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A disappointingly small but enthusiastic group of 16 people turned out for this event which was hosted by Brian and Sheila Maggs in Brian's workshop. Nic and Margaret sent apologies as Nics battery was kaput and they were stuck with a transport problem. Young Colin Maggs was tasked with explaining and demonstrating the finer nuances of propshaft repairs, manufacturing and balancing to us and proceeded to do just that in the most informative and entertaining manner (my personal best was when Gian Mani nearly got zapped by kilos of grease being flung from a rotating propshaft. Dammit Colin you must improve your aim! !) Another highlight was being shown just how easy it is to replace universal joints using only one lightweight hammer , although, having a 30 ton press on standby does help just in case you come across a really obstinate bugger. After the demonstrations Colin changed from overalls into his super dude outfit in order to attend a dinner function whilst the rest of us partook of the fine foods and drinks so kindly provided by Brian and Sheila. Entertaining, informative with free food and drinks---mores the pity that so few attended.

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If the numbers for the noggin were low this event more than made up for the previous shortfall. There were 18 Triumphs and no less than 40 people present at what must rate as one of our most successful events in recent times. The Somerset West brigade put in a strong showing and there were a number of new cars/faces as well as some folk we do not get to see too often. Theo Brandt defied family by briefly taking time off from his wife's birthday celebrations just to pop around and show us that he is alive and well after his recent operation and is now fully capable of once again piloting his side screen. Ashley Ellis and wife Maggie arrived in a black Posch car, the TR6 being only 90% complete--please do not let the last 10% be too drawn out! ! Andrew Uitenbogaardt at long last got to display his recently rebuilt Mark II Spitfire--complete with twin roll bars behind both seats and Mrs Doubtfire (previously known as Double Rugged) was there in her/his recently acquired TR7 convertible. It would be an understatement to say that the arrival of this combination left the assembled multitude speechless, even Muriel (Mr Doubtfire?) aka Grahame's handbrake, looked suitably relaxed and happy, obviously having enjoyed the drive in a decent car for a change.

Events got underway with a clean car competition. It was heartening to see the amount of effort everybody put into getting their cars spick and span. As this discipline is fairly easy, judging had to be strict, and at the end of it all what separated the goats from the sheep was the wheel rims and spare wheel well. Few thought about cleaning the inside of the rims or vacuuming the space under the spare wheel. They now know for next time.

Next up was a driving test organised and laid out by Mrs Doubtfire whose knickers were prominently displayed every time a gust of wind sprung up -- YECCH. The test itself was well laid out, the "blind driver" with navigator test was particularly hilarious and, much as it hurts, one has to say congratulations Mrs Doubtfire. Job well jone.

While all of this was going on Ronan rigged up an aerial and decoder so that the rugby match between England and the inept Boks could be "enjoyed". Thank God I was busy with the driving tests for the whole of the first half and only had to endure the last 30 mins or so of some of the saddest rugby I have ever seen. Gerhard, obviously as unhappy as I was, trundled off to get the braai fires started. To keep the entertainment level high, Dave Pimm, Geoffs brother in law, had put together a photo montage quiz which kept everybody occupied and amused. As an interesting interlude I was extremely heartened to see so many members bringing family and friends to this event. Even more heartening to see was the manner in which, without exception, these visitors entered into the spirit of the event and appeared to enjoy it as much, if not more, than the regular members. Amazing. By this time the braai fires were ready and the serious business of cooking food and feeding faces got underway. Towards the end of "supper" the clubhouse lights were dimmed and to a rousing rendition of "Jingle Bells", led by Brian Maggs and performed by all those present, Father Xmas made his Ho HO HO entrance and proceeded to distribute gifts. The Somerset West Youth Choir, all five of them, gave us a delightful "Heilege Nag" (Silent Night) Xmas carol, and I thought I saw a tear or two trickle from Father Xmas's eye, -naah,- can't possibly be Double Rugged in disguise. Once the gifts had been distributed Father Xmas had to get into his TR7 convertible (what ever happened to sleighs?) and toodle off to another car club.

In between all of this Geoff together with his brother in law, and Nerina had been tallying up the score sheets for the quiz, driving test and cleanest car competition. The results were amalgamated, dissected, computed and fried in butter to obtain an overall winner.

The results were:

On that positive and happy note the mass exodus began, and how rewarding to see the smiles of enjoyment on the faces of those leaving. I sincerely hope that this becomes an annual event qnd that the incoming Committee will expand on the concept next year. An enormous thank you to all those who attended and to all those backroom people who put so much effort into making this event the success that it was.

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Previous Events - November 2001