Derbyshire Dales (November 2024): Winter Fettling, Farewells, and Pie & Peas

Sarah Southwell writes (abridged from TR Action #354): The past two months have quickly passed, and now the nights are long, with more activity on repairs and alterations to the cars than them being driven. Dave B has been converting his TR6 to EFI. Ian H is continuing the restoration of his TR6 engine and the last we heard from Tony H he was putting the brakes on his TR4a back together.

The group extends a warm welcome to Martin Bloor and his newly acquired TR6, although the car is not new to the group, formerly being owned by Alan and Liz Ford. We hope you make many happy memories driving your car, Martin. On a sad note, I must report the death of our friend and one of the longest serving group members, Paul Hodgkinson. Paul was very active in the group until a few years ago when his health deteriorated. Our thoughts and best wishes go to his partner Margaret.

In early October, Ian W and Peter C put together a drive through the Peak District and Staffordshire Plains. The weather was kind to us, and 13 cars had their roofs down (mostly), at least until the lunch stop. The 50 mile drive took us through Rowsley, Youlgreave, Hartington, Hulme End and Ashbourne and much stunning scenery with far reaching views. Thank you Ian and Peter.

At the October social meeting, our venue produced an excellent quiz, with questions ranging from weather-related film titles to UK tourist attractions. There was also a quick-fire round of 30 questions. Teams of 4 competed for wooden spoons, £50 chocolate bars and a bottle of wine. The victors were Simon & Sarah C, Sarah S and Chris T with the runners up being Martin & Helen F along with Roger & Chris T. The wooden spoons went to Howard & Marion J, Alan W and Martin B. They claim the last sheet of the quiz was stuck to the previous page.

In November we held our traditional Pie and Peas evening, with a grand raffle to raise funds for the entertainment at our Annual Dinner. Nearly 50 members came to enjoy a hearty pie with mushy peas and chips, have convivial conversations and to win some exceptional prizes.

The group has two major social events to look forward to over the winter. The first is a Christmas lunch at Oakhill Hotel, Cromford, and the second is our Annual Dinner, this year held at The Palace Hotel in Buxton.