Riders on the storm

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Riders on the storm

Did a 15-strong outlaw bikie gang really base itself at a Millicent caravan park at the height of the festive season?


There is no doubting the distinctive growl of high-powered Harley Davidson motorbikes could be heard at the Hillview Caravan Park.


Donned exclusively in black denim and leather, they referred to themselves by such nicknames as “Mullet” and “Strappy”.


But were they law-breaking bikies? Not at all.


They were actually law-abiding members of a social club of people who happen to like riding motorbikes.


At first glance, they might resemble bikies but the visitors to Millicent were actually in mainstream jobs such as a medical secretary, chef and gardener.


They are among the 120 members of the 59 Club in Australia and they used Millicent as a rendezvous point.


The only grief they caused for this reporter from The SE Voice was to insist on using their Club 59 club nicknames.


Mullet explained the 59 Club began in England 66 years ago.


“The 59 Club started as a church-based youth club founded by Reverend John Oates in London in 1959,” Mullet said.


“The 59 Club allowed entry to all young people from the local community, whether they attended church or not.


“A motorbike group was formed a few years later and has spread across the globe.”


Shez said being a motorbike group occasionally had its problems.


“We wanted to give $12,000 to a children’s charity and it took a year to process the 59 Club donation as it was coming from a group like ours,” she said.


Strappy said her group enjoyed the rides to Southend and Beachport as well as the hospitality shown to them by local businesses.


She said they appreciated the facilities provided by Allan and Gloria Withers at Hillview.


“We chose Millicent as a rendezvous point as we had riders coming from Adelaide and Melbourne,” Strappy said.


“Allan and Gloria handled all the bookings and arranged for the Club 59 members to be in adjoining cabins.”


Mr Withers said it was a pleasure to host the 59 Club members.


“At Hillview, we can cater for groups here for family reunions and sporting contests,” he said.

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