2011 Event Reports

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January Pub Meeting by Giles Cooper

The first pub meeting of the year - a time of few tigers and just a few owners. The few tigers consisted of just mine and Simon Bunkers cars - whereas the few owners included: Myself, Simon Bunker, Malc Brown, Linda Monk, David Fiske, Alan and Eve Whale, Tony and Liz Haggie, Steve Tuck and new club member James French.

Several topics came up for conversation - ideas for events, public liability cover for the events the club does. The liability cover issue was originally raised in Complete Kit Car Magazine a couple of months ago and affects all club gatherings where arriving or displaying as a group will invalidate the standard public liability of your car insurance! If you think it's not required imagine the consequences should the club flag fall over and land on someones head. This will be mentioned in greater detail once the facts are finalised so watch this space.

As I was using my iPad to hold the club event details that caused some interest and once shown the 'Angry Birds' app Linda kept hold of it for about an hour.

Another note - Linda has agreed to be the club treasurer as John Holmes has tendered his resignation.

The interesting thing happened as I left the pub in the Tiger - going through Holywell the car ran perfectly until I dropped the clutch to change gear and found the engine hitting the rev limiter. Stopping it quickly and checking everything I found a small 3mm stone had lodged between the carb body and the throttle butterfly - this jammed the throttles open and with no load the engine couldn't idle. The only course left was to call the RAC out as I didn't have the tools to strip a carb on the roadside in the dark. I eventually got home 2 hours after leaving the pub car park. The car is now repaired but this should be a caution for all of you running as I do without trumpets or filters on the carbs.

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February Pub Meeting by Giles Cooper

The second pub meeting of the year with only one Tiger making it (Steve Tuck who only lives 5 miles from the pub). My own car was waiting for the carb fix to be tested and the weather was awful. Incidentally I hope the pub is going to resurface the car park as the moon has less craters that that has at the moment.

We had a good turnout though, Myself, David Fiske, Tony and Liz Haggie, Steve Tuck, Simon Noble, James French, Paul Browning, Mike Finch and Linda Monk.

The only real topic of conversation was events for this year - and I won't go into details here but the events page has been updated with all those events we know about at present. There are a few of them. . .

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March Pub Meeting by Giles Cooper

The March pub meeting was more of a committee meeting than most of the meetings are. As Malcolm alluded to earlier in the newsletter we needed to do the transfer of authority to Linda for the treasurer and luckily John Holmes had brought all the paperwork - a stack over a foot tall to hand over. (I think Linda might have been glad she hadn't come in the Tiger).

Again we had a good number of people although I can't remember everyones names we seem to be getting more people coming every month. It is also good to see new people coming along as well. Hopefully the lighter nights we are getting now will encourage a few more Tigers to come and play as they will be able to drive down in daylight for the first time in six or so months.

Besides the committee business a load of topics came up for discussion including the confirmation we have moved the AGM to the Ferryboat after the mistake with the Sporting bears dates, the route planned for the fish and chip run and other stuff. (You would never guess I was writing this 2 weeks after the meeting - would you)

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April Pub Meeting by Giles Cooper

Well the evening of the April pub meeting was warm, dry and sunny - strange for April but who's complaining. So with that in mind I met up with Linda and Paul and then we drove down to the pub meeting together. After a slightly eventful journey we made it to the pub and were greeted with one of the biggest turnouts for at least a year 11 kits (9 Tiger, a Magic and a Westfield) - in fact it trumped last July's meeting were we had nine cars.

We had, Giles Cooper, Paul Ashby, Linda Monk, Paul Browning, Tony Haggie, Simon Bunker, Keith Clipsham, Allan Griffin (Griff), Dave Sams, Robert Bunker, and Steve Tuck in kit cars - we also had Niall Turner, Alan and Eve Whale, and James French without their kit cars as well.

A lot of topics were up for discussion, and I tried to encourage more of the members to come to Curborough as well as getting them to do the other events as planned already.

There was some strange things going on though - everyone was outside talking with the cars when Linda pointed out it was getting hard to see who you were talking to i.e. it was getting dark. At that point we decamped to inside the pub where a few of us remained until quite late.

After a quick fix to the lights as a wire had come off the column stalk I made it home without any further incidents

Linda's Tiger, Paul A's Westfield and Paul B's R6
Linda's Tiger, Paul A's Westfield and Paul B's R6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Tony's Cub and Simon's Super 6
Tony's Cub and Simon's Super 6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Keith's Avon, Griff's Super 6, Dave's Cat
Keith's Avon, Griff's Super 6, Dave's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Steve's Cat
Steve's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper

Stilton Cheese Run by Peter and Maggie Coe

We read a small article in "Complete Kit Car" magazine about a classic car run from Quenby Hall in Hungarton, Leicestershire. This is about 10 miles from where we live, it was going to the village of Stilton in Cambridgeshire. We entered on line and were duly accepted.

The Stilton Run retraces the original route, mainly along quiet country lanes, taken to deliver cheeses from Quenby Hall, where it is still produced, to the Bell Inn at Stilton from where the cheese gets its name. The original run of 39 miles was by horse drawn carriage over 300 years ago. The carriage stopped off to make deliveries of cheeses at various villages and towns along the route and the horses where changed at New Lodge Farm near Oundle. Slight changes have been made to the route to avoid the busy A47. This was one of the longest commercial carriage rides until the new fangled internal combustion engined vans and lorries took over as the main mode of commercial road transport.

Fortunately the day dawned sunny and warm so we made our way to Quenby Hall where we were greeted by a variety of cars dating from 1920 to modern day Mercs, including a couple of Caterhams and Morgan three-wheelers. Signing on was between 10am and 12.30pm as there were approximately 150 cars expected. At sign on we were given a certificate to prove that we had completed the run! We were also given a route map, which proved a little vague at times, but this only added to the fun. We did get lost after about two miles, with others following us, but so did several other cars as we kept passing each other going in different directions! Once back on track the route took us via country roads with a couple of optional stops at the coaching inns where the horses had been rested and refreshed. Mid way we stopped at the New Lodge Farm where a field had been provided specifically for the entrants. There was a hog roast and cheese tasting available and a very nice café where you could buy lunch. Others who had obviously done this before and had more room in their cars came with picnic baskets, bottles of wine etc.

We set off after lunch via Oundle where there was an art exhibition to visit if you were so inclined, but we travelled on to Stilton on the old A1. At the Bell Inn cars were parked in the wide main street and we were shown into the pub where we could get coffee and were offered stilton on plum bread to taste.

The Stilton Run is quite a leisurely affair with no strict timetable, so as we were leaving others were just arriving. We made our way home with much hand waving to those still making their way to Stilton.

All in all we had a great day out, the atmosphere was extremely friendly and, weather permitting, we hope to go again next year.

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Stoneleigh Kit Car Show by Giles Cooper

What happened - for the first time in a couple of years we had a warm, dry and slightly windy day - well you can't have perfect weather in the UK. The people I originally planned on going down with all decided not to go so instead I woke up nice and early and drove a quiet set of roads down to the show.

One advantage of getting there early was the fact that I didn't have to queue to get in the grounds - on previous years we have queued for 30 minutes or more so that saved a load of time. Once inside I found the Tiger parking area and then parked up with the aid of some suitable pieces of wood to get up the kerbs - Steve Tuck had found some spare wood somewhere....

