vvmc pearl 03

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Vietnam Vets Opening of Pearlbrook

Whilst the rest of the Wildcats were heading down from their far flung Dens in the top half of the state I donned a heap of clothes, loaded the tent, swag and sleeping bag onto the carry rack and aimed the bike North into the cool morning chill towards “Fire Support Base Pearlbrook “. The VVMC, New South Wales Chapter were having a party to celebrate the official opening of F.S.B.P. [Stage 1] and National Vietnam Veterans Day, and had thrown down an open invitation to like minded bikers to help them celebrate.

The Wildcats having been to a few other events held by the Vets, knew it was an offer too good to refuse if your into having a good time with good people and had taken up on the offer. Turning off the New England Highway just before Blandford I meandered down a back road for a while till the tar ended and became an all weather gravel road winding through the hills, after a couple of klicks admiring the scenery I crested a small hill and knew straight away we were going to be in for a good time as spread out in a large natural amphitheatre was the clubhouse surrounded by grassed camping areas and a stream running alongside the southern edge. I can safely say, having been to a few rallies, that this site is in one of the best spots I have been to in a long while.

As I rode into the gate to pay the entry fee one of the Vets asked if the big bloke was coming down. I knew he meant Rowdy as I was asked the same question at Perth a while back by one of the locals there, [shit!! the big fella gets around], I said “ yeah he’s on his way”. So when they didn’t start loading the howitzer that was pointing up the entry road I figured I hadn’t said the wrong thing and dobbed him in. So I paid up and went to set the tent up and wait for the rest of the Cats to arrive.

Whilst killing a bit of time in the clubhouse taking a few photos of the memorabilia around the walls I bumped into Sandy Harbutt who pointed out that the coffin on the wall was the original one used in his cult film ‘Stone’. In the right light the original “ Grave Diggers” colours can be seen under the paint, the story behind ‘Stone’ and the connection to the VVMC colours is well worth checking out.

The sun had come out when the rest of the Cats arrived and began to set up camp. Duds had managed to get a Council Development Approval for the basement and mezzanine attachments to his already huge tent so after everyone had got their own tents erected we tried to find some help for Duddy’s erection, seeing as none of the lovely ladies around the place wanted anything to do with that particular erection we ended up just helping him put his tent up, then it was back up to the bar for a few drinks and a feed before the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony started with an introduction and welcome from the VVMC, the Lords Prayer was recited by the Chaplain and the Memorial Stone officially unveiled by Deputy Mayor Shauna Biffen. The dedication of the Memorial & facilities by the Chaplain was followed by the VVMC raising the flags. It was then time for what all present knew was the most important thing and the reason why we were all there.

“The Commemorative Service for National Vietnam Veterans Day”, the Catafalque Party was supplied by the Army and after an introduction and Laying of Tributes and Flags to Half Mast by the VVMC there was an address by the Deputy Mayor followed by a scripture reading from the Chaplain and Prayers for the three branches of the Armed Forces by the VVMC, then as a couple of hundred heads were bared in the late afternoon sun and silence fell on the crowd the buglers Last Post was sounded and then replied to as it echoed back off the surrounding hills and rock faces. This combined with The Ode, Lament & Silence, Rouse and Flags to Masthead and a recording of a fire fight with comms interspersing the staccato of machineguns and SLR’s amongst incoming mortar rounds brought a tear to the eyes of quite a few big men in the crowd. The Benediction by the Chaplain and the Completion of Service saw out the ceremony and gave a chance for the bandanas to dry a tear or two.

It was then party time and what a good night it was with a huge fireworks display and some really good music being pounded out by Brian McVernon early in the piece and Johnny Green and the Blues Cowboys through till the early hours of the morning. Plenty of good food and booze saw the Wildcats doing what they do best, eating, drinking, dancing and making merry until it was time to hit the hay and try to get some semblance of health back into the body for the ride home.

Being seasoned rally goers we all scrubbed up fairly well but there were quite a few young players around the campsites who were calling out for Ralph and Hughie in the morning so I’m guessing that everyone had a good time. Thanks to the VVMC for giving us a great evening on the 16^th of August 2003 and more importantly thanks for what you gave to Australia during Vietnam.

- Charlie