Representatives' Event Reports
Area Representatives – Past Events
Thank you to all our Area Representatives who organise activities and events for their local members.
And, of course, for sharing their event reports afterwards!
2024
UK Devon & Cornwall – Celebration of Cornishman Donald Healey, 28 September
From Nick Haigh: On Saturday 28 September a brand new classic car event took place, starting from Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, Penhallow, Cornwall. This event was to celebrate the legendary automotive legacy of Donald Healey, with all profits from the event going to Prostate Cancer UK. Donald Healey, pilot, Monte Carlo Rally race winner, record breaker, founder of the Donald Healey Motor Company and legend to motoring enthusiasts the world over, was born on July 3, 1898, in Perranporth. The 75 mile rally route reflected his close connections with the County; passing through his birthplace, driving along spectacular coastal roads and narrow lanes, where he honed his driving skills, then making a pit stop at the beautiful and historic Trebah Gardens, Donald’s former home, for a traditional Cornish cream tea. 3rd and 4th generation Healey descendants took part in the rally in 3 Austin Healeys that are normally kept in the historic vehicle collection at the Cornish Cyder Farm. They were joined by 25 other vehicles, including XK Member John Wyatt (but in his Mark 2), Nick and Annie Haigh in their XK 140 and 2 E-types. If anyone is in that part of Cornwall, the farm (which also makes Rattler Cyder) is well worth a visit to view the Healey Cars and the historic legacy of Donald Healey and to take a tour around their farm and production area. This event could be run annually, so look out for further details
UK Devon & Cornwall – Sidmouth Classic Car Show, 21 September
From Nick Haigh: A beautiful setting with stunning sea views. Despite the forecast the weather was hot and sunny. That's the Devon Coast for you. Mike Lavers, an XK Club Member, organises this superb annual event. Over 300 Classic vehicles attended, including XKs from Devon and Somerset. Many visiting cars had travelled from the Home Counties, making a long weekend of it. Well worth a visit with an amazing mixture of rare vehicles, including a 1920's French DFP and a 1950's Connaught. Do book up early for 2025, as it quickly fills up the spaces.
UK Beds, Bucks, Herts – Visit to the de Havilland Aircraft Museum, 21 September
From Don Grant: Although the numbers attending the visit to the museum were disappointing, the quality of XK’s and E Type that graced the area in front of the Mosquito Hanger was superb. I was unable to take my XK as I was three up, but Tim Hudson’s beautiful XK 120 DHC and Nigel Ward’s dark blue XK 150 OTS were much admired by both visitors and volunteers. David Neville felt that as there was a chance of rain he would bring his lovely E Type FHC. The sun shone during the visit, but the rain started with a vengeance on the way home. We were made most welcome on what was the weekend commemorating Operation Market Garden, the airborne landing at Arnhem. The museum has parts of an Airstream Horsa glider that had been teamed with a Ford GWP jeep to create a commemoration of those who participated at the time. The museum is best known as the only place in the world where three Mosquitos can be seen in one hanger. These include the prototype DH 98, a 1942 FB.MK.V1 fighter bomber and a B.MK.35 the last bomber version that was too late to see active service in the war. It is quite remarkable how many roles the Mosquito was adapted to undertake. Particularly for an aircraft made from wood. de Havilland was a pioneer in so many aspects of aircraft development. From the WW1 BE2 and the mass production of aircraft propellers through the various iterations of Moth to the wooden wonder Mosquito. It was Frank Halford who was instrumental in the creation of the Gypsy engines that was used in so many de Havilland aircraft, but also the Goblin and Ghost turbo jet engine that powered the first generation of RAF and Fleet Air arm aircraft including the Vampire, Venom and Sea Vixen. In comparison to the Mosquito, the Vampire is tiny. The cockpit is not the place to be if you suffer from claustrophobia. The most infamous de Havilland aircraft is probably the Comet, the complete fuselage including seats (with ashtrays) to be seen in the museum looks almost modern. And must have been a revelation when compared to the piston engine passenger aircraft of the time. Although the Comet was not successful due to a catastrophic failure of the pressure cabin and cracking at the corners of the square windows de Havilland went on to produce the Trident that was very successful. My thanks to all those who supported the visit and to the volunteers at the museum for making a very interesting and enjoyable day. I can thoroughly recommend it for a visit.