After chatting to a few people for an hour or so I made it into the stands. A quick glance around and I headed over to the Tiger stand to view the new GTA, well I will let the pictures speak for themselves but this is a stunning looking car. The Tiger stand also had the HS6, Aviator ERA30, Gary Davison's R10 (fresh from a race at Brands on Saturday) and the R10 prototype. The GTA was getting a lot of attention and as it will be available as a rebody option for any Avon made I don't think it will be too long before the first examples are seen as people choose to update their existing cars.

Other notable new cars which made their debut were:

Tribute Automotive who take a Toyota Supra and make it look like a Bentley - not to my taste but each to their own.

FRS trike - 3 wheels, two inline seats and front wheel drive with a motorbike engine.

Vortex Automotive V2 - very strange this one it is rear engined and has the fuel tank between the two seats with the gear lever welded to the tank and the handbrake mounted off a bracket also on the tank. The fuel tank is about 4 feet long and for half that distance is 6'' high, then at the front it is almost 2' tall, anyone for fuel surge???

Rally Legend Replicas were there with a convincing (to my eyes at least) Lancia Delta S4 replica, it looks good but I dread to think how much it would cost to build.

Heynsdyk are a Dutch company who were selling a strange vehicle based on a porsche 944, it is almost as cross eyed as a modern Morgan.

There were a couple of quite major players missing, especially from the club members point of view, neither Southways Sports Cars (owner of the ex-Tiger Cat) nor Chester Sportscars (Southways and Sylva agent) were at the show. This meant for anyone wanting a Cat there wasn't anyone to go to - or if you were interested in the Sylva J15 it was the same situation.

The accessory stands were the usual dismal selection - yes most of the major players were there but for the bits I wanted to get (electrical terminals) there wasn't anyone to see. I am currently after a new set of mirrors but although a lot of the suppliers were there it is going to take some more thought to get these sorted out.

One bit of good news - we managed to recruit a new club member which now means that John Holmes old car is back in the club a few months after he sold it on.

So a fairly good day - shame that the number of Tigers were down (on Sunday at least - maybe Monday was better?).

Tigers basking in the sun
Tigers basking in the sun
Picture: Giles Cooper Bizarre Warp 8
Bizarre Warp 8
Picture: Giles Cooper
well it is 3 wheeled, two inline seats and looks bonkers
well it is 3 wheeled, two inline seats and looks bonkers
Picture: Giles Cooper
MG Badged, Historic Triumph tax disc, any ideas
MG Badged, Historic Triumph tax disc, any ideas
Picture: Giles Cooper
Dunsmore...
Dunsmore...
Picture: Giles Cooper
Rare Shelsley T2
Rare Shelsley T2
Picture: Giles Cooper
Lancia Group B Replica
Lancia Group B Replica
Picture: Giles Cooper
Dutch oditity based on a Porsche 944
Dutch oditity based on a Porsche 944
Picture: Giles Cooper
Tiger GTA front view
Tiger GTA front view
Picture: Giles Cooper
Tiger GTA rear view
Tiger GTA rear view
Picture: Giles Cooper

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May Pub Meeting by Linda Monk and David Fiske

May's meeting was better subscribed than last month's with both a good number of members and their cars, Tigers and otherwise. By way of a role call, those of us who arrived in tin tops were myself, Paul Ashby, Simon Noble, James French, Mervyn Garner & Mike Finch, the Tiger drivers on the night were Niall Turner, David Fiske, Simon Bunker, Keith Clipsham, Tony & Liz Haggie, Paul Browning, Allan Griffin and Nick Flitton. My apologies if I've missed anyone.

Myself and Paul arrived shortly after "kick off" at eight o'clock to find that almost everyone else was there already, parked up in line. Being in the tin top we sloped off to the "non-kit" ranks opposite.

As was the case at last month's meeting, with the weather being reasonable everyone was chatting outside, around and about the cars, making way for the odd late comer when the appropriate engine noises could be heard approaching - Paul B. still made it in his R6 despite a mechanical mishap which needed some attention earlier in the day, although Mike caught us out in the MG.

David had recently been to Tiger's workshop and had taken the opportunity to snap the new GTA and find out a bit more about it. Seems that Tiger plan to include some stowage space in " pods " down the sides and provide the option for a rear mounted wooden luggage rack, very retro.

For those who weren't at Stoneleigh this was an opportunity to get a closer look at the GTA, and also David's fabulous collection of motorbikes of which he also included some snaps (incidentally, photos in this article come courtesy of David's phone).

Again following last month's theme, it began to get somewhat dark whilst we were still outside. However, just to be different this time, only some of us came inside. I had brought my laptop and so we bored Niall with videos taken from Paul's Westie on our recent four day road trip to Stoneleigh.

After a while we were joined by Simon N, his girlfriend Ali and another friend. Simon has made excellent progress with his build, and will be ready to book the all important IVA test soon after a " pre-test " at Tiger. Very sensible idea.

We left shortly before chucking out time, the outside contingent sensibly having departed some time earlier when it became too cold/dark. Hopefully the coming month's will see both more warmth and light outside.

Some of the Tigers on display, before it got dark
Some of the Tigers on display, before it got dark
Picture: Giles Cooper
A Tiger with it's Cub?  (Boom Boom, Naill's wheels parked up next to the Haggie's)
A Tiger with it's Cub?
Picture: Giles Cooper
Griff's Super 6 with David's Cat
Griff's Super 6 with David's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Keith's patriotic Avon and Nick's R6.
Keith's patriotic Avon and Nick's R6.
Picture: Giles Cooper
Simon B's Super 6 next to Mervin's Elise
Simon B's Super 6 next to Mervin's Elise
Picture: Giles Cooper
Paul B arrives in his R6, alongside Mike's MG
Paul B arrives in his R6, alongside Mike's MG
Picture: Giles Cooper

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Detling Kit Car Show by Richard Wilkins

Following a truck today which was boasting that it was "satelite" tracked 24 hours a day reminded me of yesterday and the Detling Kit and Sports Car show. I did consider on behalf of the truck operator whether I would actually trust a company who couldn't even spell the word "satellite"properly. However, I could rest assured that there is at least one company in that market who do know how to spell the word and also are offering a really good deal on a tracking system which can find applications in all kinds of areas such as in cars, trailers,etc . The company is called RBS Property Marking and are currently offering deals. It's well worth giving them a call to find out more about this product. I have waffled on a bit as I feel that in their own way, this company represented a highlight at what otherwise, for me at least, was lacking in support from the usual sellers of spares and the like which is the reason why many people attend these shows. It should be remembered that there are two types of people in this world: those who have kit cars and those who are building them!

On a more serious note, I was disappointed at the relatively small crowd at Detling on the Sunday. This in part, I am sure was owing to the fact that there was a classic car show some 12 miles away in Faversham which grows annually and as it's held in closed off streets, bears no admission fee. A stark contrast to the eleven quid for adults and those over twelve years old at Detling.

Without being completely negative, there were of course the offerings from the market leaders without whom the industry would be in a parlous state. It was re-assuring to hear comments about the quality of their products from members of the public. which talk of course must take me to the Tiger stand which was being manned by Gary ( I use the phrase loosely-if you read this Gary, I didn't mean it).

Two lovely jobs there to see. The decision to produce the GTA is most welcome as it gives anyone who may own an Avon the ability to roll their car in the garage with the classic seven look and for it to emerge as something as good looking as the full-bodied GTA. Must say the rear of this car is really quite special. Go and have a look if you haven't already.

