Welcome | TR Register Essex Group

June 2010

Bulletin 68

Andy's TR5 stolen

One of the first pieces of news to greet me on my return from the States, was the appalling theft of Group Leader, Andy Dimbleby’s, lovely green TR5. This was stolen (along with a classic Rover saloon) from the public car park of the Battlesbridge Showground. Owing to the indifferent weather and a disappointing turn-out for the Tilbury Fort visit, plans were changed, literally at the last minute, and a small group diverted to the Battlesbridge Show. Andy and Chris also lost quite a few personal items which were in the car – including their lunch! Despite the best efforts of Essex Police and excellent coverage by the local radio stations, there have been no sightings and Andy has recently sent the keys and registration document off to TowerGate and expects a settlement cheque in the near future. The ever-philosophical Andy D ruefully remarked “.....well, it could have been worst – it could have been the 2!” - a sentiment with which I am not sure Chris would wholly agree!!

Lulworth Cove weekend

An absolutely splendid weekend was enjoyed by a large contingent of the Essex Group at the end of May. Seventeen TRs plus two Euroboxes hammered their way down to Lulworth Cove in Dorset. Thanks to some excellent organisation by Terry Blake, the Group was able to take over the whole of the Cromwell House Hotel, which has a commanding position overlooking the Cove itself and the beautiful surrounding downs. The Hotel, which has a good size heated pool, proved very comfortable and boasted an excellent menu - largely featuring locally produced food.

A few of the Guys were cautious of the local brew which was named after the local River Piddle but Nigel H (a bit of an expert in such matters – beer, that is!) reckoned the slightly fruity flavoured beer was fine, if a bit on the strong side! Friday’s evening meal was a generally well ordered, quiet affair and gave the owners and staff no indication of the bedlam that was to follow on the two succeeding nights.

Mary and I drew the short straw on both occasions and organised the Saturday Quiz and Sunday’s “Just a Minute” panel game. The Quiz was won by a very small margin by the Mitchelloti enthusiasts but, despite a valiant effort by Bob and Carol Mead representing the sidescreen brigade, the TR6 drivers stomped home to a resounding victory in the “Just a Minute” competition. Well done to all those taking part and thanks again to El Tel for arranging wall to wall sunshine for the whole weekend!

Essex Air Ambulance charity

Bob and Jozina Eve have been doing an absolutely splendid job as the Essex Group co-ordinators for the Essex Air Ambulance charity. The “Flight for Life” lottery was set up on the 5th May and will be running for 40 weeks from that date. The total donated was £620 to which Bob very kindly added a further £20 to make the entered amount £640. When divided by the 40 weeks this gives us 16 x £1 entries every Wednesday. Our Ticket Numbers are 46320 to 46335 inclusive and you can check results on-line at www.FlightForLifeLottery.uk.com

Should we be lucky enough to win, say a £500 prize, this would mean a dividend of £7.81 per £10 share. Bob and Jo have so far collected the magnificent sum of £815.37 – the lottery monies being supplemented by the monthly meeting “tin collections” of £175.37 – and we still have a half full tin to be counted! This is a really excellent result and the Committee thanks all those who have contributed (in whichever way) towards this very worthy cause – keep up the good work by continuing to slip your shrapnel into the tin at The Rabbits and TOW.

Danbury Gardens open day - 13th June

Sunday the 13th June is the date for the annual Danbury Gardens Open Day. This is a very popular charity event in which our very own Peter Jones is heavily involved. Peter advises that the gardens will open at 11.00hrs and asks that attending Essex Group Members arrive around 10.45hrs. at the same venue in Mayes Lane, as previous years. Peter will greet you on arrival and issue complimentary tickets for those wishing to tour the many gardens open to visitors. The Village Hall will again be providing sit down lunches – proceeds to charity. If you have any queries about the event, please contact Peter direct on 01245 381864 or 07850 319992 or by e-mail at pnjones@gotadsl.co.uk Let’s keep our fingers crossed for the usual good weather for this event!!

Hylands House - 20th June

The following Sunday (20th) sees the Essex Group supporting other classic marques at The Porsche Owners bash at Hylands House. The Porsche BBQ events have always enjoyed strong support from the Essex Group and I hope this all day event will prove just as popular. So we can get an idea of the space we will need at the show, please give Steve Tant a bell to let him know you will be attending. Steve can be reached on 0208 550 3046 or 07931 180188.

Essex Day - 27th June

June is a busy month for events and on Sunday the 27th we will be at Ingatestone Hall for our annual Group BBQ day. The arrangements are the same as last year – we will provide burnt offerings from the BBQ at a pound a go (proceeds to charity) and an all day coffee pot and subsidised entry to the Hall itself. You should bring your own cold drinks and any other favourite picnic supplements. It’s probably a good idea to bring your own camping chairs and a sun shade (we’ve booked good weather) although Jim Hayes has kindly loaned us his big marquee and some tables and chairs – just in case is does sprinkle!!

Brooklands Motor Museum - 4th July

And finally on the Events front, Steve T would appreciate a call from those Members intending to join the 4th July visit to Brooklands Motor Museum. He needs to have a rough idea of numbers/support for convoy and parking arrangements etc. (See above for ‘phone nos.)

Essex Group Regalia

Polo Shirts @ £17.50
Sweat Shirts @ £20.00
Rugby Shirts @ £20.00
Fleece Gilets @ £20.00
Limited number of Essex Group vinyl windscreen stickers - £1.00 ea.

The above are available from Mike Boling

Items for sale

Ernie Turner would be pleased to receive any offers for his totally re-built at no expense spared TR5 – genuine reason for sale (he’s mad!!!!)

Ernie can be reached on 07711 853557.