JAGUAR DRIVERS' CLUB HUNTER REGION Inc.
Box 492, Australia Post Wallsend NSW 2287
The JDCHR itself is a vibrant community of Jaguar and Daimler enthusiasts across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, and the Central Coast of NSW
The original conception of the formation of a Club exclusively for Jaguar and Daimler owners could well be laid at the feet of Kevin Buckley.
His original idea realised fruition after a couple of advertisements in the Newcastle Morning Herald asking for those interested in forming a club to contact him.
Response was such that an informal get-together was organised and those seeking further information were invited to attend the premises of UK Autos at Broadmeadow on 1st June 1983. From this gathering, a committee was selected, and dates for further meetings were arranged. The initial membership was 21.
The founding Committee were:
President: Kevin Buckley
Vice President: Tony Herald
Hon. Secretary: Des Ellis
Hon. Treasurer: Gary Freeman
Club Captain: Ron O’Hearn
Committee: Don Campbell
Harry Rees
It was decided that until the Club was functioning in a smooth manner, the committee would meet every two weeks. A suitable Constitution was drawn up, and a letter was sent to Jaguar Coventry with this document, together with the Club's aims, asking permission to use the name Jaguar in the title of our Club. This permission was duly received.
On the sporting front:
Max Paterson was an enthusiastic member of the JDCHR, being heavily involved with the club in all his years of membership, and it was a sad day when Max died in June 2013.
Max was a keen Concours participant, both showing his Jaguar and judging for the JDCHR and JDCA.
1955 NSW & HVSCC Hill Climb Championships, held at King Edward Park, Newcastle, was one of Max’s first shakedown trials to get to know the XK140, which is still owned and cared for by the family today.
Max took first in the Closed Car Class and broke the class record - the first of many.
In 1956, Max entered the South Pacific Racing Championships held at Gnoo Blas, and impressed with his performances in both Event 2 and winning the final Event 5. He set the lap record for the
event, against some formidable opposition.
Every month, there was an event at Tomago and Ringwood, which also saw our JDCHR member Norm Crowfoot compete in his D Type replica.
Norm also competed at Mt Druitt, Bathurst, King Edward Park and Gnoo Blas with Max.
The JDCHR has a special affinity with Gnoo Blas in Orange because of Max Paterson and Norm Crowfoots sporting deeds, which is why we have attended the reunion events each February for many years.
The 2006 National Rally was held by the JDCHR at Foreshore Park in Newcastle.
Ian Hissey, Max Paterson and Don Anderson at the 2006 Jaguar National Rally Sporting Event won the Perpetual National Sporting Trophy.
Socially:
The 25th May 2013, was the 30th Anniversary Dinner with guest speakers Ron Gaudion telling Le Mans Jaguar and Ecurie Ecosse team tales with JDCHR Club history from Tony Herald.
2023 was the 40th Anniversary Dinner, the guest speaker was Club No1 Badge holder Tony Herald, and it was celebrated during the evening on a Newcastle Harbour cruise after a club display day on the Foreshore Park. The HUB magazine, which is published in-house 11 times a year, records club history, events, and member stories.
The JDCHR has a sound financial base, catering to 176 members with an ever-growing membership base.
Activities:
Monthly meetings (held at Wallsend Diggers Club).
Regular Saturday breakfast runs and mid-week morning tea/lunch drives are conducted around Newcastle, the Hunter Valley as well as the north and central coast.
Longer weekend trips and participation in regional motoring events in Moree, Mudgee and Gnoo Blas at Orange have seen the club receive many treasured awards for both members and the club.
The JDCHR has also participated in National Rallies held at many points around Australia.
Each Year, there are awards presented to outstanding members within the club, covering both male and female participants, for club champion of the year as well as clubwoman and clubman of the year.
Why This Matters
The JDCHR is not just about cars—it’s about community, legacy, and storytelling.
Senior members and younger members embody the spirit of the club: celebrating Jaguars through rallies, social gatherings, and shared passion.
For enthusiasts from the SS Jaguar to the latest electric Jaguar I-Pace, including Daimler vehicles, it preserves the artistry and craftsmanship of Jaguars while honouring the people who drive them.
For more information, our club website is at www.jaguarhunter.org.au
Barry Melville
CMC Delegate for JDCHR
