IN THIS ISSUE:
- Welcome
- Coffs Harbour 2007 AGM
- New Committee
- AGM Extended NATCOM Meeting
- Opinion of a WW's first AGM
- The Shining Palace
- Minutes of Last Branch Meeting
- Sponsors
- Jokes
WELCOME TO THE 'NEW WANDERER'
Welcome to the 'New Look' Wanderer, the official newsletter of the Westgate Wanderers Branch of the Ulysses Club of Australia.
This edition heralds a fresh new direction for our newsletter with new Editorial, a fresh new look and access directly through our website.
The new team wishes to thank past Editor Bruce Reid for his tireless work and unchallenged committment in founding the Wanderer and giving us something solid to build upon.
We hope you enjoy the new format and continue to support our great Branch and its fantastic membership group.
Webmaster Col
COFFS HARBOUR 2007 AGM
Friday 18th May
The Wanderers met at the Mobil service station on the Ring Road with enthusiasm for the journey ahead but despair as the weather had changed overnight and after years of drought, down came the rain. We all appreciated the much needed rain, but today of all days … oh! well nothing we could do about it. I think we were all pleased to see Da Rev to wish us a safe trip and it was, for all of us. Well it poured all the way to Albury and I think at times the Wanderers wondered what the hell they were doing out in that weather. It did stop for about half an hour and the warm sun was a welcome relief, but alas down it came again all the way to Goulburn. The ride itself 
was great, the rain just made the Wanderers more aware of being alive, not home in their comfort zones, but free spirits braving the elements and riding like the wind.
Everyone was glad to see Goulburn, the caravan park, hot showers and dry clothes which were a little hard to find for some. The friendly local pub picked us up in a bus for a hearty meal and much needed liquid refreshments. We managed to stir the locals who asked many questions about the Ulysses Club and being the first night away from home, we partied and eventually fell into bed.
- T2 mistook the ladies toilet for the men’s but carried on regardless...oops.
- Roadie and Lex avoided a burning tyre off a caravan as it speed by – well done boys.
- PJ’s security system decided to work on its own and prevented him from starting his bike.
Oooh!! the joys of riding.
Saturday 19th May
Our second day of riding, the rain had stopped, much to the relief of the Wanderers, but the wind picked up a bit. Windsor was the next stop for a light lunch and onto tackle the Putty Road. Some of the boys took off ahead of the rest of us to experience the exciting bends and see how well they and their bikes performed – none were disappointed. The scenery was magnificent, rocky hills, huge boulders, and waterfalls, suddenly a large ornate entrance loomed on the roadside into a Monastery, it just seemed strange out in the middle of nowhere.
The last part of the Putty Road was the hard bit or was it just my perception after taking a corner badly. Before I knew it I was in the gravel heading for the guard rail, some frantic steering, feet running on the ground, desperately trying to right myself, back on the road, all composure gone and fear had set in. Then along came Eds, who had watched the whole sorry event, he slowed me down and patiently guided me the rest of the way till we were off Putty Road, it’s great to have such caring mates.
Muswellbrook was a welcome sight; again we were provided with a courtesy bus to the pub. Dinner was interesting; T2 was kneeling down talking to people sitting at the table, when the waitress walked behind him with 2 plates of food. She tripped over his big feet and was heading towards Len and PJ who managed to catch the meals with only the chips hitting the floor – a huge cheer went up from the Wanderers for such a great save, while the rest of the dinners looked on in stunned silence.
Sunday 20th May
Nothing was open so we rode to Murrurundi for breakfast and we were all really hungry by then. The Wanderers rode past the Burning Mountain, through hills with massive boulders growing out of the ground before stopping at Tamworth for some retail therapy. Then onto Armidale arriving early afternoon, we had the bunkhouse at the Pembroke Caravan Park. 
