20th swap meet to proceed on a Black day

KEEP ROLLING: Jock Thomas, Max McKenzie, Ray Van Galen and Robin and Pat Evans with historic conveyances set for next month's swap meet. Picture: Reg Ryan 97701

By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN

THE members of Western District Historic Car Club will miss one of their own when a 20th annual Geelong Bay City Swap Meet begins on in the city on 11 May.
The late Eric Black, known as Mr Swap, was one of the founders of the long-running event on Bannockburn Common before it moved to Geelong.
Long-serving car club member Max McKenzie said the swap meet grew from strength to strength under Mr Black’s direction.
“It is now considered to be one of the best swap meets in Victoria,” Mr McKenzie said.
“There’s even an area set aside for the display and sale of special interest vehicles.”
Mr McKenzie said the swap meet was a car fanatic’s dream, with collectors, restorers, home-grown mechanics and craft enthusiasts from all over the state descending on Geelong Showgrounds for the event, with gates opening 7am.