MAY, MONTHLY NEWSLETTER of the Bluewater British Car Club MG RACERS OLD AND NEW

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Gervais Rodgers
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Canadian Tommy Hoan brought his MGTC to Watkins Glen in 1952 for his first race at that storied track.

1 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER of the Bluewater British Car Club MAY, Watson Street Sarnia, Ontario, Canada N7T 6T9 MG RACERS OLD AND NEW During The Watkins Glen early days, races took place through the main street of town and out onto roads in the surrounding countryside. Canadian Tommy Hoan brought his MGTC to Watkins Glen in 1952 for his first race at that storied track. Not known for holding back, Tommy, holding new SCCA competition license #464, behind his newly George Barrett rebuilt engine featuring new boring and oversized pistons, sodium valves, 1 ½ bore SU carburetors, mille surface plate and other modifications, the TC cranked out an unheard of 6600 RPM 1952 s race sent waves of sadness through the racing community when, during the competition a child sitting at the curb in downtown Watkins Glen died when a car left the course, careening into the crowd. Tommy stopped racing along with the other drivers while officials cleared the scene. The race restarted, Tommy competed against several well-funded team competitors driving, winning his E class with an average of 66.6 MPH. During the race, Tommy s TC caught a hay bale at the side of the street, tossing it through the window of a grill on the corner. Surprise! Would you like some hay with your burger? The International Motor Racing Research Center of Watkins Glen awarded Tommy a star on their Walk of Fame in Tommy Hoan raced the car for only two years and it was sold and stayed in the USA until 2010 when the current owner, David Holmes. brought it back to Canada where it is going to stay. Holmes has been racing with the Vintage Auto Racing Association of Canada since about 2005 when he was 60 years old. He lives in Elmira Ontario and participates in several races every season. In his stable are four race cars and five vintage street cars. Dave Holmes is currently a member of the Ontario MGT Register. At the wheel in this photo, David Holmes of Elmira, Ontario, Canada races the Tommy Hoan TC at Limerock and Watkins Glen. Lovingly maintained by Dave and his racing crew, the Tommy Hoan looks forward to another year of vintage auto racing. The #42 VARAC race car was shown next to a local Corunna MG TF at Bronte British Car Show a few years ago. We should see the #42 and maybe another of Dave s stable of cars when we go to Woodstock this June. Byron Warwick.

2 Bluewater British Car Club Minutes Date: April 11, 2018.

2 2 Bluewater British Car Club Minutes Date: April 11, Number of Members present: Dinner: 11; Meeting: 12 Location: Stokes Bay, Sarnia, ON Minutes respectfully submitted by: Secretary, Sandra Cronk 1. Call to order: President, Allen Bachelder, called the meeting to order at 7:27 p.m. 2. Approval of the Minutes of the March 14, 2018 meeting. A motion to approve the minutes as printed was made by Florrie Bachelder and seconded by Alan Cutcher. It was carried. 3. Treasurer s Report: Treasurer, Roy Overton, reported: Income: none Expenses: Printer ink $60.39; British Car Council: 22 members X $1.50 for insurance plus $40.00 for membership= $73.00; Total $ Balance: $ Questions: Current number of members? 16; we had 24 last year. *We encourage all delinquent members to pay their annual dues. A motion to accept the Treasurer's Report was made by Michael Walton. It was seconded by Alan Cronk and carried. 4. Unfinished Business/Past Events: 1) Regarding the proposed merger, we are awaiting action from the Bluewater Austin Healey Club. 5. New Business/Upcoming Events: 1) We had a new member in attendance. We welcomed Chris Gardner and his TR3 to our Club. 2) The Events Coordinator, Byron Warwick, proceeded to outline the activities that are planned so far: April 22: Ancaster - attendance will depend on the weather. April 27: Fling into Spring Dinner at Wagg's - 8 people are signed up so far. May 9: Monthly meeting, the last at Stokes till Fall. May 19: Drive to and lunch in Ilderton: Four British Car Clubs attend. We may also do a garage tour. June 2: London Classic at the Crossing Pub at Hyde Park. June 13: Monthly meeting at Eric Kernohan's place in Port Frank's. June 23: Drive to Woodstock to visit Garnet Thistlewaite who restored Kim engine. Dinner (late lunch) at the Elmhurst Inn. July 11: Monthly Meeting: Alan Cutcher will arrange dinner (5:30 p.m.) at the Atrium Restaurant in Port Huron to hear owner and retired history teacher, Rock Stevens, tell us two stories: one about the planned attack on British North America (Canada) by the Irish Fenians in 1867 and the other about an XK150 Jaguar that was stolen and ended up in California. July?: Proposed driving event by Barb and Byron Warwick overnight to Elmira. August 9: Monthly Meeting: Drive and dinner at the Pioneer Restaurant outside of Port Huron. August 10-11th: Bothwell Car Show and WAMBO in Wallaceburg. The Bothwell Car Show holds a 50/50 draw which has awarded ticket holders as much as $32,000. Saturday, August 25: Sarnia Hobbyfest is being held in Germain Park this year for the first time. There were discussions about a Fall Tour and/or a Rally by Bachelders and/or the Jones in Sept. and October. September 8: The Enbridge Car Show in Sarnia. October: The Music Man is playing at the Stratford Theatre. There was discussion of going to an evening performance, staying overnight and doing a colour tour on the way home the next day. 6. Announcements: The next meeting will be May 9, 2018 at Stokes Bay. 7. Adjournment: Alan Cutcher moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 p.m. It was seconded by Alan Cronk and carried. The Bluewater British Car Club promotes interest in acquiring, driving, maintaining, and restoring all makes of British Cars. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in British cars. Meetings are held monthly, every 2 nd Wednesday, at Stokes By The Bay, 6:00 dinner, meeting 7:30 P.M. In addition, monthly club, driving and social events are scheduled throughout the year Club Executive President: Allen Bachelder Vice Pres: Mark Jones Treasurer: Roy Overton, Secretary: Sandra Cronk Events: Byron Warwick Non-Elected Spanner Editor Byron Warwick News Publisher David Kelley is the monthly newsletter of the BBCC. Articles, pictures, ideas, etc. are welcomed and are to be submitted by the 20th of each month for inclusion in the next month s newsletter. Forward items to: Byron Warwick. By at bandb@cogeco.ca Or by post or hand to: 481 Tom St., Corunna ON N0N 1G0 Phone David Kelley Fairlane Ave., Sarnia, ON, N7S 3J9. Phone Contributing writers this month: Allen Bachelder, David Kelley, Sandra Cronk, Chris Gardner. Photo credits: Chris Gardner, Allen B. Kim R.

