Today marks the birthday of a remarkable man, the late Basil Coombe. Basil and Joan, with children Jim, Pat and Frank moved to Mount Gambier in 1956 (Judy was born here later) and this proved to a stroke of luck for the Mount Gambier Motor Cycle & Light Car Club. It would be fair to say the Club was treading water at the time, perhaps even regretting the decision to tackle the enormous task of establishing a road race track out at the 40 acre scrub/disused quarry block they had named Mac Park.
The Coombe family soon became involved in the Club and Basil’s enthusiasm and drive rejuvenated the Club to fire things up again. Basil was a great organiser, provider, sponsor and was tenacious, whether it was letter writing to authorities, or verbally chasing up volunteers, etc to help the Club. Basil rode a Harley with sidecar, but never competed seriously.
First picture, Basil with good friend Alec Campbell (they built a well known bike the ALBA which was campaigned vigorously) – second picture, Basil on an outfit outside Ron Hellyer’s Garage at the start of one of the Club’s popular road trials (maybe one of the many Basil organised) and the third, with wife Joan and another very good friend and Club benefactor, Frank McNamara, at a Cabaret.
Basil Coombe’s contribution should never be underestimated.
