1 November 2015

THE T-BIRD NEWS – NOVEMBER 2015

THUNDERBIRD OWNERS CLUB OF AUSTRALIA

INCORPORATED

INDEX Executive & State Directors…………………………..………………….………….2

National Concourse………………………………………………………………….3

National Presidents Report………………………………………………………….13

Editor’s Report……………………….………………………….………..…………14

Treasures Report…………………….……………………………………..………..15

NSW Report…………………………………………………………………………16

Victoria’s Report…………………….…………………………………………….....17

All contributions to TBird News are to be typed and addressed to the editor (see

page 2 for details) Include a S.A.E if articles and / or photos are to be returned.

The editor reserves the right to edit or withhold material received for

publication in T'Bird News.

BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE

THUNDERBIRD OWNERS CLUB OF AUSTRALIA

INC.

The Thunderbird Owner's Club of Australia Inc. and State Branches is a

social non-profit organisation devoted to serve as a medium of

exchange of ideas, information, and parts for admirers and owners of

Thunderbirds, to aid them in restoring and preserving these automobiles

and associated Ford vehicles in their original likeness.

2 November 2015

Executive & State Directors

President

Mike Barton

5225 Batlow Road

Tumut, NSW, 2720

02 9477 1948– 0412 700 584

barton-mr@bigpond.com

State Director – New South Wales

Tery Traynor

1 Padua Close

Prestons NSW 2170

0402 052 712

Vice President

Steve Springett

74 Stakey St,

Forestville, NSW, 2087

02 9975 6168 - 0424 177 829

stevespringett@optusnet.com.au

State Director – Queensland

Secretary

Chris Jeffs

10 Villiers Road

Padstow Heights, NSW, 2211

02 9773 6250 - 0414239181

State Director – Victoria

Tony Buchanan P.O Box 4067

Croydon Hills Vic.3136 t.buchanan59@bigpond.com

0455 296 660

Treasurer

Sharon Banach

5 Jobson Ave

Mt Ousley, NSW, 2519

sharonbanach@gmail.com

State Director – Canberra

Editor

Peter Banach

5 Jobson Ave

Mt Ousley , NSW, 2519

0431 675 999

Tbird1965@tpg.com.au

Public Officer

Peter Banach

5 Jobson Ave

Mt Ousley, NSW, 2519

0431 675 999

Web Manager

Peter Banach

5 Jobson Ave

Mt Ousley , NSW, 2519

0431 675 999

Tbird1965@tpg.com.au

Sales/Merchandising

Pat Farrell

4Venezia St

Prestons NSW 2170

02 9607 7190

Web Site News

www.toca.net.au.

3 November 2015

NATIONAL CONCOURS 2015

RESULTS Furthest distance travelled Sid and Jill Howard

Encouragement Award Leanne Easy and John Taylor

Bruce Roberts Award Pat and Joyce Farrell

Best Custom Modified Peter and Naomi Thompson

Show n Shine 1st Warwick and Anne Allen

2nd

Chris and Lorraine Jeffs

3rd

Paul and Anne Antcliffe

Drivers Division 1st Greg Fischer

2nd

Jim and Kathy Boyd

3rd

Sue and Dave McLelland

Primary division 55-57 1st Pat and Joyce Farrell

2nd

Jim and Dianne Matthews

Primary 61-63 1st Steve and Lyn Springett

Primary 64-66 1st Peter and Sharon Banach

Primary 67-modern 1st Mike and Jody Barton

2nd

Dave Beal

3rd

Sid and Jill Howard

Best hardtop Steve and Lyn Springett

Best convertible Pat and Joyce Farrell

Best Car Outright Pat and Joyce Farrell 57 baby

4 November 2015

The Anne Gonzalves Award was presented to Jim and Dianne

Matthews

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL AND THANK YOU JUDGES.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD AT MERCURE RESORT MOTEL

WAGGA WAGGA

Sunday 27TH

September 2015

1.The President Mike Barton declared the meeting open at 9:30am and

welcomed members. There were 38 present.

2. Apologies.

The following apologies were received:

Greg Fisher

Charlie and Rosa Trimboli

Peter and Anita Van Der Linden

Colin and Ann Wallace

Andrew and Jeanie Byrnes

George and Beverly Fehrenback

3. Minutes of previous AGM.

The minutes of the 2014 AGM, as published in the November 2014

magazine, were distributed prior to the meeting the Secretary Chris

Jeffs for those present to read.

