Sydney

There were nearly 300 Ulyssians in attendance, most arrived on one of the 198 bikes with just a few coming by car.

National President, Denis Paulin gave a very emotional speech and also read a letter from Stephen Dearnley who was unfortunately unable to attend. Special guests were member #3 Jack Lewin’s wife Vi and his daughters Kate and Megan.

Vi bravely spoke to thank all Ulyssians for their support during Jack’s last days. Jack’s riding vest and some other things were presented to the Club and will be stored along with other memorabilia at the National Office.

President of the Macarthur Branch, Trevor Northwood did a great job of running the days events with a lot of help from his Branch members, making sure everyone was fed and watered. Thanks to all these people for making this a special day.

Memorial Ride W.A.

The Memorial Ride assembled in Midland with some riders travelling 200 kilometres from Bunbury to attend. There was a coffee van in the car park that was very popular, and a few wandered over to Macca’s for a free pensioner coffee.

The ride up Greenmount Hill was spectacular, with bikes snaking around the corners and disappearing into the distance. It was a beautiful sunny day and the spring flowering freesias perfumed the air, a great day for a ride!

The tranquil setting next to Lake Leschenaultia was shaken to life, as 200 bikes cruised into the car parks. Kids climbed off the swings and raced over to the roadside to watch the procession come to a halt near the Ulysses Memorial Plaque.

The short service present by Warnbro president Lee was well received, and two memorials to Jack Lewin were read out, one from Stephen Dearnley, and one from John Miller. These were read by Alf Bridle and myself.

Most of the branches stayed on for lunch this year, it was good to catch up with friends we haven’t seen for a while. Thankyou to the organizers and those that made the effort to attend. It was a great day!

Chris Glover
#25012

On Sunday 11th September S-E Tasmania suffered extremely cold, wet and gusty conditions for our annual Ulysses National Memorial Ride which unfortunately kept the attendance numbers low compared to previous years.

Our Branch had 16 riders and 3 pillions at the Willows Tavern departure venue - we were joined by 6 riders from the MMAA (Masonic Motorcycle Association of Australia) Tasmanian Chapter for this special event.

The assembled group were gathered and the significance of our special ride was delivered to the riders; allowing time for reflection on the past lives of our members and friends; special mention was made of the late Jack Lewin, Ulysses founding member #3.

The riders headed out from the Willows in miserable weather conditions, with the ambient temperature hovering around 5º on the way to Orford on Tasmania’s East Coast; conditions improved slowly by the time we stopped for morning tea where the temperature rose close to 10º.

All but 7 riders continued up the East Coast to Swansea to our destination at the Bark Mill Bakery and Pizza Café. The day slowly got warmer but the cross-winds were extremely challenging.

Due to icy cold conditions over Lake Leake, the small group headed home retracing their wheel tracks back to Richmond for our final re-grouping and reflections before heading home in various directions.

Betty Parssey #10640
Hobart Branch Sec.

Five local branches, Newcastle Lower Hunter, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Coalfields, Upper Hunter and Forster, comprising over 160 members and friends joined together today to remember those of our friends who are no longer with us.  

Representatives from the Branches spoke and read the dedications to Jack Lewin from Stephen Dearnley and John Miller before Brian Blissett from the Lake Macquarie Branch performed this year’s service.   We were fortunate this year that Andy Grennan was able to join us and perform the Japanese song, Sayonara, with his trusty harmonica.  We also had the services of a bagpiper to pipe us in and out of the service.

Thanks to all who attended and to Garry Hughes from Newcastle Lower Hunter Branch for making arrangements and acting as MC on the day.

Following the service NLH held a sausage sizzle with all profits to be donated to UCARF.  Many members enjoyed a sausage sandwich, a cool drink and a chat with fellow members before making their way home.