TR Action London Group report for issue 335
David Boucher writes: Well, we certainly had busy last couple of months of 2021at the London Group despite the shorter days and more inclement weather - nothing puts a TR-LGer off!
Over and above our fortnightly meets, we started in early November with the annual Fireworks & Chinese Night, starting from our esteemed leader’s (Mark Bulford) house in Hampton on a rain-free night - a short stroll to a nearby school holding a public fireworks display was followed by a warming meal at the local Chinese Tin Tins to complete a fine night out for members & partners. During the evening, it was decided by some of the members that Mark's birthday should be celebrated complete with a rousing chorus of 'Happy Birthday' and a Banana Fritter adorned with a burning candle despite the trivial issue of Mark’s birthday being in April - but Mark being the shy reticent person that he is revelled in the attention. The third Thursday of November was our usual meeting at the Star pub near Leatherhead, made more exciting this time by the rescue of Graeme Cole’s stricken yellow TR6 by Mark & Will Chignell who towed him into the pub car park (The irony of this fact was not lost on many when Graeme won a tow-rope in the Christmas Party raffle!). Much fun was had from the members watching the AA man (sorry, person) loading the car onto his trailer from the warmth of the public bar! Towards the end of November, we finished the month with the annual Bowling competition with 12 members & partners ‘bowling up’ at the Tolworth Hollywood Bowl. Despite everyone saying they were only there for the ‘crack’, it soon became very competitive in both terms of the bowling and the mickey-taking! A fun night was had by all culminating in the victory cup being presented to Will Chignell of the Youth Group.
December saw us have our usual two Club meetings separated by the annual Christmas Party. It was another splendid night organised magnificently by Mark & Angie Bulford with great camaraderie from the 25 or so attendees. The event culminated in the annual awards consisting of the ‘Piston from Above Award' going to Mark, the ‘Dipstick Award’ going to yours truly, David Boucher, the ’TR Nut Award’ going to Mick Hossack, and the ‘Clubman Award’ going to Ron Thorn - space prohibits me explaining why but there was much merriment at the presentation. The final event was due to be New Year’s Day Brooklands Breakfast Meeting which as you are all probably aware had to be cancelled (I’ll leave you to guess why - it’s hardly difficult). With 18 cars plus a Gazebo fully booked and confirmed for Brooklands, Mark was nothing if not pragmatic in making a quick visit to the Plucky Pheasant opposite Newlands Corner, a local beauty spot in the Surrey hills, and a table for 18 was booked. In the end 20 odd cars turned up on a lovely sunny crisp morning for a good drive-out from Ockham Bites and all enjoyed a fantastic full English breakfast. The only negative was Stuart Minster having a total loss of drive with his TR3A in the final part of convoy to Newlands Corner - luckily, Simon Leifer following him in his newly completed TR5 stopped to offer assistance and they pushed Stuarts car to a safe place, Stuart jumped into Simons car to join everyone for Breakfast in the comfort and warmth of the Plucky Pheasant whilst he contacted the AA. When Breakfast finished a couple of hours later he walked down the hill to find the AA low loader waiting for him (is there a theme developing in this report?) - perfect timing so that the misfortune ended as well as could be hoped.
A happy New Year to all you TR-ers and we are all now looking forward to a ’normal’ 2022 for our TRs with a mixture of hope & optimism. All are welcome to our meetings for a 'noggin & a natter' (our Leader’s favourite phrase) on the first Thursday of every month at the Rose of York, Petersham Road, Richmond upon Thames TW10 6UY, and then on the third Thursday at the Star, Kingston Road, Leatherhead KT22 0DP. Both meetings start at 7.30 and both serve good food.