4. Acceptance of previous minutes.

Moved –Jim Matthews, seconded – Joyce Farrell, carried.

5. Business arising from previous minutes.

Chris stated that the Committee had resolved all matters arising from

the 2014 minutes. Nothing arose from the floor of the meeting.

6. President’s Report.

5 November 2015

Mike Barton reported that the Club has had another good year and that

the activities have been well attended. He then spoke on the various

President’s runs he had organized during the year. One point struck him

in particular and that was that the Thunderbird had not got the

recognition for its’ 60th

year at the CMC event held at Eastern Creek

competing with Jaguar who also were 60. He was pleased to see all the

new Members we are getting and especially with the push from Victoria

and the constant flow in NSW. He then stated his preference for an

annual concours because the camaraderie is a special part of our Club

and we have very unique cars which unfortunately a lot of people don’t

know are Fords.

Acceptance; Moved – Pat Farrell, seconded –Tery Traynor, carried.

7. Vice President’s Report.

Steve said he had nothing to report except that he would like to thank

Chris and Laraine for the organization of this event. He then called for

the meeting to show their thanks by acclamation.

Acceptance; Moved – Joyce Farrell, seconded – Tery Traynor, carried.

8. Secretary’s Report.

Chris Jeffs said that normally the job of the Secretary is to read out the

incoming correspondence but nowadays it is all dealt with on the web

instantly therefor I have nothing to report except to say I think I have

run this concours to balance within $100 either way of breaking even.

This is not hard to do if you plan ahead and work to a preplanned

budget. He then thanked those people he had asked to do something for

him saying “yes ok, not a problem” was the response he got from them

all and this was all you need when trying to organize something.

Acceptance; moved – Laraine Jeffs, seconded – Pat Farrell, carried.

9. Treasurer’s Report.

Barry Wright reported that he had the final figures up to the end of

August and some outstanding bills to pay. He then stated that the Club

has paid all its bills on time for the past year without any problems.

6 November 2015

Although membership dropped quite substantially toward the end of the

financial year due to non-renewals from March there has been a pick up

since with 14 new ones so far this year. Membership goes up and down

but has remained fairly stable over the last few years.

Some time back the Club decided that we should increase the voluntary

workers cover to $1000 per week, when the renewal came in he noticed

that this has reverted to $500. When he enquired with the Insurer they

said that their policy is designed to cover some 300 Clubs and they

would not make an exception for us. He has inquired about putting it

back up to $1000 and is still waiting to hear from them re an increased

premium or what they can do for us.

Membership dues are generally paid by most Members by the middle of

April and when the late payers are contacted the say they didn’t know

they were due. Considering the amount of notice that is given in the

magazine it can only be concluded that they don’t read it.

Statement of Income and Expenditure,

for the year ended 30 August 2015.

Receipts.

Membership Fees $8,773.00

Concours Fees & Deposits $5,687.00

Sponsorship for Concours $0,400.00

Wrongly Deposited Money $0,080.00

Merchandise Sales $0,050.00

Total Receipts__________________ _________________ $14,990.00

Expenditure.

T/Bird Magazine $4478.05

Trophies $0,436.40

Bank Fees $0,007.00

Secretary Costs. Printing and Postage $0,121.35

Office of Fair Trading $0,053.00

Concours Car Parking Fee $0,039.00

Motel Deposit $1,000.00

Wrongly Deposited Money $0,080.00

Total Expenditure________________ ________________ $6,214.80

Balance_______________________ _________________$8,775.20

7 November 2015

Balance on Bank Statement________________________ _$11,273.11

Less the starting amount left over from September 2014_ _$2,497.91

Would leave the amount of____________ ___ _______$8,775.20

Current Assets

Cash at Bank $11,273.11

Petty Cash $00,076.33

Term Deposit $8,807.29

Total Current Assets as of 30 August 2015___ ___ ___$20,156.73

Current Liabilities

September Magazine $805.00

Unpaid Concours Fees $521.00

Possible pending Insurance Cover Amount unknown

Total Net Assets__________________ __________ ____$18,830.73

Amounts for September so far

Membership Fees $0,185.00

Concours Fees and Deposits $1,192.00

Wrongly Deposited Money $0,200.00

Total Credits________________ ______________ _ $1,577.00

Expenditure

TBird Magazine $0,772.41

Wrongly Deposited Money $0,200.00

Concours payment to Motel $5,608.00

TOCA Insurance Policies $1,147.05

Total Debits_______________ _________________ _$7,727.46

As of the time of writing this statement with the

above September figures the Total Net Assets would be $12,680.27

Acceptance; moved –Madeline Wright , seconded – Kerrie Traynor, carried.