3 Presidential Prattle By Allen Bachelder May? Really, May?

We re leaving the 24th and our return is scheduled for May 1st too late to get this in the Spanner.

If there is sufficient interest, we can plan it as an October overnight club event. We have no problem with the cheap seats at the far sides in the nose-bleed sections of the balcony.

3 3 Presidential Prattle By Allen Bachelder May? Really, May? I m actually writing this early because Florrie and I will be off visiting MG Magnette friends in Seattle and our daughter Julie and family in Olympia Washington. We re leaving the 24th and our return is scheduled for May 1st too late to get this in the Spanner. A little business first: Florrie and I are planning to attend The Music Man at the Stratford Festival Theatre sometime before it closes on November 3rd. If there is sufficient interest, we can plan it as an October overnight club event. We have no problem with the cheap seats at the far sides in the nose-bleed sections of the balcony. No need to worry as in the event of a failure of the theatre s pressurizing system, oxygen masks will drop down in front of you. Cover your mouth and breathe normally before assisting others By cheap, I mean $25. Seats that are less than twice as good can be had for twice the price at $50. From there on, they go up to, and over, $100. Furthermore, it would be best to make this an overnighter. Florrie and I do know of a charming B&B within walking distance of the theatre. Prices start at $159. Normally, this is above our pay-grade, but for a once-a-year splendid production, we do it anyway. If you would care to join us, we must know by June 1st. On a more modest side, we re also thinking of a Fall Color Tour to Lexington Michigan where we might sample the beers and wines at Lexington Brewing Company and Winery, followed by dinner at the Windjammer Restaurant, overlooking Lake Huron. This would probably be in September. We do need to hear from you if interested. is best as we will be on MG adventures much of June and July. July 1 st would be a good deadline to let us know for this one. Ah Spring Creek Home for Wayward MGs: We finished installing the new front wing lamps on our Magnette Geraldine. We fixed her intermittent headlight problem, and her horn problem. Just tonight we fixed her door lock problem. There was one tiny little missing piece, and we made one. Works a treat! Ignore the key that s just for scale. It s the little item to the left. We didn t know what one should look like, but we made a lucky guess, and voila! In the second picture, you see it in place inside the door handle. Big deal! you say, but do you realize how much more shopping Florrie can do on our Magnette trips, knowing that her booty is safely locked inside? Wait a minute What am I saying?

4 ANNUAL DRIVE AND LUNCH AT Calendar Of Upcoming Events KING EDDIES IN ILDERTON CALENDAR of EVENTS 2018 Saturday May 19, 2018 9:30 AM Leaving at 10:00AM Meet at Global Donuts on London Line Sarnia.

Also BSSCLondon, BAHC & OMGTR We are joined by members of the BAHC and BSCCL and members of the OMGTR The morning drive will include some less travelled back roads London Classic, British Car Show

