Social Scene 318

Thames Valley Group – Social Scene Traction 318

Neil Pinto writes:At the time of writing this contribution we are well into the “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” and the TVG group has just completed our Autumn Colours run– the final run of the season before some ensure their cars hibernate over the winter (or was that just their owners?).The day lived up to Keats’ poem and mist hung around the folds of the North Downs as we met up.Whilst we were not blessed with sunshine for much of the morning, some of our intrepid team nonetheless braved the elements, driving with their roofs down.A motely crew of 12 cars left Rykas café near Dorking including our GL in his convertible Mini (with roof up!), a GT6 and a variety of TRs.(Dave Goswell’s TR6 was sadly suffering from a cracked differential, so he wisely decided to leave it at home till he’s fixed it.)A coffee stop (and egg on toast for John) followed soon afterwards before we wended our way through some narrow (and in places muddy) Sussex lanes en route to Arundel.Some of our party ventured into the grounds of the castle, whilst others investigated the eating houses.A craft fair ensured that everyone had a great day out.Many thanks to Dave and Janet for organising this.

The recent protests in London (no, not those ones, this is a Brexit Free zone), do give rise to thought as to whether it will still be possible for TRs in their present form to be as freely driven in 30 years’ time as they are now.Whilst this might be of academic interest to most of us in our more mature years, it would be a sad day if the throaty roar of the straight six of my TR6 were to be replaced by some synthetic computer-generated noise masking the hum of an electric motor.Climate change is undeniably a very important issue which we must all take seriously, and it is only to be hoped that some sensible compromise can be found to allow old cars to continue to be driven on public roads.

Autumn will be but a distant memory by the time you read this, and thoughts will no doubt be turning towards Christmas and those “little projects” which need to be undertaken over the winter months.One of the benefits of membership of the Register is the wealth of knowledge amongst the members, and the advice which is always available.

We have changed the venue and timing of our mid-month meetings which are now at: The Stepping Stones Pub in Westhumble, Dorking (RH5 6BS) on the third Wednesday of each month from 20:00.The main meeting is unchanged (12:00 at The Surrey Oaks (RH5 5DZ) on the last Sunday of the month).This seems to be attracting more people (particularly if it’s warm and dry) and we’ve got a reserved area at the back of the pub car park for our TRs.We’re a friendly bunch and new members are always welcome – do come along whether you’ve got a TR or not!Please see the TR Register website for more information: www.tr-register.co.uk/thamesvalley.