it has indeed been fun. The only problem is the days just pass so fast and then it's over.

I did have a drive of a C60X this afternoon with a 5-speed gearbox. You really had to concentrate on it not to make a mistake.

Floodier & floodier
 

Here is Keith at work...

the Buffalo was great.. When I went for a ride I felt like a marine in WWII. Thankyou to John Bellfield

;)

Ian

G'day All, Here it is getting directions through the carpark, you wouldn't want to get it wrong, look out Hyundai's LOL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND66B...e=channel_page .
Keith I did catch up with 'Chris' on Saturday morning in the carpark and had a look at his little truck, very neat indeed, anyway cheers Dennis :sheep:
PS Here is a quick clip thru the town on Saturday morning, I'm sure you will recognize yourself there Keith cheers,,. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBhGh...eature=channel

Buffalo in the water
 

G'day All, Not sure where to post this clip, it is a clip of John's 'Buffalo' before the carburettor issue was solved, anyway sorry about the camera wobbles doing too much talking and looking around LOL cheers Dennis :sheep:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9ymq3zUF70