10. Public Officer’s Report.

Peter stated that he will register the Club with the NSW Fair Trading

after he has all the financial statements etc that he needs.

Acceptance; moved –Tery Traynor, seconded – Sharon Banach, carried.

11. Editor/Webmaster’s Report.

Web site

8 November 2015

The web site is currently being upgraded to make it more user friendly for

your ipads, iphones, tablets, and all that smart gear. In a few weeks you will

notice the changes in the web site and this is why.

Magazine

The magazine is ticking over all right and I am always looking for articles to

put in it so if you have anything, please either email or send it to me. In the

last year we have gone digital with the magazine and currently have about

14 Members getting it this way. By getting the email version everything is

in colour and looks much better, it is also saving the club money.

Thanks to all who have contributed to the magazine

Acceptance; moved – Tery Traynor, seconded –Kerrie Traynor, carried.

The suggestion was then made by Lucinda Vennix that possibly the

magazine could be printed out from the email by the State Director or

Secretary and handed out at meetings rather than posted to the Members.

12. Sales Officer’s Report.

Pat reported that currently we have $261 worth of stock. Presently we are

just selling off what we have which has already been paid for. We had a

visit from the President of the VTCI and some gifts were made to them from

the merchandise and they were very well received. It appears that the

States are buying their own stuff and not through the National Committee

and I think we need to come to some arrangement about this to get some

generic stock for sale to old and new Members. I have discussed this with

Lucinda yesterday and she thinks it is a good idea.

Acceptance; moved – Tery Traynor, seconded – Madeline Wright, carried.

It was suggested by Tony Buchanan that the existing stock which is old

and dated to a particular event be given to the States to raffle off.

Pat then stated that photos of the stock are on the web.

13. State Director’s Reports.

NSW.

Tery Traynor stated that NSW has had their AGM and the new office

9 November 2015

bearers are installed. We are having quite a few functions coming up and

we are reasonably financial.

Victoria.

Tony Buchanan stated that basically the same applies for Victoria. He

then went on to say that they had held a car show under the TOCA

banner which raised $15,000 for the Good Friday Royal Childrens’ Appeal.

Acceptance; moved – Jim Matthews, seconded – Pat Farrell, carried.

13. General Business. A. In the past the club had issues with short fall of funds to pay ongoing

commitments so a cash reserve has been built up by left over monies each

year. A decade later the club has over $9000 in this fund.

In light of concerns shown by some Members that this is excessive to

current requirements the following motion is put;

That the cash reserve is limited to maximum of $5000.

Moved,- Peter Banach, seconded, - Peter Thompson

Following considerable discussion both for and against the motion, which

went for 19 minutes, it was put to the vote by a show of hands and lost by

16 to 12 votes.

A second motion printed on the agenda aimed at how to disperse the extra

funding resulting from a positive vote for the previous motion now lapsed.

B. A motion was put from the floor as he result of questions raised,

That the magazine be primarily produced digitally in the future and only

those members who request it will receive a hard copy.

Moved, - Tony Buchanan, - seconded, - Peter Thompson.

Following questions of the Treasurer and the Editor about cost savings and

viability of do this along with hearty discussion lasting 22 minutes the

motion was put and carried.

C. Following from the discussion surrounding the previous motion the

following was put;

That the Secretary draft a letter to every Member explaining the previous

decision and send it to them either email or Australia Post depending on

their contact details held within the Club’s data base.

Moved, - Chris Jeffs, seconded, - Tery Traynor.

The motion was put without further discussion and was carried.

10 November 2015

The question was raised about the need to maintain Membership fees at

their current level given the anticipated savings by digitizing the magazine.

