Message sent by Lorraine Hampson
THAMES VALLEY REGION NEWSLETTER AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2019by Lorraine Hampson THAMES VALLEY REGION NEWSLETTERAUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019A reminder that our meetings are on the last Wednesday of the month at The Crooked Billet, London Road, Hook, Hants, RG27 9EH from 8pm. All members are very welcome, you don’t have to own a Mini Cooper – any Mini will do! It doesn’t matter if you turn up without your Mini either….just come along for a drink and a chat with other members…..we’re quite a friendly bunch of people. If you have any technical queries about your Minis then there is bound to be somebody at the meeting who can help you. NEXT MEETING – 28th August 2019 HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! If you went to the IMM in Bristol then you were braver than me! The abysmal weather made the weekend very difficult but I’m sure the organisers did all they could in the adverse conditions. Our summer run – The Thames Valley Tour 2019 on the 28th July was a great day, well organised and almost perfect weather. I’m sure everyone enjoyed themselves on the day. Look out for the report in CooperWorld. Talking of CooperWorld, I’m sure you’ll have seen the Thames Valley Region reports and photos from Beaulieu and Popham Airfield Not everyone uses Facebook but if you do, did you know about the Thames Valley Region’s Facebook group? It’s worth a look and you may even see photos of your car. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock this year, you can’t have failed to notice that it’s 60 years since the Mini was “born”. 26th August 1959. A key date in UK motoring history – the date when BMC (British Motor Corporation) unveiled a car to the UK press that truly captured the imagination of the car buying public and turned the compact car segment on its head. Born as a result of the fuel shortage caused by the 1956 Suez Crisis it was a supermini designed to turn heads and combat fuel rationing which saw sales of larger vehicles fall dramatically. Chief Designer, Alex Issigonis was tasked to combat the hugely successful Fiat 500 and design a “proper miniature car” in the words of Leonard Lord, the head of BMC at the time. He laid down a basic design requirement that the car should be no longer than 10 feet and of that, 6ft should be passenger accommodation. For cost reasons, Issigonis had to use an existing engine. It used a conventional BMC A-Series four-cylinder, water-cooled engine, but in a masterstroke the design team mounted it transversely, lubricated the 4-speed transmission with the engine-oil from the vehicle and installed front-wheel drive. Almost all small front-wheel-drive cars developed since have used a similar configuration. The suspension system was also a technological triumph using space-saving compact rubber cones rather than conventional springs. With the 4 wheels positioned right at each corner of the chassis and these rigid rubber cones it gave the mini its characteristic ‘go-kart’ handling. The Mini was officially announced to the public on 26 August 1959 by which time around 2,000 cars had already been sent abroad and were displayed that day simultaneously in nearly 100 countries. 60 years later and the Mini has become one of the iconic models of UK motoring. From gearknobs and clothing to stickers and badges, you can find celebratory Mini 60th Anniversary items in our club shop and more goodies are being added on a regular basis….if you can’t find what you’re looking for then please ask. Have a look at the website Mini Cooper Register and click on club shop. DIARY DATES: 1st Sunday of each month: Bill Rawles Classic Cars Natter & Nibbles 10am-1pm Unit 2, Dukes Mill, Station Approach, Medstead, GU34 5EN First Sunday of every month in the summer between April to September, a coffee morning and consequently classic car show. This relaxed and informal event is open to any make and model, whether you are a customer or not, we don’t mind as we are just car enthusiasts too who enjoy the show. Bacon rolls, tea, coffee and cake is supplied (free for a charity donation). 1st Sunday of each month: Classic Car Sunday at the Departure Lounge, Alton All pre 1990 classic cars are welcome to the Classic Car Sunday meets that take place on the first Sunday of each month during the summer. The free meet starts from 2.00pm, where owners can take part in a chilled and relaxed Sunday afternoon classic car gathering. The site has ample free parking on a dedicated event field. The Cafe has full facilities. 17th August The Collectively Camberley Car Show 10am till 4pm. Spaces are limited for this town-centre show, sign up online. Now in its 8th year and raising funds for charity. I suspect you’ll be too late to enter this but you can still visit. 18th August MCR Kent Region’s Ham Sandwich Run Contact: Justin – events@minicooper.org 25th August 2019 Minis at Goodwood (a bank holiday weekend).The event has been organised in the spirit of The Italian Job charity event, and the main aim, as well as providing a unique day out, is to raise a fantastic amount for the nominated charity, Buttle UK.As with the Italian Job, Minis at Goodwood is open to any Mini, old or new. They’ll also welcome any vehicle that featured in the original 1969 film (Lamborghini Miura, E-Type Jag, Aston DB4 and others), or any vehicle which has competed in the Italian Job event. https://www.minisatgoodwood.com/ 15th Sept The Rural Life Centre at Tilford, Farnham 10am – 5pm The Classic vehicle Gathering returns to attract all manner of vintage vehicles. From motorbikes to Fords, Jaguars, Austins and Zephyrs, there will be plenty to delight classic vehicle fans. 21st Sept : The Herald Classic Car Show (Alton) The popular annual Alton Herald Classic Car Show returns to Alton town centre on Saturday 21st Sept 10am-4pm. 20th-27th Sept Minis to Ireland That’s all for now. Enjoy your Minis, whether driving them or working on them. Summer is fast coming to a close unfortunately but hopefully there’s a lot more pleasant weather to come yet! Lorraine: thames_valley@minicooper.org Ken: thames_valley@minicooper.org
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