Events and News from 2008
Report on the November Reims Trip
Click here to read Mark Fuller's report, and see more photos.
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A big 'thank you' to Ali and Crippen Jarman for their country drive on Sunday 21st September. They even managed to arrange good weather!
It started at 'The Moat, Wrotham, 11-00am for 11-30, and finished at 'The Peacock', Goudhurst Road, Cranbrook. Everyone enjoyed the day and it was good to see some new faces, as well as members from the Sussex Coast Section.
We all had a great time at the section BBQ on August 3rd at the Hook & Hatchet. It did rain for some of the time, but with the shelter provided it was no problem. Click on a photo to see a larger image in a new window (with thanks for Mark Fuller).
The Boughton Monchelsea Classic Car & Transport Show was held on Sunday 6th July.
Seven Alfa's were displayed and there were various other car clubs in attendance + stalls selling items of interest.
You could also look around the gardens, but not the 16th Century Elizabethan Mansion. Unfortunately the weather got worse as the day went on, with strong winds and rain, so we all left a little early.
Many thanks to those members who displayed their cars.
We had a really excellent turn out for June's monthly meeting at 'The Three Horseshoes', Knockholt. Sixteen Alfas were present. The landlord is a keen car enthusiast and after inspecting all the Alfas, chose Marvin Fowler's GTV 1750 as the car he would most like to take home. He then presented Marvin with a certificate - well done Marvin!
Some members, including Mark Fuller - GTV Cup, and Paul Kempthorne - 156 GTA, were taking others for a spin in their cars - all were having great fun.
Many thanks to The Landlord, and to Doug Hodson for organising this for us, what a great evening.
Many thanks to Ali & Crippen Jarman for an excellent and testing Treasure Hunt on 22nd June, and congratulations to Mark & Helen Fuller who finished 1st. Well done also to Ray & Kate Skilling who were runners up. The weather was good and Lenham and Faversham were great for looking for clues.
Pictures from the Bromley Motoring Pageant
We were really lucky with the weather at Bromley Pageant on Sunday 15th June and put on a good show with an excellent turn out of cars. Many thanks to Lee Moore for arranging this for us, and a big thank you to the owners of all the Alfas on our stand.
Click here to see more pictures (with thanks to Jack Hodson).
Pictures from Spring Alfa Day at Chatham
Click here to see more pictures (with thanks to Ali Jarman and Garry Kaby).
Horsham Piazza Italia
What a brilliant day on Easter Saturday at the Horsham Piazza Italia! We all gathered at a pre-arranged venue between 11-00 and 11-30am, where all drivers were required to register for the event. After inspecting and discussing all the Italian machinery, it was time to line up and join the parade to the Town Centre.
It's great driving through red traffic lights and having all other traffic held up by Police! The really exotic cars, such as Zonda, Lamborghini Merchialago and Diablo, and also Maseratis, were parked in the piazza, along with Doug Hodson's boat-tail Spider. The rest of us were assembled Le-Mans style completely blocking a one way street leading to the piazza.
There were plenty of nice cars to look at, an Italian Market with music, and as it was held in the Town Centre, plenty of shops and restaurants to keep all occupied. The weather was not bad considering the forecast and we even had some sunshine!
A big "thank you" must go to Garry Mortimer-Cook and his team from Horsham Council for an excellent event.
Click here to see more pictures. More information can also be found at www.piazza-italia.co.uk.
AGM Latest
The AGM on Thursday 28th February went much as expected. Peter Francis and Mick Page stood down from the Chairman and Treasurer positions and were replaced by Mark Fuller (Chairman) and Alison Jarman (Treasurer).
Jeff Kaby continues as Secretary.
We would like to welcome Mark and Alison to the Committee, and also to thank Marion & Peter Francis and Liz & Mick Page for all they have done for the Kent & East Sussex Section.
Results from the Ten-Pin Bowling
The Ten Pin Bowling Challenge held on Saturday 23rd Feb at the 'Bowlplex', Tunbridge Wells, was won by Sussex Coast Section.
The margin was not great, so surely it will be Kent & East Sussex turn next time!
Pete Francis won the Trophy for the highest score of the evening - well done, Pete.
It was an excellent evening and great fun, most went for nibbles, a drink and a chat afterwards.
Many thanks to Pete Francis, who not only organised the evening but also manufactured an excellent Trophy for the occasion.
We look forward to the return match.
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| Dave Aicken tries for yet another strike. |
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Rob Sopers' having great fun. |
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| Bowlplex is an excellent venue. |
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Peter Francis presents the Sussex Coast Secretary, David Aicken, with the Trophy that Pete made himself. |
Many thanks to Rob Soper and others for all the bowling photos.
Click here to see more pictures.
The Post-Christmas Dinner
The section post-Christmas dinner was held on 19th January at our regular post-Xmas haunt, La Dolce Vita at the Croft Hotel in Ashford. Many thanks to Mick Page for arranging the restaurant and quiz.
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Above:
- corner 1 with the trouble-makers
- the long wing with more trouble-makers – Keith raising the wrong “glasses”
- the great organiser – Mike – showing his Parliamentary stance – love the glasses bit!
- Gwen trying to hide behind the candle as she sipped her 5th Limoncello
Left:
Dave and Faye admiring the fine trophy – can see he’s already thinking how to make a buck with this!
Click on a photo to see a larger image.
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Highlights of the evening were...
- A terrific quiz set by Mike for the “75 Wiper Motor Trophy” with some unusual picture, car and dingbats, seriously fought over for this superb prize – Runners-up were Gwen and Pete but way out in front by 1 point were, as the photos show, Faye and Dave – think it’s Dave’s accountant’s mind just made the difference, Pete and Marion were way ahead on the picture questions – tried to get Mike to only have these count but to no avail
- Squeezing the last few “coppers” out of Dave’s pocket for a tip – members dipped in theirs to bale him out!
- Dave contemplating if he could change wiper motors on one of his 75’s without the members realising – how tight is that!
- Giovanni with some Italians friends trying to get them to buy an Alfa – Mario to be found in the bar discussing Roman politics with La Dolce Vita staff
- Ray trying to convince us all his new GT will arrive on time with all electrics working – a nice retirement present!
- Keith and Sharon showing off their new Mizano Blue Spider – shame about the black interior, but Keith must have been talking to Dave as he got a discount from the dealer to take this colour combination away!
- Good food again and nice atmosphere – no pressure from the staff to shift us out at 11.30pm
- Pete trying to educate members on the Monopoly Board – the 4 stations are in fact [in order] Kings Cross / Marylebone / Fenchurch / Liverpool Street >> but why these stations could not be answered ... and you all got the 5th property wrong – It is in fact Euston Road one of the light-blue properties!
- Members generally catching up and looking back on 2007, agreeing that the Day at Shoreham with Gwen and Pete being the highlight.
I must, on behalf of the group, give massive thanks to Mike for organising this event and sorting the quiz out with Liz and Simon ... think this could be the last PCD we have at the venue unfortunately.
(report and pictures by Peter Francis)
Click here to see all the news and pictures from 2007.
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