Hello and Welcome to my August news letter.
ABOVE and BELOW - Selection of views from the well attended Summer Picnic
Summer Picnic
A perfect summer day for those enthusiastic members who joined the Summer Picnic hosted as usual by stalwart members Jeff and Caroline. Due entirely to their generosity we are able to join with members of the Sprite and Midget Club in their spacious and beautiful garden. Their hospitality not only extends to the providing the venue but also to welcome everyone with a glass of punch and later on some delicious cakes.
This year there was a great selection of cars including representatives from Alvis, Jaguar and Singer as well as Morris, MG and Austin Healeys. Jeff is always pleased to show members his own collection of interesting cars including the lovely Austin 7 Rosengart.
10th August - Technical Day at Orchard Restorations
Rob was really disappointed to have to cancel his open day in June due to forecast bad weather. This was a good decision as the 10th dawned as a lovely summer day, I arrived quite early and was greeted with the offer of a freshly cooked Bacon Roll and a cup of coffee; always assured of a warm welcome at Orchard. Rob Law was on hand to sort a few problems and as expected it was not long before a member arrived with a problem carburettor running rich. After partial dis-assembly the problem was diagnosed and sorted.
By this time the BBQ was up and running with a delicious supply of well cooked and presented food available for all. Lots of time to chat with friends old and new, it really was a happy day followed by a leisurely drive back to Surrey through the georgeous Sussex countryside.
Thanks Rob for your hospitality and generous help to our members. For anyone who does not know, Rob supports our Southern Counties Healey Help facility managed by Nick Varlow and also provides Technical Support as a member of the Southern Counties Committee.
11th August - Cranleigh Classic Car Show
The day dawned with the prospect of it being a very warm day but with a stunning azure blue sky. Arrivals were a bit slow to start with but eventually after finding some cars had been directed to the wrong part of the show ground, there was a good selection of our cars on show. Many thanks to Geri and Paul for organising our area. I hope not too many drivers had problems with overheating engines in the hot weather.
17th August - Capel Classic Car Show
Having enjoyed Capel in the past we have had a break for a couple of years but we were back again this year with a Club area. The theme this year was Scandinavian cars and Bikes plus Sixty years of the Ford Mustang. The day was well supported by Members with eleven cars in the Club Area. Sorry but no photos available at present.
Future Events
22nd September - Trip to Kent and East Sussex Railway
Last year in May we organised a trip to the K&ESR with a Cream Tea. Despite expectations of a reasonable turnout which would have enabled a discounted travel rate we only managed 7 cars. However the railway was pleased to accommodate us and allow parking on the Station Forecourt. Everyone who came enjoyed the trip.
So I thought we would repeat the event this year but in September as the early part of the year was taken up with planning and preparation for the IHM in Maidstone. I had originally planned this for 21st September but after discussion with the KESR a change to 22nd September is a better option.
The arrangements will be to travel on the 13.10 departure from Tenterden to Bodium and return. The train drops down a steep gradient from Tenterden onto the levels and currently stops at Rolvenden (Engineering Base), Wittersham Road, Northiam and finally Bodium where you can take a short walk to the Castle (NT) and return by a later train. Tenterden Station is close to the Town and also has a Museum dedicated to Colonel Stevens who built this and several other Light railways. Please visit their excellent web site for more information.
Those wishing to have a cream tea can book and pay for this using the KESR Web Site as these are made up in advance by the catering staff and collected before boarding the train. The arrangements are to be at Tenterden by 10.30 to 11.00 so that we can park on the forecourt.
Below are a couple of photos from last year.
Anyone interested please contact me direct on 07711 157 032 or by email dave.usy862@gmail.com for details of booking as we are being offered a discounted rate for travel.
22nd October - Southern Counties AGM
The AGM this year will be held at the Welldiggers Arms near Petworth, home of the West Sussex Noggin. The AGM will of course be advertised in the September RevCounter and this will also contain a request for nominations for Chairman as I made clear in my last News Brief I shall not be standing for re election to the office of Chairman. Equally this is also an opportunity for any other members to join the committee and help run the Southern Counties Centre. Please take the invitation seriously, the Austin Healey Club does not run itself, it relies on a few of YOU, the Members to want to be involved. If anyone would like to know more please feel free to give me a ring on 07711 157 032.
3rd November - London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
This year the Run takes place on Sunday 3rd November and as last year Jeff Snell has arranged for us to have a lunch at the Victory Inn on the Green at Staplefield. The format is to arrive during the morning and watch the cars heading down the hill towards Brighton and then at 2pm we adjourn to the Victory Inn for a leisurely lunch during the afternoon. Whatever the weather all those who attend have an enjoyable day.
If you would like to go along please email Jeff at jeff.snell@hotmail.com as soon as possible as places are limited for lunch.
A couple of photos below of Handcross and the Victory Inn Car Park from past runs, including Jeff’s Austin 7 Rosengart with my Defender.
100/6 Bonnett Available
Quite by accident I have been put in touch with a lady who is disposing of her late husbands cars and associated bits. She has a spare 100/6 fibreglass bonnet which was purchased years ago. She lives in Lenham, Kent. I have photos and contact details if anyone interested. I get the impression she just wants to get rid of it. Any interest give me a ring on 07711 157 032.
Enjoy the rest of the Summer
With best Wishes
Dave Colwell