UK Hampshire – lunch, 18 September
From Robin Appel: Five members and four cars met for lunch in north Hampshire on a glorious early Autumn day. A delightful drive up through the Bourne Valley terminated at the famous Jack Russell pub, tucked on the edge of the West Berkshire Downs. Over lunch there was much discussion about, and ideas for, future events, which will keep the Representative busy this winter.
UK East Anglia – Autumn Drive, Sunday 15 September
From Mike Read: Eight cars with sixteen occupants met at the Old Hall, near Ely for coffee and pastries before embarking on our East Anglia XK Club Autumn drive. The Old Hall dates back to the 14th Century and is reputed to have been the home of Oliver Cromwell's mother. It stands on a small hill above the fens with a stunning view of Ely Cathedral about one mile to the West. I remember it in the Eighties as a ruin before it was bought by a local farmer, who spent a lot of money and many years restoring it. After his death, his daughters decided to turn it into a wedding venue, to which it is ideally suited. They also offer Sunday lunch and so Bridget and I had arranged for it to be the starting point and lunch venue for our Autumn drive, as we had not had a meeting in this area before. We were very fortunate again that the weather was good. There were two XK 120 OTS, three XK 150 FHC, two XK 150 DHC and one Series 2 E-type. It was great to see Peter Leech again with his son Edward, who had travelled to join us from Lincolnshire. After coffee, we set off on the drive which took us south through Soham, then west through Wicken, famous for Wicken Fen, then down the A10 a bit before turning west again to Cottenham with its Church complete with Moorish spinnerets. We then headed up Twenty Pence Lane to Wilburton, then West again to Haddenham. Then north to Witcham Toll before turning back East towards Ely. A quick blast up the A10 in glorious sunshine to just below Littleport before we headed back south on the old A10. We paraded through Ely centre, past the market place and then under the infamous low railway bridge towards Newmarket to take us back to the Old Hall. They had agreed that we could make a display of the cars in the courtyard just outside the main entrance and we arrived back at 13.30 just in time to sit down for an excellent three-course lunch. Everybody said they had enjoyed the tour which had taken them to new places. There was plenty of discussion over lunch in our private dining room and guests started to head home in light drizzle. A great day with great cars and great company.
UK Devon & Cornwall – an August weekend’s activity, 27-28 August
From Nick Haigh: On 27 August, 3 XK Club members were joined by a splendid 1948 Mark IV and we had a successful drive across Dartmoor, arriving at the Moretonhampstead Motor Museum. This is an amazing collection of motoring memorabilia and 50 plus fascinating classics/bikes. If any members are in the area, then well worth a visit. “The collection includes an XK150 FHC and a fine D-type (replica). Be quick, as the Museum may be sadly closing down in November. The owner is open to offers in excess of £1.5m, any takers? “Then on 28 July, the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, Tamar Region held its annual Jaguar Day at Buckfastleigh Station. A wonderful setting, where you can enjoy steam train rides on the South Devon Railway by the beautiful River Dart. “Over 60 Jaguars, from across the decades joined in the well organised event and the sun shone all day. Many thanks to Nick Sheron for bringing along his very original XK 140 FHC. Many thanks indeed, Nick
UK Midlands South – Lunch, Wednesday 31 July
From Martin Reynolds: Our second lunch was at The Plough in the picturesque village of Ford nestled in the Cotswolds. Seven XK's graced the carpark with fifteen sitting down to a lovely lunch outside so we could enjoy the sun that was making a rare appearance! Special mention to David and Beverley for coming along. David and Beverley spend the Summer in Europe and the winter months enjoying the sun of Australia. The Plough staff did an outstanding job looking after us and making us feel at home with the last to leave around 4pm! Present - Martin Reynolds, Henry Elwes, Michael Kearns, David Macdonald, Beverley Briese, Mike and Gail Price, Harry and Mary Bowers, Jeff and Chris Van Den Broek, Nigel and Janet Randall, Stephen and Siany Dismoor.
UK Dorset – D-Day Centre & WW2 Museum to the Symondsbury Estate, 28 July
From Paul Abadjian: The Master Plan for the 'Dorset Day' this year was to start at the terrific D-Day Museum, on Portland, the embarkation point for so many brave men 80 years ago. This new museum has been established by E-type Club member Derek Luckhurst, and he has personally sourced all the myriad exhibits, including a full size Spitfire hanging from the roof! Quite an achievement. The strapline for Portland is 'Keep Portland Weird' so the first part of the scenic route was around Portland, looking for weird stuff! After that, we took in spectacular Egardon Hill with rolling green fields stretching to a dark blue sea. Yes...we WERE lucky with the weather, for a change! The ultimate destination, 50 miles later, was The Symondsbury Estate, a wonderful and imaginative re-purposing of what had been run down rural farm buildings and estate into beautifully restored restaurant/cafe, 2 art galleries, an interior design shop, a ladies clothes shop, and animal park. We all gathered together in the allocated 'Jaguar Field' with its beautiful views for a sort of communal and convivial picnic. Overall, the day seemed to receive a universal 'Thumbs Up'!
