I have been away abroad since May and have missed quite a few of the exciting activities that have taken place during this time. Don’t get me wrong. I had a good time myself, even attended a drag race at Mokam on the border of Kansas and Missouri. But since I missed out on club activities I am relying on a few of our committee members to contribute their stories. You should find these together with this news letter.

The last activity I was involved in was a weekend away at the trout farm. This was the weekend of 18-21 April. While not an official club ‘run’, only club members were invited, and those that joined in had a very relaxed and enjoyable time in the fresh air of the midlands. 

However, I made it back in time for the car show in Richards Bay.  Two Cobra’s and three GT40’s ??, that’s all. Makes you think.

It is a sad thing to note that Nick Carter has parted with his green Cobra. He was made an offer he could not refuse and now the Cobra is destined for Germany. Nick would like to ‘move on’ as he says. If anyone hears of a good Corvette going, whisper in Nick’s ear, then twist his arm.

Sadly we note as well, that Bob Richardson has parted with his dark blue and orange GT40. Bob built this car up from scratch having his own chassis designed for him. With a Ford 351 motor, performance cam and rose jointed suspension all round, this GT40 should be hot. While we lament over Bob’s loss and hope Bob stays on as a club member, we are also excited. This is due to the fact that the GT40 in question, remains in the club fold.

How is this you may ask. Well, our esteemed red GT40 owner, Ron Casteller, has purchased the GT40 from Bob. Can you imagine owning two of these cars?

Money Bags Ron intends to keep both cars for a while as he needs one to drive while (sick) he attends to the other.

A few of the guys took a run up to Howick to collect the GT40. While Ron drove his new acquisition back, Doug Wishart drove the red GT40. Bugs Theunissen and I were there as well but our plans to have four GT40 cars driving back to Durban in convoy were shattered when my yellow GT40 failed to start. Just no spark. As I did have a problem with a coolant hose bursting on the way up, I believe the hot coolant and steam may have damaged the ignition module. So for the first time, the yellow GT40 failed to make the trip back home and will have to be collected in Howick soon.

The upshot of it all was that only three GT40 cars were on the road back to Durban. But then that was awesome enough.

Doug really enjoyed getting the feel of Ron’s red GT40. As he is currently building his own 40, it has given him an extra jolt of enthusiasm to get on with it. 

Here follows a special bulletin:

Pfizer Corporation is announcing today that VIAGRA will soon be available in liquid form and will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage suitable for use “as is,” or as a mixer.

Pepsi’s proposed ad campaign claims “It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one.”

Obviously we can no longer call this a “soft drink.”

This additive gives new meaning to the names of cocktails, highballs and just a good old fashioned stiff drink.

Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of “Mount and Do.”

Back to club things.

André Roodt was unable to accompany us for the dinner at The Ocean Basket but did arrange to have the gate at the Voice Clinic opened so that we could make use of the safe parking. A  very good turnout of about 27 people arrived for dinner and this was not surprising as the food at the Ocean Basket was excellent and there were many happy faces. George and Hillary made a special trip from up North to be with us and we hope we will see them on some of our runs planned for the rest of the year.

At the end of the month on Sunday 31 August we have two activities back to back. First of all we meet at 08h00 at Polo Pony filling station and proceed to the show grounds there, to display our cars. At 11h30 we hive off over the hill to Kloof Station to catch a special steam train which will take us somewhere for a braai. Bring your own meat and drinks. (Although I believe drinks will be for sale as well)

We would like to get in a constructors meeting about mid September. If you are building, renovating or you know someone that is, lets get together and make a plan. Please contact me or any other committee member.

Chris Simpkin is organizing a weekend away at the Oaks and Burne , Richmond way. This is now set for 19-21 September. (NB This date has changed from the previous 5-7 September) Please get your R300 deposit to Chris as soon as possible to get your booking finalized. The total cost is R530 per person and this will keep you nourished from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch.

Those members who for some or other reason cannot make it for the weekend are invited to join in for lunch on the Sunday. Casual eaters will pay about R50 for an excellent lunch.

Paddy Tatton is organizing a Ten Pin Bowling evening at the Pavilion. I think Paddy and Gayle enjoyed the evening we had at the Brickfield Road Alley so much that it has them hooked. Come and get hooked yourself  at 19h00 on Saturday 4 October. Meet us there for some fast food and slow bowling.

On Sunday 26 October we meet at 09h00 at the seaward side parking, Blue Lagoon. From there we drive in convoy to Hazelemere dam for a BYO braai and a lazy chat. There could be a boat or two as well. There is a small entrance fee to be paid at the gate. Get hold of me for additional info.

On Sunday 9 November we meet at 08h30 to leave by 09h00 for lunch at the Mountain Park Hotel near Bulwer. Bring some folding money for trinkets along the way as we will pass through some very interesting areas. You may contact me for additional information closer to the date.

Nick Carter is arranging a Dinner/Show for the 22 November. Keep that date aside until you get further details which Doug will e-mail closer to the time. Just remember to get a booking in as soon as possible once you get the info as we normally get late bookings which we have to turn down for lack of space. First come first served.

Soon after that the boys will be getting their cars hotted up for the races and drags in East London. If you intend joining the run, please get in touch with Doug. We intend meeting at the Hyperama Propecton car park at 06h00 on Friday 5 December. You must not be late as the boys want to get off to make breakfast in Kokstad. We stay in B&Bs Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and return Monday 8 December. We attend the races on Saturday and drags on Sunday. It is a Great Weekend!!!

This year the committee decided to take up Chris Simpkin’s invitation to host the Xmas dinner. This will be at the home of Chris and Nanette and there will be roasted prawns and steak to dig in to. Ladies will be requested to bring along salads and sweets. Jan, Vicky and Karen will coordinate this among the ladies.

We suggest that each person wanting to come to the Xmas party contribute R50 to Chris’s coffers to compensate for the cost of food. Bring along your own poison as we don’t have a license to deal. Chris is the one to get in contact with. It may be a good idea to repeat the giving of small gifts as we did last year. The ladies will inform you.

We want to get in early next year, so even before the AGM we intend taking a ‘Mystery Breakfast run on Sunday 18 January 2004.

Meet at the Pavilion at 08h30 so that André can tell us where we are going. I hear via the grapevine that less than half a tank will suffice.

Guys and dolls, that’s about it. Have a great festive season and a wonderful New Year. Hope to see all of you around at least some of the runs and get togethers.

This reminds me of a chap who commented: “When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.”

Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Granted, the wheel is also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.

To sign off with, two more.

If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn’t it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked, and dry cleaners depressed?

If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

Come on, lets have another. I have to get this page full.

Why is it that sick people have to go to the back of the pharmacy to get medicine when healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front?

You can send your answers to Box 911 Inner Mongolia.

Cheers, and drive safely.

Vic Wait      11 August 2003

PS. Nick Carter still has Club T-shirts at R55 (mainly large and blue)