(Produced by Graham Mackie )

The Partridge outdoor stadium was the meeting place for the bout generally titled the 'Concessional Licence' title fight, between the boy from the Chittering Bush  John L. Sullivan (sorry Lambie)  and a line up of the heavies from the Committee of the TCOC.

A beautiful evening, all of the participants glowing with health in the lead up to the bout, plus the sight of so many TC, TD and Y supporters in the overflowing Shardlow Loop was enough to make your hair bristle with excitement.

The  referees, in the brick corner muttered 'sorry' for the late 9.14pm start to the bout but they had another preceding battle crossing the border from the South to the North.

Apologies noted were Wal, Nev, Derek and Vic Longden. Vic is gravely ill in Royal Perth Hospital and the prognosis is not good. OK to speak with wife Ros but Vic is  too ill to receive visitors. Cards OK.  John Sherriff is still in a Victorian Hospital but is on the improve and hopes to be back in Perth in the next couple of weeks. Sounded much better on the phone.

Minutes of 1187 were read and highlights were Clive's 100 club appearances with cheers again from the assembled throng. Safety Fast Run volunteer is David Rose and more cheers offered for this important calendar event.

Next OFL (Tuesday 3^rd,,  not Monday 2^nd because of the Long Weekend) host will be Ralph King – he prefers 'the Valley' ( Swan that is????) 

 Club Register Birthdays 19^th Feb to 4^th Mar ‘09                                  

22^nd Feb ’50                    TD 0786               Vic L                    

22^nd Feb ’55                    TF 9540                Colin B                           

25^th Feb ’48                    TC 4884                Hamish F               

26^th Feb ’48                    TC 4896                Wes R                  

3^rd March ’49                  TC 8077                Darryl R               

3^rd March ’54                  TF 3719                Rob G         

4^th March ‘53            YB 1179           Ron H

Correspondence CCMC re  30 April Event @ Whiteman Park  (???)

National Motoring Heritage Day -Sunday 17 May. - asking members to organise an event.

Concours Sunday 22^nd at or near University of WA /Rowing Club riverside park.   Starts at 10.30am., Judges meeting 12.30, judging finish 3ish, points tally by 4ish and drive away say   5ish  if we aren't moved on by those in control.  Tool display is optional said Mike S. but don't have the car full of assorted personal goods – not a nice way to display. BYO food and drinks. Kiosk a long walk    Judging sheets will be available at the meeting following the Concours

The Concessional License Bout.

Challenger entering the ring was John L., a member for 30 years & over 600 meetings and a great supporter of pre '56 cars. (no contest here, just background material). He was fighting for an overseas mate and in the sparring,  considered the matter too important to have been left to a Committee. He had been 'trampled on' and 'considered the opposition had been discriminatory' and his mate 'had been persecuted'. He believed that what had been passed at the previous meeting 'should be recinded' and considered that 'the split second a person becomes financial, he is entitled to Concessional Licence'. He also considered that 'delinquent members getting a letter from DPI was distasteful', and that 'cannibalising members has no future', 'wants a Club Registrar appointed' etc. Other allegations were contained in the previous email that was not read out in the address, included club did not communicate effectively with the membership, (not sure what I do – Editor)   that we should apologise to Bob D.,  who had been 'forced to join another club' etc

Mike S. entered the ring and opened with a solid jab, suggesting these were "serious but incorrect allegations" and the very document John had relied upon gave 'all Club's discretion to apply rules' and that is what we have done, spelling out in detail the reasons, in order there would be no further confusion. John countered with another jab, denying that such discretion was available, but retreated to the corner when his vision became clearer in re reading the document in his hands.

The battle continued with Kevin McM speaking on the legal requirements of accounts and auditing, concluding with a number of points awarded to the title defenders, that we were in perfect condition. Extracts and a CD was given to John for reference.

Points were also scored by Harry P., Colin D., Darryl R, and Ralph K. who has a brother bringing in cars from the USA. Barry P. was concerned at the accusation of the 'lack of democracy', pointing out that this was precisely why it was still being debated months after the preliminary bout. Richard P. considered the KISS principle ought to apply.

The Judge, Pres. JB entered the ring, awarding the fight  to the Club and suggested the debate on this matter was now at an end, but noted that any member with a grievance was entitled to raise any matter at any time as John had, but no return bout under his stewardship.

General Business

Northam Swapmeet . Rob G. bought a few pieces including a TF windscreen motor for $4 Pickings thin but need to keep going.         Record number of stalls.

Club Website . We still have it. Server arranged thru Nev's son – in – law  - cost $120/year.

 Mike S. has a computer wiz daughter-in-law.  Patrick F., says he is 'very talented'

Treas. Col D. asked Peter P. to submit accounts to Club when presented.

TC Assembly. Mike S. read an article from Totally T Type on the order of assembly of the TC, noting they were usually in batches of 10 with other products on the assembly line.

Gingin Briish Car Day is same day as National Motoring Heritage Day – 17 May.

Barry P. heading to London (and Brooklands) in April. Ben bringing back an MGZT 260 SE super optioned manual car, powered by a mustang forced power plant.

Pres JB admitted to setting his hair alight.  - no details given . Out of control Piano's, now hair – what next                             Meeting closed 10.40pm

Next Meeting at the Rankin Ranch – 5 March

  ( by the way, I advetised the last meeting as being 22^nd February  in the last newsletter and yet you all turned up tonight, the 19^th .    . Shows I'm only read carefully by the two that asked if it was true - editor)

Never

Never ask a barber if you need a haircut

Never be first Never be last, never volunteer for anything

Never walk through the office without a piece of paper in your hand

Never break wind in a lift unless you're getting off at the next floor

Things to remember

The value of time

The pleasure of working

The worth of Character

The wisdom of economy

The improvement of talent

The success of perseverance

The power of kindness

The obligation of duty

The virtue of patience