rutherglen

Rutherglen 2003.....(as reported by Maryann)

What started as a weekend away for a few mates from Sylvester Swing last year became a Rock and Roll pilgrimage for about 100 Rockers this year.

Around September 2002, leaflets promoting a Rock and Roll weekend in Rutherglen began circulating around the Waltzing Matilda Hotel and other venues frequented by the Sylvester Swing gang. The people responsible were Lou, Lyn and Don. If you didn't know their names you'd know their faces.

After several trips to Rutherglen and a lot of organizing they produced an itinerary with a list of accommodation phone numbers for anyone interested in a get away weekend of wine and Rock and Roll.

Lou & Lyn had put together a really good program and although everyone was free to do their own thing they were given specific locations and times for meeting up.

The first stop was 12.30pm on the Friday for a counter lunch at the Kalkallo Hotel.

The next meeting place that night was the Victoria Hotel in Rutherglen. We arrived there with our friends at around 7 pm. There was not a rocker in sight! We ordered dinner and still no rockers. We started to think that maybe we had the wrong hotel. Just as we finished dinner Allen & Linda Walker from the Waltzing Matilda Hotel walked in. They were as pleased to see us as we were them, we all knew now that we were at the right place. Shortly after their arrival everyone else turned up and the place came alive.

It turned out just the best night.

The next morning we wandered down to the shops for breakfast. Everyone else pretty much had the same idea. The bakery and the pie shop were kept very busy. The bread shop sells a special loaf of bread for about $20.00 that is gigantic.

The next meeting place was the Moodemere Winery for a barbeque lunch, some wine and some getting together. It's the first time I have ever seen a group of Rock and Rollers drinking and not dancing. Lou did attempt to demonstrate a dance move with one lady. All I know is that by the time I had my camera out, he was rolling on the grass with someone. Lyn was too busy laughing to help him up.

That afternoon some of us went visiting and others went to wineries. I believe there is a photo floating around of Claire (One of the Waltzing Matilda gang) being caught up in a Hens Party at a winery and having to put a sock or something similar on a cucumber while blind folded. (Something similar is right, try condom! See the photo below!)

That night we headed back to the Victoria Hotel for another great night.

Lyn & Lou had arranged a DJ, the weather was still perfect, even more people had arrived from Melbourne and best of all was a floor show by Drop Dead Fred (Alias the very talented Mr. Allen Walker) singing I'm Too Sexy.

All the girls screamed when Drop Dead Fred's jacket came off showing his well-toned muscles. The camera's really starting flashing during that performance. A great night was had by the entire Melbourne contingent including many of the locals who had rocked up.

The next morning many of the group met for a morning of golf while others visited wineries. We headed back to the shops for breakfast which was absolutely delicious at the café next to the Victoria, then went visiting Don, Marg, Brian, Claire and everyone at their hotel around the swimming pool before heading back to Melbourne.

On Sunday night those that were staying on met up for a Chinese smorgasbord at the Star Hotel.

Whispers are out that Lyn, Lou and Don are already working on plans for 2004.

The Rutherglen /Albury Wodonga area is a very comfortable drive from Melbourne. The Valentine's Day weekend is ideal because it is not too busy with tourists, the weather is perfect and the scenery and old buildings are beautiful. We are looking forward to going again.

Maryann Jolly

................................................................................................

Thanks for this most entertaining report Maryann! You've done a great job!
Maryann (wife of "Rockin Daddy's" Cliff) also supplied most of the photos below!

Anyone else want to do a report with photos of a Rock and Roll event around Vic for inclusion on this site?? Feel free! Contact me here!...........Mel