2024 Jumpers and Jazz Event Round Up

Warwick and the Southern Downs turned on another fantastic weekend of clear, cold and slightly breezy weather for the Jumpers and Jazz music, yarnbombing and car display event.

While there was a much smaller contingent of cars than normal (4) there was an extended social group of members and friends, so we had a party of about 17 people overall. The Friday run from Blacksoil to Cambooya was a delight.

We revisited a route we've taken a couple of years ago and the hilly, winding route with beautiful countryside views received compliments from drivers and passengers alike. The one exception was when yours truly ran out of fuel on a particularly steep little hill, so steep that the hand brake wouldn't hold and I had to refuel partially on the road, ultimately reversing into the road to gain traction once restarted because the inside wheel kept spinning on the grass as we tried to take off again. At least one party in the car was not impressed!

The leisurely lunch at the Cambooya Hotel's Bull and Barley restaurant was totally up to its normal high standard and the late afternoon run into Warwick had the group arriving at the Motel just in time to unpack, have a short rest and then walk to the Psycho Suzie Brewery for a night of really enjoyable music (albeit not blues).

A brisk walk home in the crisp chill, was diverted into the Warwick Hotel where a lovely open fire and several more beverages including mulled wine was enjoyed by the now slightly smaller group.

Saturday morning breakfast at Gardens Galore Cafe was also up to its normal wonderful standard with food so artistically presented. It tasted as good as it looked. 

The rest of Saturday was free time to wander the streets investigating the yarnbombing art installations, markets and the virtually continuous music gigs with some the country's best blues, blues roots, and swing music and dancers around.

The evening event with Girl Friday where they launched their 3rd album was a 'long' 15m walk (yes 15 metre) to the venue that was actually held in the motel where we were staying. While our group had all booked in advance a whole group of walk-ins over-loaded the kitchen and that food service left something to be desired, but the gig itself was really great, with everyone saying how much they liked the music. 

Some of the group revisited the Warwick Hotel and its open fire before walking back to their rooms, somewhat worse for wear. 

Sunday had our 4 Healeys grouped with the MGs again on the main Palmerin Street right next to one of the main stages. Once again, the cars were very well received and attracted a lot of attention. Mid-afternoon, most of the contingent headed home and a few hardy members (Anna and I included) stayed until late in the afternoon, listening to more music at the Criterion Hotel.

Phil even decided to hang in till the music finished later in the evening and stay overnight, scoring a reasonably priced last-minute room at the most exclusive venue in town the Abbey Boutique Hotel. Recommendations were made that the next J&J contingent should investigate a group deal to stay there!

Anna and I headed back in the twilight, and I have to say that the drive home was the best return drive in the past 6 events. A clear chilly night with a huge full moon lighting our way, virtually no traffic the entire trip and dressed for the weather with a rug over our knees and warmed by the engine, we both were reminded that this is the kind of weather that top-down Healey-ing was made for.

This was one of the best events ever, for us especially given that we didn't have an organised social event during Saturday day, we could relax and fully enjoy the fantastic Jumpers and Jazz music and event schedule.

We have to express our thanks to the amazing team of community volunteers that put this amazing, fun event together. Warwick, you didn't disappoint. Especially for featuring one of our Healeys on the cover of the 20th Anniversary Celebration Event Program!

Next year I'm sure will be even better! Stay tuned for the new stand-in run captain as Anna and I will be in Europe for the event in 2025.

Cheers

David