Community & Church Displays | Nelson Bay NSW
Thursday: 2 October
Marina Magic: Bubsie Takes Nelson Bay
Finding Our Spot by the Water
We met at the trailer parking lot at 9:15 am and headed to Nelson Bay. Armed with GPS coordinates for our display location near the d’Albora Marina, we arrived to find… no one there to confirm!
Taking initiative, we unloaded Bubsie on the side of the road, then drove her up onto the grassed area where markings for the normal Sunday Market stalls were visible. Perfect spot secured
The Breeze
The wind had other plans for us today! Rather than wrestling with a gazebo that might take flight, we kept things simple and used the bollards to rope off the car. Sometimes the best solution is the simplest one.
An Unexpected Article Feature
Early in the day, a couple approached asking if they could take pictures. The reason? She was writing an article for the Christmas edition of their village newsletter in Sydney! They had discovered us online and were captivated by the story. It’s always amazing how far Bubsie’s tale travels.
David, the elder of Nelson Bay Church, stopped by to confirm we were in the right location and snapped some photos as well
A Parade of Tourists and Familiar Faces
All morning, we enjoyed a steady flow of people walking by. Most were tourists holidaying in the area, drawn to the sparkling bay and the charming vintage car parked beside it.
One visitor brought a smile to our faces – they had also attended the Bubsie B event in Muswellbrook and were delighted to meet Bubsie A in person!
Lunch Break and the Afternoon Rush
We ate lunch in two shifts to keep someone with Bubsie. Things went quiet for a bit afterward, but then the dolphin and whale watching boats returned to shore. Tourists streamed past, and many stopped to admire the car and hear the story. Children on school holidays were particularly curious and engaged.
The setting by the bay was absolutely lovely – one of those perfect moments where location, weather, and purpose all align.
Evening Transition
Later in the afternoon, we met Darren Cheers, the pastor from Nelson Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church. He’d been in Sydney for training meetings that day and came straight to see us.
At 3:30 pm, we packed up and headed to the Nelson Bay church property to set up a display for the evening event there. One location down, one to go!
An Evening to Remember: Community Dinner, Connection, and Bubsie’s Story
Setting the Stage
We arrived early at the church to transform the space for the evening. In the entrance, we set up a welcoming table displaying QR code cards and literature resources for guests to explore.
Racing Against the Weather
Community members began arriving, immediately drawn to Bubsie parked outside. They admired the vintage car before heading inside to mingle and get acquainted.
Then nature intervened! As the sun set, a storm began brewing on the horizon. With everyone now safely inside and the wind picking up strength, we quickly secured Bubsie in the trailer. Perfect timing!
Breaking the Ice
The evening kicked off with an icebreaker session where attendees got to know each other in small groups. Laughter and conversation filled the room as strangers became friends.
Soon, everyone was seated at beautifully decorated tables, ready for the main event.
A Feast from the Food Farmacy
About 14 people from the community joined us for a delicious plant-based meal catered by the Food Farmacy team. The food was absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.
Between courses, groups shared fun feedback from their icebreaker sessions, keeping the energy lively and the connections growing.
Bubsie Takes The Stage
After the main course, Kevin shared Bubsie’s remarkable story through a PowerPoint presentation. The room was captivated by the tale of faith, perseverance, and adventure that brought this little car across continents and decades.
Dessert was served as the story concluded – the perfect sweet ending to an inspiring story.
Quiz Time
The evening wrapped up with a fun Kahoot quiz that had everyone engaged and competitive! The questions taught us all a little more about the Nelson Bay area, blending entertainment with local knowledge.
Homeward Bound
As guests departed, they picked up resources from the entrance table, taking home both memories and materials.
Then came the practical part of any road trip – we packed up, stopped for fuel, and began our journey back after a wonderfully long and fulfilling day.
