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It
is April already and herewith our second newsletter. Those of our
members (or ex members) who indicated, by not paying their fees, that
they no longer require membership, have been deleted. It would be nice
to get feedback from these persons why they no longer require
membership, just in case there are problems which could be attended to.
However, this newsletter will not reach them now, so if there are
current members in contact with these persons, please convey my
concerns.
The
year did start off with fewer club members attending the AGM and the
first run or two (SPCA rally and PMB run) were likewise poorly attended. I was
expecting our up country members to support us on the PMB run by meeting
us at the restaurant at least, but alas only Butch and Marise Bauer
joined us. The attendance at the dinners were likewise weak. It
is embarrassing at times when 12 people turn up when a booking has been
made for 20+. Is it because we are trying
a new policy of NOT phoning members to remind them. We have the
newsletter, calendar, website and e-mail to keep in contact, and one
would think this would be enough. The calendar is something members
requested so that it can be placed in a prominent (and visible) spot as
a reminder of good things to come.
But,
unlike the Rand $ exchange,
all is not gloom and doom. We have a few new members that our chairman
Doug Wishart welcomed in the last newsletter, so that numbers remain
much the same. Also, the turnout for the South Coast Rally organized by
Doug, was very encouraging and very enjoyable.
Doug
had mapped out a very interesting and scenic route for the rally and
organized members of his family and friends to act as marshals along the
way. The marshals handed out parts of a puzzle, which eventually led to
the Sports Club in Toti for lunch.
Patrick
and Gale Tatton on their debut run were overall winners. Chris and
Nanette Simpkin came in second with yours truly navigated by Jan
bringing up third. Ron and Felicity Casteller received the condolence prize for having traveled
the wrong way at least twice during the rally. On behalf of all members
that participated, I thank Doug, Karen and family for their hard work in
preparing and marshalling the rally. Their efforts are much appreciated.
A
decision was made right there that the winner of such rallies would plan
the next one. Not to worry too much Patrick, we have not planned on one
yet. Maybe we can fit one in at the end of the year. What do you think?
We
did fit in two activities that had not been planned for. The Roy Hesketh
day in Pietermaritzburg was not on our list as we knew nothing of it
until we were woken to the fact by Tony Day on TV and the News Paper
announcement. Tony must really have it in for me. The other event the
day after was also a surprise, but we were able to secure 20 seats for
the Margate Drag races at the airport, due to Nick Carter taking a
chance and booking for us without knowing how many would be interested.
We filled the spaces and all had a great day of racing. Thanks to Nick.
Please
remember our date at Thirsty’s on 27 April. Also remember that this
one is earlier than usual. Make it for 18h30 (that’s half past 6
o’clock in the evening, for some of you) call 337 9212 if you need
directions.
Petrol
prices keep rising so we are keen to keep runs fairly short if possible
and we only plan for one run per month. The run for May will be Cars in
the Park PMB. See last
newsletter for details but we will be leaving the Pavilion at 07h00.
A
change in the dinner situation. On Saturday 25 May, pack a B&B
basket and bring it along to the Voice Clinic at 18h00. You may come in
your sports cars as André Roodt will provide secure parking and will
host the evening. We plan to call on those ladies that have been
identified as experts, to make up various salads. No! you will not be
allowed to wheelie in the car park.
On
Sunday 9 June, meet at the Polo Pony garage at 09h00. Once again you
need to pack a B&B basket as we will be off to Midmar Dam to try and
get our up country members together again. This run also serves as a
saver this month as no dinner has been arranged. You see, many of us
need to save up for the next activity.
Start
preparing your boss or staff members for your absence on Friday 12 July.
You can call me for a list of excuses. We leave very early (06h00 OUCH)
for Joburg and the races at Tarlton Drag Strip.
We
need to leave that early as we have a date with John Botha at the
‘new’ Cobra factory that afternoon. This is a new design in Cobra
using fully rose jointed suspension all round to facilitate set up for
racing. This should prove to be very interesting. We intend organizing
accommodation in the Boma at Tarlton. Those of you who have been there
can attest to the fun. The races take place on the Saturday and we take
a leisurely trip back on the Sunday. Please contact Doug Wishart to make
your commitment for this fun and thrill filled weekend.
The
committee meets 3 July to make final plans which will be conveyed to all
those committed to the special run.
To
make amends to the family we meet at the Hyperama Prospecton at 08h30 on
Sunday 28 July ( if your battered Cobra will get you there). From there
it is a quick run to the Cutty Sark Hotel for a sumptuous breakfast.
Then, if you can fit back in the Cobra (or GT40 ), we head back home for
the German F1 on TV3 or DSTV (the choice is yours)
And,
that is that. No Jokes this time. The reason, not one joke has been
passed on to me (jokes I can tell in this newsletter that is)
Keep
visiting the Cobra GT40 website for updates and news. Instead of
lighting you up with joy, let me bring you down to earth with the news
that the RBT6 transaxle fitted to the all new 2002 Ford GT40 concept car
costs a few cents less than $20,000. Work that out in Rand!!!! The RBT 6
is a six-speed version of the ZF transaxle used in the original GT40,
Pantera and BMW M1 that are now produced by RBT in the US.
Weep
my chinnas. But drive safely.
Vic
Wait 8 April 2002
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