THAMES VALLEY REGION NEWSLETTER JAN – FEB 2020

Message sent by Lorraine Hampson

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THAMES VALLEY REGION NEWSLETTER JAN – FEB 2020

by Lorraine Hampson

THAMES VALLEY REGION NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2020

ISN’T TIME FLYING BY? IT’S ALREADY NEARLY SPRING!

A 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. If you are a new member then please do come along.

NEXT MEETING –the next meeting at Hook will be on Wednesday 26th February 2020.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Now that the dust has settled after Bournemouth 2020 at the Ocean Beach & Spa Hotel, I can honestly say that the weekend was an overall success (except perhaps for Saturday’s DJ) and thanks go to the organisers and to the hotel for fitting us in at such short notice. You can read all about the history of the weekends at the Hinton Firs in February’s CooperWorld.

Bookings can be made for next year’s event 29 – 31st Jan 2021. Central Reservation Team 01202-298350

Brooklands Mini Day will be on the 22nd March 2020 and our region will have our usual display. The list for display cars is now full and there are several on the reserve list. Fingers crossed for the weather as it can be almost anything at that time of year.

All types of Mini (including the modern BMW) are invited to this annual event, so expect displays in all areas of the Museum site. From the oldest to the newest, this year’s event will see some of the earliest examples nestling among hundreds of Minis and their variations including vans and pickups. As always Test Hill will be in action in the morning and afternoon.
There will be a variety of trade stands offering mini parts, spares and memorabilia.

Following the success of last year’s event the Thames Valley Region will again have an MCR Club Stand at the Popham Classic Car Show. This is a thoroughly enjoyable day out with trade stalls and an impressive aircraft display and fly-in. Contact Ken Hunter for further details.
https://www.popham-airfield.co.uk/classic-car-rally

Make a note in your diary for this year’s Thames Valley Tour, the 19th July. A route through the Thames Valley countryside, of about 100 miles with navigation using an easy to follow road book. Places of interest to visit on the way including the lunch stop at a National Trust venue. The event starts with a “rally breakfast” at the White Lion Antiques, Hartley Wintney and will finish at The Raven Hotel, Hook. Please contact the entries secretary, Clive Brooks brooks.c2@sky.com 01189 868280

If you would like to have your say about the running of the MCR or nominate a candidate for Committee election or suggest an Agenda item for discussion, then the AGM is on the 8th March at Banbury. You can see further details in CooperWorld.

Also in February’s CooperWorld is an article by Thames Valley Region regular, Richard Pengelly. The article talks about the electrical gremlins that all too often affect our Minis and suggests useful ways of making our cars more reliable.

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 “summer” 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 “summer” 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.

22nd March 2020 Brooklands Mini Day 9am-5pm We will be having our usual stand at this event. If you would like your name to be added to the reserve display list, please contact Lorraine or Ken or Clive.

27th – 29th March 2020 The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show is the show to attend to kick-start the classic car season. Whether you are looking to ignite your passion to a finish restoration project or simply want to reminisce with family and friends over the beautiful completed classic cars on display, you should visit the NEC Birmingham in March.
The event brings together 1000+ cars on display, 150+ car clubs representing a wide variety of marques and models; 250+ exhibitors and autojumblers including restoration companies, services providers and product suppliers; car auction, celebrities, car competitions and practical workshops on restoration skills. http://www.necrestorationshow.com/

10 May Popham Classic Car Show and Vintage Fly-in 10am-5pm. Contact Ken Hunter if you are interested.

16-17 May LSMOC London to Brighton Run Although tickets are sold out for this event, if you keep an eye on social media, you may be lucky to find some for sale. Even so, it’s still worth a visit to Brighton and is a great day out at the seaside!

14 June Beaulieu National Mini Day The event of the year! We will be having our regional stand and will be hoping to win the Best Regional Stand Award again!

19 July Thames Valley Tour 2020. Entry form and event regulation are available from the entries secretary, Clive Brooks brooks.c2@sky.com 01189 868280

That’s all for now. Enjoy your Minis however you can and think ahead to warmer and drier weather. Spring is on the way … believe it or not!

Lorraine: thames_valley@minicooper.org

Ken: thames_valley@minicooper.org

Reply to Lorraine Hampson | Feb 14,2020 |