Brian Todd asked if I would take on the job as XJ register secretary, as Warren Stanley was taking on the job as vice president, and needed more time for the role ahead.
So I said yes, as you can probably tell by now. My first objective was to organize a club run, so as long as you know where you want to go, what month you want, there isn’t too much of problem.
So here is my first report as XJ register dude and a summary of the XJ register run to Riverside Oaks.
Day; Sunday
Date; 24th
Month; February
Time 8.00am
Start Location; West Pennant Hills
Destination; Riverside Oaks Cattai
Purpose; 66 Very Hungry people
Result; No grumbley bellies or people
The morning started off crisp, with not a lot of warmth in the morning sun, but boy oh boy what a glorious day it turned out to be, the big man up above must be a car lover.
A short observation run was set for those that felt like partaking, and those that didn’t the instructions were listed in it. Having being involved in car club rallies since I was knee high to a grass hopper (yes I was that small once I know it is hard to believe) so do I set a mongrel of a run or only half a mongrel, as this is my first event it better be a half a mongrel (don’t take that the wrong way).
The staff at Riverside Oaks have been so helpful and friendly right from the start. Natalie has been great to deal with, Kate looked after us on the day, and the chefs were on top of things with the food, with it flowing frequently to satisfy those hungry bellies.
On arrival at Riverside Oaks most of our group parked outside the Clubhouse, which over looks a couple of fairways and greens. I am sure there were plenty of golfers drooling over the grace and pace, which adorned the car park. Not too sure how many golfers asked if they could use a Jaguar for a golf buggy, but apparently Ken & Leigh Britton declined an offer as the golfer wouldn’t pay the fuel bill for the XJC, what an idiot an XJC or an electric buggy?
A total of 32 cars arrived at around 9.30 in the crisp clean air at Riverside Oaks.
Global warming was left behind in the big smoke, we had 6cyl cars, supercharged cars, and even V12’s, an MGB and a Mercedes, who cares about global warming, we love our cars, no matter what marque.
Talking and eating were the main things on the menu, although I did have to interrupt proceedings to go through the formalities of the observation run and the lucky door prizes. Wow the observation run came up with some very creative answers and drawings to a particular question. The winners by 1 point (no they didn’t get them all right) were our Mountain Rally organizers Wendy & Gary Maher.
For those of us that attended the brekkie, we all saw the size of the bag the prize was in, and were wondering if Gary could have actually fitted in to it, and be carried out. Wendy could use it like a “Paris Hilton” hand bag and carry Gary around in it, but from what I have heard they were going home so Gary could drink the champers, eat all the chockies while Wendy was going to wash the car, is this equal rights or discrimination, well I suppose in depends which side of the fence you sit on and, look at it.
Most people started departing at around 12.00, for a leisurely drive home, and a relaxing afternoon of doing nothing, or watching the V8’s first round @ Adelaide.
As for me I was glad the day was over, as the day before I was in negotiation on buying my first house, and trying to finalise the finishing touches to the register run. After leaving Riverside Oaks, I headed on my merry way to the real estate agent and signed on the dotted line. Now not only do I have a life of hell (no I didn’t get married as well) but I have also now belong to the Hawkesbury Register of the Jag club how good is that? Which there were a dozen or so people in attendance.
Thank you all so much for attending the XJ register run.
Stephen Clifton
XJ Register
Association of British Car Clubs.
Display Day 2006.
What is it that makes a day out with a car club enjoyable?
Is it the cars, the location, friendly company, catering to a diverse audience? What ever the answer maybe you would have to go a long way to find a better answer than the recent XJ Register day at The Kings School. All those I had the pleasure to talk to on the day and since had nothing but praise and admiration for the day. Thanks must go to the Association of British Car Clubs for the organisation of the day. The Kings school for the use of their extensive grounds and of course the weather was just perfect.
Despite having to traverse a rather dusty unsealed road, which continued to deposit dust on our cars throughout the day. The area allotted to us was extensive and we looked like having a good roll up with 60+ tickets pre sold. Members had travelled from as far a field as Port Stephens, Nowra and Bathurst. The roll up of cars from the other clubs was also up to the usual standard with unusual and interesting cars from all the British marques represented, from the Rollers, Daimlers, Bentleys, Jaguars and Triumphs to the Minis, MGs and Austins, and don't forget the marvellous little 1934 Riley Imp. There was a car there for every taste, in every shape and size.
A large number of members and their wives enjoyed the many stalls and the Art Show, (the Christmas pudding stall was a favourite). Many stories filtered back of being strong willed and keeping money in a safe place with statements like I only spent, I wonder?
A brace of
E-Types
Compacts
Galore
Thoroughbred Cats
each and every one
Following an enjoyable lunch bathed in glorious sunshine and washed down with a good drop of wine or beer the presentation was held at the old feed shed between the two display fields. Best display went to the Rolls Royce Owners Club; the Club with the largest number of cars on display went to the Jaguar Drivers Club (75). Also one of the 10 Peoples Choice Awards for most desirable car on display went to Mike Hobbs with his lovely red E-Type roadster. We also had a number of fun awards for those who pre-paid their tickets with Laurie Arthur getting a good bottle of red for the best presented car on the day.
I would like to thank the many members who attended it was an all time record, where did all the E-Types come from? This must be what they call E-Type weather. Back only a few years ago when the display day was out at Liverpool Catholic Club we would be represented by a handful of Jags, as little as five sometimes. So we have come a long way. Well done to all who attended.