Next to the GTA sat the classic replica Lotus 6 with its Triumph power plant. Really nicely turned out. For a full write up of this car have a look at last month's Complete Kit Car mag.

Sorry - no pictures for this one despite asking the club members for them - nobody replied.

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Dunwich Fish and Chip Run by Paul Browning

After last years successful Fish and Chip run, it was suggested, I should repeat it. The route was to be the same including the shortcut that Steve Valentine took us on last year. Unfortunately, due to his starter motor disintegrating, Simon Bunker failed to get to the start line.

We started from St Neots, meeting up with Giles who was still running in his new engine, Mike Finch in his 'rag top' car and David and Jane Sams in their bright orange Tiger. After a short wait we headed off to Fourwentways Service Station, unfortunately I managed to miss the sign on the last roundabout before the petrol station and everybody, apart from Giles, followed me twice round the round about!!! Keith Clipsham and Chris Laycock joined us here. After refuelling the cars and a comfort stop for the drivers we continued. The weather was just right for the Tiger 'cooling systems' preventing my wife, Marion, from getting burnt legs!!!

Arriving at Long Melford, we had to park in the same location as last year, due to the fair beating us to the chosen site once again. Here we met Adrian and Mandy, new members who had recently exchanged their motor bike for the Tiger. Eric in his Avon and his son (Tom) and grandchild in their Lotus 6. This looked more basic than a Tiger, with a bench seat and no roll bar. Steve and Paula Tuck eventually arrived, having intended to meet up with us before, but had over slept!!!! By now with all this many Tigers on display we attracted a small crowd of admirers.

Finally we moved off towards the garage at Stratford St Andrew, but en-route I had arranged to meet David Fiske, Griff and Malcolm Keeley, who had parked in a lay-by just passed Needham Market. Unfortunately they had a slightly longer wait due to our timings being rather variable and having to wait for some of the convoy to catch us up on several occasions. Arriving at the garage, and taking over the whole of the forecourt, Giles advised us to make sure we filled up, after his experience last year of nearly running out of petrol on the way home.

When we finally arrived at Dunwich, at 12.45, the 12 Tigers, Lotus 6 and MGF looked very impressive lined up in the car park. Everybody was glad to get out of their Tigers as some of us had been in them since 08.30. We then enjoyed our lunch of Fish and Chips, and some had gooey puddings. Mike was unable to do his 'sunbathing' this year, as the weather was not as warm and his deck chair would have got blown away.

There was some discussion on how to ensure that all drivers knew which direction to take at a junction and how this could be implemented in future.

I hope everybody enjoyed it and by the time some of us got home we had sat in the cars for more than 8 hours!!!

Thanks to you all for making it a great day.

Parked at Long Melford, Keith's Avon and Adrian's Cat
Parked at Long Melford, Keith's Avon and Adrian's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Parked at Long Melford, Paul's R6, Giles' Cat, Dave's Cat
Parked at Long Melford, Paul's R6,
Giles' Cat, Dave's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Parked at Long Melford, Tom Johnston's Original Lotus 6 next to Eric (his dad's) Avon
Parked at Long Melford, Tom Johnston's Original Lotus 6
next to Eric (his dad's) Avon
Picture: Giles Cooper
More Cars at Long Melford
More Cars at Long Melford
Picture: Giles Cooper
For some reason Paula thinks the Tiger is more comfortable than getting out
For some reason Paula thinks the Tiger is more
comfortable than getting out
Picture: Giles Cooper
Mike Finch, Tom Johnston, Colin Fitzpatrick
Cars parked at Dunwich
Mike Finch, Tom Johnston, Colin Fitzpatrick
Picture: Giles Cooper
Chis Laycock, Paul Browning, Griff
Cars parked at Dunwich
Chis Laycock, Paul Browning, Griff
Picture: Giles Cooper
Steve Tuck ,Keith Clipsham, Giles Cooper
Cars parked at Dunwich
Steve Tuck ,Keith Clipsham, Giles Cooper
Picture: Giles Cooper
Giles Cooper, Malcolm Keeley, Dave Sams
Cars parked at Dunwich
Giles Cooper, Malcolm Keeley, Dave Sams
Picture: Giles Cooper
Eric Johnston, Adrian Spriggs, David Fiske
Cars parked at Dunwich
Eric Johnston, Adrian Spriggs, David Fiske
Picture: Giles Cooper

We also have another view of the same event for you as well.

Dunwich Fish and Chip Run by Griff

This was to be my first club event attended out side of the regular pub meetings at Holywell. The morning of the run was glorious sunshine and a slight breeze, I had arranged to meet David (Fiske) at his home at 8.30am on the day, arriving bright and breezy at 8.15am, after a quick chat and a verbal check on the route David, Rachel (my partner) and myself set off.

We drove to the top of David's road and I pulled out with David behind. Having gone no more than 500 yds I checked my mirrors and no David to be seen. Where was he - not only that but slowing down to wait for him I was duly overtaken by a Reliant Robin how embarrassing is that? Having turned round to head back to look for him, thinking he must be in some trouble, along he comes lights flashing beckoning me on. It transpires he thought he had left his money and had to stop to undo his seat belts and check. No panic we are now on the way.

The route we had decided to take was to leave Wisbech and head for Downham Market on to Thetford then meet up with the main group on the B1078 East of the A14 just past Needham Market.

By now the day is warming up and the sun is out. The drive to Thetford was event free and quite relaxing. When we reached Thetford Chase we had to stop for a toilet break. We pulled into the forest picnic area and got out and stretched our legs as well.

Off we go again heading now to Needham through Thetford leaving on the A1088. Again what a pleasurable drive it was through all the small picturesque villages along the way in Norfolk/Suffolk. We joined the A14 heading to Needham at about 9.45am making good time. Driving along the A14 can be described as not my deepest joy - what a boring monotonous road. Still we were not on it long before pulling of at the services at Needham Market. Here we parked and rewarded ourselves with a cup of coffee and being next to a petrol station we filled up. The time now was 10.15am. The main group were to be at Long Melford for 10.15am so as it stood we were well early and approx. 20 miles ahead of the group. David did phone Paul Browning to check on their progress whilst we sat and relaxed in the sun, as it happens they had just arrived at Long Melford which was a scheduled stop and were due to leave shortly.

We decided to set off at 10.45am to find a decent rendezvous point on the B1078. Only about 1/2 a mile down the road we pulled into a nice shaded area to wait. Whilst waiting a lady from one of the three houses nearby was passing and stopped to ask if we were alright or if we needed some assistance, we assured her everything was ok and thanked her for asking, wasn't that good of her.

By now the sun is blazing and I'm in short sleeves waiting for the group to arrive . We eventually are met by Malcolm Keeley and his daughter who like us hoped to join the others when they pass by. After an eternity, well it seemed that long, I'm sure it wasn't we hear the distinctive roar of approaching Tigers. Sure enough it was Paul with the rest following so in we hop buckle up and join the tail end.

The journey along the B1078 to the A12 was a pleasure especially when people were making a point to watch and admire us. At times up to 10 Tigers passed by nose to tail.

