HISTORY
How it all started:
- Our Branch (formally known as the Mount Gambier Group) has been going since May 1996. Helena & David Gritton, along with Terry & Petra Seebohm, Bernie Sommerfield, and Mark Schulz met in the front Bar at the South Eastern Hotel regularly on Friday nights, until finally moving to a more congenial atmosphere, Jens Hotel.
- At this time Jim Coombe, David Mason, Jethro and Pauline Foy, Chris Schulz, Mike and Annette Cassidy joined us. Jethro suggested we try having regular coffee mornings - Café Luna was chosen and the success continues today.
- Through advertising, via all media outlets our branch continued to flourish with established members and prospective members wishing to join.
- The first Branch Newsletter was produced in June 1999.
- August 1999 we were given charter status and became a Branch under our own right.
- The Inaugural Meeting where 20 members and potential members were in attendance, was held at Jonte’s Café on 30th July 1999.
- The first office bearers were elected, as a precursor to hosting the Limestone Coast Odyssey, (hence our name change), held over the October long weekend 2000.
- Hilda Henderson designed the Odyssey and Branch patches.
- By the time the Odyssey was to be hosted our membership had also increased and continues to increase today.
- Members allocated their time and energy to the success of the Odyssey ensuring that the 300 attendees had a great weekend.
- The next big event was the initiation of the Ulysses Rose, the baby of the Seebohm’s and Foys, with funds raised going to the Arthritis Research Task Force. Terry and Petra Seebohm put a lot of energy into this project over a three year period until it came to an end in 2004.
- Next came the co-hosting of the Green Triangle AGM that was held in Mt Gambier in 2002, with just under 4.500 members attending. Over 50 volunteers from Mount Gambier joined Green Triangle Branch members to put on a really great AGM, which is still talked about today, as being a friendly community involved and supportive AGM.
- The organizing of the inaugural Beach of a Rally was undertaken by Chris and Mark Schulz in 2005. Geoff Foy designed the Rally badge. 170 Ulyssians attended.
- Beryl Mitchell kindly donated her time to make our Branch banner with the newest edition being a Beach of a Rally Banner – they both travel to various rallies and stand proudly amongst our branch members.
- Our Branch Website, designed by Hilda Henderson was up and running.
- To be continued
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Branch Aims
- To promote motorcycling as an enjoyable experience
- To provide encouragement, assistance and support to all members where, and when needed
- To prepare a variety of rides, taking into consideration the needs of riders where-ever possible
- To encourage members to become involved in our Branch by taking on the responsibility of organising rides/events
- To promote and encourage motorcycling safety
- To promote and encourage social activities
- To be welcome visitors into our Branch and the Ulysses Club in general
- To promote and encourage interaction with other Branches not only within our region, but also throughout Australia
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