UK East Midlands – Open Day, P&K Thornton, 6 July
From Cip Nistorica: “We had a brilliant day with many classic Jaguar owners joining us to celebrate our common passion. Thanks to Anne Mitchell for organising the local E-type Club meet and all XK Club members attending. As always, we have made barista coffee and cake available and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoyed themselves despite the weather being a bit on and off. “Our famous panel beater extraordinaire, Darren Edwards, demonstrated his craftsmanship on the English wheel and discussed metalwork techniques, which seemed to fascinated our members. “We have also incorporated synthetic fuel into our day, trying to keep the wire wheels turning for longer with Sustain by Coryton, carbon neutral fuel for our cars in our hope to save the Planet. Drop in fuel for all road going classic cars, now available to purchase on site with us. “It was also the launch of our new modern rolling road facility where we can tune our beloved classics to run to perfection. “We managed to raise over £502 in donations for Cancer Research UK so I am really pleased with that.” Thank you very much indeed!
UK Hampshire – visit to Warminster Maltings, 26 June
From Robin Appel: Our first major event since my appointment, attracted x8 XK's (and one E-Type) to Warminster Maltings, Britain's oldest working maltings, making malt the traditional way by hand, for the Craft Brewing and English Whisky markets. On the hottest day of the year, so far, drivers were offered a scenic route across Salisbury Plain, almost traffic free, and delightful driving roads. Around 12 noon, one by one the cars lined up along the southern elevation, for the 'team photograph', followed by a complimentary lunch in the garden, shaded by a traditional gazebo. This was a good opportunity to garner ideas, and share the challenges for events going forward. Then followed a tour of the malting process, including maltsters at work with their ancient hand tools to create the superior malts that command worldwide demand. The plan for the next event is in September, lunch at a hidden gem nestled in the Berkshire Downs. Again, with added driving experience.
US Texas –Jaguar Owners Association of North Texas 54th annual Concours d ’Elegance, 8 June
From Ed Torres: The expression ‘only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun’, a phrase attributed to Rudyard Kipling and Noel Coward, perhaps should have included Texans. The Jaguar Owners Association of North Texas (Dallas – Ft Worth area) held its 54th annual Concours d ’Elegance on a warm Saturday, June 8, at the stunningly beautiful Jaguar Land Rover dealership in Frisco Texas just north of Dallas. That’s right – 54 Concours events for a club that was formed in 1963 at the peak of the “British Invasion”. This enthusiastic club also hosted the International Jaguar Festival in 2022. Kudos to the association and Jaguar Land Rover Frisco for a well-run event in a pleasant and beautiful setting. Best story of the day was Steve Quilty of Abington VA, who is on a quest to attend a Jaguar Club of North America (JCNA) sanctioned event in all 50 states in his 2007 X Type Sport Brake estate wagon. Steve believes these cars are meant to be driven, and he is proving it in his beautiful 2007 X-Type Sport Brake Estate Wagon. This event was his 39th this year. There were 27 cars judged, which included 13 E-Types and 2 XKs. Best of Show with a perfect 100 score was Anneli Zinser’s 1966 E-Type coupe in stunning Opalescent Metallic Blue. Anneli is a member of the Jaguar Club of Houston. This car is a tribute to Anneli and her late husband Jay, who restored the car together along with Jeff Snyder of Jeff’s Resurrections in Taylor, Texas. We all miss Jay very much; and salute Anneli and Jeff as they plan to make the circuit of all four Texas Concours this year. We wish them the very best. A big thank you to the Jaguar Owners Association of North Texas and the Jaguar Land Rover dealership for hosting this event. The two organizations plan to stage other special events this year to promote our marque. All images by Ed Torres, except for the Quilty’s Quest one – Mikki Solomon plus have added some others by Mikki (Club photographer)
UK-Dorset – Compton Abbas, 6 June
From Paul Abadjian: Well, some didn't quite make it to the start at The Great Field for various 'social' reasons, and others, once they found it, seemed very reluctant to leave it!! Very glad that the mechanical malaise that caused their E-type to 'fail to proceed' did not afflict the plane in which Jim attended last year. ........that can be MUCH more serious, I am given to understand! The rest of us coped manfully with the scenic route, and arrived at Guy Ritchie's Compton Abbas airfield to be greeted by the rest of the group who live in that direction, so didn't do the route. There were a number of slightly frail-looking vintage bi planes taking off and landing as we enjoyed lunch in this stylish and popular venue. Sitting outside in the sun afterwards, watching the airfield activities, and catching up with friends old and new was a treat! Many thanks to those who came, and we hope that this may inspire some of those local club members who didn't come this year, to maybe venture out for next year? With the sun shining, it's a relaxed and enjoyable day, and an excuse to get the car out for a gentle scenic run. Give it a go...who knows, you may even enjoy it?! In the meantime...a few photos......many thanks to Richard Carter and Roger Adams for some of these!