Hummie had organised a barbecue for the evening meal, and took us by surprised when we were paying for it, by asking what was the best name that described our night attire – oh hell! a pyjama party. We hit the liquid early and were quite merry by the time we were required to dress for the evening. Each person wore various forms of night attire or not, and Hummie informed us there would be prizes for the best dressed or undressed. Now there is no point in me describing what was worn, just take a look at the photos and they will give you an idea of the fun and laughter those naughty Wanderers got up to.
The prize winners received teddy bears for their supreme efforts: –
- Star – ALAN (Brighty)
- Congratulations – LEATHER (Bubba)
- Need Help – PENGUIN PRINCESS (Henk)
The rest of the night just slowly deteriorated into an ‘R’ rated movie. Ray and Hummie had cooked a great barbie and the booze was flowing freely. It started to get cold outside so the Wanderers retired to the Recreation Room to continue behaving disgracefully and wreak more havoc. Some of the boys played snooker with hecklers adding to the fun, and we were joined by other Melbourne Ulyssians who were also staying at the Park, which added to our enjoyment.
And the surprise of the night, T2 sat down at the piano and entertained those still standing. Suddenly the lights went out, 10pm time for bed girls and boys, but they wanted to play, it took a great deal of persuasion to get them off to bed. But to no avail, some continued to shout, play and be general nuisances to those already asleep or trying to sleep, but what a great night with a terrific bunch of people. Eventually there was silence as the Wanderers slept peacefully ready for another days play.
Monday 21st May
The bikes were covered in ice in the morning, and it took some exerted effort to get some of them started. Hummie had unloaded his bike the night before to ride into Coffs with the rest of us. Some Wanderers refused to ride until the sun melted the ice, we had come this far it would be a pity to have an accident so close to the finish line.
Fortunately we did wait as the road had many twists and turns downhill, even the experienced riders were taking it easy. We stopped at Dorringo but no Hummie. Ray, Henk, Helen and Janine waited and waited, and waited, they suspected he had turned left instead of right at the ‘T’ intersection. 
The rest of us headed into Coffs for registration. Ray got a call from Hummie asking “where are you all, I’m at registration”. He had taken the long way round an extra 70kms but had still managed to bet us into Coffs.
We headed into town to find our camp site at the showgrounds, Ken had chosen well, close to the entertainment area, showers, toilets and Hummie didn’t have to erect the Gazebo as we had the Goat Pavilion to shelter in if the weather turned nasty. We helped each other pitch our tents, while others went to their motels, we were quite tired it had been a long ride and exhaustion set in. We had a look around the trade tents, dinner then most of us hit the sack early, pleased to be in our own beds and space after communal living – the snorers.
Tuesday 22nd May
Shopping for most people, looking around the trade stalls and rides on demonstration bikes. T2 and PJ went for a ride but were harassed by one of the over 300 extra police sent to Coffs to – “protect the Ulyssians from themselves.” T2 had a small blue light in between his headlights – he got a pink default ticket, the blue light had to go. The boys were appalled, but they did manage to express their anger to the Ulysses Executive who took it further. Da Rev arrived today leaving after church on Sunday, so he made very good time. 
In the evening some of us stayed in the showgrounds for dinner and watched the fashion parade. Many of the Wanderers biological clock seemed to be 2 hours out of kilter and we struggled to stay awake past 8.30 pm, much to our disgust.
Wednesday 23rd / Thursday 24th May
The weather was simply glorious as the Wanderers took to the roads, testing bikes or enjoying the pleasures of the surrounding areas. Pete went on the Yamaha ride to Port Macquarie, he wasn’t impressed – too flat and he was followed by cops. It doesn’t matter where you go up here the cops are booking Ulyssians. Some of us went for a short ride to Sawtell and watched the dolphins and a seal playing with a school of fish.
Friday 25th May
Bubba, Tony and I attended the Extended Natcom Meeting, while many of the Wanderers washed and polished their bikes ready for the next days parade. In the afternoon we got ready for the Beach Theme Party, drinks and nibbles before hand to get everybody into the mood. Then into dinner for a delicious meal and so well organised, 3500 Ulyssians sat down to dine together. The live band started and the Wanderers danced the night away to some great music, I for one felt like a teenager again ….. our music, our people, our fun, what a fantastic night. The costumes worn were extremely creative have a look at the photos for a bit of a laugh.