Eventually we reached the A12. Now unbeknown to myself two if not three more Tigers had joined us. Not long into the journey down the A12 we stopped at the BP Filling Station at Stratford St Andrew having only just topped up David and I were able to pull aside on the forecourt and wait and watch as the rest refuelled. What a good sight watching all the Tigers take over the forecourt. When we were all ready to leave Mike Finch who was in his MG tried his best to marshal the group on to the busy A12. Narrowly avoiding the kerb I pulled out behind Paul assuming David was behind, but apparently he had to manoeuvre to miss the kerb which I narrowly avoided. Now a big gap was created with two groups heading to Dunwich down the A12.

Turning off the A12 heading towards Dunwich was interesting with the small single track road in places needing to be navigated carefully. We shortly arrived at the car park at Dunwich and parked up in one long line, 11 Tigers, 1 Lotus Seven and an MG. Hold on there should be 12 Tigers we are missing one. Yes, it's David having created a big gap on the A12 David was looking for Tigers that had turned off not taking note of the road signs and sailed past the turning for Dunwich. The people behind tried to let him know but to no avail. No harm done about 15 to 20 mins later David arrives. After a chat with the group some Fish and Chips were devoured this was why we came. About an hour and half after arriving having eaten our nosh and having a good old natter we were ready for the return journey. David, Rachel and I set off for the drive home along the same route we had taken earlier. The journey was incident free all the way home however David had to stop just before Thetford to top up with petrol again. We arrived home in Wisbech at approx. 6.30pm having covered 213 miles and having a thoroughly enjoyable day out in our Tigers with like minded people. Thanks Paul for organising the run. The only down side was I had caught the sun and had a glowing forehead, lesson for next time.

Waiting for the group on the B1078
Waiting for the group on the B1078
Picture: Rachel Collins
Paul leading the rest of the group
Paul leading the rest of the group
Picture: Rachel Collins
On the B1078
On the B1078
Picture: Rachel Collins
Chaos at the petrol station
Chaos at the petrol station
Picture: Rachel Collins
 a few cars on the beach
A few cars parked on the beach
Picture: Rachel Collins

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Newark Kit Car Show by Giles Cooper

Well apparently on the Saturday the weather at the Newark Show was very good, that wasn't the case for me in Peterborough (lashing it down all day) which confirmed my reason for going on the Sunday.

So on the Sunday morning I set off in the bright sunshine from Peterborough, 2 miles from Newark Showground it started spitting with rain, and then whilst queuing to get in the heavens opened and for a few minutes it poured down. A Super 6 ahead of me (which I didn't know) stopped and put up a fishing umbrella before driving in. I just waited until I got in the showground parked and then stuck the roof on the car!

We had about 10 Tigers parked up on the Sunday there could have been more on the Saturday but I don't know. So having had a quick chat it then chucked it down so I dived into the show hall. I had a good wander round there weren't that many things to be honest that caught my eye. The Sylva Mojo which had been bought by a company called Meggt has now been taken over by Typhoon Sportscars who needed a new vehicle after coming a bit too close to KTM's X-Bow with their Valdris model. There was a new car from Mills Extreme Vehicle called the MEVX5 which takes an MX5 and converts it to a fixed head coupe via a bodykit ... Why would you would take a convertible and make it a saloon?, There were also a few other new cars but I didn't really notice them.

Outside is where Newark usually comes into its own. This show above all others is the home of the oddball cars.... Have a look at the pictures to see what I mean

Not the most exciting show report I have ever written but then it wasn't the most exciting show.

Not really a kit car
Not really a kit car
Picture: Giles Cooper
Well it might work when stopped?
Well it might work when stopped?
Picture: Giles Cooper
Another silly roof on a car
Another silly roof on a car
Picture: Giles Cooper
You would never have guessed it was a wet day
You would never have guessed it was a wet day
Picture: Giles Cooper
Tigers
Tigers
Picture: Giles Cooper
Tigers
Tigers
Picture: Giles Cooper
Robin Hood with midget caravan or should that be caravan for midgets
Robin Hood with midget caravan
or should that be caravan for midgets
Picture: Giles Cooper
Skoda based Porsche 550 er thing
Skoda based Porsche 550 er thing
Picture: Giles Cooper
Spartan Treka
Spartan Treka
Picture: Giles Cooper
Vindicator Family - why?
Vindicator Family - an accident in a tent shop
Picture: Giles Cooper

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June Pub Meeting by Giles Cooper

By some fortuitous coincidence we managed to hold a pub meeting on the longest day of the year. Despite bad weather during the day the evening was virtually dry and relatively bright.

It was strange to drive down to the pub completely in bright daylight as all the corners look different when you can see the exit, once I had arrived I found that 4 people had already beaten me, although for some reason Liz was still sitting in the car 20 minutes after arriving as it was very comfy (in a Tiger?), during the next hour or so we had another 5 Tigers turn up.

This gave us (in order of arrival) Simon Bunker, Robert Bunker, Keith Clipsham, James French (without Tiger), myself, Alan Griffin, David Fiske, Niall Turner, Donny and Angela Williamson, and Steve and Paula Tuck. Steve arrived in the Tiger, followed a few minutes later by Paula driving Steve's van.

As the evening stayed dry and we were outside all the time I don't think the pub really made that much money from us during the evening. One of the things I needed to do was ensure that we had people coming to either Kimbolton or the AGM. So we got some more for Kimbolton and for some reason when free food was mentioned quite a few people wanted to come to the AGM. Not quite the reaction speed we get at work when someone brings in food but a good number have agreed to come.

Due to the light evening I think a few people stayed rather later than planned (when I checked my watch it was 10PM and still light). But it was a good evening and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Nice line up of cars
Nice line up of cars
Picture: Giles Cooper
Donny's 7 and Niall's Cat
Donny's 7 and Niall's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
David's Cat and Griff's Six
David's Cat and Griff's Six
Picture: Giles Cooper
Keith's Avon and Tony's Cub
Keith's Avon and Tony's Cub
Picture: Giles Cooper
A pair of Bunkers!
A pair of Bunkers!
Picture: Giles Cooper
More cars
More cars
Picture: Giles Cooper
Owners plotting world domination (or the next club meeting)
Owners plotting world domination
(or the next club meeting)
Picture: Giles Cooper
Steve's Cat
Steve's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper

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Baston Car Show

No event report as such just some pictures to look at here.

Giles and Tony's Tigers
Giles and Tony's Tigers
Picture: Giles Cooper
Simon Burdock's Cat
Simon Burdock's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
American Car With Added Rust
American Car With Added Rust
Picture: Giles Cooper
Austin 7
Austin 7
Picture: Giles Cooper
Pembleton
Pembleton
Picture: Giles Cooper
Nick Flitton's R6
Nick Flitton's R6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Stan Townsend's Avon
Stan Townsend's Avon
Picture: Giles Cooper
Strange Land Rover
Strange Land Rover
Picture: Giles Cooper
TR6s overheating problems getting serious
TR6s overheating problems getting serious
Picture: Giles Cooper
Dean Harley's Spire
Dean Harley's Spire
Picture: Giles Cooper

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Kimbolton Sporting Bears by Giles Cooper

The Kimbolton show was held a week earlier than normal (judging by the weather a week later as I write this that was a good thing...) and we got a mostly dry day. The morning started off dry, bright and sunny and I arrived early to get the gazebo up and not have to pitch it between parked cars.