UK Devon & Cornwall – Drive and visit to the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, 1 June
From Nick Haigh: Martin and Julie Barre bought along their beautiful 140 Drophead, Chris and Lesley Forrest their well campaigned 120 OTS and Nick and Annie Haigh their Pastel Green 140 FHC were alo joined by Andy and Gill Terry, who drove up from Sussex in their immaculate 140 OTS and Chris and Carol Sweby in their wonderful Red 150. We toured over 50 miles around the South Hams country lanes. This involved a stop at Staverton Railway Station for the 10.45 steam train arrival. However, the highlight was undoubtedly a visit to the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth. We were privileged to be able to drive and park our XKs on the main Parade Ground. Our thanks go out to the Commander at the Royal Naval College for his kind hospitality. This allowed us to view the historic buildings used for Officer training and experience the panoramic views of the River Dart. We then drove to Calancombe Estate for lunch at a fellow XK 120 owners Vineyard. Brilliant day and the sun shone.
UK Jersey – The Rubis Jersey International Motoring Festival, 30 May- 2 June
From Mark Blanchard: The Jersey Jaguars took part in the Rubis Jersey International Motoring Festival over the weekend of the 30th May to the 2nd June, that brought back the popular fun filled family event for another year, with many hundreds of cars on display. From sunset sprints along Victoria Avenue to static displays in the People’s Park, there was much to see during the four day event for the motoring fanatic or the family group with live music, food, drink and market stalls that created a festival atmosphere for Islanders of all ages. Members of the Jersey sections of the E -Type, XK and Jaguar Enthusiast Clubs brought out their beautiful cars and in the warm blue skies took part in the demo sprints. The iconic 1988 XJR-9 Le Mans winner, brought to the Event by Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, was surrounded by a selection of local Jaguars on static display in the park, and greatly admired by many thousands of visitors.
UK Beds, Bucks, Herts – Shuttleworth Collection – Old Warden, Bedfordshire – Best of British Airshow, Sunday 12 May
From Don Grant: The day dawned bright sunny and warm as I set off for the short drive in my XK 140 FHC from home through Bedford to the airfield. Although advertised as an airshow, space has set aside for invited car clubs to bring and display their vehicles. Sadly we did not manage to encourage enough members to mount a display but Paul and Sue Wright came on the day and came to say hello. In addition, owners of classic British vehicles were invited to bring and display their vehicles in a separate area where the public had the opportunity to get a close look and ask questions of the owners. I was fortunate to be able to display my XK. Although we did not have a club presence, it was great to see David Kirke with his XK 140 DHC and a very original XK 120 roadster owned for over 40 years. A Mk 2 Jaguar a Daimler 2.5 litre and an E-type FHC completed interest in our cars. Other classics on display included Aston Martin, Series One Land Rover, Bentley, Austin Healey, Lagonda and MG. A vehicle parade of 36 vehicles set off in the heat of midday along the flight line which sadly took its toll as several vehicles over heated, I am pleased to confirm that I was not one of them. It is not very often that jet aircraft are included in the flying display at Old Warden, on this occasion a Hunting Jet Provost demonstrated how aircraft design had progressed since its’ predecessor the piston-engined Hunting Percival trainer that is part of the Shuttleworth Collection. The aircraft with the most interesting history on display was Bristol Blenheim L6739, the only flying example in the world. It saw war service and was scrapped in 1940 although the nose of the aircraft was saved and was purchased by a Bristol Aeroplane Company employee who used it as part of an electric car that he built and used successfully for a number of years. As he had retained most of the original components they became a key constituent of the restored aircraft. The airframe suffered serious damage in 2003 and 11 years later it returned to the skies. It belongs to the Aircraft Restoration Company and is based at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford.