Saturday 26th May
Some of us felt a bit ordinary in the morning but were verbally dragged out of bed to get ready for the parade. 
The Wanderers assembled together but despite our efforts to ride in a group we were separated. About 5500 bikes of all shapes, sizes and colours gathered on the soccer field …. man it looked good, absolutely awesome. Then a long parade through Coffs Harbour with the locals cheering us on, we regrouped at the International Stadium, where we were informed 6115 Ulyssians had attended the AGM the biggest ever.
One presenter made the following quote……
"Trying to get Ulyssians together, because of their nature
it’s like trying to herd cats, we just want to ride."
Member No1 quote …….
"While the most precious thing we have is life itself …..
it has no trade-in value."
Ian Rawlings thanked the Ulyssians for the love and support while he recovered after a serious operation and said …..
"I have lost 25 kilos and if you find them, don’t give them back".
The crowd roared and then he said …..
"Ulysses is probably the biggest family in Australia"
The crowd obviously agreed with loud chapping and cheering.
AWARDS
Ulysses Club Arthritis Research Fund – UCARF gave a cheque for $30,000 to assist a PhD Student Researcher to continue much needed work on rheumatoid arthritis, 17% of Australia’s entire population has some form of arthritis.
Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year
Each State winner received $2,000 worth of tools
1st Prize was a 125 Aprilia motorcycle which went to Michael Denally of Inverell
The official presentations of the AGM completed only the General AGM meeting to elect committee members remained and of course another big party where 4500 Ulyssians attended another great night of food, singing, dancing and much laughter.
Sunday 27th May
Many Ulyssians broke camp and headed home after what everyone agreed was the best AGM yet. Some Wanderers stayed longer and enjoyed some sight-seeing. But each night our illustrious President Bubba rang all the different groups of Wanderers where ever they were to check 
that all were safe after the days ride. Fortunately we all made it home safely, despite some of us getting caught in Tuesday’s terrible gale force winds and rain.
Final Note
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Hummie and John Brown (who unfortunately was unable to attend) on behalf of all of us who attended the AGM for their wonderful organisation of our trip, which went off without a hitch and for all the fun and laughter enjoyed with much help from you….. guess what Hummie and John you’re elected to do it again next year.
I would also like to thank the Westgate Wanderers for the outstanding care they take of new riders to the club. Their constant protection and understanding is above and beyond what I would expect from any group of people. Ladies we are so lucky 
to have such a special bunch of blokes to look after us, always watching our backs and making sure no car driver bully us.
For those ladies who may be considering getting a bike and learning to ride I can assure you, there is no other club that could match ours ….. go for it girls, you’ll get all the support you need.
And a very special thank you goes to T2 (John) for going out of his way to give me lessons on how to ride properly, I shall be forever grateful and PJ for also helping with my tuition.
You could not find a better bunch of people to ride with … thank you all again for making my first AGM so very special I hope to enjoy many, many more with you all.
Wendy
THE NEW COMMITTEE
| Position | Office Bearer | Telephone Contact |
| President | Bubba | 0418 395 786 |
| Secretary | Ornella | 0422 639 845 |
| Treasurer | JohnT | 0407 427 361 |
| Ride Co-ordinator | Marty | 0402 440 273 |
| Social Co-ordinator | RickH | 0418 138 885 |
| Quartermaster | Yogi | 0437 544 002 |
| Webmaster | Col | 0433 685 268 |
| Newsletter Editor | Wendy | 0418 550 906 |
EXTENDED NATCOM MEETING 25TH MAY 2007
- Ulysses members who attended the AGM – 6115
- Branch Committee Members who attended the Natcom Meeting – 180
We were welcomed and each branch stated their name, who was present and their role in their branch.
International Branches
A question was asked about the International Branches and how Natcom could retain the essence of the Ulyssians. Natcom guaranteed they would maintain the standards but they were very light on detail and how they would actually do this.
