brief notes by MAS-R ‘cause Graham Mackie isn’t well

The Meeting opened a little later than usual, not sure why, there was lots of talking with much animation.  Host Graham A has been busy laying proper recycled floorboards to front room renovations of the Nedlands home, and the new rear extensions are stunning.

Apologies heard from Neville G, Wally B, Chris M (he and Dawn are almost off sailing again), Ivan M, Ted S, Noelene D, Jack G and Graham M.

Secretary Chris B, drove in ever increasing circles at Midland from Centrepoint and eventually found the other MGs Owners, at the nominated venue of Midland Gate ! – for the drive to York.  The museum is looking very sad with cobwebs on cars, and so much dust doesn’t really add more atmosphere, just more dust.  Hopefully the environment will change and the museum ‘spirit’ will return.

Ralph K hosted a delicious lunch at the delightful Riverbank Winery in Caversham, on a beautiful autumn day – but fewer than usual numbers of 11, enjoyed the scenery and pleasant conversation with celebrity John Wood, who elaborated with stories of MG TFs and Jaguar cars driven and dismantled, in his youth. Someone else thought John Laws also looked odd, driving his TF years ago – planks of ‘wood’ were mentioned - though not reflective of the other John !

Club Register Birthdates: Cars belonging to Peter G, Graeme R, Rob D, Richard, Clark and Noelene (never been good with dates, so missed these).

Last Chance Motorkhana is calendared for 25 May and arrangements are in place for start around 10 ish.  Byo ½ bald cross-ply tyres for a work-out.  Don’t worry about driving well, just be there.   Words like “if the wives can do it, anyone can” were miss-heard by yours truly;  he actually said “if the Ys can do it anyone can” now that’s an entirely different conotation - apologies to Ron, but comment resulted in raucous laughter anyway and Darry heard it the same way I did.

Trophy Night at  RPYC - Colin reported, that all is in readiness.  Jack noted that some construction work may disrupt usual presentation car parking for TCs, between the foreshore and Club house, however the general carpark on the road side of the building will be available for members’ cars.  He intends being at the entry gate and will advise the parking situation on the night.

Colin s reminded all that RPYC is available to us, via courtesy of others who are members of both clubs.  We are expected to comply with the Yacht Club’s dress standards, being jackets with shirts & ties  (& shoes with proper trousers, as some other wag offered).

Correspondence In: from Council of Motoring – a letter referring to “Changes to the Traffic Code in year 2000”. The issue relates to classic cars being fitted with seat belts and the anomaly is being sorted by the Cof M officials.  Clubs will be advised results in due course.

British Car Day:  Organisers advise that owing to fine weather and 23 degrees forcast, expect delays entering ‘The Paddock’.  They suggest “cuddly” !? parking arrangements, in order the majority of attendees can form-up together. So far 8 starters will depart at  8:15a.m. from Whitfords in the north and Midland CENTRE-POINT car-park (note Chris), for those in southern suburbs – expected arrival, in time for places in the paddock, although none have been allocated, it’s just too hard to organise.  Y types were mentioned in the usual derogatory manner.  Take care at the junction of West Swan Road and Great Northern H’way where roadworks are under-way.  Lambie’s will know the conditions on Sunday, if you need further advice.

Rob G asked Darryl if he’s fitting a TF starter motor to his TC ? and received numerous and varied comments, unrepeated here (not that serious really) however Darryl did admit to finding lots of ‘fine dust’ in awkward crevices, perhaps resulting from the UK trip. Others suggested it was the usual “local bull-dust” - built up over many years.

Phillip requires spares for his TC re-build:  stub axles, steering knuckles etc., has seen parts listed in Eastern States and on Ebay but would prefer to purchase locally. The expensive head-lamps at $750 in Melbourne were mentioned, with gasps !

John B will look into his Aladin’s cave – his genie might shine light in a dark and distant corner and illuminate – who knows …..

Others discussed suppliers from Abbingdon Spares, Brisbane to Brian Dark and Darryl Dalton who still has items… but no “they’re not available, he died – some years ago…..” anyone know his email “…maybe wings and wheels, via God”

National Motoring Heritage Day this coming Sunday - Harry mentioned the Veteran Car Club have organised “The Rewound Rally” to recognised the occasion and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their 1958 event.   Deidre has prepared artwork for brochures, trophies and the booklet published with records of most cars and motorcycles, totalling 98 vehicles entered. All will be displayed at Perry Lakes from 9 a.m., leaving from approx. 10a.m driving various routes to finish on display in Forrest Place at 12:30 until 3:30.  5 members of the MGTCOC will join others in various marques of the era, pre 1931.  Sponsorship was generously offered by 5 groups approached, which reflects in the fee to enter being just $5 ! (no insurance, no expansive regulations – refreshing in today’s world).

Both the Club Calendars should be ready for next meeting Graham Aldous advised, and there is still time for other inclusions to be considered – but contact him soon if you’ve a contribution.

Mike’s ‘potted history of the TC’ was mentioned and, by the way - he and Daniel are approachiing the Bugatti Museum after enjoying the Historic Monaco event just completed.

Comments were heard of, moving on from “French Letters” to ‘just plain text’ being received ?

Rob G enquired about swap meets in New Zealand and a chorus of helpful comments were voiced.  January next, the Pre ’56 Swap Meet is programmed in the beautiful Bay of Islands and in October 09 the Vintage Car Club holds their event, near Christchurch on the South Island.

John L mentioned wiring harnesses and a colleague in Melbourne where he and Karin enjoyed recent hospitality with Rob and Laurie Kaldor-bull (apologies if that’s incorrect, at 1a.m. I’m tired).  He should meet and discuss the market needs with Vic L and they would both find benefit by supplying different items, rather than competing with the same.  Harry explained how he met and became very friendly with Rob many years ago during Rob’s stint as a chemical engineer at BP – then Rob left … Darryl asked “was it something you said ?” and more laughter rebounded.

Ron has designed a tidy and subtle, new logo for the Y Register, presented on the latest Rugby and Polo shirts order, supplied tonight.

Continuing discussion on policy for other clubs’ use of the Jaguar premises, to be settled by their members in the very near future – that decision will be advised, in due course.

Next meeting is an informal type at the Barbara and Richard’s residence, Duncraig – 29th May.

Meeting closed at 10:12 p.m.

(that’s all from MA – get well soon, please Graham !!! )