Model T Club of Victoria visits Royal Freemasons before rally on silo art trail

By Simon Ruppert

Mar 13, 2023

The Model T Club of Victoria made the day for residents of Royal Freemasons Benalla last week, taking them on a ride around the Rose City.

Impressive: Model T Fords line up under the silo art in Devenish. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Issie Hill

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Six classic Model T Fords pulled up at the front door on Friday, March 10 to a sea of smiling faces.

Club president Don McPherson said there was nothing better than driving older Australians and hearing their stories.

“It’s a wonderful thing to be able to visit Freemasons and take them for a spin,” Mr McPherson said.

Colourful: A classic Model T Ford enjoying the north-east silo art trail. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Issie Hill

“You get them in a car like this and they always have some wonderful stories.

“They’ll tell you their dad had one or they remember being driven in them as a kid. It’s really rewarding, we really enjoy it.”

Mr McPherson approached the aged care facility knowing there would be several Model Ts in the Rose City ahead of a rally along the north-east silo art trail.

Regal: There were 22 lovingly restored Model T Fords on the north-east silo art trail on Saturday, March 11. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Issie Hill

“We got in touch and they were very keen to have us come along,” he said.

“We are looking forward to the rally tomorrow (Saturday, March 11).

“They’re coming from far and wide. Some from Swan Hill, Traralgon, Ballarat, and all corners of the state.”

Devenish: Two Model Ts in front of artist Tim Bowtell's latest mural. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Issie Hill

After stopping in towns along the trail to get some photos in front of the impressive silo art, the club was headed to view some local collections.

“After the rally we will go to view one private collection of cars,“ Mr McPherson said.

“Then on Sunday (March 12) we’re going through Stewarton and Dookie to look at a bit of the history of the area, then we’re off to see another private collection, of petrol bowsers.