Hello and Welcome to my May news letter.
Recent Events
The Daffodil Run
We started off the year with the 32nd Daffodil Run, based, as usual, at the Le Strange Arms Hotel in Old Hunstanton. The report for this event has already appeared in Rev Counter so I will confine my comments to peripheral observations.
My thanks go to your fellow members, Carolyn and Jonathan Woodrow who put a tremendous effort into the design and planning for this year and with some assistance from our Eastern Centre Colleagues delivered a superb event enjoyed by members from many different Centres. I have attended many of the Daffodil Runs over the years and although it always occurs in the same part of North Norfolk it never disappoints and this year was equal to the best. I especially enjoyed the trip to the wild life park where I got to drive the ‘buggy’ with a full load of passengers through the various areas all full of close encounters with some amazing wild life.
In addition we were able to bring back into use a long time Southern Counties Trophy known as the Egg Cup Rally Trophy which had previously been awarded to a springtime treasure hunt run by our past Chairman and President Derek Edwards. I think everyone agreed that the Daffodil is a suitable event to see this in Circulation again.
Drive It Day
As in previous years this event was organised through the good offices of Nick Varlow. Last year there were a number of issues with capacity at Bough Beech, both seating and food availability. Nick took a brave decision, with my full support, to move our celebration of Classic Driving one day early to the Saturday. With up front selection from menus, I am pleased to say that last years issues were not repeated. So a very big thankyou and well done to Nick.
I am fully aware that not everyone sheared our view on this move but I feel it is the celebration itself which is most important and an amazing 28 cars attended. I would love to hear the views of any member who declined to attend because of the move as it would be useful in the future planning.
There was one very big highlight which was the presentation of the brand new Southern Counties Derek Edwards Trophy to recognise those members who actually do drive their cars significant distances on a regular basis. The new trophy was presented to Ed Friend who has driven his BJ8 over 100,000 miles across Europe and around the UK since he acquired the car in 2004. So we need to find a worthy successor for next year.
Northern Centre May Bank Holiday Weekend
This year the event was centred in Harrogate at the Ceder Court Hotel and as always it attracted a strong following from across the Country. The usual group of Southern Counties members totalling seven cars enjoyed beautiful, if at times challenging, drives across the Yorkshire Dales. Whilst the Saturday was somewhat dull and misty, Sunday dawned with blue skies and sunshine, perfect Healey driving weather. Altogether for us a round trip of about seven hundred miles, enough to blow out winter cobwebs.
Future Events
Technical Day at Orchard Restorations
Always assured of a warm welcome at Orchard, Rob Law will be pleased to answer those questions you may have about your car or if its not running up to par he will probably find his magic screwdriver and solve the problem on the spot. So why not come down to the works at Horam, its a lovely run through the Sussex countryside. Please let Rob know you will be coming so he can make sure that there is enough food on the BBQ!
International Healey Meeting 2024
The Southern Counties Event Team has been working through all the various task necessary to ensure a successful event. Being so close now we are at the detail stage ensuring that the time tables for each day, the Welcome Packs, Event Guide and Menu Choices are all going to be available when needed. It’s good that we have been able to incorporate some of the suggestions from the Noggins especially a Hog Roast/BBQ Buffet on the opening evening.
I know that everyone who has booked is looking forward to seeing the cars parked up inside the Chatham Historic Dockyard in the company of some of the finest ships constructed there. The fourteen Southern Counties Cars that have booked for the event will receive an especially warm welcome.
I have had a number of enquiries about Day Visits especially to Chatham. It is possible that we could accommodate day visitors to Chatham, which would include entry to the museum, light refreshments on arrival, premium display parking and a rally plate. If you are interested in joining us at Chatham Historic Dockyard please email me at the usual address and if there is sufficient demand to warrant the extra administration I will advise the costs involved.
I hope to see some of you at Orchard and I look forward to greeting those of you who have signed up for the IHM at Maidstone on 23rd June.
With best wishes to you all
Dave