Once the gazebo was up and I had found a bacon roll then I waited for the rest of the members to turn up. The first to arrive was Doug Kendall in his HS6 - he wasn't a club member when he parked but was a short time later! Over the next hour or so gradually more of the club turned up, I think the final total was about 13 cars although I must admit I didn't keep a total count.

There were some interesting cars at the show - the most impressive being a Jaguar XJ220 which was the first time I had seen one in reality. There were also a lot of Mk1 Escort owners who seem to feel that the car needs low profile tyres on the original size wheels - why? Wandering round the show later on I found a restored example on the correct tyres and it looked so much better.

Most of the club members basically scattered throughout the day and we didn't see much of each other until about 3:10 when it started to rain - so especially to please Liz (who thinks that Kimbolton isn't complete without rain) there is a group photo under the gazebo sheltering from the inclement weather.

Fortunately the bad weather didn't continue for long and by the time the Lancaster did its flypast the sun was coming out again. The best thing about that was that the gazebo dried out before being packed away so I didn't need to dry it when I got home.

All in all a successful day. Incidentally the weather was very localised Paul Dudley left the show and went to the pub about a mile away and didn't see any rain.

I think one of these car is for sale
I think one of these car is for sale
Picture: Giles Cooper
Doug Kendall's HS6s
Doug Kendall's HS6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Line of EATOC Members
Line of EATOC Members
Picture: Giles Cooper
Very Smart Gulf Racer
Very Smart Gulf Racer
Picture: Giles Cooper
Jaguar XJ220
Jaguar XJ220
Picture: Giles Cooper
Austin Healey Rally Car
Austin Healey Rally Car
Picture: Giles Cooper
Cortina MK3  - where's Gene Hunt
Cortina MK3 - where's Gene Hunt
Picture: Giles Cooper
I think the yanks call this a sub-compacts
I think the yanks call this a sub-compact
Picture: Giles Cooper
The obligatory rain shot from Kimbolton
The obligatory rain shot from Kimbolton
Picture: Giles Cooper
Richard Holman's R6
Richard Holman's R6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Hot Rob with colour matched Guard Rope
Hot Rob with colour matched Guard Rope
Picture: Giles Cooper
Jensen Interceptor
Jensen Interceptor
Picture: Giles Cooper
Radical Racer
Radical Racer
Picture: Giles Cooper
Morgan (slightly less cross eyed?)
Morgan (slightly less cross eyed?)
Picture: Giles Cooper
Peter and Maggie Coe about to leave
Peter and Maggie Coe about to leave
Picture: Giles Cooper

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Tiger Open Day by Giles Cooper

For some reason the Tiger open day fell on a warm dry day. Added to the fact that due to their impending move they were selling parts off cheap it certainly encouraged people to turn out for the day.

I arrived fairly early after the long and tortuous drive to the factory (it took all of 15 minutes) and immediately headed to the bargain bin. Although there wasn't anything I needed that didn't stop the others going there. After a few people turned up the stock soon started vanishing. But I will come back to that later, throughout the day a steady stream of cars came and left, I doubt that there were more than 20 cars at any one time, however throughout the day we had about 30+ cars turn up and leave.

Another surprise was an old member of the club turned up. Keith Banthorpe whose name some of you might remember came down to the factory, took a look around and then put in an order for a new GTA to build himself. Other people also put in orders at the same time but I think they couldn't make up their minds on which body to have.

At one point Richard Wilkins tried to persuade Niall to kidnap his grandson Harry - however Niall found him too much trouble and brought him back!

Now back to the parts sale. A couple of people put the carrying capacity of a Tiger to the limit, John Raper managed to carry a nosecone back to Grimsby without incident - have a look at the pictures to see why this is significant.

Mind you the prize for the biggest pile of loot must go to the Wilkins family - they managed to get, a nosecone, rear wings, seat, rear axle, indicator switches and the kitchen sink as well. Good job they brought a Mondeo estate and not the Tiger and Riot!

A lot of people went out for test drives and came back suitably invigorated (scared stupid?). I took Richard for a test drive in my car as he hasn't been in it since the new engine was fitted and we went up to the new location and then back by the Wisbech St Mary route fairly quickly which is a bit bumpy in the Tiger.

We also recruited one new member for the club as well.

Getting back we found a lot of the cars had changed as people came and left and the numbers started thinning out as the day drew to a close.

All in all a very good day

Giles Cooper's Cat
Giles Cooper's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
John Plummer's Super 6
John Plummer's Super 6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Line of Tigers
Line of Tigers
Picture: Giles Cooper
Kevin Rylett's Cat
Kevin Rylett's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
John Raper proving a Tiger can carry small items
John Raper proving a Tiger can carry small items
Picture: Giles Cooper
Steve Tuck's Cat
Steve Tuck's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Adrian Spriggs' Super 6
Adrian Spriggs' Super 6
Picture: Giles Cooper
More Tigerse
More Tigers
Picture: Giles Cooper
Niall's unsuccessful kidnap attempt
Niall's unsuccessful kidnap attempt
Picture: Giles Cooper
New R10
New R10
Picture: Giles Cooper
The Wilkins small haul
The Wilkins small haul
Picture: Giles Cooper
Unusual Avon
Unusual Avon
Picture: Giles Cooper

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Duxford Car Show by Giles Cooper

The Duxford car show took a bit more organising than other events we have done. This is due to the need to book spaces, supply public liability insurance and get people there as well.

A couple of weeks before the event we had had very little interest. With that in mind all I could see us needing was about 5 spaces. In the space of a couple of days this had gone to 10 and then 20 spaces were booked. We seemed to be looking at around 18 cars which wasn't a bad turnout.

On the morning of the event we lost at least one - Paul Browning woke up and realised that the MOT on his Tiger had expired as he came home from the Tiger Open Day. So although he could have got away with it, he decided it would be better to stay at home. Would we lose any more?

In the end we had 14 cars including Simon Noble's R6 (passed IVA on Tuesday had number plates Saturday morning!), Nick Flitton's R6, Rob Bunker's Magic, Simon Bunker's Super 6, Griff's Super 6, David Fiske's Cat, Tony Haggie's Cub, Malcolm Brown's Super 6, my Cat, Nathan Neal's Cat, David Sneesby's R6, Donny Williamson's Locost, Niall Turner's Cat and Steve Tuck's Cat. Not a bad turnout for an event.

Although the day hadn't been billed as a flying one, instead it was the car show as the main event there was a regular flow of aircraft taking off and doing impromptu displays - including a pilot in a jet who seemed to be having great fun all day.

Other car displays of note included a Ford Sierra and Capri (notable for the wrong reasons), a couple of one-off cars and an Austin Champ which claimed to be able to wade through 6 feet of water provided the driver wore full frogman gear as the car is only about 5' 10" tall...

A unique car called the DLM, google DLM rebuild if you want to know about it, a Rover 3.5 with strange wheels, and a BMW Z1 one of the few cars that can be driven with the doors open.

Apart from the frequent high speed showers the day was good and everyone enjoyed it.

The drive home was quite interesting with 5 Tigers dicing through traffic on the A14 but only doing 65mph to avoid the average speed cameras.

