THAMES VALLEY REGION NEWSLETTER

APRIL – MAY 2020

Hopefully everybody is well? This is the newsletter about nothing much – mainly event date changes that are subject to further changes!

ALL SOCIAL MEETINGS ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

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 would have been on Wednesday 29th April 2020.

Brooklands Mini Day should have been on the 22nd March 2020 and this has now been RE-SCHEDULED to 1st November 2020, fingers crossed!

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. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE TO 15th AUGUST. 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

At the moment, this year’s Thames Valley Tour will be on the 19th July. However, the advice on social events etc changes regularly, so watch this space.

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

You will, no doubt, have heard about the MOT exemption scheme.

Vehicles owners to be granted MOT exemption in the battle against Coronavirus.
Vehicle owners will be granted a 6-month exemption from MOT testing, enabling them to continue to travel to work where this cannot be done from home ot to shop for necessities. Vehices MUST be kept in a roadworthy condition. https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/govuk-mot-exemption-in-battle-against-coronavirus

April’s CooperWorld shows the 3rd in the Technical Topics series by Thames Valley Region regular, Richard Pengelly. The article focuses on MPI and SPI cars (fuel injection models) and mentions some trouble shooting methods which look to be very useful if you are at all involved with the maintenance of these later date cars.

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:

ALL EVENTS ARE LIKELY TO BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE OF DATE OR CANCELLATION SO PLEASE CHECK BEFORE ATTENDING

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.

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

NEW DATE 7th – 9th August 2020 The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show 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 August.
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/

NEW DATE 15th August Popham Classic Car Show and Vintage Fly-in 10am-5pm. Contact Ken Hunter if you are interested.

NEW DATE 16th August 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!

NEW DATE 11th October 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!

NEW DATE 1st November 2020 Brooklands Mini Day 9am-5pm Depending on local members views we may 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.

That’s all for now. No excuses for not having time to get those jobs done, if you can get parts of course!

Keep your distance … ONLY A FOOL BREAKS THE 2 METRE RULE!

Lorraine: thames_valley@minicooper.org

Ken: thames_valley@minicooper.org

Reply to Lorraine Hampson | Apr 20,2020 |