Welcome | TR Register Essex Group

October 2009

Bulletin 61

Good turn out at club nights

The recent “Indian Summer” has been a godsend to us rag-top owners and attendances at the monthly meets have been excellent. The restaurant and bar at TOW on the 22nd of last month were absolutely heaving and I guess that any members of the general public who had set out for a quiet evening meal were rather disappointed with ambience on that occasion!!

La Belle France!

Andy D’s perfect organisation was evident once again - many thanks Andy - as twelve TRs (two 2s, two 3a’s, two 4a’s & six 6’s) set off for La Belle France on the 7th September for what has become an annual pilgrimage to Normandy. With such a large group it was not sensible to stay in convoy all the way to Houlgate but, suffice to say, everybody arrived safely and in time for a very welcome beer and pizza!

Small groups of TRs would head off each morning for their chosen destinations, meeting up in the evenings for drinks and to discuss the day’s events. The weather was absolutely fabulous throughout the whole week and a really great time was enjoyed by all. All the cars “started and finished” experiencing only the most trivial of mechanical glitches – dodgy door lock, disintegrated trafficator switch, broken exhaust strap and (of course!) a faulty accelerator cable on a 6!! (Steve Tant and I believe we now have the ultimate cure for this annoying and oft recurring problem – watch this space!)

Special mention must go to Brian and Pam Stokes and their newly-acquired dark blue TR6. Brian, who obviously has a remarkable faith in the reliability of the Marque, bought the car (admittedly from an ex-Essex Group member) on the Tuesday and set off for a thousand mile tour of France the following Monday! Apart from in the Town centres, the roads we travelled were in excellent condition and only about a tenth as busy as those in Essex.

For some of us this was the fifth visit to “The Beaches” area of Normandy and it has been decided to ring the changes with next year’s continental excursion. We will be travelling a little further afield to visit the spectacular Loire Valley region. If you fancy coming along do contact Andy D without delay – unfortunately places are limited by the available accommodation so a swift response is needed!

Fine weather for Battlesbridge

The exceptionally fine weather held for one of our most popular events – The Battlesbridge Classic Car Show which was held on Sunday 27th September. We squeezed 25 TRs into our enclosure and had a great deal of interest from members of the public throughout the whole day. Mary B and Steve T spotted a very tidy, red TR6 looking a bit lost and quickly persuaded the owner to join us in the enclosure. After having met a few of the lads, he decided he liked the look of the Essex Group and was easily convinced he should join up! I am very pleased to welcome aboard Colin Greatrick and his excellent 1973 TR6 and look forward to seeing him at the regular TOW meetings. I was quick to criticise the organisation of this Show last year – remember the awful traffic jams? – but I must compliment management for having really sorted things out for 2009. I know some visiting members of the pubic had to queue (both in and out) but the arrangements for exhibitors were hugely improved with virtually no queuing required – well done Jim Gallie!

Tilbury Fort outing postponed

Back in May we had intended to visit the museum at Tilbury Fort but, in the event, the date selected clashed with the Standard Triumph Drive It Day. The Committee felt we should support the latter event and the Tilbury bash was provisionally moved to some time this month (October). We had hoped to arrange a meeting at the Fort on Sunday the 11th but, unfortunately, this has not proved possible so this visit is once again postponed until the Spring when we aim to display the cars along with a WW2 vehicle display/re-enactment. I will let you know as soon as we have a date from the Museum authorities.

Upcoming events

The National Restoration Show at Stoneleigh (Warwickshire) is to be held on the 25th of this month. This show is very well worth a visit and I know that quite a few members are planning to attend. It is quite a trip and car sharing makes sense. The regular meet at The Rabbits (Tuesday 13th) is a good opportunity to sort out arrangements but if you can’t make this, let Andy or me know of your intentions and we will do our best to slot you in with a group.

Our very popular annual Race Night kicks off in Warley Village Hall on Saturday 14th November. This is a family event and you are guaranteed to have a good (if deafening) time and possibly go home with more money than you came with! The traditional Fish & Chick supper is included and tickets will be available from Andy, Terry and Steve at The Rabbits meeting. If you can’t get to The Rabbits, ring Andy to register your interest.

This year our Annual Dinner will be held at TOW on Saturday 5th December. Tickets are now on sale and menus are available from Mary and me. Spaces are limited and if you dither about you may be disappointed – so don’t delay, phone me right away and book your place!

Christmas present ideas

I know that lots of the Ladies read these Bulletins (just to see if I am being rude about them, I suspect!) and this next bit is for them as well. Christmas is coming Girls and it’s always difficult to decide what to buy him for a pressie. I am sure that any of the Blokes would be more than satisfied with an item from our extensive range of Group Regalia - polos, sweats, rugby shirts, gilets and rad. badges. Just discretely contact me or Mary and we will produce the goods in a plain wrapper so the surprise is not spoilt!

Original Universal Joints available

One component which is common to all the chassis-based TRs is the ubiquitous universal joint. These are available from your favourite supplier but often the quality of the after-market pattern spare leaves a great deal to be desired – speak to Mike Jennings and Nick Quill if you doubt me! Brian Stokes has located a small quantity of the “original” GKN Hardy Spicer UJs and is happy to take orders from Essex Group Members. Contact Brian on 01708 342097 and stick some on the shelf for when the inevitable happens.