4 4 ANNUAL DRIVE AND LUNCH AT Calendar Of Upcoming Events KING EDDIES IN ILDERTON CALENDAR of EVENTS 2018 Saturday May 19, :30 AM Leaving at 10:00AM Meet at Global Donuts on London Line Sarnia. Pick-ups arranged along the way May 9 19 Monthly meeting at Stokes Bay Dinner at 6:00pm, meeting at 7:30pm. Drive and lunch at the King Edward. Also BSSCLondon, BAHC & OMGTR We are joined by members of the BAHC and BSCCL and members of the OMGTR The morning drive will include some less travelled back roads London Classic, British Car Show See page 5 Drive & Monthly meeting at Port Franks, Eric Kernohan. Dinner at 6:00pm, meeting at 7:30pm. Drive to Woodstock, Kim & Laura Luncheon at Elmhurst Inn. Sarnia Street Machines, CanataraPark Please send your confirmation to June kimrutherford@teksavvy.com ALWAYS A GOOD AND LARGE GROUP July 11 TBA August TBA September TBA Drive & Monthly meeting at Atrium Restaurant, Port Huron, Alan Cutcher Dinner at 5:30PM, meeting at 7:30pm. Driving event, Byron&Barbara Drive & Monthly meeting at Pioneer Restaurant, Port Huron, and Florrie s for dessert Dinner at 6:00pm, meeting at 7:30pm. Bothwell and Wambo Car shows Hobbyfest, Sarnia, Germain Park Saturday, Byron. Driving Event, Mark&JudyJones Enbridge Car Show Drive & Monthly meeting at TBA Dinner at 6:00pm, meeting at 7:30pm. BAHC Car Show, Rutherford Close Bronte British Car Show Driving event, Allen&Florrie October 10 TBA November 14 December 2 Monthly meeting at Stokes Bay Dinner at 6:00pm, meeting at 7:30pm. Fall Colour Drive Bachelders to Stratford? Monthly meeting at Stokes Bay Dinner at 6:00pm, meeting at 7:30pm Christmas Brunch at The Freighters, Port Huron? Ric Astley

5 5 SEEN AT ANCASTER THIS MONTH Jaguar XKR Aston Martin Debut of Kim and Laura s Jaguar XK MORGAN TRIUMPH GT DAIMLER MG RV8 BRITISH SPORTS CAR CLUB LONDON..CLASSIC CAR SHOW HELD AT THE CROSSINGS PUB AND EATERY 1269 HYDE PARK ROAD, LONDON ON N6H 5K6 SATURDAY JUNE 2, Gathering at Global Donuts on London line at 8:45 and depart at 9:00AM SHARP Please indicate if you are going by May 28 to bandb@cogeco.ca or We can pick you up along the way, let us know where. Byron and Barbara (Weather permitting)

6 WELCOME NEW MEMBER I am Chris Gardner and pleased to be a member of the Bluewater British Car Club. My interest in British sports cars began in the late 1950's.

Around 1961, the MG was replaced by an E-Type. A UFO would not MARK JONES have caused more excitement! During my teens our family moved to Toronto and I and my friends were into British cars.

6 6 WELCOME NEW MEMBER I am Chris Gardner and pleased to be a member of the Bluewater British Car Club. My interest in British sports cars began in the late 1950's. Nearly everyone on our street had an American car in the driveway. The one exception was a young single doctor who drove a T series MG. On rare occasions he would give the neighbourhood kids a ride. Around 1961, the MG was replaced by an E-Type. A UFO would not MARK JONES have caused more excitement! During my teens our family moved to Toronto and I and my friends were into British cars. We started with Minis and then moved to Sprites, TR's Austin Healey's etc. My first car was a Austin Mini 850 with 3 working cylinders. It was also a curfew car as the headlights would shine for about an hour before you got a burning plastic smell. Over the years I have owned several British cars. A Frog Eye Sprite was my first open sports car. After that came TR3's, an MGB and a 1983 Morgan. By the mid 1980's I moved away from British cars. Moving back to Sarnia brought quiet country roads to within a few minutes of home. After many years and many cars I decided I wanted one more crack at a TR3. FLOATING A NEW BALLOON I DIDN T GET MY OUT TO THE MEMBERS SOON ENOUGH, SO Are you interested in a one night outing in the St Jacobs area. We visited this area back in the 1990 s and we found lots of interesting things to see and do and had an interesting stay in the Olde Heidelberg Motel. We will visit an MG collection including a Tickford and a MMM early thirties car and an MG TC being rebuilt. Another tour of race cars in Elmira can be arranged. Late lunch at the Heidelberg Pub and Eatery. Saturday Morning tour to the Famous Jacobs Market and downtown shopping. This is the home of Home Hardware stores, and Furniture. There is a Blacksmith Shop on the main Street. St I propose accommodations; The Best Western Inn on the south side of St Jacobs. (Approx $119). Lots of great driving roads and the only covered bridge on Ontario at West Montrose. and great shopping is also available in the town of St Jacobs. It is about 3 1/2 hours driving time to the area. I need to know how many would commit, in order to confirm enough interest. Please let me know. We will need to reserve Hotel soon as this is a busy area. Leaving Friday July 20 and returning Saturday 21st. Contact me at bandb@cogeco.ca or by phone at Byron and Barbara Warwick

7 7 By David B Kelley Thanks to Alan Cutcher

8 We thank Obsolete for their support the past 20+ years 8

THE ROUNDUP. Hospitality Suite on Thursday Night. Preparing for the Funkhana. Cars leaving parking lot to begin Rallye

THE ROUNDUP. Hospitality Suite on Thursday Night. Preparing for the Funkhana. Cars leaving parking lot to begin Rallye THE ROUNDUP Planning the Car Show Parking Gate s Pass on Way to Desert Museum Hospitality Suite on Thursday Night Drive to Desert Museum Preparing for the Funkhana Cars leaving parking lot to begin Rallye