Report on Inaugural Popcorn and Movie Night - ‘On Any Sunday’ - RSL Club 30th August 2007

Present: Peter and Mary Newark, Flip, Steve Holloway, Michael A, Judy, Dave, Margot, Gary, Jen T, Chas, Peter W , Annemie, Kerry, Gordon White, David, Greg, Helena and David Gritton

Apologies: Gary McD … who had forgotten to ask for a leave pass and mumbled something about getting to Bunnings before closing; Jen [our illustrious president] who was basking in a balmy night on an island off the Qld coast – said it was work!?!?!

We were delighted to have Helena Gritton [the National Secretary of the Ulysses Club] with us and her handsome husband, David. They just happened to be in town visiting the Towies. Flip demanded that the National President attend the next movie night to

Most of us had a meal and a chat in the bistro beforehand. Our safety officer Gary McD had dropped by with a DVD which he had downloaded and composed of road safety ads. Most timely, as between us we could count 5 x accidents involving motorcyclists in Canberra that week. We watched the two involving motorcycles.

The movie was an oldie but a goodie ‘On Any Sunday’ 1971. It was documentary following the lives of motorcycle racers and racing enthusiasts, including actor Steve McQueen. First asking the question "Why do they do it?" This film looks at the people who devote (and risked) their lives to racing on tracks and off-road courses around the world. There was a lot of ‘boy stuff’ like: a bloke riding in a competition with a broken leg taped up with gaffer tape; riding up a 45 degree hill that had not been conquered in 7 years; and ice racing. 

It was so much fun to watch it in a crowd … the laughter was infectious … I laughed out loud much more than I did when I previewed it at home alone! Folk were so engaged with the screen that they did not finish the low cholesterol popcorn - not to mention the 2 x kg of lollies that Margot had brought. Thanks to Gordon W. for all his excellent technical support. 

This was a winter social activity and the next one [last for 2007] will be on 27th September. When daylight saving starts we will have twilight rides followed by a BBQ. 

Anon