TR Action 302
We had a great day out in October, meeting up at the Bow Garden Centre for coffee, then off for a scenic drive up towards our lunch venue at the Lymington Arms, Wembworthy. However, we did manage to divide into 3 smaller groups with one taking the direct route and one the roundabout route to get to an en route stop at Sam's Winkleigh Cider Shop, where a number of tasters were provided and purchases made. The third group missing out and going straight to lunch but we all got there in the end and enjoyed a lovely lunch. A popular day out, once more, well organised by John & Kay – and the sun shone too!
When writing this, we have 2 further lunch meetings before the end of the year, in November, going to the Tom Cobley Tavern and then our Christmas lunch at the Northcote Manor – which I'm sure will have been good fun too.
Our Friday night meeting on 3 Nov was our AGM. A good number of members attended and heard various thanks and acknowledgements for those that had helped in 2017 with some useful discussion about events and get togethers in 2018. Despite being on the Guy Fawkes weekend, I'm pleased to report there were no fireworks! One item to note is that we are once again looking at options around our Friday night meetings. You should have seen more information about this in emails from me. If you haven't then please check our Devon webpage where the minutes of the meeting will be posted alongside our 2018 programme showing dates of meetings.
Our AGM also included the first presentation of our new award, the Christie TRophy, specially introduced in memory of Peter Christie and signifying the help and support available through membership of the Devon Group. There were 21 nominations received, recognising 8 different, well known and supportive group members, with Andrew Willmott topping the list and therefore winning the Trophy for this year. So, thank you to all those who did submit nominations, congratulations to Andrew and well done and thank you to all of you who were nominated as well as those who help out without recognition – there is always next year.
Our In the Garage newsletter continues to be popular with our 5th edition being published recently, containing both technical articles and stories of progress and improvements. Now that winter is upon us, I am hoping for some new contributors too who are willing to share some of their garage experiences in words and pictures, as they sort out the little jobs that you've noted whilst being out and about in the summer. So please do get writing and send your stories to Andrew.
Other than our Christmas lunch on 3 December, we have no events planned in the months of December or January and we'll be starting in February once more. I've added our draft programme of dates on the Devon webpage and please, if you feel you can help and would like to arrange one of the Sunday lunches, then please do look at the available dates and get in touch with me - I would value your help.
Finally, as it is now early December, I'm sure you're all very busy preparing for Christmas, so I'll sign off by wishing you all a very happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in 2018.
Picture: Andrew Willmott receiving the Christie TRophy from Jane Christie.