"First place in the Club Display - by a country mile - goes to the Mini Car Club of Auckland"

We were way ahead of all the other clubs in this category and the euphoria was well deserved. The organizing team had done an outstanding job and pulled together a display that fully warranted the award. As Concourse 07 drew closer, the South Auckland crew again took on the task of producing this year's display.

The morning of Saturday 10th was designated as 'dress rehersal' day and I agreed to help out. On the way out, I couldn't help thinking that it would need something special to top last year's effort. Work had just begun and very quickly it became apparent that the rabbit had been pulled out of the hat again! One minute I was in Issigonnis's design office and the next I was on the production line at the Longbridge works - hearing the siren calling the workforce for morning tea. A winner I thought.

The assembly went without a hitch on Sunday - then off to look around the show. Within 50 metres, it was very apparent that we wouldn't be ahead by a country mile again! Some other clubs had taken their beating seriously and also come up with some excellent displays based on the 'Origin of the Marque' theme for the show. This year, competition was going to be very tough!

While we were enjoying the show, the club was steadily picking up awards. El Presidente's replica Cooper was the first Show 'n Shine spot prize winner. Charles Tisdall's and KP's Cooper were called into the ring, part of the 6 finalists for the team prize. The motokhana teams were steadily working their way through to the semi finals - 3 out of the 4!

The major prizes were awarded and with what must have been a very close call, we placed 3rd in the Best Club Display section. The Mustang Club were second and our title was taken by the MG Car Club - a deserved win by them, with a theme not to dissimilar to ours! Initial disappointment was soon replaced by a great satisfaction. We were responsible for a big leap forward in the standard of the club displays. Without our win last year, we would still be looking at a few cars lined up on the grass with their bonnets and doors open. Our thanks again go to Mike, Jan and the rest for again producing an outstanding display. We sleep easy knowing exactly what our contribution to Concourse has been.

Congratulations to all award winners. Full results will be displayed here very soon.