Kennet Valley TR Group Social Scene - Issue 300
Mike Field writes:
What a pleasure it is to be writing the Social Scene report this time round, not only for issue number 300, but also for the 50 years celebration of the TR5, one of which I proudly own.
Issue 300 is now a lot different in size and quality from the earlier and previous century turning points for the TRaction. Issue 100 (Aug 1992) had a very interesting report on MVC 575 - Jabekke 30 years in a section called Back TRack, a car much in the limelight recently, after the excellent rebuild by Glen at Protek. I had a mention in issue 200 (Jan 2005) although not planned - my name being wrongly put against the Social Scene report !! We have also seen two changes for the KVG Logo in that time, and just one new GL - otherwise we are still as strong and active a group, if not more so.
On June 25th a small contingent of KVG members joined with several other groups, including Chiltern, Dorset, etc., along with hundreds of other classic, veteran, and vintage cars, and an array of classic aircraft, for the Bicester Heritage Centre Flywheel 2017. In the region of 40 TR's on the TR Register stand attracted interest a plenty from the visitors, as did the somewhat restricted flying display, including a variety of biplanes, a hurricane and spitfire, and a re-enacted dog fight between the Spitfire and a Messerschmitt. An event not to be missed.
After having used the cafe in Notcutts Garden Centre nr Oxford a couple of year's ago en-route homeward from an event, we found the manager Jonathan has great interest in classic cars, and after further invites with the TR's this led to him organising a proper classic car event within a large field behind the garden centre, usually used as overspill for the car park. And what a cracking event it was, with around two hundred classics of all shapes, sizes and age turning up, including a good few KVG TR's, a Stag, and not forgetting Emrhys' newly acquired Corvette.
Now the big one, the TR International at Malvern, what a great weekend, with the sun shining down on us, even if numbers were down somewhat, and the rain held off!! I'm glad we weren't celebrating 10 years since the great Malvern flood, but it was a privilege to take part in the arena to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the TR5 and TR250 - with 28 cars in the arena on Saturday, and 26 on Sunday. Our GL entered his TR250 in Pride of Ownership and possibly would have walked away with a cup, had he done more miles in it. Of course, that comes of having far too many TR's Phil, and splitting your probably impressive annual mileage between them all. Also we mustn't forget the TR3A 60 years celebrations too, and there were an impressive number turn up for the event! I think Graham and Wayne were caked out by the end of the show, as four large and nicely presented cakes representing both celebrations on both days was dished out. I never saw either of them refusing a piece on each occasion! I do hope we can continue to support the International, and keep this great event alive and kicking for the foreseeable future!
Following on from the International, and again a great celebration for all TR's, was the privilege of TR's being invited to do a parade lap of Silverstone, complete with the F1 drivers on board, prior to the British GP. Phil was one of the invited, this time using his red Grinnall, complete with Max Verstappen on board.
Intergroup events are always interesting, and the Audience with Stuart Turner was no exception. Starting with a 50 mile run through Berkshire, Wiltshire & Gloucestershire countryside, Kennet Valley TR Group joined with Glavon, White Horse, Brunel & Wyedean, to arrive at Down Ampney Village Hall for a picnic lunch, and a very interesting talk. 18 TR's arrived after a somewhat wet run from the various groups, along with a lotus and a few 'daily' cars.
August club night we were privileged with three visitors, our Chairman Paul Hogan, the South Director Derek Hurford, and our press officer and mag Editor Wayne Scott.
Another garden centre visit, this time by invite from the MGOC via the White Horse Group, saw 8 KVG members arrive at Millets Farm near Frilford, Oxon, on 6th August.
Always a good showing of KVG cars, and just making this report is 'Bloodwise' - formerly Newbury Leaukaemia Show, at Newbury College, a very worth cause, organised every year by another local car club who have raised well into 6 figures for cancer charity over the years. 7 KVG cars and 11 members arrived to support this great cause.
Some of the other events attended by KVG members include Classics on the Quay at Poole, Compton Village Fete, Silverstone Classic where the parade lap included 49 TR's.
There is a long gap between issue 299 & 300, and too much to report fully on at this time of year, so if I have missed anyone out, I apologise.
In the near future, KVG will be represented at Carfest, reports on the group trip to France and Angouleme for the Race De Ramparts, and Shalbourne Classic on 1st October, are just a few to look forward to.
In the meantime members old and new, as well as prospective members are always welcome to join us at club night, 1st Weds each month at The Angel, Woolhampton, on the A4. Hope to see you there soon.