May 2025 Newsletter
The first of May has roots in both ancient Roman and Celtic traditions and marks the beginning of summer and celebrating fertility and new life. But it gets more exciting than this. It’s also the International Mediterranean Diet Month. And the National Burger Month (in the US of course). You could also observe World Naked Gardening Day. But here in the UK we mostly remember Hocktide.
But all of this is of little importance to many classic car owners who are only now just peering out the garage doors to see if it’s safe to venture out. No so the hardy members of WFTR who have been making their noisy presence felt around the south east of England.
Where have you been in your car?
Museum of Berkshire Aviation
First run of the year. An excellent day out with 19 intrepid would be aviators heading off to Woodley to look at some aeroplanes followed by lunch in Crowthorne.
Long Weekend in Kent and Drive It Day
Fifteen happy WFTR members enjoyed a 4 day trip to Kent and East Sussex in 8 lovely TR’s. On the Thursday outward trip we took an interesting non motorway route to the Hawkinge Battle of Britain museum. All were impressed by the range of exhibits and the personal stories behind many of them complemented by a nice lunch of course. On the Friday we made for the superbly preserved Dover Castle and enjoyed exploring the many things to see within. Near the top of the list were the wartime tunnels which have hosted tours. A quick trip to the National Trust White Cliffs of Dover site to walk along the cliffs and gaze across the channel to France as well as watch the many ferries manoeuvring in and out off the harbour. Saturday saw us on yet another back road route carded trip to Dungeness to see the 14 inch steam railway engine and carriages arrive followed by a trip to the beech and up the lighthouse tower. Mounting up again we set off for the ancient port town of Rye with its magical architecture, cobbled streets and acres of history. We took another route carded trip along the old military road back to Ashford and our hotel. We were lucky to enjoy three very good suppers in traditional and historical restaurant/pubs to keep us fed and watered. Sunday took us on another road trip down to the Register South East Drive it Day meet at Hastings where there were many, many TR’s parked up and on display. A great turn out and all with the sun blazing down on us. A free run trip to home locations brought to a close a very memorable 4 day run.
Coming up in May we have the following
Club Night – 6 May
The next club night will be on 6th of May when we will be holding the EGM to discuss the future of WFTR. Tim gave a presentation at the last club night to detail the duties of the committee members. If you weren’t there this is the presentation:
April Club Night Presentation (pdf)
We did not get much feedback from the workings of the committee presentation delivered by Tim last month. We are concerned that there is a chance this could happen at the EGM and therefore we would be less able to define a way ahead for the Group. We know that there are opinions and feelings amongst members about the future of our Group and therefore invite any member to send us their personal views in total confidence and unattributable to: In Confidence. just click the link and write the e-mail. Thanks. This will help us to hone down what the committee needs to do bearing in mind three members standing down at the end of this year with no nominated volunteer replacements in the wings. Please help us to help you to ensure we get many more club nights and runs such as the one described above.
The Printemps Tour – 11 May
Organised by the Guildford Car Club on 11th of May. It’s a fun run around Surrey to and from the Fox Inn. Did it last year and good times were had by all. There might just be time to register your car.
Register for the Printemps Tour
Leonardslee Gardens and Sunday Lunch – 18 May
Organised by Barry and Jenny this amazing garden contains flowers, sculptures, woodland walks and enough cafes to drown in tea and cake.
Register for the Leonardslee Run
Not the Cream Tea Run – 1 Jun
Forecasts of inclement weather in 2024 meant we decided not to do the run but just had the cream tea. As things happen, the weather turned out to be sunny! There is no cream tea this year but we are doing the run and having some scoff to follow.
Registration is now closed but if you really want to come we might be able to squeeze you in.
How to set fire to your TR
Graham almost made it home after Drive it Day when he heard a tinkling noise following by some crackling. Seconds later the car stopped. Smoke emerged from the bonnet and a potential fire averted after dumping a bottle of water onto the source. This is what was smoldering:
The cause was the bonnet safety catch falling off and shorting out the connection to the starter motor:
After emergency repairs the car made it home the last mile and into the garage. Thanks to Lawrence and his shed of spares the cable has been replaced and it’s good to go.
Committee Meetings
Each month the committee discusses all matters WFTR. So you don’t feel left out we have always made the minutes of these momentous meetings and the AGM available to read as follows:
WFTR Committee Meeting Minutes
TR Register Business
The TR Register Car Club’s Extraordinary Members’ Meeting will be held on Thursday, 15th May 2025, at Great Longstone Village Hall, Church Ln, Great Longstone, Bakewell DE45 1TB. The crucial decision over whether to increase membership fee;’s will be taken at this meeting. If you are unable to attend it is possible to vote online. I would suggest that you do this after having watched the video prepared by the Register Treasurer on the Management Committee: see: Register EGM video presentation.
