TR Action 255
Sunday 23rd October was the day of our "Autumn Leaves Run" and what a beautiful day it was. Starting from the 5 Bells in Chailey we wound a magical path through the sun drenched Sussex scenery finishing at the Star in Waldron for Sunday lunch. Most impressive was the fact that we did not lose anybody on the way! Sixteen TRs took part in the run, including a good turnout from our neighbouring Kent group. Thank you Martin so very much for organising such a lovely day.
The annual London to Brighton Veteran car run was blessed with unseasonably good weather, and again we assembled at the Friars Oak at Hassocks to watch the magnificent cars pass by. We were joined by our friends from Thames Valley, Goodwood and Kent Groups and together made up a fine display of TRs. As usual there was a great selection of other cars at the pub including the Rolls Royce Shooting brake belonging to the Rougham Gentlemans Club (including stuffed tiger!) and a fine example of a 3and a half litre Bentley. A most enjoyable day spent savouring our motoring history.
The well attended Group AGM on 8th November was held in the convivial surroundings of the Five Bells, Chailey. All the Reports that were presented, including that of the Treasurer, reflected a very successful year for the Club, with a full calendar of events, shows and meetings. Thanks were expressed to those retiring from the Committee and new Committee Members Graham and John were welcomed. Club members further participated in the Meeting with suggestions for events and activities to add to next year’s program, which promises to make 2012 a great year for our Club.
Future events - January Sunday 22nd lunch at Burwash, this year with a free raffle ticket! Bob and Dawn need to know who is coming before 13th January.
TR Action 254
In mid-September four of our group embarked on a long weekend tour to the Circuit des Remparts, Angouleme. One night was spent at a quaint hotel close to Le Mans, followed by three nights at a very retro hotel just outside the ancient walled city of Angouleme The city was dedicated to the enjoyment of vintage and veteran cars for the weekend, and there was a fantastic festival atmosphere. As well as the Concours d'Elegance, the International Rally Charente and the Historic races round the city walls, the town was awash with classic cars of every age and type. Great company, good food, fabulous cars and racing, plus the joy of classic touring in France, means this event is earmarked for next year’s diary.
The weather forecast for Sunday 2nd October was so good it begged an impromptu 'top down' session. With nothing in the SDG diary, and after some frantic phone calls on the Saturday, five TRs and their owners enjoyed an excellent morning run. The sunshine and high temperatures meant that the world and his wife headed for the coast, leaving the quiet country lanes for a little TR action. Finishing at the Horseshoe Inn, Windmill Hill, we found that there was no food available due to a broken gas system. Sitting in the pub garden, wondering where to go next, three familiar faces appeared, not in their TRs, but on bicycles - Paul and Caroline with Oliver, their dog, riding cycle basket! The cyclists proposed the Brewers Arms in Herstmonceux, where we enjoyed an 'al-fresco' lunch. We ended the afternoon relaxing with a most welcome cup of tea in Paul and Caroline's beautiful garden.
Sunday 9th October dawned grey and showery, making the early start a little unappealing. But the sun soon came out and the delights of Hastings unfolded. These included fish and chips, antique shops, seafront walks, plus, of course, the annual Hastings car show and autojumble at the Stade! As ever the show was very popular, with classic cars - from Aston Martins and huge American classics to tiny Austin Sevens - spilling over from the main car park into the surrounding area. South Downs and friends contributed about thirteen TRs and thanks are due to Glynn for organising our entry and to Lin for providing tea and cakes afterwards.
Club night offered fun and games - both with the pub location and the activities. Hugh delivered his popular Shout It Out quiz, and the results of our photo competition were announced. Congratulations go to George for his great winning photo. 2012 SDG Calendars are now available, featuring George’s photo, plus the 11 best others. For that special Christmas present why not order your copy of the SDG calendar from Paul: pandclucas@talktalk.net
Future Events
With effect from 8th November our monthly meet will back the Five Bells Chailey.
The 2011 Awards Lunch will take place at The Bear at Burwash on Sunday 22nd January 1012.
Please check www.southdowns-trs.org.uk for more SDG details.
TR Action 253
Firstly, congratulations to James for his Pride Of Ownership award at the International for his beautiful TR4A, another well deserved award for his cabinet.
It has been a busy month for SDG with many events. The Italian Job saw twelve TRs take part in a run through East Sussex, followed by alfresco dining Italian style. Glynn had a word with his contacts and the predicted thunderstorms were kindly delayed until late evening. Hot tub, flying lasagne, good company and beautiful surroundings - what more could we wish for? Though once again fishing rods were banned from the proceedings! Many thanks to Glynn and Lin for the considerable work they put into this delightful day.
The Ringmer Run was a short navigational evening run featuring an array of classic and vintage cars, ending up at The Star in Waldron. For some SDG members the tulip route turned into a follow my leader, due to a great lack of navigators and our ever friendly nature. Paul and Heather made an impressive recovery, following a minor detour into Uckfield town centre, to lead us to the final watering hole. Thanks to Roy and Penny for putting this run together.
The Shoreham Air Show was one of our main static shows this year - thanks Hugh for organising eighteen cars to attend the event over the two days, including newbies Ken and Jen in their TR4A, and newbyish Rob in his TR7V8 DHC. We put on an impressive display and proudly flew our new flag for the first time. With action in the skies and on the ground there was entertainment for all. The organisers even provided personal escort off site at the end of the day to avoid the general public escape route.
Sunday 29th August dawned bright and warm, an ideal day to visit the Bexhill 100 show to celebrate the Birthplace of British Motor Racing. Arriving at your leisure and leaving when you wanted made for a very relaxing day out. The three pound entry going to charity. A good variety of vehicles, bikes and cycles made for interesting viewing, and a stroll along the seafront was just a couple of minutes away.
The Wild West Run on Sunday 4th September was a Tulip diagram challenge, success being rewarded with the gastronomic delights of the Queen's Head in West Chiltington. Armed with high quality detailed tulips (well done Rachel) all participants achieved the goal. Rob, driving solo, even managed to avoid the mistakes of others ahead and reach the pub in excellent time. We were joined by Goodwood group members at the pub. Many thanks to Gregg and Rachel for organising an excellent outing. Heaven knows how they found time whilst moving premises for Autohistoric.
Future events - Club night tomorrow (Tuesday 11th October), AGM in November. The SDG photo competition closed at the end of September, so judgment day will be with us soon. The winning photos will star in a special SDG TR 2012 calendar - so remember to order some for friends and family for Christmas
