Finally, the rain seems to have abated a bit (at least here in Sydney), and looking out of the window I see that orange thing up in the sky that I had forgotten about for too long. So, that means getting out there, and, more importantly, getting cars out there!

Before we get to the upcoming plans for that, a moment to reflect on an awesome weekend at the end of August. A few of us went to the Cootamundra Sprints, organised for the 16th year by the wonderful Tim Shellshear, and in the company of the Vintage Sports Car Club of Australia, which represents a truly eclectic and varied collection of cars of all sorts, shapes and ages.

While the day of sprints itself provided much entertainment (seeing 100 year old cars like the OM in the picture running up the strip is well worth the drive on its own), the significant extra value, I realised, was in the company we kept and the drives there and back.

The drive there took us out to Lithgow, cross country via O’Connell to Blayney and down through Cowra and Young to Cootamundra. On the way back on Sunday morning, in the most glorious sunshine and early mist, we drove the truly magical road from Coota to Jugiong. Which, apart from the roo that nearly upset proceedings, was one of those memorable drives with the car singing back to the birds, the countryside green and lush, and life feeling like it could hardly be better.

So, thank you to all those who were there, as you made it very special – great conversations, much laughing, and it is always lovely to catch up with friends after too long. For those who missed it, there is always next year! I’ve made a promise to myself to do more to try to twist your arms next year, as you don’t know what you are missing out on!

Of course August would not have been complete without mention of the excellent CLA CSCA sprint at the Gardner Circuit at SMSP on 16th, followed by the Shannons Classic on the Sunday. Huge thanks to Graham, Brett, , Colin and Craig and Cath Sheppard for the impeccable organising and running of the day, and to Liam Sheppard, who with Graham and Margarita Weir, kindly manned marshall points for the day – the most thankless task of all, so particular thanks to you!

Thank you to those who made it to the Shannons Day, although I admit I was disappointed that of the 15 tickets issued, only 7 cars made it. Please could I ask that if you ask for tickets, that you do all in your power to turn up, as not only does it diminish the impact of the display of cars, but also makes it harder next time we ask for a prime spot (which we have managed to keep for a number of years now). Thank you!

Now, looking ahead, and dates for your diaries, as follows.

Next weekend, Sunday September 14, we have the All British Day out at Hawkesbury Showgrounds. As Seth has mentioned in his note, there is the upcoming round 5 of the CSCA sprints, run by the MX5 Club, who have, frankly, saved this series from oblivion with their attendance, so please do join in the fun!

Looking ahead slightly further, we have our Fish and Chip run planned for October 26th. Fuller details elsewhere, but we are hoping to make this (along with the Burrawang Run and one or two other events) an annual event. So, come along to this year’s inaugural event, and you can say to your grandkids that you were there at the first running! Or just turn up for the fun. And very fine fish and chips I gather.

We have had confirmation of our booking for the Christmas Party (and AGM) on Sunday 7th December, once again at the Royal Automobile Club in Macquarie Street. We have asked for some reserved spaces for those wishing to bring their cars, although last year was quite a bibulous affair, so you might prefer to come by train or cab! Either way, put a placeholder in your diary, and I very much look forward to seeing you there for the AGM ahead of a fine lunch.

Right, I’d better be getting this to Seth so he can get it out. And I need to get into the garage and finish a few tasks. Looking forward to seeing you out there this month, and in the meantime, keep safe, upright and mainly on the black stuff.

Pip pip,
Ashton