Social Scene Report - TRaction Issue no. 340
Chris Thirtle writes: In TR Action 339 I signed off with a cliff hanger….Alan and Liz F were stranded in Schiphol as they sought to join intrepid Dave B, Sarah S, Alan W and Wensum member Dave Solomon in Bucharest for the TR and TRrabant Tour of Romania. The TRs numbered 2, the TRabbies 6, and the aim was to drive a circular route taking in the Transfăgărășan Pass (so glad I don’t have to pronounce that). The 2 TR6’s drove out to Romania over the preceding week via the Transalpina Pass, whilst the TRabbie crews flew out to join them and yes, everyone did make the start line in time. For the TR6’s, the Romania tour was mostly uneventful, but the passes provided a spectacular and memorable challenge to both cars and drivers. Given their age and East German era heritage, the TRabbies coped with the Transfăgărășan surprisingly well, but on a tour of this nature it was likely there would be car casualties. One TRabbie succumbed to a broken half shaft and the other a collapsed wheel bearing. I have been assured that neither failure was the result of a ‘drive it like a rental’ (no rev too high, no braking too hard) approach.
Meanwhile back in Blighty, Group members were taking every opportunity to get their TRs out in the sunshine. Barry and Hazel C took ‘Ruffie’ their 3A across the border into Nottinghamshire to participate in the Warsop Carnival where a ‘crowd vote’ saw them win ‘the car most at the show would like to go home in’ trophy. Meanwhile, in West Yorkshire, a TR250 recently restored by Steve B won 1st in class in the pre-1976 classic car category at the Hebden Bridge Vintage Show. Congratulations to all.
Club Night saw us back at the Hurt Arms, Ambergate, but on a Tuesday. The weather was superb and saw a fine selection of TRs in the car park, which made for a more ‘traditional’ Club Night of wandering around the cars and talking TRs. Tim and Ruth B’s TR4a, fresh from the HERO Summer Trial, immediately drew a crowd and it was great to see some ‘new’ faces who could attend this time due to the change to a Tuesday. Alan H’s concours pale blue TR3 made an appearance and was declared ‘for sale’ and Darren S pitched up in his TR4 for the last time as this has now been sold to focus his attention back on his TR6.
The highlight of the past month, however, was that the East Midlands finally got to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the TR Register. The Manifold Inn at Hulme hosted the event superbly well. The sun shone which allowed a fine display of TRs and other TRiumphs in the top field, with a private bar, hog roast and some cool, summertime jazz live music. Another memorable TR weekend and fitting celebration of the Register’s anniversary.
If that’s whet your appetite to come and join us at future events, check the website for the most up to date details.
Diary dates:
Tuesday 13th September – Club Night – 7.30pm Hurt Arms, Ambergate. DE56 2EJ
Sunday 9th Oct – Last Club Run of the season
Wednesday 12 Oct – Club Night – 7.30pm The Crispin, Great Longstone.