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NEWSLETTER

2012 40 years of the Kennet Valley Group

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Hi Guys and Gal's

A lot of work, time and effort goes into arranging and organising events, but without your support, these events do not happen. So to all those who attended events through the year, give yourselves a pat on the back!

BUT, I always need your help and input, to let me know of any events, interesting articles, and news to add here, on our Newsletter pages. So for 2011 let there will be overwhelming input from the rest of you, so we can keep this up to date, and interesting for all! We are always looking for new venue's, and of course locally organised runs, so....... and after the event, why not write a review, to be posted on this newsletter!

If any one wishes to contribute, organise an event, or just arrange an informal meet or a run, I am sure any one of the committee will be glad of your help and support. Just let me know of your intentions, and I will do all I can to assist and co-ordinate the event.

I must add a special thank you to all those who have so far arranged runs, socials, mid-monthly events, club night activities, etc..... and just to say - keep them coming!

CLUB MEMBERS - NEWS & VIEWS

Friendly French Foray!

Our first foray into classic car touring in France was a few years ago in a tried and tested MGC that we had owned for a good many years. We covered a max’ of 500 miles over the week and the car proved 100% reliable, well until 5 miles shy of home when we had a modest fire in the dashboard wiring!! All was well and we and the car lived to tell the tale.
As newcomers to TR ownership we felt that more time was needed before embarking on a potentially more adventurous trip with Kennet Valley Group. Then, late last year Emrhys circulated an email requesting levels of interest in a possible trip to a couple of historic hill climb sights about 50 miles NW of Paris. It sounded too good an opportunity to pass on, but would the car make it?

Hell, yes, of course we were interested, who wouldn’t be, time permitting! The car had been completely rebuilt and a few things had already fallen off once and been put back. By the departure date all would be running smoothly. So we signed up!
What a great week with great company. We didn’t really KNOW any of the others well and we were about to move in together, in a Gite in Lyons la Foret. This could be interesting. We need not have feared. A nicer bunch you could not have asked for with no “prima donnas” and everyone out to enjoy themselves.
5 cars took part, a TR5, 2 TR6’s, a TR8 Grinnall and a Stag, and we covered around 1,000 miles over the course of the week. There were a couple of minor mechanical problems on our car and the TR8, the latter probably being down to the E10 in the fuel in France. Our blocked injector was soon remedied on arrival at the Gite and we are very grateful to all the expertise from the rest of the group and the spare parts that were produced from various boots. I swear we could have rebuilt an entire engine!!
The trip was set up by Emrhys and Linda and I know from events in which I have been involved, considerable time is involved. We were all very grateful for their time and a light hearted little thank you was handed over before we all returned. Daily excursions (optional) were decided on during the course of the week, mainly from research done beforehand. Nothing too arduous but all the more enjoyable for the appreciative response received from the French, seeing 5 English rag top sports cars travelling together. Far better than one would receive in the UK.

The weather could have been better, but at least it tested the effectiveness of the hoods! The 2 hill climbs, both partially through the town centres, were so delightfully French. The course had been resurfaced, roads closed and a few crash barriers (pedestrian variety) installed together a few straw bales at strategic points. We were flagged away by the organiser, who was armed with both French tricolour and Union Jack. There was a large UK contingent. You could do the climb at the 1st as often as you wanted until it was time to retire to the town square for a static display, which involved taking over the entire town centre. No one seemed concerned! Then off to lunch.

The 2nd course at Chanteloup les Vignes was a bit more serious and we only managed 3 ascents. We all had to await the last car before we were shepherded back down the course to the car park, where it all started again. Awards were made for various categories, none of which involved timing, as the event was “non competitive”? Not much!!!. Fantastic. Can’t wait for the next one.

So if you feel as we did, don’t. Sure, you need to ensure that your car is in the best shape possible but with a sensible spare parts supply, combined with experience and enthusiasm from your fellow travellers the risk is minimal. If all else fails, the Towergate “get you home” service is tried and tested and very good. (but not by any of us, this time, I might add. Ed:)

To see a video of a run up the hillclimb .... Click Here or an overview of the event ...Here

French Trip 2011 Review by Mike Thomas.

At the top of the Hill
                                   Top of the hill at Chanteloup Les Vignes - June 2011
L to R cars of - Phil Horsley - Mike Field - Emrhys Barrell - Mike Thomas - Denis Carter.

EVENT NEWS (2011 preview and review)

Our first event for 2011 was our Christmas Party, held at The Stratton Best Western Hotel, Cirencester. What a cracking event it was too! I think I am right in saying everyone who attended, thoroughly enjoyed the event. A special thanks to those involved in finding the venue, and making all the arrangements, etc.
We ran a charity raffle during the evening, and raised £208 for MacMillan Nurses!

