BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
Today the Scootavillains are taking a rest and recuperation day in Rockhampton.
Scootaville 2024 Queensland Division is developing as an outstanding experience for the 16 riders and as many support workers who set off from Chermside on 31st August on 110cc motor scooters with eventual destination Lavarack Barracks in Townsville. Eventual destination is used purposefully: the team headed initially to Goondiwindi. Who in their right mind heads for Gundy when the destination is Townsville? Then for good measure takes in Boggabilla on the way to Toowoomba.
Most of the people on this odyssey are former ADF members. Many are crystal crackers since the expedition has been organised under the auspices of The Radschool Association Inc. But we also have the odd black hander, an aircrew member or two and assorted RAAF veterans. Not forgetting some Army people and even a couple of Navy. The assortment provides for lively camaraderie, many seeking to revisit a time that looks better than it might back then. In this company PC stands for poppy cock. Some of the banter is decidedly not PC. Just like days of yore.
For the first week the gaggle of wannabe motor bikes were escorted by the boys from 1 Combat Communications Squadron led by FLGOFF Jake van Heekeren with the able support of CPL Michael Lomas, LAC Enoch Oliver and AC Massimo Cavaretta. This team from the successor unit to ATTU drove two G Wagons in support of the scooters from Brisbane to Gayndah, while utilising their sophisticated communications gear for tests along the way. The support of Combat Support Group for the Scootaville 2024 venture was greatly appreciated by the dudes on bikes.
Describing the roads travelled so far would blow this out to a novel length article, so suffice to say that the team is having a ball. The 110cc scooter cruises comfortably at 80km/hr and can achieve 90 with little fuss. Beyond that a favourable downhill run and a tailwind is required to make 100km/hr. The gaggle of 10 scooters with supporting vehicles can be a challenge to the patience of motorists, but we are considerate, pulling over frequently to allow the traffic to flow. So far about 1,700km travelled, so only about 800 to go.
Some truly outstanding events have been arranged to entertain locals and Scootavillains. A cricket match against the Goondiwindi Ladies team then one against Toowoomba Grammar year 10, or was it eight? Cricket turns out to be a hazardous game judging by the injuries incurred. Perhaps we are no longer 20-year-olds. Special mention to our celebrity cricketer Merv Hughes who devoted a week of his time to joining in the fun of Scootaville 2024 and contributing so much. Thanks Merv. In Gladstone the Harvey Road Tavern raised $6,001.40 through meat tray raffles and contributions by patrons. Thanks so much to Natasha and team. At Caloundra the Scootavillains visited Queensland Air Museum and fortunately no one underwent taxidermy to accompany the aircraft they had worked on for Ronny RAAF.
Fundraising is coming along nicely. I understand that Scootaville 2024 has exceeded last year’s takings, but Legacy and the Air Force Association’s program for homeless veterans both need more. Anyone who feels moved to support these worthy causes to assist veterans and their families is encouraged to kick the can. You can access the donates page at this URL New Page 2 (radschool.org.au) If you would like a receipt to obtain the tax credit be sure to complete your details on the site. My personal thanks go to all who support the cause.
The team that has put this venture together has been led by Trevor Benneworth – a RADTECHA who professes to have never fixed a radio. Trev has done the work of ten people to organise Scootaville for the past three years. Initial planning, finding sponsors, surveying all the routes and the events along the way, and publicising the activity. Even today while most are relaxing and sightseeing in Rocky Trev is hard at work setting up media interviews for further north in Mackay. Of course, Trev has enthusiastic assistants in his efforts, but I won’t list them for fear of insulting the contributors by omitting mention of the team of fantastic people who have worked so hard to get this done.
Sadly, time passes us by and in the words of the Ode that we all often recite:
They shall grow not old, as those of us who are left grow old;
Well, those of us who are left need assistance. We need help from younger veterans to carry on the work that Trev has begun and continues to perform. From now on the RAAF Association Divisions in the states where Scootaville runs will need to step up to let Trev and his team slow down.
In Queensland I am looking for at least three people who want to make a significant contribution to fundraising through organising Scootaville 2025. This will be run 12 months from now, but the arrangements need to be made immediately. I will be one who volunteers, but we need a few younger people to carry on for years to come. Both Trev and I will qualify for OBE awards – over bloody eighty in February 2025. Come out of the woodwork you 40, 50 and 60- year-olds who like bikes and like to help those who need assistance through causes like Legacy and help for homeless veterans. Anyone who can help with a few hours of volunteering I would love to hear from you. Get in touch via email at statepresident@raafaqld.org or on the phone at 0439 181 495. I would love to be contacted at any hour – you won’t be disturbing me.
Scootaville 2024 is a truly fun time. Don’t miss the experience in 2025, or if you are in a hurry then join the Cockroach team with Scootaville in NSW in November. Most importantly, donate now and give serious consideration to joining the team to field Scootaville 2025 in Queensland.
Scootaville 2024: Support our Veterans! – AFA – Air Force Association (raafa.org.au)
John Bushell, riding for the RAAF Association and for Legacy in Scootaville 2024.
