TOP MARQUE                                   

AUSTIN HEALEY CLUB THAMES VALLEY CENTRE  NEWS

July 2005

 

Dear TVC Members,

Pleased to say we’ve had a generally successful and interesting year to date with several events already behind us; the highlights are briefly described below.  Looking forward to the summer, please do feel free to come along to some of our forthcoming attractions; there should be something for everyone, whether during the week or at weekends, daytime or evening.  In case of any questions, please call me on 0118 913 3610 (working hours) or 0118 958 9180 (home) and I’ll try to help.

The Technical session at Rawles Engineering in May was well attended and we hope that those who participated found it instructive and informative.  The Basingstoke Festival of Motoring – also in early May – attracted a good turnout of classic cars including quite a few Healeys and, as a footnote, I’m particularly pleased to report that Vic Wilkie of New Forest Centre was subsequently invited to take his car along to the “Top Gear” studios in June so that his 3000 could be shown as a typical British sports car in comparison to new pretenders from TVR and a German company.  The highlight event to date, however, was the visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in mid June (at the invite of New Forest).  The club put on a great display of Healeys parked alongside HMS Victory,

Speaking personally, I regret to say that work and house renovation have taken priority over all things Austin Healey over the past 12 months.  My plumbing, plastering, wiring and woodworking skills have improved enormously, but I can’t see any of these attributes being of use in getting the 100 back on the road!  Incidentally, my wife Liz has decided to sell her Mk II Sprite, so if you want a historic rally car with a real Healey history (reg. no. 9255 WD) then please call on my home number as above.

Nigel Unsworth.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sunday 17th July

New Member's Lunchtime Meeting (and everyone else!) at the "Shire Horse", Littlewick Green, near Maidenhead (postcode SL6 3QA).  12 noon – 2.30 pm.  This will be our third annual meeting at this splendid venue and we always get fine weather and a tremendous turn-out.  Hope to see you there.  The pub, located on the A4 west of Maidenhead, serves a good selection of food and drinks, and there’s a nice garden to sit and view the Healeys.

Sunday 31st July

Thames Valley "Day Out" to Prescott Hill Climb organised by South West Centre.  Application forms (from South West Centre) were sent out with a previous issue of Revcounter.  Enjoy a few non-competitive runs up the hillclimb course and let’s see if we can get together for a picnic lunch in the grounds.  If you haven’t been before, the Prescott course is set in beautiful rolling countryside – basically it’s the front driveway to a country house.  The on-site Bugatti museum is well worth a visit and there are lovely walks in the area.

Sunday 28th August 2005

“Thames Valley Day” at Wellington Country Park, near Reading.  This will be a joint event with the Classic Motor Boat Association, which will give a novel twist to the day, and should be a great chance to see a Healey sports boat in action.  The day will include our AH Concours competition.  Catering is provided on-site, or you can bring your own picnic for lunch.  Other attractions include the boating lake, nature trails, miniature railway, animal farm, children’s play areas and shop.  Probable cost £6 per person (family ticket £18).  More details next month.

Sunday 11^th September

MG Day at Abingdon hosted by the MG Car Club, Abingdon Works Centre.

Saturday 17th September

Thames Valley visit to the Goodwood Revival Meeting.  Normal entry cost is £35 per head, but the club is planning to offer subsidised entry for Thames Valley centre members (only) at a rate of £15 per head.  Pre-booking necessary.  A booking form will follow.  Aside from the Festival of Speed, this is THE classic event of the year.  Be there!

Tuesday 4th October

Thames Valley Quiz Night at "The Cross" in Eversley, near Yateley (postcode RG27 0NS)

Saturday 29th October

Inter-Centre Karting event at Premier Karting, Woodley near Reading.  Individual and team entries required.  More details next month.

Tuesday 1st November

Thames Valley AGM at "The Cross" in Eversley, near Yateley (postcode RG27 0NS)

 

© AUSTIN HEALEY CLUB – THAMES VALLEY CENTRE

Nigel Unsworth, 3 Pingewood Close, Burghfield, Reading, Berkshire  RG30 3XT

Tel: 0118 958 9180     Email: nigel_unsworth@fwuk.fwc.com