On a personal note, much of my time this winter is being devoted to Sue’s faithful and much loved MGB GT which was really beginning to suffer from all the years as an everyday car in all weathers including the winter salted roads. As usual with a project such as this where I was hoping to get away with new outer rear wheel arches, once stripping down commenced it became obvious that not only would sills and castle sections require replacement but also the offside floor. I was hoping to complete the work over the winter (fortunately my garage is warm) but this now looks unrealistic and the Midget is now our second car whilst the MGB is off the road. At least the heater in the Midget is considerably more effective than the one in the MGB. So a break from the angle grinder and MIG welder to pen these notes.
Our first event in 2016 is our Annual Centre Dinner & Awards Evening which will take place at the Limpley Stoke Hotel near Bath on Saturday February 27. We have returned to this hotel more times than I can remember because they always look after us and provide excellent food. There are rooms available at special rates to those attending the dinner so why not make a weekend break, especially as the hotel is so close to Bath? The Club Chairman Ian Quarrington, has kindly agreed to attend and present the awards. Details and how to order are on our website.
Our first competitive event is the Kimber Classic Car Trial on Saturday April 9. This event commences near Yeovil and will take you along a charming and picturesque route of around 90 miles through Somerset and Dorset with around ten observed sessions and special tests. There is a long lunch break at an excellent country hostelry. The trial is designed to be non damaging and is an ideal entry level event for those new to trialling but who have always wished to have a go. Details are on the website or contact me. If entering is not your scene but you fancy a glorious day out, why not volunteer to marshal?
Finally the Centre Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday March 1 at the Ring O’Bells, Compton Martin, the same night as the monthly natter. The meeting will commence at 8:30pm. Please do come along and supportyour committee but we do urgently need some new faces on the committee. There are only about five meetings a yearso it is hardly a major commitment from that respect.
Andrew Owst
