Well we have made it to our 100th episode, we have met some wonderful people and seen some amazing things around the place.
Phill chats with Judy and David who are responsible for the Option RV Owners Group Facebook page.
Judy is the administrator, and the group was formed back in 2016. The lady who started the group was sitting on her verandah and decided to start up the group as she owned an Option RV van, but handed over the reins when there was only 80 people in the group. Now the group has over 1400 members.
Most people join up from word and mouth and also seeing the wonderful vans on the road. Judy and David currently own the Tornado van. There are 105 people at the Lightning Ridge gathering, and David is the events co-ordinator. They normally have catered events but because Lightning Ridge is a bit more remote this one is bring your own. The floods have hindered this event a little but most people have managed to get through with the floods. Its a family oriented event so kids can join in, its also dog friendly and also suitable for the disabled. Weather permitting they are having a bare foot bowls day and a tour to the Chamber of the Black Hand and a convey to the pub in the scrub.
Past events have been in South East Queensland but this year have ventured over the boarder into NSW. 2020 was cancelled due to Covid, 2021 Queenslanders could not get into NSW because of Covid, so this year its on. Keep your ears open for next years event posted in January on the Facebook page.
They now have 1400 members on the page, to find it visit Option RV Caravan Owners Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups
Caravan Models
Still in Lightning Ridge Phill chats with Barbara from the Lightning Ridge Opal Centre. Barbara takes us through some of the interesting things featured, there are also fossils and bones of dinosaurs on display. The Australian Opal Centre houses the world’s leading collection of opalized fossils and is building a magnificent collection of precious opal, cultural artefacts, artworks, photographs, archival and research materials. Currently in progress is a new two storey building.
The complex will contain magnificent permanent exhibitions, education and learning facilities, a cinema, gallery spaces, a spectacular opal vault, research library, scientific laboratory and underground gardens.
100 metres long and two storeys deep, the Australian Opal Centre building will use a combination of ancient and cutting-edge modern technologies to provide its own energy, water, light and fresh air – without being connected to mains power or water. Checkout the website for more information.
http://www.australianopalcentre.com
Next on the show we meet Neville Thomas who is with the Tasmanian Lighthorse C Squadron 3rd Lighthorse Regiment, boy is that a mouthful. Here’s a little bit of history on the regiment.
In 1914 when Australia joined the war, there were 23 Lighthorse regiments of militia volunteers. The 3rd Lighthorse regiment (AIF) was formed comprising C Squadron from Tasmania, along with A and B Squadrons from South Australia. As part of the 1st Lighthorse Brigade, they saw action at Gallipoli, fighting as dismounted troops. They were instrumental in the battle of Romani defending the Suez Canal against the advancing Turkish forces and participated in the following Sinai and Palestine offensive which included the taking of Beersheba.
As an historical re-enactment troop we endeavour to keep alive the traditions and activities of the Tasmanian Mounted Infantry, displaying some of their training exercises and providing an opportunity to see the uniforms and equipment of the Lighthorse as they were used. Each member of the troop collects and maintains his own original or accurate reproduction equipment. Great care is taken with the uniforms and equipment to be as accurate and true to history as possible.
https://www.tasmanianlighthorse.com