The answer is twofold, basically we suck it and see how the magazine

resolves, and the setting of fees is a constitutional issue and can only be

resolved at an AGM where the Members are given the proper notice.

D. A motion was put from the floor of the meeting;

That the Club hold a national concours every year.

Moved, - Peter Thompson, - , seconded, - Laraine Jeffs.

The motion was put without further discussion and was carried.

E. The Chairperson then asked the question of when and where do we hold

the concours next year, and who will host it?

After several suggestions it was resolved that the Victorian Chapter would

host the 2016 national concours probably on the October long weekend at

Bright.

14. Election of Office Bearers.

All positions were declared vacant and Tery Traynor took over as the

nominated returning officer. Terry then called for nominations for the

various positions.

Position Name Nominated Seconded Result

President Mike Barton. Peter Banach Tony Buchanon Elected

Vice President Steve Springett Peter Thompson Pat Farrell Elected

Treasurer Barry Wright Madeline Wright Joyce Farrell

Sharon Banach Peter Thompson Laraine Jeffs Elected

Secretary Chris Jeffs Laraine Jeffs P Thompson Elected

Madeline Wright Barry Wright Mike Barton

Public Officer Peter Banach Laraine Jeffs Jim Matthews Elected

Editor/Web master Peter Banach Laraine Jeffs D Matthews Elected

Sales Officer Pat Farrell Mike Barton Jim Matthews Elected

The positions of State Director were then ratified as

NSW. Tery Traynor.

VIC. Tony Buchanan.

Terry then welcomed in the new committee and handed the meeting over to

Mike.

11 November 2015

15. LONGEVITY CERTIFICATES.

Chris then read out the names of those being issued with longevity

certificates.

SURNAME FIRST NAMES JOINED PENGILLY Stuart & Everlyn 1985 30 years

LUI Alex & Gwyneth 1990 25 years

BUCHOLTZ Robert 1995 20 years

WRIGHT Barry & Madeline 1995 20 years

MITCHELL Harry & Leanne 2000 15 years

ANDERSON Tony & Judy 2005 10 years

BROWN Robert & Joy 2005 10 years

DAVIS John 2005 10 years

LOUPETIS Angelo & Karla 2005 10 years

VENNIX Theo & Lucinda 2005 10 years

Appreciation on reaching this milestone was shown by acclamation at the

end of each announcement.

16. Ann Gonzalves Trophy

President Mike then announced that the Ann Gonzalves trophy for this year

was presented to Jim and Diane Matthews at the dinner last night, in

recognition of all the effort they have put into, and continue to put into, the

Club over many years.

17. Peter Thompson then called for a vote of thanks to all those who give

of their time and effort to keep the Club running, with a special mention to

our Editor and Secretary.

Steve Springett then called for a special vote of thanks for Barry who has

done an excellent job as Treasure over the past few years.

There being no further business President Mike thanked the committee

for their good work over the past year and declared the meeting closed at

11.18am.

This is a true and accurate report of the meeting.

Signed…………………………………………..President.

12 November 2015

FUTURE MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION

Here is a letter which will be sent to each Member in the

following couple of weeks. Please reply to it if you require

a hard (printed) copy of the magazine.

There are a number of reasons for this decision and after

considerable discussion and thought by the Members who

attended the AGM at Wagga Wagga this move has been

made by the Club.

Most of us are now on email and capable of adapting to

an electronic (digital) version of the magazine.

With the continual increases in production costs and

postage of a hard copy magazine it meant that we either

reduced the number of issues per year or increased the

Membership fees to cover the extra cost.

It was also discussed that if this results in a considerable

saving of Club funds then a decision as to the best way to

return the saving to the Members would be a topic for

resolution at next years AGM.

Future hard copies will be printed ‘in house’ as a hard

version of the digital magazine.

13 November 2015

November 2015

Dear Valued Member,

At the Annual General Meeting held at Wagga Wagga on the 27th

September 2015 the following motions were passed;

1.That the Magazine be primarily produced digitally in the future and

only those Members who request it will receive a hard copy.

2.That the Secretary draft a letter to every Member explaining the

previous decision and send it to them either email or Australia Post

depending on their contact details held within the Club’s data base.