BMW Z1 with the doors open
BMW Z1 with the doors open
Picture: Giles Cooper
Rover P5 3.5 Litre with interesting wheels
Rover P5 3.5 Litre with interesting wheels
Picture: Giles Cooper
Unique DLM hand built car
Unique DLM hand built car
Picture: Giles Cooper
Somewhere in this picture is a member of the club
Somewhere in this picture is a member of the club
Picture: Giles Cooper
Steve Tuck's Cat
Steve Tuck's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Niall Turner's Cat
Niall Turner's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Donny Williamson's 7
Donny Williamson's 7
Picture: Giles Cooper
Dave Sneesby's R6
Dave Sneesby's R6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Well it is erm " Interesting " - or a heap...
Well it is erm " Interesting " - or a heap...
Picture: Giles Cooper
Compared to the one on the left...
Compared to the one on the left...
Picture: Giles Cooper
Austin Champ
Austin Champ
Picture: Giles Cooper
Nathan Neal's Cat
Nathan Neal's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Giles Cooper's Cat
Giles Cooper's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Malcolm Brown's Six
Malcolm Brown's Six
Picture: Giles Cooper
Tony Haggie's Cub
Tony Haggie's Cub
Picture: Giles Cooper
David Fiske's Cat
David Fiske's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Griff's Six
Griff's Six
Picture: Giles Cooper
Simon Bunker's Six
Simon Bunker's Six
Picture: Giles Cooper
Rob Bunker's Magic
Rob Bunker's Magic
Picture: Giles Cooper
Nick Flitton's R6
Nick Flitton's R6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Simon Noble's R6
Simon Noble's R6
Picture: Giles Cooper

Line up of all the cars
Line up of all the cars
Picture: Giles Cooper

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Maxey Car Show by Giles Cooper

Well this years Maxey show had one big advantage over last years - it didn't rain. There were a few drops in the morning but nothing compared to last years deluge.

I did take the Gazebo and put it up but we didn't really need it during the day. However there was something missing - you lot! We only had 4 cars turn up during the day, myself, Malcolm Brown, Doug Kendall and Mike Smith who is selling his car.

There was plenty of interest in the cars especially in Doug's HS6 which confused most people as to its age as they thought it was a lot older than it is. I don't know if it will have helped generate sales but a lot of people were interested in it. The car also achieved a unique event it arrived as a 1200cc engine and left as a 1300cc without having any work done to it. Some knowledgeable Triumph owners came along and informed Doug that the engine was a different model to the one Jim thought he had installed.

Now off to the other attractions, talking with Malc in the morning he mentioned he hadn't seen a Jaguar Mk X for years - well I don't know if he spotted this one but it was parked in the top section of the area and was a manual to boot. There was a also a 101 year old Renault taxi which had the meter still running from 1915. A Union Jack wrapped VX220 was a bright addition to the show and a bizarre Orion saloon which had a trailer made from the back of another Orion - I suppose it is one way of keeping kids quiet on a journey if they are in their own car then they can't be heard.

All in all a good day, just a shame we couldn't get more owners there.

Mike Smith's Super 6
Mike Smith's Super 6
Picture: Giles Cooper
1904 Renault taxi (meter running since 1905...)
1904 Renault taxi (meter running since 1905...)
Picture: Giles Cooper
Spartan Kit Car
Spartan Kit Car
Picture: Giles Cooper
Selection of Cars
Selection of Cars
Picture: Giles Cooper
Hilman Avenger Rally Car
Hilman Avenger Rally Car
Picture: Giles Cooper
The VX220 for not attracting attention
The VX220 for not attracting attention
Picture: Giles Cooper
Jaguar Mk X
Jaguar Mk X
Picture: Giles Cooper
1925 Vintage Car
1925 Vintage Car
Picture: Giles Cooper

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August Pub Meeting by Giles Cooper

This was a quieter pub meeting than some we have had. That is probably due to it being the middle of the holiday season so people are away. Despite that we got 5 Tigers, Tony and Liz Haggie, Griff, David Fiske, myself, Simon Noble and Steve Tuck. We had several members turn up in tin-tops as well, Dave Sams who was working just down the road and brought a few of his workers with him, Alan and Eve Whale, and Niall Turner (who came in a pickup but was collecting tyres so had an excuse).

Simon and his girlfriend came wearing t-shirts - I know it was the middle of August but it wasn't that warm, they did put on jackets to go home though.

There isn't really much to report from the event I tried to get people to agree to go to Curborough and Little Gransden.

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Little Gransden Air Show by Giles Cooper

Little Gransden is a slightly different event to those we have done this year. Even though as at Duxford (see review elsewhere) it was at an airfield, this time the cars were the background to a full air show. So this is more of an air show report than a car show.

When I arrived there were already a few Tigers present, Griff, Rob Bunker, and Simon Bunker - so there were willing(?) people able to help put the gazebo up. This was probably a good thing. We had a few more cars arrive over the morning including the Balmoral Bandit (Niall Turner), Paul Ashby and Linda Monk, Nick Griffin and Steve Tuck.

Linda had a problem with her car in that the alternator bracket bolts had sheared leaving part of themselves in the cylinder head of the engine. So the only thing to do was call the RAC out to recover the car back to Peterborough, as without the alternator belt the water pump doesn't work.

It then started to rain - and we had almost everyone dive under the gazebo to get out of the rain. When I say almost everyone Nick just put up a golf umbrella and stayed put in the car claiming it was more comfortable than getting out.

After a look around the cars in the morning I will admit to spending an entire (and occasionally very wet) afternoon on the flight-line with my brother watching the planes and taking loads of photos. P



The Balmoral Bandit makes an appearance
The Balmoral Bandit makes an appearance
Picture: Giles Cooper
Nick stuck in his R6
Nick stuck in his R6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Linda's broken Avon
Linda's broken Avon
Picture: Giles Cooper
EATOC Club Area
EATOC Club Area
Picture: Giles Cooper
Hot Rod with air cleaner by Morrisons
Hot Rod with air cleaner by Morrisons
Picture: Giles Cooper
Cortina that shrank in the wash
Cortina that shrank in the wash
Picture: Giles Cooper
F86 Sabre
F86 Sabre
Picture: Giles Cooper
Parachute Display
Parachute Display
Picture: Giles Cooper
T-28 Fennec
T-28 Fennec
Picture: Giles Cooper
Spartan Executive
Spartan Executive
Picture: Giles Cooper
Crowds
Crowds
Picture: Giles Cooper
Fokker Tri-Plane (curse you red baron)
Fokker Tri-Plane (curse you red baron)
Picture: Giles Cooper
British B-2
British B-2
Picture: Giles Cooper
Wing Walking
Wing Walking
Picture: Giles Cooper
Pair of Silence Twister stunt planes - modelled on Radio Control planes!
Pair of Silence Twister stunt planes - modelled on Radio Control planes!
Picture: Giles Cooper
P51 Mustang
P51 Mustang
Picture: Giles Cooper
Storch Battlefield Survey plane
Storch Battlefield Survey plane
Picture: Giles Cooper
Final of the chair on head competition
Final of the chair on head competition
Picture: Giles Cooper

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Stamford Car Show by Tony Haggie

As is the norm with most Tiger attended events, this one had its fair share of rain but thankfully only light showers.

The layout had changed from previous years as trade stands and dealers were sited on the triangle at the bridge end of the meadows. On the upward side of the path was a cordoned off area with mainly Ferraris with an odd Aston Martin or two. The next area was Modern Classics with Minis, Escorts, Capris, BMWs and just about every other make of car. The Sportscars were next with Kit Cars and American Muscles, Porsches, and the usual sprinkling of Japanese and British Sports.

