TR Action Report London Group presented for issue 299

As promised in the last London Report this one needs to add something about our annual trip to SPA Francorchamps. The trip actually started with a change we met not at the Star Inn Chessington but for the first time at Clacketts lane service station. Once it had been finally established by all that we were actually meeting on the Eastern carriageway heading towards Dover we met up and headed to the Eurotunnel. The drive to the campsite, punctuated by various comfort and food stops, ranged from the ubiquitous European motorway to the best of the beautiful roads that European driving can offer. We all arrived safe and sound with no drama at about 5.00pm. A group then urgently sent off to the local supermarche for supplies. Then after sorting ourselves out, off for Chinese by the Police Station. Friday and Saturday were filled with all the activities that a classic motor racing event can offer – Great FUN!!. Sunday morning however brought a water leakage issue for Joe Galloway in his TR6, the water draining from the car could be seen half way down the access road. In fact his water pump was spraying water at quite a noticeable rate. A new water pump was diagnosed. Although one was found on site it did not actually fit. So a plan was hatched. A quick phone call was made to Moss Europe. Could they please deliver a new water pump not to the campsite as we were leaving early Monday morning but to our Monday night Hotel in France. Yes but we can't guarantee an AM delivery was the response. Right a decision had to be made how bad was the leakage. Bad – we would take the risk. Monday morning saw approximately 10 litres of water packed into various places of our cars. The decision was that every 50 odd miles we would stop, check and fill up. This actually made our journey very relaxing and we arrived at our Monday night hotel in good spirits. Tuesday Morning at about 10:30am the new water pump arrived (we noticed URGENT written all over the packing) the driver actually apologised for being late!!!!! Well done Moss Europe I know you take a lot of flack but when push comes to shove you're there. THANKYOU

So June the weekend after our first group meeting was the Epsom Derby, the Queen, Frankie Dettori, Horse Racing at its finest and the inaugural Epsom Classic Car Show!. Mick & Jennie Watson opened their doors for all the 10 cars that were attending, as a meeting place before arriving in convoy at the Course, as the organisers had requested. Tea Coffee & BBQ'd bacon butties were supplied for all to enjoy. Then off to the course for a great day. We actually won the "BEST CLUB STAND" so all of our cars got a rosette, we got a Cup, a Certificate and a bottle of Prosecco EACH!. Big thanks must go to Mick & Jennie without them the day would not have gone so well.

June was a very busy month. Our second monthly meeting was held at the Star Inn Chessington. This coincided with the Vintage Tin club so 7 TR's in amongst gigantic American muscle cars and 5 Austin 7's. The weekend after the Vintage Tin night LG & NLG had a BHP Shoot out at Enginuity. 10 cars arrived, anticipated BHP's were recorded, bacon butties washed down with Tea & Coffee were consumed as the cars were loaded on to the Rolling road for testing. After 5 cars it was clear that reality and anticipation are quite different things. After a break for Fresh air, Sausage sandwiches were served again washed down with Tea & coffee as the remaining 5 cars were loaded on. In short the highest BHP was Andrew Martin LG TR6, the lowest but also the closet to reality and so the winner was Ron Neumunz LG TR4A Later in the Month 6 TR's attended the Hanworth Classic held within Royal Bushey Park an annual charity event raising money for the Shooting Star Charity. It attracts at least 800 cars and of course many members of the public, it also has a full dance floor with demonstration Jive dancing, a raffle, a tombola, at least 2 Ice Cream vans and of course Burger vans bars et cetera. The sun shone very brightly that day. At the same time Steve Bamforth & Gerry West attended the TR Flywheel event in Bicester to keep the London Group end up. Again sorry another long report too much to pack in.

Finally then, come and join us for a noggin and a natter over a beer, you are most welcome. You can find us on the first Thursday of every month at the Rose of York in Richmond or on the third Thursday at an alternative venue (keep an eye on the web site https://www.tr-register.co.uk/group/london) - both start at about 8:30pm