The Old Bar Beach Festival is held every October Long Weekend. From the humblest of beginnings in 2005, the festival has grown to attract more than 30,000 people each year.

Our display of Classic cars, Beetles and bikes is held on the Saturday of the festival. From veteran to modern street machines and motorcycles, there is a wide variety displayed. Register your Classic vehicle on the day or online to win the $500 peoples choice or $500 lucky door prize. You might just find some inspiration for that project waiting in the back shed…

For Kombi owners, this festival is a place to meet and share their passion for their beloved buses with like-minded Kombi enthusiasts.

For families, this festival it is a place to appreciate kombis and enjoy quality family time in a in a relaxed and festive atmosphere suited for the whole family.

There’s loads of fun to be had for everyone!
The event is a jam packed weekend with activities for the rad granddad to the littlest grom. The programme includes Kombi parade, Live music, Amusements, Fireworks, Mega Markets, Bar, Aerobatic displays, Street food, Kids entertainment, Classic car display, Face painting, Surf competition, Volkswagen display, Street performers and much more.

The Brits have always had a sense of humour… even when they’re protesting!

Vandals have been making their point in a rude way as they deface 20mph signs ahead of a speed limit roll out in Wales. The Government in Wales is bringing in a 20mph default limit in built-up areas from September 17 – and some people clearly are not happy about it.

People have used peel-off stickers to create a rude image in the latest attack in North Wales. Ahead of the new default zones coming into force, new speed limit signs are being put up across the region, North Wales Live reports.

To ensure speedy implementation of the new limits, 20mph road signs are covered with 30mph stickers that can be quickly removed on or after the rollout date in 10 days’ time. But this has proved to be an open invitation for mischief makers, as confused drivers have found out.

Vandals have been removing stickers on the soon-to-be-introduced signs, meaning they are showing the wrong limits. This prank has happened across the region and it appears that vandals have now come up with a fresh, phallically-themed follow-up.

Among the signs affected is one on Henrhyd Road in Conwy which, like others across the region, has had the ‘3’ peeled off and placed on its side below the ‘0’ in order to form a rude image. Vandals will likely not have long to enjoy their handiwork, however, as councils have been quick to restore tampered signs in recent weeks.

Flintshire Council, for one, has warned that such vandals could be prosecuted for criminal damage. Eyebrows were raised elsewhere in the county when council workers were spotted removing existing 20mph signs and painting over 20mph road markings in Spon Green, Buckley. Baffled residents wondered what on earth was going on.

Many existing 20mph signs will become obsolete once default 20mph speed limits become law on September 17, as they will no longer be exceptions to the norm. Local authorities will then have 12 months to remove those signs that warn of the entry and exit at 20mph zones.

For small round 20mph repeater signs, councils have until September 17, 2028, to take these down. Usually these are attached to lampposts – or their own small posts – within 20mph zones. The same five-year period of grace applies to 20mph road markings.

Updated cost estimates for signage replacement across Wales show that, at 2022 prices, they amount to £21.9m. A more realistic estimate, allowing for eventualities, is £26.7m. You can see here how much funding each council in Wales will get to implement the 20mph default.

The Welsh Government argues 20mph defaults in built-up areas will cut pollution and reduce the number of serious crashes. A government report concluded 20mph zones will have minimal impact on journey times – though the Welsh Government’s own analysis suggested there could be an economic impact.

Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Motor Club Presents

Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Motorfest 2024

On Wednesday, 16th August, Jean Watson, of Old Bar, celebrated an astonishing milestone, her 104th Birthday!

The weather was incredible for this auspicious occasion, and just as well, as this lovely centenarian was able to enjoy a ride in a 99 year old Ford Model T, which incredibly, is younger than its passenger!

Many thanks to Taree Historic Motor Club’s Events Director; John Fletcher for his tireless work organizing events and outings; and particularly for this beautiful opportunity.

Jean is quite the character! Her carers said that she enjoys the various activities organized for the residents at Banyula Lodge, of which she signs up for pretty much all of them!

Jean was born in Muskerry, near Bendigo in Victoria, in 1919; and she is one of ten children. She joined the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II and served as a nurse within Australia.

Jean was blessed with three children, though two are sadly deceased; and has five grand children and twelve great grand children.

After her time in the RAAF, Jean’s parents moved throughout NSW when her father became a teacher. He passed in 1971.

Earlier in life, Jean spent some 30+ years living in Sydney; and was also was kept busy with horses, her involvement in pony club and was a qualified judge.

In 2013, at the tender age of 94, Jean joined a gym, attracting the attention of the Daily Telegraph, plus a short clip on Channel 7 News as “Sydney’s Oldest Gym Junkie!”

Jean says she owes her longevity to keeping her mind active with crossword puzzles. Also keeping herself occupied with knitting, crocheting, sewing and quilting.

On the occasion of her 104th birthday on the 16th of August 2023, Jean celebrated her impressive milestone achievement, with the Manning River Times conducting an interview; and television news coverage by Channel 7, thank-you to Justin and Hannah, it was a beautiful story.

After the interviews, we went outside where Jean’s birthday surprise was waiting. Jean enjoyed a nice slow drive around the block, which must have brought back memories. What a great sport Jean, it was a great privilege, Happy Birthday, and many more to come!

You can watch the 7 News story by clicking this image…

Good afternoon everyone,

Our Club’s contribution of $5,000 to Palliative Care from Motorfest did not go un-noticed!

The eagle eyed among you may have seen the segment on 7 Local News last night (3rd August).

If you missed it, the video is now on our website: Click here for video library

If you’re not already subscribed to our Club YouTube channel, please check that out too: https://www.youtube.com/@GLHAC