Alongside the river were the true classics of pre-war vintage, a Renault taxi and a stunning Rolls Royce Silver Ghost open tourer in immaculate condition. Bodywork in silver with luxurious blue leather upholstery, everything polished to the nth degree. This outstanding car sat between Austin 7s and Morris 8s and 10s but surely more valuable than the Italian supercars in their cosseted 'Keep your hands off my car' enclosure. At the rear were two areas, one for motor cycles and the other for TVR Club.

Tigers had a minimal presence with the Cub, a Super Cat from Peterborough and new to me at least an Avon with clamshell wings, very rare. The car was built by Neil Tuckey with a 2 litre Pinto on twin 40's and finished in Rover Nightfire Red metallic. A really good looking car now owned by Philip Gutteridge from Ketton.

On the subject of paintwork we parked behind a 60's Mustang in a Starsky and Hutch red up for sale at £18000 which some bloke with a Ferrari in the special enclosure was thinking about buying for his son . Talking to the owner and the Sprayer who had done the paint job about 3 years ago, all the bills were in the boot including £1500 for paint and a further £3723 for labour etc on the paint job.

Didn't have a lot of time to look round everything due to the showers, friends, acquaintances and enthusiasts chatting and forgot the camera so no photos.

There was like most shows swarms of TVRs, strange thing is you seldom see them on the road, they must be all parked up at shows plotting the next mass outing to park up, that's probably why most left early to get to the next show to huddle together excluding all others.

We were treated to two fly-pasts, the first not billed of the Vulcan which did a couple of low level passes and then the obligatory Battle of Britain Lancaster doing several passes. The show seemed better attended this year but with 32 TVRs booked to appear, though I didn't count them, its not surprising. Kit cars were not that well represented with Tiger, Locost, Luego, Ultima, Gentry, Westfield, Caterham but only in ones and twos and surprisingly the most popular being Lomax.

A well organised show in an idyllic riverside setting but spoiled at the end. Though there were no police directing traffic when entering in the morning when it would be a great advantage with cars entering a single car park entrance from several directions, the exit was better attended by the boys in blue (make that girls) who diverted us away from the easy route home through the narrowest streets to the A1 on the north side of Stamford due to a road race through the town organised on the same day. When road runners use the roads and pay road tax then I will stop complaining about motorists' rights.

Grumpy Old Tiger Cub owner

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Derbyshire Run III by Rachel Collins

When I saw in the magazine that there was a run into Derbyshire, if we had anything booked for that day, it would have to be changed, as Derbyshire is one of my favourite places to visit.

An early morning start, and it felt quite autumnal as we headed to Peterborough to meet up with a few others.

Heading north on the A1, I noticed a black cloud looming and the southbound traffic with its wiper blades in action, soon the heavy spots of rain the first of many, start to fall. Griff flicks the switch and yep you guessed it, only 1 works so at 65 mph, I unbuckle my harness and try to crouch over the screen to see why the passenger side is not working, No luck, so dismantle, luckily Griff could still see our leader. 

I suppose he was not too worried about losing the leader as he had now established how my sat-nav works. I had it purchased on a whim to eliminate bickering about map reading when we travelled to Germany a year or so back (afraid I just read the bit I wanted to know and not how to load an itinerary). With some input from Giles too, the day's itinerary was successfully loaded and saved!

Leaving the A1 to head towards Langham, our next scheduled stop, Griff has to do a swift emergency stop at the road junction, so that we don't pull out in front a police car. This we duly followed into Oakham and of course, we are religiously sticking to the speed limit! So we could not make the Mobile Speed Camera man's day as we all trundle into the village below the speed limit. After our leg stretch at Langham, we depart and during the next leg of the journey end up following a tractor for 10 or so miles. I am wondering if Giles is trying to get the driver to join our club as it felt at some points we were stationary. 

I suppose it was only natural that the convoy of Tigers became separated during the negotiation of traffic lights at Melton Mowbray and Rempstone but everyone appears to have caught up as we get to the M1. It is a very nice feeling, when you see other road users and pedestrians, acknowledge the group and admire us, for what, the car or the foolery? knowing that it will pour with rain again soon. As we are leaving Trowell services after a quick stop as we are behind schedule no amount of shouting from Mandy can stop a red car from reversing into Ady's (Spriggs) car and yes you have guessed it - a male driver!

After leaving Ripley, the group yet again get separated, with 3 Tigers missing the A38 turning. Hopefully, they have noticed that they have missed the turning and will wiz around the roundabout to see if they can catch us up. Along the route, we encounter 2 lost Tigers, so they tag onto our group, at every turning, I turn back and look to see if we still have the 5 Tigers in sight and I say to Griff, hope Donny is not thinking that I fancy him as I keep looking back at him and the others!!

An interesting route to the pub, narrow lanes, often without passing places, lucky we did not encounter much traffic, just the odd bunch of walkers and quaint villages. In the car park, other Tiger drivers try to make contact with the missing Tigers but what with the poor mobile signal and not knowing, where they went, it is a hard task to give them directions as we don't know which direction they are heading. But luckily 20 minutes later, they arrive; hopefully Simon and Ali have not been put off by this extra adventure. By now, I am starving and can definitely recommend the Bakewell Tart as it was scrummy.

Did Donny and Angie want to spend longer at the pub and enjoy the area as Donny's car did not want to start after lunch? Yet again, we set off in two groups, a fantastic stretch of twists and turns, tight cornering and roaring through the railway tunnel, such a shame that it poured with rain during this stretch. Yet again, we seem to have lost some Tigers, by now, you would have thought that Niall would have mastered the art of looking for interesting points, after being crowned the 'Treasure Hunt Man of the Year', earlier this year. 

Soon, all good things come to an end and as we arrive at the petrol station, there is Paula tucked up in her car, awaiting Niall, Donny and Simon. We say our goodbyes and start our return leg home, following Ady through Derby, stopping at a nice pub in Wymondham. It had such a cosy feel, we felt that we could have stayed all evening. Somewhere along the route into Peterborough, we lost David (Fiske) and could not make out his car in the dark but he had to stop as he had cramp. We only found this out when Griff rang him to see that he made it home all ok.

Once again, thank you Giles for being the organiser. A great day was had by Griff and I and surely many others too.

Rachel Collins

For an alternative view of the same event keep on reading - pictures are at the bottom.

Derbyshire Run III by Giles Cooper

Well above you have read Rachel's report so here is a slightly different point of view of the same event.

It was an interesting day to say the least. Not helped by the slightly inclement weather we had to put up with. The starting point for the run was at Peterborough services as in previous years. As a precaution against running late I had moved the start time slightly earlier than last year - amazingly all the people who had said they would be coming arrived at Peterborough ahead of the start time. So we left with a convoy of myself, Griff and Rachel, Simon and Ali, Adrian and Mandy, Steve and Paula, and David Fiske.

As a consequence of this we actually left the services on time and headed off towards Langham. Whilst driving down the A1 it started to rain - this was to be the only rain we saw until the lunch stop. However it provided some interesting moments (as I was in the lead I didn't see this happening) Simon Noble discovers his wipers weren't working and Griff has a wiper try to escape but Rachel rescued it (for full explanation see Rachel's article).

The rest of the run to Langham once we were clear of the A1 was back in the dry. At Langham we had a few minutes pause before we met Niall and Donny. After a few minutes banter and an explanation of how Niall broke his steering wheel we continued on to Melton Mowbray and then to the M1 services. In Melton town centre the traffic lights caused their usual chaos and caused people to get separated. For next year's run I will put in a collection point for lost souls so we don't have people getting left behind.