Next AGM
Townsville will be the venue for the 2008 AGM in the last week of May. They did say the traders are rather blasé about the Ulyssians coming. But the club is looking forward to seeing us all there. Penrith will be the venue for the 2009 AGM, on the fringe of the western suburbs on the banks of the Nepean River.
Arthritis Report
There were 50 donations made amounting to $52,156.14 $15,000 had been raised at the AGM and was still rising at the time of the meeting. A glass panel of the Ulysses Logo has been made at a cost of $1600 and is to be won by a lucky Ulyssian.
Professor Chris Little from the Arthritis Joint and Bone Density Institute gave a short talk and explained they also do research on discs and tendons, but as yet no cure have been found. There are now honorary members throughout Australia who also provide research and information about arthritis. He also explained that in the past there had been some concern about the arrangements with the previous people involving the donations; this issue has been resolved and 100% will go to arthritis.
The Life Membership
The Life Membership Award Proposal for John Miller who edits the Ride On magazine was accepted by the members.
The 2010 AGM candidates were –
Albany, Newcastle Lower Hunter and Armidale
And the winner is – ALBANY.
A manual and CD has been developed to provide assistance on how to coordinate an AGM. I’m sure those involved in such a mammoth task would be grateful for any help from Natcom.
Membership
All committee members must be financial and we need to remind members to renew, so we need a list of when each member is due for renewal. No Ulyssian is to be charged extra fees to be a member of a branch – they have already paid.
Members who are on ‘L Plates’ the club needs confirmation when they gain their full licence. It is not the responsibility of the Branch Committee to sight the licence a copy must be sent to Natcom for processing. Once a person has joined the Ulysses Club and renews their membership as required, they are a member for life; even if they have handed in their licence this also includes widows.
Rider Training
Any course undertaken to improve riding skills can claim up to $60 for a 3 year period. This may increase to $80 the members agreed to this move. Every new rider will get a copy of the “Ride On” DVD.
Level of Political Activity
The question was asked – “what level do we go to”? It was agreed that we should adopt the policies of ANC so that we can have the same policies as all the other motorbike clubs.
We were advised to put forward any local issues to Natcom to follow up
Ulysses Website
Rick Bedford put forward a proposal – not to push political or religious views on the Ulysses Website, anything posted leaves us open for litigation. Rick wanted a moderator on the website. Some wanted to maintain informed comment; others suggested we would need 20 moderators. Others wanted comments removed that were not motorbike related and prevent people from posting who behave badly on the website. We were told there are policies waiting to be ratified, so Rick withdrew his proposal. The members agreed the Forum Rules need to be added to the website. It was also suggested that the Forum should keep a record of IP addresses so they could be traced.
Administration
There had been some problems throughout the year with a staff member not maintaining the expected standard of work and Ulyssians had been frustrated by the time taken to complete tasks. This problem has been addressed and administration is now running smoothly.
OPEN TABLE
Natcom pointed out that at a previous meeting they had approved The Ulysses Record of Achievements, where events that any Ulyssian achieves can be recorded for all to see, these can be important or trivial. We only need to complete the application form.
Quartermaster
The Quartermasters need some guidelines to make the job easier, so could they all send their email address to the Purchasing Officer in Quartermaster Ramblings.
Future Plan
Question: Does Natcom have a plan for the coming year, and what do you want the branches to achieve, and what are your goals?
- Answer:
- To appoint a CEO to the Ulysses Club. A CEO could free up Natcom to do work on other policies, by taking away the day-to-day jobs they could then concentrate on more important issues.
- To focus on activities that will be sent out to each branch early in the year for them to get involved in.
- Natcom have had to resolve issues at branch level which has been time consuming.
- Natcom can go to a branch to prevent branch stacking at the branches AGM
- A system that checks every members address against what the post office has.
- Patches – it is Club policy that no rockers are to be worn on the back of vests, jackets etc.
