While you all ponder
on that one, let me get on with our newsletter. Some gremlins
crept into the last newsletter and the incorrect info caused some
embarrassment. I apologize for this. I have already ordered a new
computer. At least my blurb was accompanied by a few articles from
other members and friends. André Roodt, our new chairman,
contributed his first “Chairman’s Chirp” as well as a delightful
account of the East London Run. Barry Miller sent in a very
interesting article on the Ford Cleveland 4V heads, and our friend
Warren Grant e-mailed a short story on the new ‘Spitting Image’
Cobra taking shape in Johannesburg. We are watching ‘this
space’. John Botha tells me that the Cobra has been taken out for
some preparation runs but that they were not happy with the front
Willwood brake calipers and are planning to change them before
they take their trials. We also had quite a nice ‘Parts for Sale’
page last time. I hope we can keep this up. Gerald Everett has
contributed an article on Cobra ownership. The article should be
included with this newsletter.
André has passed on
a note of thanks to all the members who have paid their subs.
However, quite a few of our members have not as yet paid up. These
persons will be contacted by e-mail to remind them. As in the
past, they will not be receiving the next newsletter unless subs
are paid. Remember, please make sure you have some sort of proof
of payment. The best way is to pay on the day of the AGM, or
directly into our account. See details later. If you pay into the
account, please make sure that your name will appear in the
deposit info.
A young Cobra driver
was stopped by police for speeding. The cop strolled over to the
parked Cobra and addressed the driver. “I have been waiting for
you all day!” to which the young driver responded “Yeah, well I
got here as fast as I could.”
When the cop managed
to stop laughing, he sent the young man on his way without a
ticket.
In future the club is
planning to use a new strategy. Our ladies are not happy with the
fact that we meet at a certain time and spend an hour or so
waiting for others to turn up (actually we have a good old chat).
So, this is what we propose. Each run is administered by one of
the committee members. This will clearly be indicated on the Club
Calendar. This person will have a good idea of the route to be
taken and will appoint and brief a ‘Front Runner’ or leader before
the run starts. The responsible member will be the last to leave
on the run and if you are late you may contact this person by cell
to get instructions.
Our first run (a
combo with other clubs) was the SPCA run and display. This was
almost rained out but luckily those die hard members were joined
later by the ‘softer’ and gentler members so that the run ended
quite successfully.
Our supper club
evening was enjoyed by quite a few members who found the antics of
the players in ‘Sinderella’ a big laugh.
The Zacs venue proved
to be great, but not so the service. The breakfast was no better
than Tony’s favourite, Wimpy. All these outings, where the venue
or service proves less than expected, are still enjoyed just
because of the excellent company.
One of the highlights
of this year so far was the run to Albert Falls. The weather was
excellent, we managed to get some shade, the braai was great, and
once more the company, excellent. Unfortunately Dave Burton cut
his big toe during a ski. Dave was obviously in anguish but put up
a brave face. We have recently heard news that the toe was cut
deeply and needed stitches but was not broken. Dave passes on his
thanks to all those friends that stood in as ‘doctors and nurses’.
We wish Dave a speedy recovery and thank him for bringing along
his boat affording an enjoyable time by quite a few of us.
It was the left toe
that received the cut and stitches, so this should not effect
Dave’s driving.
George was in no
shape to drive, so he wisely left his car parked and walked home.
As he was walking unsteadily along, he was stopped by a policeman.
“What are you doing
out here at 2 am ?” asked the officer.
“I’m going to a
lecture.” George replied. “ And who is going to give a lecture at
this hour?” the policeman asked.
“My wife,” said
George.
After the Easter
weekend, our first run will be to ‘Cars in the Park’ in
Pietermaritzburg. This takes place on Sunday 18 May. Meet
at Polo Pony filling station to depart at 07h30 sharp. Doug
Wishart will be our contact and will arrange for a breakfast on
skottels and a lunchtime braai.
Take note!, the
‘Cobra – Corvette Shootout’ drag races at Tarlton has
moved to the Sunday. Those members who are able to get off
work on the Monday must please do so and join the guys at Polo
Pony filling station once more. Be there on Saturday 31 May for
05h30 to leave 06h00 sharp. We drive up on the Saturday
hopefully to get to Kit Car Center before they close, then on to
Tarlton for racing on the Sunday returning to Durban on Monday 2
June. André needs to book space in the boma, so he needs numbers.
Please contact him without fail before 30 April to make
your commitment.
If you are late on
the morning of departure, you can try to catch up with the guys as
they will be stopping for brunch at Halfway Service Station, Van
Reenen.
Paddy Tatton was the
overall winner of our rally last year and therefore needs to
design one for this year. The date has been set for Sunday 22
June. Meet at 08h30 at the Pavilion where you will
receive your brief. Cars will start leaving at 5 minute intervals
from 09h00. This is great fun and there are prizes involved.
Remember you must have a navigator and lots of patience. We land
up somewhere for lunch.
We have been invited
to display our cars at the ‘Wheels Expo 2003’ which will
take place over two days at Edgewood College. The dates
are 5-6 July. We are not yet sure if we can leave the cars
there for the duration (with adequate security) or if we take our
babies home overnight. Paddy has offered to house any cars nearby
if needed. Please contact André by 30 April at the latest
to make your commitment. André needs to know numbers!
We will meet at the
Voice Clinic, Florida Road, to leave at 07h00 sharp on 5
July.
Our next run will be
the Classic Car Show in Richards Bay. This takes place on
Saturday 26 July and we meet at the Pav. to leave at
06h00 sharp. Think about staying over for the night and
contact Nick Carter to work it out.
On Friday 9 August,
bring along your pride and joy (and spouse) to meet at the
Voice Clinic, Florida Road, at 18h30 for 19h00. We will take a
walk up Florida Road to the Ocean Basket for supper. After
supper we are going for a short drive and ‘Rumble in the City’.
Contact me for any info you may require.
On Sunday 31
August, we meet at the Pav. at 08h30 to leave 09h00
sharp for a short run to Kloof station (Stokers). We
plan to have tea and a chat and then climb aboard for a train ride
to never never land and a braai. The train leaves at 12h30
and late comers will be left behind. The cost is R55 per person.
Please contact Ron Allen for further details.
Chris Simpkin has
approached the Oaks and Burne out near Richmond for a
weekend away. If you are interested please contact Chris not later
than 30 April to place your booking. We have picked the weekend of
5,6 & 7 September. Cost is R265 per person per night
with breakfasts, lunches and dinners included. We meet at Polo
Pony at 15h00 on Friday 5 September. We hope to see you there.
Some more to ponder
about:
Have you ever seen a
toad on a toadstool?
How do you get off a
non-stop flight?
How do you write zero
in Roman numerals?
Why do they call it
‘chili’ if it’s hot?
After losing in a
breaststroke swimming competition, the blonde complained that the
other swimmers were all using their arms.
---- You like that
one ??? PT
OK. The blonde was
trapped on the escalator for hours when the power failed.
“
“ could not call 911 as there was no 11 on any phone button.
“ “
got excited when she finished a jigsaw puzzle in six months and
the box said “2 to 4 years”
What all this has got
to do with motoring, I do not know.
I am doing an
extended tour in the USA during May to July, so I am hoping that
you will miss me and the flashy yellow GT40 on some of the runs.
My son is trying to get us to one of the drag races there, so I
may be in a position to report back on some of this experience.
o drive carefully!
heers my Chinas!
ic Wait. 10 April
2003
Top | Back to News
Letter Index