We have decided to use the same venue for our next christmas party in Jan 2012!

Our first visit for our club monthly meet at The Winning Hand on February 2nd saw a record turn-out of members and their partners, all 36 people! A virtually unanimous vote to change venue for club night means we shall meet at this venue for the forseeable future. It is a breath of fresh air in the way the staff treated and served us. Our numbers are still looking good, and again in July we saw 36 attendees. Not long before we hit 40 !

Our club nights continue to go from strength to strength, with more talks, presentations, and greater interest - make sure you do not miss out! Our next presentation is in September, and promises to be special - see below.

Our AGM was on March 2nd 2011, and all the committee were unanimously re-elected. Also Dave Rumens re-joined the committee after a year's resbite, and Tina Dines joined the committee also.

For our March mid-monthly, it was arranged to meet at Streatley Hill viewpoint, and then a drive into Goring, a walk along the Thames, lunch at The Catherine Wheel, Goring, followed by tea and cake at Emrhys and Linda's, was a well attended event.

April club night included a talk on the specialist subject of Rust Prevention, and important task to keep our TR's on the road.

Drive-It day - 17th April - Wow, what a day. 15 TR's and 2 Stags joined in, starting with a carvery lunch at The George, St.Mary Bourne, followed by a visit to Whitchurch Silk Mill, and then a run to Aldermaston Wharf for afternoon tea and cake. A great day, well organised, and a special thank you to all those involved, including the weather, which was kind to us. We even got a mention and a picture in the Federation of British Historic Vehicles Clubs magazine.

May club night was CLEAN CAR COMPETITION......... it always shines on that day - no, not the sun, the car!!!

Our 5 car trip to Chanteloup-Les Vignes hillclimb in June, arranged by Emrhys, was an excellent event - see Club Members News and Views above.
If you feel moved by an event, why not write a review, and have it posted on here, for all to see.

What a great event yet again, our Cotswold run on 10th July, this time to Stratford-On-Avon, even including a boat trip if you wished. Well done to Emrhys and Linda, Joe and Wendy, for a great day out. We even waved to Jeremy Clarkson en-route (not sure if he was in to wave back, though).

Unfortunately, due to a very wet Saturday beforehand, and an even wetter start to the Sunday, our group BBQ on 17th July at Snelsmore Common, nr Newbury, had to be cancelled at the last minute. Maybe we can slot this in somewhen later in the year, perhaps.

Our Dorset invite to Newbury Classic Car Show, in aid of Leukaemia Research, went extremely well. There was food a-plenty provided by KVG members, and a good turn-out, despite the forecast, and the prevailing rain in the afternoon. Our stand accommodated 23 cars, and we raised £143.52 for Leukaemia Research on the day.
We have received thank you's from the Dorset members who joined us, so they were well impressed with the day, too.

October club night promises to be an interesting evening, with details of a pre-war rebuild project with a difference, make sure you are there. DUE TO FAMILY ILLNESS, THIS HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL PROBABLY APRIL 2012

November club night we intend to have a presentation from Phil Horsley, detailing the finer points of taking your car across the water, and showing some of the things we got up to in June 2011.

We hold and/or support many other events during the year, which will be reported on later, as they take place.

For dates and venues of any of our events, click on the "future events" tag to view our comprehensive calendar.

KVG Motor Sports News

We now have two of our members competing in the Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC). Andy Somerville, who started mid season 2007, races his TR4 and Richard Owen, who started mid season 2008, races his TR2.

The HSCC was created in 1966 by a small group of enthusiasts. It has one of the best calendars of circuits of any race series with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, for both competitors and spectators. The HSCC has become the premier organizer of Historic Motor racing in the UK for cars ranging from 1960’s road sports and saloon cars, prototype and sports racing cars, through to the open wheeled excitement of F2, F3 and the thunderous F5000 racing cars of the 1970’s (please view www.hscc.org.uk for more details).

From the 2009 season Andy is entering the Guards Trophy GT and Sports Racing Championship and Richard the Historic Road Sports Championship.The Guards Trophy is for cars built before 1966 and with an international sporting pedigree from period. An invitation class for pre '69 sports-racing, GT and sports-prototypes is also included but all vehicles have to be FIA Approved and race on in-period Dunlop racing crossply tyres. The series also has several longer races, notably the Autosport Three-Hour race at Snetterton.

The Historic Road Sports is for production sports and GT cars, built and registered between 1947 and 1969 and during the 2008 season included TR2, TR3, TR4, TR5 & TR6, Porsche 911s, MGs, TVRs, Lotus, Fairthorpes, Turners etc. To be eligible, models should have a period competition history. Some modifications to engines and suspension are permitted. However, as with all of the series, owners of Historic Competition Cars are encouraged to maintain their originality and period specification; be road legal and Mot’d.

To take part in an event you need to obtain a competition licence. For those who may be interested to learn more about taking part in the HSCC and obtaining a licence more information can be found on the HSCC web site, and the MSA website, where details can be gained on circuits to do the ARDS test, requirements etc.

You will see from the calendar of events below that most of the major circuits are included. They are all good events, but I suppose that the highlights of the year have to be the early July Brands Hatch meeting, the Silverstone Classic in late July, and the Autumn Oulton Park Gold Cup. The HSCC enjoys probably the best calendar of any club race series, enjoying the use of no fewer than 5 Grand Prix circuits in its calendar.
Richard Owen will be competing in the Historic Road Sports series again this year (2010) and I think Andy Somerville will again run in the Guards Trophy.

One event we could support is Castle Combe on 1st August. Please let me know if you are interested in attending this en mass!

2011 Motorsports Calendar of Events.

Historic Sports Car Club
http://www.hscc.org.uk/calendar.html

If you want a good day out in a great atmosphere just have a look at the calendar above, find a meeting, and support our KVG members. If you plan early, Andy and Richard may be able to provide a limited number of tickets for free entry. The tickets will allow you to enter most areas of the circuit including the paddock.

There is also the Silverstone Classic in July, with consessionary tickets - see the calendar for details.

OTHER NEWS

*We would like to continue to make club night more inviting and interesting, by having some more "themed nights". These can be in the form of competitions, quizes, talks, video's, etc. At present we have our Clean Car Competition in May, a proposed BBQ night in June, and we had a very interesting "guess the TR parts" in February, and a speaker on rust prevention in April.
We NEED further idea's, or if you would like to give a talk (it doesn't have to be on cars) then please let a committee member know.

We could also do something different (during the summer season) for mid-monthly meets, other than just a pub visit..... Idea's Please......Over to you....

2012 is the 40th anniversary of the Kennet Valley Group. Hopefully we can arrange a special event to celebrate this milestone. Any idea's will be welcomed.

Well, that's it for now, I think, other than to say - if you know of any events or news which would be of interest to other members, then please pass on the details.

Michael Field


Last Updated: 31/01/2012 00:05:11	Newsletter *NEWSLETTER* 2012 40 years of the Kennet Valley Group Find us on Facebook Here Hi Guys and Gal's A lot of work, time and effort goes into arranging and organising events, but without your support, these events do not happen. So to all those who attended events through the year, give yourselves a pat on the back! BUT, I always need your help and input, to let me know of any events, interesting articles, and news to add here, on our Newsletter pages. So for 2011 let there will be overwhelming input from the rest of you, so we can keep this up to date, and interesting for all! We are always looking for new venue's, and of course locally organised runs, so....... and after the event, why not write a review, to be posted on this newsletter! If any one wishes to contribute, organise an event, or just arrange an informal meet or a run, I am sure any one of the committee will be glad of your help and support. Just let me know of your intentions, and I will do all I can to assist and co-ordinate the event. I must add a special thank you to all those who have so far arranged runs, socials, mid-monthly events, club night activities, etc..... and just to say - keep them coming! CLUB MEMBERS - NEWS & VIEWS Friendly French Foray! Our first foray into classic car touring in France was a few years ago in a tried and tested MGC that we had owned for a good many years. We covered a max’ of 500 miles over the week and the car proved 100% reliable, well until 5 miles shy of home when we had a modest fire in the dashboard wiring!! All was well and we and the car lived to tell the tale. As newcomers to TR ownership we felt that more time was needed before embarking on a potentially more adventurous trip with Kennet Valley Group. Then, late last year Emrhys circulated an email requesting levels of interest in a possible trip to a couple of historic hill climb sights about 50 miles NW of Paris. It sounded too good an opportunity to pass on, but would the car make it? Hell, yes, of course we were interested, who wouldn’t be, time permitting! The car had been completely rebuilt and a few things had already fallen off once and been put back. By the departure date all would be running smoothly. So we signed up! What a great week with great company. We didn’t really KNOW any of the others well and we were about to move in together, in a Gite in Lyons la Foret. This could be interesting. We need not have feared. A nicer bunch you could not have asked for with no “prima donnas” and everyone out to enjoy themselves. 5 cars took part, a TR5, 2 TR6’s, a TR8 Grinnall and a Stag, and we covered around 1,000 miles over the course of the week. There were a couple of minor mechanical problems on our car and the TR8, the latter probably being down to the E10 in the fuel in France. Our blocked injector was soon remedied on arrival at the Gite and we are very grateful to all the expertise from the rest of the group and the spare parts that were produced from various boots. I swear we could have rebuilt an entire engine!! The trip was set up by Emrhys and Linda and I know from events in which I have been involved, considerable time is involved. We were all very grateful for their time and a light hearted little thank you was handed over before we all returned. Daily excursions (optional) were decided on during the course of the week, mainly from research done beforehand. Nothing too arduous but all the more enjoyable for the appreciative response received from the French, seeing 5 English rag top sports cars travelling together. Far better than one would receive in the UK. The weather could have been better, but at least it tested the effectiveness of the hoods! The 2 hill climbs, both partially through the town centres, were so delightfully French. The course had been resurfaced, roads closed and a few crash barriers (pedestrian variety) installed together a few straw bales at strategic points. We were flagged away by the organiser, who was armed with both French tricolour and Union Jack. There was a large UK contingent. You could do the climb at the 1st as often as you wanted until it was time to retire to the town square for a static display, which involved taking over the entire town centre. No one seemed concerned! Then off to lunch. The 2nd course at Chanteloup les Vignes was a bit more serious and we only managed 3 ascents. We all had to await the last car before we were shepherded back down the course to the car park, where it all started again. Awards were made for various categories, none of which involved timing, as the event was “non competitive”? Not much!!!. Fantastic. Can’t wait for the next one. So if you feel as we did, don’t. Sure, you need to ensure that your car is in the best shape possible but with a sensible spare parts supply, combined with experience and enthusiasm from your fellow travellers the risk is minimal. If all else fails, the Towergate “get you home” service is tried and tested and very good. (but not by any of us, this time, I might add. Ed:) To see a video of a run up the hillclimb .... Click Here or an overview of the event ...Here French Trip 2011 Review by Mike Thomas. Top of the hill at Chanteloup Les Vignes - June 2011 L to R cars of - Phil Horsley - Mike Field - Emrhys Barrell - Mike Thomas - Denis Carter. EVENT NEWS (2011 preview and review) Our first event for 2011 was our Christmas Party, held at The Stratton Best Western Hotel, Cirencester. What a cracking event it was too! I think I am right in saying everyone who attended, thoroughly enjoyed the event. A special thanks to those involved in finding the venue, and making all the arrangements, etc. We ran a charity raffle during the evening, and raised £208 for MacMillan Nurses! We have decided to use the same venue for our next christmas party in Jan 2012! Our first visit for our club monthly meet at The Winning Hand on February 2nd saw a record turn-out of members and their partners, all 36 people! A virtually unanimous vote to change venue for club night means we shall meet at this venue for the forseeable future. It is a breath of fresh air in the way the staff treated and served us. Our numbers are still looking good, and again in July we saw 36 attendees. Not long before we hit 40 ! Our club nights continue to go from strength to strength, with more talks, presentations, and greater interest - make sure you do not miss out! Our next presentation is in September, and promises to be special - see below. Our AGM was on March 2nd 2011, and all the committee were unanimously re-elected. Also Dave Rumens re-joined the committee after a year's resbite, and Tina Dines joined the committee also. For our March mid-monthly, it was arranged to meet at Streatley Hill viewpoint, and then a drive into Goring, a walk along the Thames, lunch at The Catherine Wheel, Goring, followed by tea and cake at Emrhys and Linda's, was a well attended event. April club night included a talk on the specialist subject of Rust Prevention, and important task to keep our TR's on the road. Drive-It day - 17th April - Wow, what a day. 15 TR's and 2 Stags joined in, starting with a carvery lunch at The George, St.Mary Bourne, followed by a visit to Whitchurch Silk Mill, and then a run to Aldermaston Wharf for afternoon tea and cake. A great day, well organised, and a special thank you to all those involved, including the weather, which was kind to us. We even got a mention and a picture in the Federation of British Historic Vehicles Clubs magazine. May club night was CLEAN CAR COMPETITION......... it always shines on that day - no, not the sun, the car!!! Our 5 car trip to Chanteloup-Les Vignes hillclimb in June, arranged by Emrhys, was an excellent event - see Club Members News and Views above. If you feel moved by an event, why not write a review, and have it posted on here, for all to see. What a great event yet again, our Cotswold run on 10th July, this time to Stratford-On-Avon, even including a boat trip if you wished. Well done to Emrhys and Linda, Joe and Wendy, for a great day out. We even waved to Jeremy Clarkson en-route (not sure if he was in to wave back, though). Unfortunately, due to a very wet Saturday beforehand, and an even wetter start to the Sunday, our group BBQ on 17th July at Snelsmore Common, nr Newbury, had to be cancelled at the last minute. Maybe we can slot this in somewhen later in the year, perhaps. Our Dorset invite to Newbury Classic Car Show, in aid of Leukaemia Research, went extremely well. There was food a-plenty provided by KVG members, and a good turn-out, despite the forecast, and the prevailing rain in the afternoon. Our stand accommodated 23 cars, and we raised £143.52 for Leukaemia Research on the day. We have received thank you's from the Dorset members who joined us, so they were well impressed with the day, too. October club night promises to be an interesting evening, with details of a pre-war rebuild project with a difference, make sure you are there. DUE TO FAMILY ILLNESS, THIS HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL PROBABLY APRIL 2012 November club night we intend to have a presentation from Phil Horsley, detailing the finer points of taking your car across the water, and showing some of the things we got up to in June 2011. We hold and/or support many other events during the year, which will be reported on later, as they take place. For dates and venues of any of our events, click on the "future events" tag to view our comprehensive calendar. KVG Motor Sports News We now have two of our members competing in the Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC). Andy Somerville, who started mid season 2007, races his TR4 and Richard Owen, who started mid season 2008, races his TR2. The HSCC was created in 1966 by a small group of enthusiasts. It has one of the best calendars of circuits of any race series with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, for both competitors and spectators. The HSCC has become the premier organizer of Historic Motor racing in the UK for cars ranging from 1960’s road sports and saloon cars, prototype and sports racing cars, through to the open wheeled excitement of F2, F3 and the thunderous F5000 racing cars of the 1970’s (please view www.hscc.org.uk for more details). From the 2009 season Andy is entering the Guards Trophy GT and Sports Racing Championship and Richard the Historic Road Sports Championship.The Guards Trophy is for cars built before 1966 and with an international sporting pedigree from period. An invitation class for pre '69 sports-racing, GT and sports-prototypes is also included but all vehicles have to be FIA Approved and race on in-period Dunlop racing crossply tyres. The series also has several longer races, notably the Autosport Three-Hour race at Snetterton. The Historic Road Sports is for production sports and GT cars, built and registered between 1947 and 1969 and during the 2008 season included TR2, TR3, TR4, TR5 & TR6, Porsche 911s, MGs, TVRs, Lotus, Fairthorpes, Turners etc. To be eligible, models should have a period competition history. Some modifications to engines and suspension are permitted. However, as with all of the series, owners of Historic Competition Cars are encouraged to maintain their originality and period specification; be road legal and Mot’d. To take part in an event you need to obtain a competition licence. For those who may be interested to learn more about taking part in the HSCC and obtaining a licence more information can be found on the HSCC web site, and the MSA website, where details can be gained on circuits to do the ARDS test, requirements etc. You will see from the calendar of events below that most of the major circuits are included. They are all good events, but I suppose that the highlights of the year have to be the early July Brands Hatch meeting, the Silverstone Classic in late July, and the Autumn Oulton Park Gold Cup. The HSCC enjoys probably the best calendar of any club race series, enjoying the use of no fewer than 5 Grand Prix circuits in its calendar. Richard Owen will be competing in the Historic Road Sports series again this year (2010) and I think Andy Somerville will again run in the Guards Trophy. One event we could support is Castle Combe on 1st August. Please let me know if you are interested in attending this en mass! 2011 Motorsports Calendar of Events. Historic Sports Car Club http://www.hscc.org.uk/calendar.html If you want a good day out in a great atmosphere just have a look at the calendar above, find a meeting, and support our KVG members. If you plan early, Andy and Richard may be able to provide a limited number of tickets for free entry. The tickets will allow you to enter most areas of the circuit including the paddock. There is also the Silverstone Classic in July, with consessionary tickets - see the calendar for details. OTHER NEWS We would like to continue to make club night more inviting and interesting, by having some more "themed nights". These can be in the form of competitions, quizes, talks, video's, etc. At present we have our Clean Car Competition in May, a proposed BBQ night in June, and we had a very interesting "guess the TR parts" in February, and a speaker on rust prevention in April. We NEED* further idea's, or if you would like to give a talk (it doesn't have to be on cars) then please let a committee member know. We could also do something different (during the summer season) for mid-monthly meets, other than just a pub visit..... Idea's Please......Over to you.... 2012 is the 40th anniversary of the Kennet Valley Group. Hopefully we can arrange a special event to celebrate this milestone. Any idea's will be welcomed. Well, that's it for now, I think, other than to say - if you know of any events or news which would be of interest to other members, then please pass on the details. Michael Field
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