The meeting ended after covering a number of issues which obviously need more work before being ratified. Despite some of the issues raised the committee came across as very competent and showed that they were very approachable and had the best interest of the club at heart. They also proudly told us that the Ulysses Club was the biggest motorbike club in the Southern Hemisphere. It makes you feel proud to belong to such a great organisation that has so many wonderful members.
OPINION OF A WESTGATE WANDERERS FIRST AGM
The Wanderers felt that the atmosphere at the AGM was totally relaxing and there was such a variety of people to meet, enjoy their company and everyone was so friendly. When you went to the shower everybody you passed said good morning and chatted while you showered. People were really happy to talk about their bikes and the adventures they had been on and what they were doing in the future. 
You were never alone; if you sat down at a table someone would join you and instantly strike up a conversation. If you got lost there was always an Ulyssian to help out.
The security was really excellent it did not matter what time of day or night, you always felt safe moving about the grounds. There were security guards on every entrance checking our wristbands ensuring they matched our bikes. No bikes were stolen from the enclosed grounds as they were from a motel.
The traders were friendly and eager to help in any way they could, and why not, Coffs Harbour took in $9,000,000 in the first few days from all those cashed up Ulyssians. The bike traders did a roaring business providing a huge variety of bikes to take out for a ride. One guy from Triumph told me he was bringing 30 extra bikes to the next AGM because he had had to send so many disappointed Ulyssians away without getting to ride his bikes.
Many Ulyssians bought new bikes while they were there because the traders where offering such good deals. A Suzuki dealer told me he had sold 17 Burgman 650 scooters, I wonder what the other companies sold. I know why the Burgman was so popular; I was talking to an elderly gentleman who explained to me how much he loved riding but arthritis and other medical problems had set in. He found it was just too hard to ride a regular bike, so he had switched to the scooter because he no longer had to struggle with the gears. He happily explained that he and his wife had hooked up their big trailer and ridden comfortably around Australia on their scooter..... they were happy bikers.
The camaraderie enjoyed between the Westgate Wanderers has developed and cemented new friendships and a greater appreciation of each others qualities. There is no way to describe in words the wonderful feelings that have grown between the men and woman of this particular group and the pleasure of being in their company.
To go to an AGM would have to be one of the most exciting experiences anyone could have in their life, just the statistics is enough to make you overawed. I travelled 3380kms; we sat down to dinner with 4500 people in one big tent, we rode with over 5500 motorbikes in a huge parade and 6115 people who all love to ride motorbikes were together in the one place to express their joy at being a Ulyssian. Now if that’s not something to feel mighty proud of being a part of …… you just ain’t living.
Would we go again????? Too right we would, who in their right mind would miss the biggest and best party in the world.
THE SHINING PALACE
The Wanderers Chinese Banquet Night grew from a table of 20 in the back room of the Shining Palace Chinese Restaurant to a rice-fest of epic proportions, with 58 hungry, noisy Wanderers taking over the entire restaurant for the evening.
The set menu, although not to everyone’s taste, provided the perfect vehicle for a group of sociable Wanderers with their partners
and friends to get together and have fun. People took the opportunity to move around the tables between courses and get to know club members on a different level.
Most agreed it was a successful evening and those who came along participated in true Westgate Wanderer fashion.
WESTGATE WANDERERS ULYSSES BRANCH
Minutes of branch meeting held at the Werribee RSLclub
- Date: Wednesday 9th May, 2007
- Meeting Open: 7:33pm
- Attendance: As per Attendance Book
- Apologies: Lyn Tout, Lyn Fava, Barb & John Browne
- Welcome: by President Bruce.
Following this Branch Meeting, the last for the year, the Annual General Meeting will be conducted and will be chaired by Tom Matthews.
New Members & Visitors: Carol – rides a Raptor
Previous Minutes: Minutes of the April, 2007 meetings were printed in the May edition of The Wanderer.
