Welcome | TR Register Essex Group

July 2010

Bulletin 69

Lock up your valuables!

You will recall that my June Bulletin (No. 68) opened with the news of the theft of Andy D’s TR5. I am sorry that this Bulletin reports another theft from an Essex Group Member. Trevor Hughes was enjoying his visit to Le Mans last month when he awoke in the early hours of the morning to find that the tent in which he and his MG owing friend (doesn’t make you a bad person, Trev) were sleeping had been surreptitiously slit open (in three places) and valuable items nicked! Along with two digital video cameras, mobile phone, radios etc. the thieving swines also took the keys to Trevor’s TR6. The car had to be flat bedded back to the UK where Manvers Triumph are fitting new locks. Trevor was lucky enough to bum a ride with another friend who was running a 1953 Austin Healey - minus any weather gear. Of course it poured with rain on the journey home, thus ensuring that Trevor will not forget his 2010 Le Mans experience!! With the International Weekend approaching, this is a timely reminder to always lock your valuables in the boot of your car and keep the keys about your person at all times.

Problems with suppliers

I have received several e-mails from Essex Group Members who have been less than pleased with the treatment they have received from TR parts suppliers. Be on your guard if you are thinking of ordering from S.C.Parts and, if you are paying by credit card make sure you state a maximum debit limit. If you don’t, you may well wind up with unsolicited catalogues and a consequently hefty charge for p&p. Rimmers have also been criticised over the quality of their after-market hydraulic repair kits – so be careful here too! I personally don’t think Rimmers are the only suppliers at fault as I know of at least one other incident where “unfit for purpose” rubbers were supplied. I suspect that many, if not all, of the suppliers are buying from the same source(s) who are manufacturing repair kits to the correct dimensions but of the incorrect grade of material – speak to me if you want to know more! On a positive note, Ken White is pleased to recommend Past Parts of Bury St Edmunds from whom he has had excellent service. Contact Ken if you are having sourcing/availability problems.

Recent Events

I was unable to attend the Danbury Open Gardens event on the 13th June but I gather that it was its usual success and enjoyed plenty of visitors.

The Porsche Owners Club “do” at Hylands House in Chelmsford on the 20th June was very well attended and proved to be an interesting day for the classic car enthusiast. Although there was a cold wind blowing for most of the morning, things warmed up in the afternoon and the public arrived in considerable numbers. East Saxons and Abbott & Stour groups joined with us, enabling the Register to show off a representative contingent of TRs. H.Q. put in a very professional appearance with their two marquees and free refreshments for visitors. An old friend of mine (who is also a P.O.C. Committee Member) remarked rather ruefully, “blimey, you’re much better organised than the Porsche stand!!” Many thanks to all who helped fly the flag that day with a special mention to Allen Forster and the H.Q. staff and Ian Cornish, who brought his ex-works rally TR4 to the show.

Cancelled events

I don’t know if the recession, The World Cup, apathy or all of the above were to blame for the very poor support for this year’s Essex Day which was scheduled for the 27th June. Because of the obvious lack of support, the Committee made an 11th hour decision to cancel the event – a bit of a shame as the 27th proved to be one of the sunniest days yet this year! Ingatestone Hall management were understandably surprised that this usually popular event had to be “pulled” – particularly as they had advertised it in their attractions brochure! Ian Freeman came up with the idea that, as a stopgap measure, the Essex Group could join with The East Saxons and make a Sunday morning visit to the workshops and showrooms of JD Classics in Maldon. This proved to be an excellent idea and a mouth watering few hours were spent drooling over probably the best collection of restored Jaguar cars in the UK. The standard of workmanship - in all departments – was excellent and, if I were ever to be in the market for a classic Jag, JD Classics would be first on my list. The Committee will obviously be looking at the viability of Essex Day and it may well be that it has outlived its popularity – a bit like Race Nite – and, in future, will be dropped from our Events Calendar.

The proposed visit to Brooklands Motor Museum on 4th July went the same way as Essex Day – this time I expect on cost grounds. Brooklands is quite expensive for a day out even though those who have been say it is worth the dosh. A last minute alternative proved to be the Maldon Classic Car & Custom Bike Show and the Committee will be considering this event for inclusion on next year’s Calendar. Thanks go to Bob Brand for his input on this event.

Forthcoming events

Tuesday 13th Jul – “Rabbits” regular monthly meeting.
23rd – 25th Jul – TR Register International Weekend, Malvern. If camping please let me or Terry Blake know (see us at The Rabbits or phone). Mary and I will be running our usual “Scenic Route” to Malvern and you are welcome to join us on the Friday morning.
Tuesday 27th Jul - “The Old Windmill” regular monthly meeting.
Sunday 8th August – Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey
5th – 12th Sept – Loire Valley trip. (Note: These Continental jaunts are always very popular and get filled fast. If you fancy joining next year’s trip to France, contact Andy D now! Approx cost £300 during early September 2011.

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

Free - to a Good Home

Roger Warner has a 30 cwt chain block c/w hook which is now surplus to his requirements – interested? Contact Roger on 01268 542659.

TR Photos

Please Note: Webmaster Paul Sealey is always on the look out for photographs (etc) of TR activity – you can e-mail Paul on: webadmin@essex-tr.com – this is the only current address for Paul and supersedes all others.