Another year that has flown by and another that, aside from our meet back in March, has been quiet on the area front.
It has also been a year in which, sadly, we have lost another of our once very active, regular members, being Alan Collier. Many of you will remember Alan, who attended many of our meetings in one of his two Healeys, often top down with his elderly mother enjoying the ride. May your top always be down, and the roads be traffic free on the next journey Alan.
Whilst our area has been quiet, I did however have a great time at the Jensen Owner’s Club ‘International’ meet in Telford back in June where the Capri managed to sneak into the reserved parking area where she was received with a warm welcome. Or perhaps the fine members of this club were merely being polite
. Either way, the drive there was a very enjoyable one along sweeping “A” roads that were bathed in sunshine. It has to be said though, that the four pot ‘Pinto’ unit does present far fewer overtaking opportunities than those available to a 6.3 litre V8. I was thrilled to be asked to again judge at concours at the International. As an ex concours secretary, I often found that securing judges could be a challenge. Having done this twice now, I have thoroughly enjoyed it, finding it a great way to admire fabulous cars whilst also mingling and socialising with owners. I would encourage anyone that might consider helping the club in such a way to give it a go.
Returning to the area itself therefore, I am very keen to organise another area meet. But what would you, the member, like to see? For a few years now, we have had our ‘Christmas’ meet in late January or even early February, and I am more than happy to organise such a social ‘Sunday lunch’ meet, but I would welcome ideas as to where. Though the (now fully refurbished) Friendly Fox presents an excellent meal, I recognise that whilst (to say the least!) this is very convenient for me, it is of course less so for others. With that in mind, would members like to return to the ’Fox, or is there somewhere else you can recommend? Or would you like to see an entirely different event in the calendar? Please do let me know.
With ideas in mind, having had the privilege of being in this role for nearly twenty years, it may be time for someone else to take the reins and bring new ideas and life to the area. If that someone is you, again, please just let me know.
So, here’s looking forward to catching up in what I hope will be a very Blwyddyn Newydd dda for you after a very Nadolig Llawen.
Richard.