Forrest Darlings CWA

materials from the local community in recent weeks. These have been dispersed among our members with the aim of producing handmade gifts which can be sold for fundraising at future events and markets. Thank you to everyone who has kindly donated these generous gifts.

We will be catering a packed lunch for a Shire of Mundaring event in February. If your community group or not for profit association needs catering for a special event please contact our president for further information.

Meetings of the Forrest Darlings CWA branch now take place on the third Wednesday of the month 7pm at Darlington Community Pavilion (View Terrace). They might involve learning a new skill, sharing our crafts or hearing from a special guest speaker. New members and visitors can always be assured of a warm welcome. The February meeting is our AGM: Wednesday 15th February. Membership is $70 per annum.

For further information please look up Forrest Darlings CWA on Facebook or call Kate Herren (President) on 0452 644 248.

The French Citroen 2CV was first mass produced in 1948/9 just after WWII. Prior to the war, prototypes had been built but with the threat of occupation by the Nazis several of the new cars were hidden behind a false wall in a factory in Paris. When peace returned in 1945 the cars were brought out of hiding and the development continued. They were cheap and popular, by 1950 there was a five year wait for a new one.

The 2CV was designed to help the French people after the war purchase a cheap, simple vehicle. Particularly farmers, where, with the removal of the rear seat, they were able to carry their produce or a live pig to market, then on Sunday carry the family to church. True or false, it was said that the suspension had to be soft enough so a car could be driven across an onion field with a basket of eggs on the back seat and not break any.

Over four million 2CVs were built from 1948 to 1990 in eight countries including, France, Belgium, Spain, England, (RHD), and a couple of South American countries. The simple little car was built in such a way that the owner could carry out minor repairs and servicing themselves. It was easy to get to the engine with only three nuts holding the front mudguards to the body and the bonnet would just slide out of its’ hinge, giving good access to the engine etc.

The 2CV is powered by a two cylinder, horizontally opposed, air cooled engine of around 600cc, producing 22kw, coupled to a four-speed transmission and front wheel drive. It has a 25-litre plastic petrol tank with a consumption of about 4.6L per 100kms or 60mpg and 500km on a tank full.

This car was built in Slough in the UK and came to WA in 2016. It was purchased by the current owner in 2018 in reasonable condition but with much body rust. In 2020 it was disassembled, repaired and painted, replacing three rusted doors, the boot lid and the windscreen surround. A new vinyl roof, new interior and various bits and pieces were fitted at the same time. All parts are available from Europe.

The two-tone Burgundy and Cream paint combination is referred to as, ‘Plums and Custard’.

The car drives very well, keeping up with the traffic but best of all, it makes people smile