• Acceptance of the previous minutes for April. Moved: Tom Matthews, Seconded: Helen Worthey
Business arising? Nil
Treasurer’s Report:
Financial position of the Branch as at the end of April, 2007 was $4283.02
• Acceptance of the Treasurers Report. Moved: Leno Borg, Seconded: Rick Haman
Secretary’s Report:
Correspondence in:• Neighbourhood Energy: re Sponsorship and $100 cheque
Correspondence out:
• Get Well cards for Torrens Valley members, accidents and illness. Detail are on the WW’s Notice Board
Other admin matters: • Tom Matthews advised that the Dolenski family (Torrens Valley) had lost a member. Condolence card from the WW’s to be forwarded by Secretary Chris Acceptance of the Secretary’s Report. Moved: Ian Dellar: Seconded: Mark Broomhall
Reports:
Quartermaster’s Report:
•All stock moving well although somewhat depleted due to good sales, winter stock tol be ordered, stock previously ordered to arrive this week.
Webmaster’s Report:
- As per the published report in the Wanderer.
- New feature is the Chat Room, may be a slight delay in logging in, Col can assist if necessary
Social Coordinators Report:
• Thanked the Social Committee and gave report as per Wanderer
Presidents Report:
- Ian Dellar was off to the Solomon Islands to uphold justice
- Leno Borg going to Zambia to assist the locals (ongoing involvement)
- Rob Fava & Bruce Reid tackling Kakoda Trail
- Function to be held at Dave Edmonds house on Friday, 11th May.
- Welcomed Neighbourhood Energy on board as a business partner and $100 cheque
- Good to see new faces, urged members to put names, tags, etc on shirts.
Ride Coordinator’s Report:
• No Ride Coordinator – to be filled at the AGM in May, 2007
General Business:
AGM at Coffs Harbour:• John Humm has booked for 22 people and outlined the details for the ride up. Deposit required by Sat 12th @ latest.
Raffle: Run & won by BT (Wine) and Yogi (Meal voucher).
Next Meeting: Wednesday 13th June, 2007 at the Werribee RSL
Meeting Closed: 8:15pm.
JOKES
This morning on the way to work I Rear-ended a car at some lights whilst not really paying attention.
Anyway the fella who was driving got out...
And he was a dwarf!!!!
He said "I'm not happy"........
I said "Well which one are you then ?"
DICTIONARY FOR WOMEN'S PERSONAL ADS
- 40-ish - 49
- Adventurous - Slept with everyone
- Athletic - No tits
- Average looking - Ugly
- Beautiful - Pathological liar
- Contagious Smile - Does a lot of pills
- Emotionally secure - On medication
- Feminist - Fat
- Free spirit - Junkie
- Friendship first - Former very *friendly* person
- Fun - Annoying
- New Age - Body hair in the wrong places
- Open-minded - Desperate
- Outgoing - Loud and Embarrassing
- Passionate - Sloppy drunk
- Professional - pregnant dog
- Voluptuous - Very Fat
- Large frame - Hugely Fat
- Wants Soul mate - Stalker
WOMEN'S ENGLISH
- 1. Yes = No
- 2. No = Yes
- 3. Maybe = No
- 4. We need = I want
- 5. I am sorry = you'll be sorry
- 6. We need to talk = you're in trouble
- 7. Sure, go ahead = you better not
- 8. Do what you want = you will pay for this later
- 9. I am not upset = of course I am upset, you moron!
- 10. You're very attentive tonight = is sex all you ever think about?
MEN'S ENGLISH
- 1. I am hungry = I am hungry
- 2. I am sleepy = I am sleepy
- 3. I am tired = I am tired
- 4. Nice dress = Nice cleavage!
- 5. I love you = let's have sex now
- 6. I am bored = Do you want to have sex?
- 7. May I have this dance? = I'd like to have sex with you
- 8. Can I call you sometime? = I'd like to have sex with you
- 9. Do you want to go to a movie? = I'd like to have sex with you
- 10. Can I take you out to dinner? = I'd like to have sex with you
- 11. Those shoes don't go with that outfit = I'm gay