Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 9:58 am Post subject: 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
50 Years ago to the day newly weds Val and Norm Cunnigham set off from Perth in their Split kombi for their honeymoon. So when I was asked if I new anyone that had a split kombi and would be prepared to take them to the anniversary party that had been organised for them – I said yes (how could I refuse). It was arranged that I collect them at 4pm from their home in Kingsley and drive them to Hillarys with a small detour via the coast. They new that a Jamie was collecting them, but they did not have any idea what vehicle it would be. When I knocked on door and they saw the Split I asked “does this bring back any memories” well it sure did!
Norm used their split as his work van back in the 50’s it had safari windows which he said was very handy for transporting long lengths of wood! After a fly in fly out visit to Onslow repairing the damage after a storm, he told Val how nice it was up there. So they decked out the kombi for a camping trip/honeymoon. They set off from Perth on an incredible journey. Back in 1958 the Great Northern Highway was an unsealed road. It took them about 2 weeks to get to Onslow. “You would not see anybody for days” Norm said. Here’s a picture of them on the Highway
For lunch they simply just stopped on the Highway, Norm said the kombi provided the only shade they could find.
They had no time constraints so it was not a rushed trip. They used an annox on the side of kombi when they stopped to camp.
It is a trip that they will never forget. It was a pleasure to both meet them and drive them on such a special day. Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary Norm and Val Cunnigham!!!
Sniff sniff, lovely. well done BJ and the happy couple. _________________ Di
Kombi Karma - you know it makes sense
www.klaus1.bigblog.com.au
76 8 seater poptop, resto'd in a fashion
I also recieved a lovely thankyou via email from Norm and Val. Included in the email is a bit more history for you..........
" I think that to find the old van, you would need to look for a heap of rust, because before we purchased the V.W it had been used on the tidal flats in Broome for picking up fish from the fish traps. We purchased the van whilst working on the Continental Hotel after a Cyclone in 1957 and used it for carting our supplies around town, transporting it to Perth when we finished the job. The undercarriage was extremely rusty then, due to the Salt water. I had to strengthen the undercarriage with extra steel to be able to licence it in Perth. Norm and Val Cunningham" _________________
Taken at Alfreds in Guildford - Remember the meeting place is the 1st Wednesday of every month from 18:30
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great piece of history right there. wouldnt it be great to be able to trace their old kombi 
