We now have 26 members in “Geelong and District”, basically west of the M80 ring road, and have run a few events over “this side of town” which are starting to gather momentum.

Given the fairly small numbers I wanted to find somewhere for an informal get together, somewhere where we could see our cars, and somewhere which had some sort of purpose for being there – such as the ubiquitous coffee.  And I found such a spot at Daniel’s Donuts on Belmont High Street. The outside seating alongside the car parking area has cover and there is inside if needs be.

Once the COVID numbers in cafes, etc in Regional Victoria eased (yes, I know, sorry Metro Melbourne members) I picked an evening in early October where it looked like there may not be rain – an uncertain business around here! We had a very pleasant evening nattering about this and that and agreed to do it again.

Once the Metro Melbourne travel limit was lifted and the Mornington drive date set I organised a parallel drive ending up at the ever popular Anglesea Chocolate factory – as Regional were unable to drive into Metro Melbourne. A select group had a very enjoyable drive for about one hour and then settled in for lunch.  With two children in our group (by age, somewhat more by disposition!) both the café menu and the vast array of chocolate items were well received. Oh, and they do ice cream too. It was a great opportunity to get to know some of our members and their family a bit better including a prospective new member (who has since joined).

Reprising the Donut drop-in produced a larger crowd, seven in all, despite the arrival of vey heavy rain at about 5:30pm in contradiction of the longer range forecast – without which we would have been 13. Whilst the rain eased off for a while it returned in earnest at about 8:30pm and we headed inside for the final half hour.

I will try and make this a regular fixture and have plans for some weekend informal meets and drives which I will fit in around the other (and now many!) club events. In future these will be open to all members who want to attend as long as the Metro/Regional border remains open. Its part of the club growing and catering to all of our members – it’s quite a drive from Geelong to the usual meeting venues!

Lawrence Glynn | Member #3
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne