TR Action 241
At the most recent meeting at The Lakeside we were chatting about each others winter progress on various maintenance jobs or upgrades, or lack of progress in some cases, including mine. While some cars are used regularly all I have done recently is to start mine up, allowing it to warm until the electric fan kicks in and move it backwards a few feet to minimise flats on the tyres. Still, even a few minutes sitting in the car gets the enthusiasm going again for both work and pleasure. At the meeting we also gave John Scarr a vote of confidence to continue as Group Leader.
Much of the discussion however was about suggestions of spring and summer activities including the long trip to Classic Le Mans 2010 by some adventurous members. The most immediate activity is the quiz with Cleveland Group on motoring and news trivia on 16th February. We need to get our old brain cells charged if we are to take back the winning position from Cleveland. We have also seized on the idea from Ian Landen of East Riding Group to join them for a run to Farndale in North Yorkshire on 11th April, where the daffodils should be in full bloom and a pleasant walk is hopefully possible. However as I write this on 31th January with fresh snow back on the ground such scenery cannot come quick enough. Indeed, in places snow remains from the original falls in December, and some local ponds have not completely thawed out in over a month.
Several other possible activities were discussed but the programme is not finalised by any means yet, so if you have any suggestions for special events, it is not too late to let us know. John and I did briefly discuss the Lakeland Motor Museum which is moving to new premises near Newby Bridge in May, so that looks a possibility for the future. The photograph attached is of the north east groups’ stand at the annual NECPWA show at Newby Hall in July of last year. Hopefully it is a nice reminder of the good club days out for when summer eventually comes.
TR Action 240
Happy New Year to one and all and I hope Xmas has seen you well stocked up with the spares you need for your TR fettling.
To close 2009, a trip to the NEC in November was enjoyed by half a dozen Northumbrians who just managed, through the merits of an early start, to make it to the show off junction 6 of the M42 before it was closed. An impressive Register stand on which two of the five TRs were from Geoff’s Northern TR Centre. Away from TRs a lovely tableau by Bexhill-on-Sea Motor Club had sandcastles and a beautiful Herald convertible. A spectacular Marcos exhibition with lots of `bling` and a convertible `stretch limo` mini were also entertaining. After the car spotting, the hospitality on the Register stand went down a treat before starting the 250 mile trip home: hot coffee and especially the muffins, which, I was assured Andy Canning of Cotswold Vale fame had baked that very morning. Hidden talent there, no wonder he’s a TR man. Trevor Newton was spotted sneaking round the tool counters while his wife Dorothy was taking a more leisurely approach seated in one of the demonstration areas. Trevor must have a big job to do this winter.
I have finally got round to fitting the new drive shafts and UJs acquired at last year’s International and a few more are equally busy completing their own up-grades. Alan Woodhouse has been avidly following the LED instrument conversions in recent issues of TR action as he had installed his own version in his six many moons ago. (His new luxury surroundings should be apparent in the picture) Keith Gray is nearly ready to roll after an overdrive gearbox installation and Tony Hughes’ installation of a split braking system and direct clutch hydraulics should be roadworthy soon. For these people an ambitious programme in winter quarters is coming to an end. Will the rest of us be ready for the first outings?
Before that, will we be ready for the quiz with Cleveland? I hope you have all swotted up on motoring and news trivia as 16th February is looming quickly and we need to shine a bit brighter than last year if we are to take back the initiative from Cleveland.
The summer programme is coming together gradually but if you have any suggestions for special events, it is not too late to let us know. Any excuse for a trip out in the TR will do which is why we seized on the idea from Ian Landen of East Riding Group to join them for a run to Farndale in North Yorkshire on 11th April, where the daffodils should be in full bloom. I am sure that will be the start of another good season.
Lastly, keep an eye open for new member Paul Kaiser in the Corbridge area. Paul has acquired a TR6 and hopes to drop in to see his local group during coming season. Welcome to the Register, Paul.
TR Action 239
As you read this we have already arrived at the start of the winter `fix it` season. Armed with the upgrading and service parts collected through the summer, it is time to forgo the television schedules and retire to the garage with a bag full of spanners instead. My TR tip for this month therefore, before you start, is getting along to the Northumbria Xmas meal at the Skiff on 16th December. You will not only get festive food to sustain you through your spannering, but you will also hear tales of TR daring and adventure from the regulars that will inspire you to get the TR prepared for 2010.
Among the gossip we will surely hear about Craig and Barry’s visit to the Goodwood Revival Meeting, an insight into bargain hunting at the International and Geoff and Sheila’s trip to the European Meet at Rust in Germany. All TR adventures of several hundred miles that we can emulate in 2010 and all the better if we get the TR properly on song. So, to book your place for the Xmas Meal, get in touch with Paul Anderson, who is taking care of arrangements at The Skiff, (Tel. No. on your Events Card, on the Web Site or Newsletter).
Early September several Northumbrians sampled the mixed weather of the Lakes weekend and our Yoof Group member Simon managed to catch a bright spell to photograph his Seven whilst waiting for the ferry across Windermere. Sean and Dave Blenkinship were also there but without TRs so well done Simon for flying the flag.
At the Ridley Arms in September our meeting coincided with the visit of Cecil Scholar, a TR3A owner on holiday from Australia. Cecil was visiting his daughter who lives in Stannington and on returning home has been in touch by e-mail with some pictures of his fleet of other Classics which, in due course, I will share with you via the Newsletters. Cecil’s tales of Classic motoring in Australia were eye opening so far as the amazing distances they travel, making our adventures mentioned above seem like a pop to the shop. Cecil kept several of us enthralled for quite some time describing the TR scene down under which is naturally thinner on the ground than for us, but no less spectacular from the car activity point of view.
Selkirk Show was well attended during September, when, I believe, ten Triumphs enjoyed a spirited run north to the Borders. Tom was a prize winner again and whilst telling me of this he additionally imparted that at this point in the year, i.e. October, the competition for “Best Attending TR” trophy looks like a three horse race. Tom is keeping the leading runners close to his chest except to reveal that the Yoof Group cannot be ignored among the contenders. When will we know the result? At The Skiff of course on 16th December.