This will take effect from the January 2016 issue, so if you require a

hard copy of the magazine please notify the Editor Peter Banach, by

Australia Post at, 5 Jobson Avenue, Mt. Ousley, NSW , 2519.

OR, by email at Tbird1965@tpg.com.au

The main reason behind this decision was that the cost of producing and

mailing hard copy magazines has become a considerable financial

burden on the Club’s finances which if not controlled would soon mean

a necessary increase in Membership fees. The point was also raised

that the majority of other clubs produce electronic magazines or

newsletters, with some of them using only electronic versions.

Chris Jeffs, National Secretary, Thunderbird Owners Club of Australia Inc.

14 November 2015

National Presidents Report

I have again accepted the honour of being the National President of the

Thunderbird Owners Club of Australia for 2015/ 2016. I feel very

privileged to be the President of such a wonderful club and involved

with a fantastic bunch of people! You have all enriched my life and

that of my family and I do thank you all for that. I am sure every year is

going faster than the previous one it seems like one a few days ago we

were talking about the year ahead. We are all having our end of year

parties and it is time to start looking towards the New Year and the fun

we should have with the Thunderbird Owners Club, it’s our club! We

passed a major milestone in 2015 for Thunderbirds our 60th year since

the start of production. What an anniversary! We have had 11

generations and I hear on the grape vine that there just might be a Gen

12 Thunderbird late 2016 or 2017.

You now have time over the Christmas or holiday period to get

everything working and shining like new. Then you will be able to take

advantage of some of the great activities your state has planned for you

and your Thunderbird in 2016.

The first car show for NSW to kick off the season next year in NSW

will be the All American Day at Castle on Sunday 15th January. I know

the State Director, Tery Traynor and Pat Farrell have already got the

organisation for the event underway.

I will be organising a number of Presidential Events for 2015 although

they will be held in NSW ALL TOCA members are invited.

Festival of the Fallen Leaf, Tumut in May This is a definite and

is a great weekend

The National Transport& Motor Museum weekend at Inverell

(perhaps we can do this as a joint activity with other motor

clubs)

Of course by now you all know that we are again running a Concours

every year!! Victorian branch will be running the event in 2016 in

15 November 2015

Bright. I am so looking forward to this as I love Bright and I am sure

the Concours will be something to remember.

May I take this opportunity to wish all the Thunderbird Owners Club

members and their families:

Have a Happy, Safe and Joyous Christmas

and

a Fantastic New Year.

Mike

Mike Barton, National President

Editors Report

This will be the last magazine that will be mailed out. To help reign in

costs, the next magazine will be either emailed to you or I will email it

to each state president to be printed and handed out at club meetings.

You can always visit the web site: toca.net.au and read it on line. If you

want the magazine emailed, just send your email address to

tbird1965@tpg.com.au.

It was great to finally meet members from south of the border. What a

great fun bunch were at Wagga Wagga. I am looking forward to next

year’s national concourse in Victoria.

I still need your input, so send in your articles and other items you

would like to see or to be included.

I am trying to locate the perpetual Bruce Roberts Award(otherwise

known as the best new restoration trophy). As far as I know this was

last won by Jim and Irene Licciardo in Canberra. Since then there has

been no new restorations presented for judging until this year. So if

anyone knows where this trophy is please send me an email.

16 November 2015

And lastly I would like to thank Barry Wright for all his hard work and

time and effort he has put into our club as treasurer over the years.

Happy driving,

Peter Banach

Editor

Treasurer’s Report Hi

This is my first report as Treasurer, and firstly I would like to thank

Barry for his efforts over the years. As I have only just received all the

information and am still getting paperwork sorted, I don’t really have

anything to add. The financial report put forward at the AGM is the

current one for now. Bear with me and I will get everything sorted out

soon.

We had a great time at Wagga and I am really looking forward to

catching up with our new Victorian friends at next year’s Nationals.

Have a great Christmas everyone!

Thanks

Sharon Banach

I would like to welcome new members Grant and Sharon Roe from

Victoria. They have a 1963 Coupe with a brown body and top and

dusky rose upholstery.

Rick and Debbie Kimberley, also from Victoria have a 57 convertible

with coral sand body and white and black interior.

I hope you enjoy driving your tbird as much as we do!

