GEORGE MOTOR FESTIVAL14 Feb to 18 Feb

It seems quite a while ago we were meeting at the Shell Garage on the N2 near the Gordons Bay turn off. We even had friends pass by to wish us well and once all ready we set off in convoy. A breakfast stop was made in Heidelberg, which as always is a good place to catch-up, eat and do repairs. 

Talking about repairs we had the infamous water pump saga here. Gordon, the least mechanical of drivers, in his white TR6 carried a boot full of spares – to the detriment of the amount of clothes (and hair mousse) I could pack! In the boot he just happened to have a new water pump, which Ashley’s newly restored red TR6 required after the water pump was found to be leaking! Mike and Ashley replaced this water pump in 15 minutes flat and we were on the road again. We passed the Morris Minor contingents several times on the way to George, they must have thought there were either a lot of Triumphs heading towards George, or we were a nuisance on the road. We arrived in George late afternoon and checked into our chalets which were conveniently close together, and we were duly warned to behave ourselves by the Napoli’s who were next door to us. 

Andrew van Lingen's TR3, & Deon de Kock's TR4 (from the Port Eliabeth club)

We met at 9.30am Saturday morning and proceeded to the grounds, which happened to be across the road. Paid our R10.00 entrance fees for passengers and parked our cars together. There was a great display of vehicles ranging from Triumphs (from both the Cape Town and PE Centres), Jaguars, MGs, Mercs, a lot of very old cars, tractors, big trucks, etc. It was delightful seeing all those American “Yank tanks” as I like to call them. Each vehicle group had a drive past and in the afternoon we had ours and Geoff Davis gave a well-informed commentary as they drove past. 

A pleasant day was had by all, and we headed back to our chalets late afternoon. It was at this time we were informed there was a braai for everyone at the car show that evening, but we had unfortunately already made arrangements for the start of our gastronomical weekend in George which I hastened to add included a visit to the Milky Way. This did not include the food at the show, which carried such delights as curried tripe - definitely not one of the ‘must haves’ on my food list. Jill Davis, with Monica’s assistance, always organised the restaurant reservations and secure parking. Our last night was at an Italian restaurant, which was celebrating it’s second night in operation, and we were again happy with the food and service. Sunday in George called for something a little special and once again Jill organised breakfast in Wilderness. After breakfast everyone headed off in different directions –some continued their journey, others returned to Cape Town, others went to Knysna which was under an hour away, where I believe oysters were consumed in great quantity by some. 

Jerome van Straaten's TR5, and Dave Lugg's Spitfire...

We found our way to the wonderful beach in Wilderness, where Gordon swam and fought those strong currents. Monday morning was the end of a great weekend; we headed to Knysna for a few days, while others returned to Cape Town. To Geoff and Jill – thanks for organising an enjoyable weekend as I know a lot of effort went into getting everything and everybody together. 

Denise Waring 

LIST OF ATTENDEES 
Andrew and Soekie van Lingen,  TR3 
Mike and Nerina Napoli, TR7 
Denise and Gordon Waring, TR6 
Maggie and Ashley Ellis, TR6 
Brian and Sheila Maggs, TR3A 
Monika and Peter du Sautoy, GT6 
Leonora and Reuben Hiten, TR6 
Dave and Pat Lugg, Spitfire 
Des Rudolph, TR7 
Jill and Geoff Davis, TR3 
Ronan and Charmaine Sanderson 

Joined up with: 
Frikkie Viljoen (P.E.) TR6 
Deon and Dana de Kock (P.E.) TR4 
Hans Koncki (P.E.) TR4A 
John Rademan (P.E.) 
Piet Prinsloo (Mossel Bay) 
TR3 Unknown (George) TR3

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