Hello and Welcome to my September news letter.
ABOVE and BELOW - Selection of views from the visit to the Kent and East Sussex Railway
Visit to Kent and East Sussex Railway for a ride to Bodium and a Cream Tea On The Train
Despite a slow start we eventually ended up with eight cars booked for the visit. Unfortunately the whether forecast for all of last week suggested thunder storms and heavy rain across the South East for Sunday and as a result we lost one car, a Sprite, which the member explained that he could not drive with the hood deployed. This was a shame but quite understandable. The KESR had been very accommodating but I was very worried that if the appalling weather forecast happened the trip would be a washout despite the fact that several members said they would come whatever the whether.
Sunday morning dawned grey and rainy and I left home driving in light rain along the M25 into Kent. The closer I got to Tenterden the better the prospects became with sunshine through light cloud and no rain. Too good to be true I thought! As I drove into the main carpark there was already one Healey there getting a wipe over after their journey, this belonged to Robert and Catherine who were the new members attending their first event. I can only applaud them for bringing their very recent acquisition along under such forecast conditions.
As soon as the first train departed we went to the station and parked up on the forecourt closely followed by Peter Craker and Dave and Leslie Wheeler in their beautiful Sunbeam (their Healey is off the road at present). By just after 11.00 I was both relieved and very pleased that all seven cars and the twelve Members expected had all arrived safely. I handed out the complementary tickets for the Drivers then went for a coffee and a look round at the wide selection of stationary engines that were also on show at the station.
Several of our party walked up to the lovely town with its wide tree lined High Street making sure that they were back in time for the 1.10pm departure. We all elected to pay a £2 supplement and travel in the luxury of the 1st Class Carriage for our trip to Bodium and back. Several members decided to take the short walk to the Castle (NT) and come back on the later train at 4.45pm. The rest of us stayed on the train and returned to Tenterden. With farewells and thanks to the Station Staff I set off for home.
I managed to get all the way back to Leatherhead before getting any rain and then only for a couple of miles. So it only remains for me to thank all the members who made the effort to come along from as far afield as Worthing, Hove, Godalming, Worcester Park and Deal.
Happy railway and happy members, can’t get better than that!
Future Events for 2024
Tuesday 22nd October - Southern Counties AGM
The AGM this year will be held at the Welldiggers Arms near Petworth, home of the West Sussex Noggin and I am pleased to offer £10 supplement to the meal cost for any member attending the meeting. For those wishing to eat please arrive by 7pm in order to allow a prompt start at 8pm.
It is essential therefore that you let our Secretary, Jonathan Woodrow (jonathan@woodrow.eu.com) know that you wish to attend in order that we can advise numbers to the venue in advance. The meal supplement will not be available to members who have not advised attendance to Jonathan in advance.
The AGM is currently advertised in the September RevCounter and will of course be advertised again in the October RevCounter and this also contains a request for nominations for Chairman as I indicated in my last News Brief that I am not seeking 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.
The Welldiggers Arms, Low Heath, A283, Petworth GU28 0HG
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 from past runs of Handcross and the Victory Inn Car Park
Change of Venue for the Surrey Noggin
Finally just to let you all know that the Surry Noggin has changed venue from the Cock at Headley. After several years at the Cock it changed hands, the management changed and we lost the close liaison and relationship that we had previously enjoyed.
Keith Charie has relocated to the Surrey Oaks, which is near Dorking, after looking round for a suitable alternative. The Surrey Oaks has a friendly atmosphere and a large car park so why not come along to a Noggin there soon. Just respond to the invitation that Keith sends out each month.
Surrey Noggin
When: Third Tuesday of each month
Location: The Surrey Oaks
Parkgate Rd, Parkgate, Newdigate, RH5 5DZ
Start: – 8pm (7pm for those wishing to eat)
Contact: Keith Charie – 01737 813454
Rural Life Living Museum
I recently became aware of the Rural Life Living Museum at Tilford near Farnham. Has any member been there? Looks like a great place for a visit but I understand they are having financial problems. Have a look at the Web site rural-life.org.uk.
Thanks for reading these few notes, which I have put together. I am happy to receive information from any of you regarding where you have driven your cars or events and shows that you have attended. I know there are events all over the South East which may be of interest to other Members and which might be worth organising a club visit or stand. If something is good let me know.
Kind regards to you all
Dave Colwell
Chairman