Hi all,
Earlier this month the
Don257 (Doug & Vicki), Dona Ricardo & I - and most importantly, our caravans - had the privilege of representing the Vintage Caravan forum at the Caravan Industries Association of Victoria (CIAV) 'Hall of Fame' event at the Ivanhoe Town Hall. Back in March, Firefighter posted that the CIAV would like to have a couple of vintage caravans on display at their Hall of Fame. Don257 and we were pleased to be accepted for the event. I'd like to say that we passed a rigorous selection process,
but I think we were the only forum members who offered to be involved. ;D ;D ;D
The day of the event saw us setting up our vans under the portico at the Town Hall by noon, all ready for the evening festivities:
As you will see from the pics, the Ivanhoe Town Hall is a splendid Art Deco building.
Don257 had their Mintern Expandavan on display:
It seemed quite appropriate that the two vans on display at a CIAV event should be a Don and a Mintern. The Don Caravan Co was amongst the first caravan manufacturers in Victoria, and the only 1930's Victorian manufacturer to survive WW2 for more than a year or two. Don Robinson, the company's proprietor, was also one of the first Presidents of the CIAV. Similarly the Mintern Expandavan was built in Victoria, and with its fold-out extensions, reflects some of the innovative thinking that occurred in Victorian manufacturing over the years. (None of which is in any way meant to undervalue the creativity or efforts of manufacturers in other states.)
We don't have a lot of period items for our van (yes, I know, hang our heads with shame
), but we did set the van up with a few bits and pieces, and had the bath and wash basin on display...
...as well as a (non-operative) example of the petrol stove that came with the van:
Once the vans were set up, we all headed off for the afternoon, and returned to find the venue look magical - both outside:
...and inside:
We togged up appropriately. We always dress up for dinner when we're caravanning - doesn't everyone?
The Don257's were also dressed for the occasion:
When the crowds began to gather, we had quite a lot of people checking out the vans and chatting with us. Don257 had set up their van with a lot of interesting period pieces, which created a lot of interest.
The greatest interest tended to be shown by people 50+, many of whom had been involved in the caravan industry for many decades. One of the thrills of the evening was meeting Jeff and Don Chrisfield, whose father Bill established and ran Highway Caravans, starting in the early 50's.
There were lots of comments and questions: Do you actually use the van? (Yes, we certainly do) Haven't caravans come a long way since then? (No, not actually) Isn't that great - it's got the original Electrolux frig! (Well no, that's a "modern" installation - it's only been there for 32 years).
The Hall of Fame dinner was great fun...
...and we vintage vanners all enjoyed ourselves:
During the night, the 2013 Hall of Fame awards were presented. Inductees included Bill Chrisfield (no longer with us, but founder of Highway caravans and former President of the CIAV), Jeff Chrisfield (Bill's son and former President of the CIAV), and Gordon Smillie (founder of CIL caravan insurance in the late 50's). There was plenty of entertainment, including a terrific Michael Jackson impersonator, a fantastic trio singing well known Italian operatic and folk songs, and a great dance band:
Hang on a minute - who's the guy on the trumpet?
Yes, the guy in the back row...
Gee, he looks kind of familiar. I think I've seen him at Cowra and in Mildura...at the V V Nationals maybe...
Yes, that's who it is - it's forum member
John! Good one, John. It was great to catch up with you, and great to hear you playing some fantastic music.
At the end of the night, it was a case of hitch up...
...and head off into the night:
Thanks to the CIAV for inviting the Vintage Caravans forum to be part of the Hall of Fame night, and to Tara Nestor who made all the arrangements for us. We four all had a great night celebrating with you. Thanks also to the CIAV for some of the photos above.
Don Ricardo
