Welcome | TR Register Essex Group

July 2005

Bulletin 14

Meetings and members

The recent spell of settled, hot weather has certainly encouraged Group Members to hit the road. Attendances at “The Old Windmill” have been particularly good with between twenty and thirty members plus wives/partners rolling up! Membership has improved with the weather and I am delighted to welcome to the Group Alan StPier and his TR6, Richard Highfield, also with a 6 (which has been in the family for many years) and Robert & Jazina Eve and their immaculate 3a. Robert and Jaz are currently located in Singapore but hope to be re-united with their TR and the Essex Group around Christmas time. An ex-competition 2 has also joined the Group along with its owner Neil Ashford – a very warm welcome to you all. Membership is now at a record 61 with 69 TRs on the books!

Rebuild news

Good news on the re-build front. Bob Bendall has completed the running-in of his newly re-built TR6 engine and revelling in having 150bhp under his big toe. Ernie Turner’s stunning red TR6 is now flying around the country. Ernie had a few bugs to sort out after the re-build but after changing the alternator in the pouring rain on Sunday (24/7) he must be almost there (mustn’t he?). Phil Lambe tells me Mike Forrester’s lump is virtually ready to go back into the car, so we should soon see Mike hammering around again in his long door 2.

Fathers days picnic

After a quick ring around on the morning of Fathers’ Day, (19th June) an impromptu picnic was held on the banks of Hanningfield reservoir. The weather was absolutely perfect and a most enjoyable time was had by all – particularly the Dads. Well, after all, it was Fathers’ Day!!

Group photoshoot at the Rabbits

Sunday the 10th July saw the Essex Group gathering at “The Rabbits” for the last photo-shoot for the Group Calendar. The conditions were perfect and the turnout excellent – look out for your car on the cover of the calendar, copies of which should be available for sale in early September – just the ticket for that tricky Christmas present!

Mid Summer BBQ

The 17th July was another beautiful day, much to the relief of Pat and Graham Seeley who had invited the Group to a barbecue at their home in Good Easter. After a most enjoyable convoy through the lanes (led by Graham), we arrived at their beautiful 300 year old cottage where Pat had been busy with the barbie preparations. The property stands in splendid gardens which Pat and Graham share with two pet pigs and a flock of chickens (none of which were destined for the barbecue!) The garden is dominated by a huge yew tree which gave some much welcome shade from the blazing July sun. Ernie became the “chef de jour” and kept a constant flow of barbequed goodies coming until we were all full! Many thanks to Pat and Graham for their hospitality and providing such a charming venue for the Group Barbecue. I hope we all behaved ourselves and will be invited back, next year!

Big attendance at the International

Over forty Essex Group members plus children and dogs attended The International weekend (22nd to 24th July) at Malvern. It was a wonderful weekend, which will be fully covered in the next ESSEX NEWS, but the highlights were the superb barbecue on Saturday night (into the small hours of Sunday!) and the display of twelve Essex Group cars in the Wyvern Hall on the Sunday morning where we were interviewed by Steve Redway. Unfortunately, Sunday morning saw the start of the heaviest rain for weeks and the curtailment of all of the outside events. By mid-afternoon Sunday it was evident that it was not going to improve and plans to stay over until the Monday morning were revised and a general exodus ensued.

Artciles wanted for the next Essex News

Carol is gearing up for the next issue of Essex News and must have your articles (and pics) by the end of August. Alan Marks has found a super photo of his wedding which features a magnificent long door 2 (as well as his bride!). Have a hunt through your old albums and see if you have any photographic treasures tucked away which could be scanned and published.

21st August - Duxford day out

Remember to keep Sunday the 21st August free for the Group run out to the Eastern Groups’ Meeting at Duxford Aerodrome. We had a superb time at this event last year and I am sure it will be as good (if not better) this time.