Whilst I've enjoyed the ride and hope you have too, life flies past all too quickly.

Last week a few a few of us attended the funeral of long-time northern member, Doug Barr, who succumbed to cancer. This was yet another reminder of how tenuous our grip on life can be, and also a reminder that whist we are only on this earth for a relatively short time, we have to make the most of it. Our time with our families and friends can be short and precious, as it is with our beloved 'Vettes like Doug's black C4, and we have to treasure every moment.

So especially over the Christmas break, take a bit of extra time out to remind yourself of how rewarding life can be, and how lucky some of us have been to be able to enjoy some of the better fruits of our labour, including our chosen toys. While you at it, dust off the 'Vette and take it for a good run!

We are back at our renovated Regents Park home for this month's meeting. The good news is that we have avoided hire charges for this meeting place, and have free indefinite use of the facility in the future. This is in return for the club membership that some of us took out, and our patronage of the dining room and bar facilities. The renovations have breathed fresh air into the old club, and it looks and feels quite comfortable. Coffee will again be available for our supper.

I must apologise for the difficulties we experienced at last month's meeting at Silverwater. The only "room" available was the verandah, and the storms made it extremely difficult to hear our presenters, including our guest speaker. With my growing reputation for having record rains follow me from one event to another, I'll have to be more careful choosing future venues!
As you know there will not be a club meeting in January, however some events have been planned to keep you occupied and out of mischief throughout that month. Your magazine has all the upcoming events listed, including for the month of February, so you can start planning your new year's runs.

One event that was particularly well attended in 2011 was the Annual All American Day at Castle Towers. We had over sixty Corvettes there from memory, and we requested a bit of additional car space for 2012 as a result. This event is scheduled for Sunday 15th January 2012, and I hope we can beat last year's record with a big turnout of Club Corvettes on the day. See you there!

Ray Smith has accepted the task of finding guest speakers for our meetings next year, and I think you will be entertained by some interesting visitors in coming months. February's meeting will again feature George from Mothers Car Care products, which will give you the opportunity to stock up on your favourite cleaners and polishes, and the knowledge to use them, before our Easter Convention in early April.

Well that's about it for another year folks.

On behalf of our hard working committee, Vicki and I wish you a safe and happy festive season, and a rewarding healthy year to come.

And don't forget to give your loved ones that extra hug!

I hope to see you on a run somewhere soon.

Gary Nelson