Hello and Welcome to the October news letter.
Since our last Newsletter, the Southern Counties AGM has taken place. It was held at the Welldiggers Arms, Petworth, to coincide with the monthly Noggin that is held there for West Sussex members.
We enjoyed what was, for me, a record attendance of 29. So, far more than just the Committee huddled in the back room. It was a lively meeting and we were well looked after by the pub, and then by our Treasurer who (with the Committee’s approval) subsidised everyone’s food order to the tune of £10.
New Committee
There was a lot to talk about with our Chairman, Director and Membership Secretary (local hero – if you remember the film) stepping down and the need to fill the gap. You will be able to see who your new Committee are by looking at the ‘About Us’ tab on the Southern Counties website. If you have not had a look recently, please do check it out at: The official website for the Southern Counties Austin Healey Club
To help you on your way, I can confirm I have been elected as your new Chairman, Nick Varlow as NEC Director, Carolyn Woodrow as Hon. Sec., Mark Bethel remains as Treasurer Steve Barber takes over as Membership Sec., Rob Law remains as Technical Secretary and Nick Varlow continues with Healey Help. Our General Members are a mixture of new and old: Graeme Hogg, Ed Friend, Michelle McDonough, John Williams and Clive Timothy.
Webmaster Needed!
For those with eagle eyes, you may notice the absence of mention of the Webmaster. This is because the position remains ‘Vacant’ and we are most certainly looking for a volunteer to take-over from our caretaker, Keith Charie. Keith is very happy to provide guidance to the new incumbent on what he feels is not a difficult task, albeit very important to the successful running of the Centre and our communication with our membership. If you are at all interested, please give me a call on 07860 388077 and have a chat. I would be most appreciative. Thank you.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Your new Committee needs time to ‘get their feet under the table’ but there is already a full Calendar of Events for 2025, which we hope you find familiar and will wish to participate in. My thanks go to the outgoing Committee in putting this together. And, do keep checking the Calendar on the website for announcements of any new events that may pop up in the coming months. I will also do my best to keep you informed via the Newsletters.
Remaining 2024 Events
There are still a couple of events on the 2024 Calendar:
3rd November - London to Brighton Car Run, organised by Jeff Snell (see website). Jeff tells me he is almost full for the associated lunch, so contact him sharpish if you are thinking of heading down to The Victory Inn, Staplefield, RH17 6EU and hope to eat.
Also, the Classic Motor Show at Birmingham NEC 8-10 November (advertised in Revcounter) and the National AGM will be held at Warwick on 1st December. Please let me know if you are thinking of going to the AGM, in case I can link you with any other attendees.
Winter Driving
I’m sure some of you will be thinking about laying up pretty soon. If you need any guidance, I recommend talking to Nick Varlow via Healey Help. For the likes of myself, I prefer to keep the car running and take advantage of those (few!) bright crisp winter days, providing the roads are salt free…
Thank You Dave Colwell
Most importantly for me in this Newsletter, I want to record my personal appreciation for everything Dave Colwell has done for the Southern Counties Centre over the years. He has progressed from General Member to Secretary, to being (as long as I have been involved with the Committee) our Chairman and Director. It is never an easy decision to step back from something you care about and I know Dave has put in a huge amount of time and effort to build Southern Counties into what the membership has on offer to enjoy today. Indeed, I am only able to step into my new role because of what he has shown me over the years, and indeed continues to show me. When the time is right, I intend the Committee will mark his contribution to the Centre and indeed to the whole Club – there was a lot that went on behind the scenes at NEC that Dave was responsible for, but about which we have not heard enough.
I also wish to mention Piers and Anne de Legh, stalwart Committee members, who stepped down at the AGM. We have much to thank them for, not least for opening their garden until recently for our annual BBQ. As I mentioned at the AGM, I will personally remember Anne for being the first person to talk to me when I attended my first Noggin many years ago. We said thank you with flowers and a bottle (see photo).
I hope to squeeze-in at least one more Newsletter before the year closes but may delay this until after the Committee meets just before Christmas. Until then, keep on enjoying your Healeys and please contact me regarding any thoughts / questions you might have, or to suggest anything (however small) our new Committee should be thinking about.
Jonathan Woodrow
Chairman – Southern Counties
Jonathan@woodrow.eu.com – 07860 388077