NSW Report

G’day all,

First of all I would like to apologise for my absence at a number of

outings and no report in the last mag. I am coming to the end of my

working career I have been somewhat busy with clearing my work

17 November 2015

commitments and setting up other dealings for the future as many of

you have done & can understand.

A number of events were cancelled but have been rescheduled. All Ford

Day now on the 29th

November and the southern run to Berrima early

next year. I will have the events calendar out in the next couple of

weeks.

We enjoyed a great weekend in Wagga, (good job, thanks Chris) and a

couple of relaxing runs to Ettalong and Wilberforce. The next run will

be down to Kiama 15th

November.

The end of year celebrations will be held at Kathy & Jims, (thanks

guys) information will be sent out in the next few weeks.

Stay safe, Tery

NSW - Coming Events

November 15th

Visit to Kiama markets and lunch - Meet at the

Crossroads Hotel at 9:00am to leave about 9:30 am comfort stop,

coffee, morning tea if needed. Travel time 90 mins; you can bring your

own picnic lunch or buy from numerous venues and enjoy the grassed

areas of the parks overlooking the sea and the harbour.

Club Meeting

November 14th

-15th

Bendigo swap meet

November 21

st-22

nd Queanbeyan swap & American car Nationals

November 21st Blacktown drive in night

November 28th

Ford day swap meet Sydney dragway

November 29th

All Ford Day, Sydney dragway, see Pat for tickets

18 November 2015

December 6th

Club Christmas party, Jim & Kathy Boyds home

Gladesville, contact Steve 0424177829

NSW STATE CONCOURS

THUNDERBIRDS AT DIAMOND BEACH RESORT

394 Diamond Beach Road – (02)65592664

Friday 8th to Sunday 10th of April 2016

Hi everyone, On behalf of the NSW TOCA Committee, we invite you to the 2016 State Titles. We have chosen Diamond Beach (near Hallidays Point) for this event. The Accommodation is located on a six (6) kilometer beach front, for those looking For some exercise and is very tranquil. Overflow accommodation is located at the motel next door, which is a short walk along the beach. The plan is have the Friday night get together (paid by the Club), with the judging being held in Forster(near the Bridge) on Saturday morning, followed by dinner and presentations on Saturday night. We are also planning a drive to Wingham on Sunday for lunch, and the possibility of some Go Karting as well. The event is being fully catered for both Friday and Saturday nights, eating at the resort, but you will need to bring your own alcohol. All rooms have kitchens, so make sure you bring your breakfast and other eating requirements with you.

19 November 2015

Victorian Report November 2015 Hello Fellow Members, Firstly apologies for the brief report this month.

Vale Katie Chetcuti

It is with great sadness that I inform you of Katie Chetcuti's passing

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 .

Katie was a well loved member of the Thunderbird club for the last 5

years.

Our condolences go out to Michael and family at this sad time.

Our events and meetings attendances continue to grow which is great to

see. It is also wonderful to see the new members participate and I look

forward to getting to know you.

Our coming events begin with our 50’s Rock and Roll Night,

Enchantment Under the Sea on th3 21st November, be there or be

square.

For December we have our Christmas Party at the Calabria Club again

as last year was so successful.

20 November 2015

For January we are planning a Picnic in the Park, date and location to

be advised.

February is a planned garage crawl to a fellow members residence,

check you emails for details.

The other news for next year is our State Titles.

This year we are trialing something different based on suggestions from

some of the members.

This year’s titles will not involve a weekend away, rather we will have

the display and judging on one day, and the presentation dinner to be

held a week later and it will all be in the Melbourne Metro area.

The other exciting news is that Victoria will be hosting the Nationals

for 2016, more on this in later issues and there is a sneak outline of

what is proposed elsewhere in this edition.

We are excited to be hosting this event and hope to see as many of you

there as possible.

Till next time,

Regards,

Tony Buchanan

Victoria - Coming Events

Monthly meeting first Monday of the month – Emerald Hotel

S/Melbourne

December 6th - Annual Christmas Party. The Calabria Club Brunswick

Rd Parkville

21 November 2015

Best car in show 2015

22 November 2015

Sunday drive at Wagga Wagga to Junee

One nice 74 T/bird

23 November 2015

24 November 2015

Tropheys setup at Wagga Wagga