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If you would like more information on an article, or have some news you would like to share with the rest of the group. Contact the Essex TR Secretary, Mike Boling or the newsletter editor Carol King

August 2010

Bulletin 70

Bulletin archive

New Meeting Venue

Regular attendees at T.O.W. over the past couple of months will have heard the “whispers” about the pending change of ownership, and direction, of this popular venue. Blubeckers are apparently selling the Windmill to an anonymous pub chain who intend to close the place for total re-modelling. When it eventually re-opens, we understand that there will be no restaurant facilities and regular groups and clubs will not be welcome!! I can’t help thinking that the premises and car park are ripe for residential development and, if the intended project stalls, that will be the eventual outcome.

So, bottom line, the Essex Group is on the move again! Thanks to a recommendation from another Triumph club, the Committee has decided to move our flag to The Shepherd & Dog at Crays Hill. Three Committee Members (and their wives) recently enjoyed a very pleasant lunch at the S & D and had pretty exhaustive discussions with the Licensee about accommodating the Essex Group. The Licensee, Simon, is himself a Triumph fan (Vitesse & Dolomite) and is keen to welcome Classic Car groups to his pub. At the back of the building there is a large tarmaced car park which is overlooked by the conservatory, which will be reserved for our 4th Tuesday of the month meetings. Full restaurant facilities as well as excellent bar meals and snacks are available and Green King beers are on tap. The S & D is much more of a traditional country pub than T.O.W. and this is reflected in the prices of both the food and drinks. If you are likely to become a regular diner, Simon offers a “loyalty card” scheme which will earn you a small bonus every time you eat at the pub – speak to me or Andy for the full details.

The Shepherd & Dog is dead easy to find as it sits on the top of Crays Hill (it really is a hill!) on the A129 between Billericay and Wickford and is slap opposite a petrol station. It’s about 5 minutes from Wickford High Street and around 7 minutes from Sun Corner, Billericay. I know there have been some concerns expressed regarding the relative proximity of the illegal “Travellers’” camp just off the A127. Simon assures us that he has never had any trouble from this community and they don’t form part of his cliental. You can find out more about this venue by clicking on www.theshepherdanddog.co.uk. Our inaugural meeting will be on Tuesday, September 28th so come along and see what you think!

Welcome to new members

Over the past few months, attendances at our local, regular meetings have been excellent and the Essex Group continues to attract new members. I am very pleased to welcome to the ranks Tony Saunders (TR6) and Wayne Anderson. Wayne, who also runs a Stag, has recently finished working on his 6 and is looking forward to giving the car its first outing this coming Sunday at the Royal Gunpowder Mills. Welcome also to Bob and Angie Norfolk. Bob is currently restoring an early long door 2. Going by the results of his excellent re-build of a VW Camper Van, I can’t wait to see the TR2 reborn!

International Weekend

I was sorry to note that the IWE did not draw the usual level of support from the Essex Group but, although Group attendance was down on previous years, an excellent time was enjoyed at the IWE in Malvern. This year the weather was kind and tents were pitched and struck in the dry and there were no umbrellas required on Saturday evening which saw 22 Members and guests gathered around a line of disposable BBQs! Both ATMs ran out of dosh during Sunday morning so I guess that, although there were fewer trade stands at this show, people were spending plenty – I know I did! One real bargain for me was a 10” electric cooling fan – a much needed replacement for my 30 year old and failing fast Kenlow. This cost a niggardly £21 and when I suggested to the stall holder that he would not sell many at these suspiciously low prices, he told me that his usual customers were tightwad Land and Range Rover boyos. It came as quite a surprise to him that “cars like these” actually used electric fans!! On the Sunday, I was chatting to Essex Group member Walter Petchey and he has asked me to let you all know that he has re-located his Aladdin’s cave of TR spares from his Cressing location to a new location near the Easters. Walter has an incredible range of genuine re-cycled TR spares (particularly for the side screen models) and can be contacted on 01376 342724 or 07979 718425 or e-mail him on wpetchey@yahoo.co.uk.

Bristol 402 seen at Lulworth

I have a note from Roger Mew that may interest those of you who were on the Lulworth trip. Remember that rare pale blue Bristol 402? Apparently this car is featured in the August edition of Classic & Sports Car – pages 138 to 143.

Forthcoming events

Tuesday 24th Aug – “The Old Windmill” regular (and last at this venue) monthly meeting.
Monday 30th Aug – Knebworth Classic Car Show (a very few tickets still available – speak to Andy D while Steve is in Greece)
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.