AUSTIN HEALEY CLUB

THAMES VALLEY CENTRE

AGM 2006 Secretary’s Report

Held at The Queen’s Oak, Finchampstead

Tuesday 7^th November 2006

Committee Membership

The committee, elected at the November 2005 AGM, consisted of:

Nigel Unsworth (Chair and NEC Director)

Liz Unsworth (Secretary & Treasurer)

Nick Crocker (Membership Secretary)

George Grammer (Editor)

Rob Fenton (Web-master)

Alan Pitkin

Alan Cross

Mick Dwyer

Brian White

During the year, Nigel Unsworth and Liz Unsworth both sadly had to resign as Nigel’s job meant he was having to relocate to Perth in Australia for some time. Unfortunately, he felt the commute to the committee meetings was just a little too far!!!! In addition, George Grammer resigned mid way through the year, in order to take full advantage of the forthcoming marital bliss and his new abode. The committee wishes to formally thank George for all his sterling work for the Centre. However, a mere thanks to Nigel and Liz is really not enough. I don’t recall how many years these two have been at the helm of the Centre committee, but it was a very long time. They both gave so much of their time to both TVC and the Club. All I can say - and the whole committee joins me in this - is on behalf of TVC a really huge thank you. Of course all those aforementioned will be missed – unless of course they’d like to come back!

As a result, some temporary reshuffling had to take place. Brian White was called in to fill the place of acting Chairman, I took on the role of acting Secretary and Alan Cross took on the responsibility of NEC Director and Editor, and Alan Pitkin the acting Treasurer.

Events 2006

The RAF Brize Norton Family Day on Saturday 24^th June was by invitation only and those Thames Valley members that made the trip were entertained by a fantastic air display featuring acrobatic biplanes, VC10s, Chinook helicopters, Spitfires, a sky-diving team, static aircraft displays, craft fairs and fair ground rides to name but a few, as well as numerous food and refreshment stalls. In addition to the above attractions, there was also a classic sports car display, to which of course the Healey club contributed.

In August, the Thames Valley Centre was invited to the Wroughton Classic & Vintage. Basically it was a monster autojumble to rival Beaulieu, plus car club stands.

Later in August, members met at the "The Golden Ball"for a pub lunch and natter. It was a glorious day and we had a very good turnout. Photos can be seen on the Thames Valley web-site www.austin-healey-club.co.uk .

This year, as we did in 2005, the Thames Valley Centre decided to spend some of its funds on subsidising tickets for members only at the Goodwood Revival on Sunday 3^rd September. A number (albeit small) took advantage of this great offer, and once again had a fabulous day out. Members who didn’t go, missed a treat.

In October, the Centre organised a p**s-up in a brewery – the Chiltern Brewery to be exact. There were three big Healeys (all three in Healey blue) and 9 members. It was a very very good day out, and again those of you who didn’t make it, missed a treat. We tried maybe 8 or so bitters, had a huge ploughman’s lunch, talks and a tour – all for a fiver !!!!! You can’t beat that. Again, there are photos on the web-site.

2007 is going to be a difficult year unless we can enlarge the committee once again. We need new blood with new ideas. It’s not a taxing obligation, so come on, get volunteering.

Signed………………………………………………………………..Rob Fenton, Acting Secretary, TVC