The only other thing of interest was getting stuck behind a tractor for 10 miles (well it felt like 10)

We arrived at the services about 3 minutes off the schedule - not bad over 50 miles. At the services we met up with Peter Conner. We should also have met Simon Bunker but he got his M1 junctions confused and rang to say he was at the A610 junction so I advised him to go to Ripley and meet us there. After a collective set of dropped jaws nobody filled up with fuel and everyone decided we could make the Ripley Sainsbury's instead - given a choice would you pay £ 1.47/litre or £ 1.34 for unleaded - thought so. Again I am left wondering if we need the stop at the services as Ripley is only 11 miles further away.

So at Ripley everyone who needed to do so filled up with fuel.

At the Ripley stop we met Simon Bunker, Ian Welsh, Jason Fairweather, Ian Griffiths, Andy Woodcock, and Anthony Walker. We stopped for some photos and a quick chat before heading off on the route - well that was the idea.

We left Ripley heading down the A610, and came to a roundabout where we needed to turn onto the A38. At this point three of them decided to follow their own route, David took the wrong exit, followed closely by Steve Tuck and Simon Noble. As none of them had a sat-nav with the itinerary they got somewhat lost and we didn't see them until the pub (20 minutes after everyone else), for the rest of us the route was interesting with some A (no), B (no) Z (probably) rated single track roads through different parts of the Peak District. The villages we passed through were Duffield Wirksworth, Middleton,then across to Carsington Water, along the narrow single track lane to Bradbourne and lunch at Bentley Brook Hotel at Fenny Bentley.

Most of us had a good lunch at the pub - although the lost souls union might have had to hurry theirs somewhat, the food was good and certainly the meal I had was tasty. During the meal the rain started - hence the number of photos with cars under tarps, hoods, etc as these were all taken after lunch.

Upon leaving the pub I decided to take the tail end position to TRY and keep everyone in check. I will freely admit now that it was a somewhat futile gesture. The first problem was that Donny's car wouldn't start. It was finally started by Niall with a tap to the fuel pump from a no.1 Tiger Tool. After that we rejoined the end of the convoy. The route after lunch was then onto Milldale and Alstonfield. At this point the tail end group got split and as I had the only sat-nav got asked to take the lead.

I did and drove to the front of the queue checked and thought everyone was behind me but Simon Noble had a problem with the wipers on his car and he, Donny and Niall were left behind and got rather lost.

Well I thought there were 6 cars behind me but after going through the tunnel and pulling up at Wetton Mill found we were short. Unfortunately we were in a part of the country where there isn't a mobile signal there so no way of getting in touch. After waiting for a while but not seeing any sign of them we decided to head back to Ashbourne via Ilam, and Thorpe, through the grounds of Okeover Hall and Mayfield. Well that was the plan at some point before Thorpe I took a wrong turning and ended up on my own. Not sure where to go I or where I was I just put in Kegworth to the satnav and drove home on my own as I didn't know where everyone else had gone.

Apparently people converged on the fuel stop from all directions and eventually Niall got in touch with Steve Tuck who then gave directions to the petrol station and brought the lost people back to civilisation, everyone as far as I know made it home safely although we need to do something better to get people back to known locations if or when they get separated.

The rain and only having 3 out of 15 cars who had a copy of the route didn't help. So we are planning some changes - some of you may have heard of Tulip Rally books - if not have a look on the internet they are basically a road book which details every junction that you will come across and tells you where to go. If we use this then people hopefully would have a harder job of getting lost, we also need to publish sat-nav co-ordinates/ postcodes of regroup locations - i.e. if you get lost go to DE6 2AG (Wetton Mills Postcode) for example as a meeting point.

But hopefully everyone enjoyed the day and it won't put people off coming on other runs.

Cars Lined up At Ripley
Cars Lined up At Ripley
Picture: Giles Cooper
Cars Lined up At Ripley
Cars Lined up At Ripley
Picture: Giles Cooper
Cars Lined up At Ripley
Cars Lined up At Ripley
Picture: Giles Cooper
Simon Noble's R6
Simon Noble's R6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Pete's R6
Pete's R6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Ian Griffiths' Avon
Ian Griffiths' Avon
Picture: Giles Cooper
It wsn't raining we spent ages covers on to fool people...
It wsn't raining we spent ages covers on to fool people...
Picture: Giles Cooper
Alright is was chucking it down...
Alright is was chucking it down...
Picture: Giles Cooper
Tigers preparing to pounce over the wall
Tigers preparing to pounce over the wall
Picture: Giles Cooper
SImon Bunker's Super 6
Simon Bunker's Super 6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Andy Woodcock's R6
Andy Woodcock's R6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Ian (route planer extrodinaire) Welsh's Cat
Ian (route planer extrodinaire) Welsh's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Anthony Walker's R6
Anthony Walker's R6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Griff and Rachel's Super 6
Griff and Rachel's Super 6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Donny's 7
Donny's 7
Picture: Giles Cooper
Peter Conner's Cat
Peter Conner's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Adrian Sprigg's Super 6
Adrian Sprigg's Super 6
Picture: Giles Cooper
Giles Cooper's Cat
Giles Cooper's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
Steve Tuck's Cat
Steve Tuck's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper
David Fiske's Cat
David Fiske's Cat
Picture: Giles Cooper

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Tiger Open Evening by Giles Cooper

My third event in 5 days and this is the first one that I stayed dry for.

The Tiger open evening was designed to get the local companies and businesses to know that Tiger had moved in and was ready for business. As a result of this Jim had spent the previous couple of days dropping off leaflets in all the shops in Wisbech town centre, getting the local press to cover the event and obviously the main kit car magazines - well I say Steve Hole of Total Kit Car was there and I was asked to take some photos for Complete Kit Car as neither Adam nor Ian could make it.

It is always difficult to judge how much of a success these sort of events are, but I would estimate there were about 150 people coming through the doors over the 3 hours that it was in operation, how many of these will translate into orders for new cars or work on people's current vehicles only time will tell.

But onto the important bits - now the move has been completed you can see where the work has gone, fitted into the workshop are a brand new 4 post lift, new roller brake tester and a good quality epoxy floor, the fabrication area is now on site and has space for all the jigs, and machinery as well. Upstairs is a large parts department, with tea making facilities, space for all the trimming work and a large storage area for chassis and body panels awaiting collection.

The office space has been dramatically improved as well with a new reception area, usable toilets (as anyone who has been to the old workshop knows this is a dramatic improvement), and a new office as well.

Although the unit is slightly smaller than the two old buildings the benefits of having everyone and everything on site should outweigh any slight disadvantages.

So if you haven't been along - get over there and buy those parts you have been meaning to for the last few months.

New Site from Outside
New Site from Outside
Picture: Giles Cooper
Workshop View
Workshop View
Picture: Giles Cooper
Workshop View
Workshop View
Picture: Giles Cooper
Parts awaiting collection
Parts awaiting collection
Picture: Giles Cooper
Workshop View
Workshop View
Picture: Giles Cooper
Workshop View
Workshop View
Picture: Giles Cooper
Fabrication Area
Fabrication Area
Picture: Giles Cooper
Where Gary lurks...
Where Gary lurks...
Picture: Giles Cooper

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