After more than a week of typically miserable Gippsland winter weather, it was a relief to see that Graham and Marg had managed to secure the only perfect day in the outlook period for their Open Garage and Garden morning. Many members took advantage of the sunshine to give their classics an outing ? several going roofless, despite the chill in the air, for the run through the pretty countryside around Tyers.
Many of us have been visiting Graham and Marg?s garage and garden each year for as long as I can remember. Their hill-side property supports a range of plantings and well-established gardens as well as native trees and undergrowth. Marg always caters magnificently for the masses with hot cocktail frankfurts, little pies and sausage rolls, as well as a selection of cakes and slices to go with tea, coffee or cold drinks – all served alfresco on the paved garage forecourt. This year Graham had his long-term, but now mobile, Devaux project out on the forecourt with his silver Alfa GTV. The Devaux began life as a fibreglass shell and not much else, but with Graham?s typical thoroughness and engineering creativity, a Riley chassis and Jaguar running gear have been tailored to match the classic lines of this flamboyant 1930?s coupe recreation. The attention to detail and fabrication skills evident in the fitting out of the interior panel-work are second to none and not unlike Graham?s other home-built special, the delightful D-type Jag replica which was on display inside the garage. At the other end of the garage, with a ?SOLD? sign attached to the window was Graham?s 1969 Aston Marton DBS which I?ve always enjoyed seeing at our Breakfast Club gatherings. The DBS was often alternated with Graham?s other Breakfast Club regular, the 1952 Jaguar XK120 which is housed in the next garage up the hill with Marg?s more modern MINI Cooper S.
There?s always so much to see in Marg’s garden and?Graham?s sheds that one needs several visits to take it all in. We are all grateful to Graham and Marg for their on-going support of our Open Garage events and thank them for their wonderful hospitality and generosity.