Notes from Berkshire – Three cheers for the Red, White, and Blue! 26-27 May
From Bill Voice: Although not specifically an XK Club meet, I managed to get together with club members Wyn Roberts and his wife Mary, as well as Alan West in our Red (120), White (150), and Blue (150) at the biennial Sonning Festival Classic and Cherished Car Show, which is part of a long weekend of events, including the famous Scarecrow Festival where village residents open their home to the public and put on displays in their gardens. The Car Show is hosted by Max McNeil at his magnificent Bishop’s Close estate (a modern architectural gem easily found online), which is a central point of the village. The periodic showers failed to dampen spirits and some great cars including Max’s recently restored DB5 were on show too. Whilst my own XK has seen little except the inside of the garage since last September, Alan’s was in its usual wonderful condition, Wyn has had a bare metal bodywork repair and respray since we last saw each other, and it looked resplendent in a variation on Indigo Blue. It would be nice to attract a few more Berkshire members (or keen ones from across the borders of Bucks, Surrey, and Hampshire) to some other local events over the summer, and there are many.
UK Beds, Bucks, Herts – Shuttleworth Collection Old Warden, Bedfordshire, D Day Airshow, Saturday 25 May 2024
From Don Grant: I left my XK at home for this event as I took my brother and his friend to witness the arrival of four Douglas C-47 Skytrains to Old Warden as part of their European tour to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D Day landings. It was a lovely sunny day with light wind which is important to ensure that the aircraft can land safely. They arrived in formation flying over the airfield before splitting up to undertake their final approach and touching down on the grass runway, something that the pilots don’t do very often in America as most of the airfields they fly into are concrete or asphalt. They had all flown from America or Canada, stopping to refuel in Greenland, Iceland and Ireland before landing at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Two of the aircraft are restored to their WW2 condition, Placid Lassie spent some time as a commercial aircraft before being restored to original condition. That process involved removing all the insulation from the cockpit and cabin areas. The lowest temperature recorded on this flight from America was -20C. The other original aircraft has had a fair amount of publicity as it was in the vanguard of flights on 6th June 1944, known as 3X or “That’s all Brother” it was reclaimed from an aircraft scrapyard and lovingly restored to its original specification, the other two on display had been converted for commercial use after hostilities ceased and restored to in use condition. The passion and knowledge of the crew of these aircraft, really brought home to me the reality of the event they came to commemorate. The Shuttleworth Spitfire was also on display. Visitors had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit and have the controls explained to them for a fee. That was the end of my May adventures, but I was back at Old Warden the following weekend for the Military event with more vehicles and aircraft displays including a Noth American P-51 Mustang and some of the Shuttleworth Collections own aircraft. Don Grant.
Hampshire – Twyford Moors Open Day 4 May and Lunch 8 May
From Robin Appel: An attempt to revive the Hampshire members activity began on May 4th, when half a dozen members introduced themselves to each other at Twyford Moors well attended 'Open Day'. This was followed by a small but very jolly lunch party at The Tichborne Arms on May 8th. The latter format would appear to be popular.
Midlands South – New Dawn Inn lunch, 30 April
From Martin Reynolds: The new Dawn Inn at Norton on the A38 between Gloucester and Tewkesbury was the venue for the first gathering of the year. Blessed with fine weather ten XK's made the journey and eighteen members sat down to a delicious lunch. The venue has plenty of parking and the staff attentive and friendly. It was excellent to meet everyone. Thank you to all who attended. The next will be in July/August.
UK Surrey – Twyford Moors visit, 4 May
From Patrick Hanratty: An excellent turnout to visit this beautiful facility in Havant. Nick and Harry split us into 2 groups and then we spent an hour being instructed on the mechanical capabilities of this spacious and well organised workshop on the ground floor. The upper floor is mainly given over to car storage and cars for sale. My favourite was the light blue XK120 OTS now nearing the end of a full restoration. The engine has been rebuilt to a fast road specification, and other sympathetic modifications make this car a most beautiful example. Twyford Moors enjoys a special place within the XK and E Type community and Nick Rochez, the owner along with his son Harry contribute to the enjoyment of XK ownership. Some of us met beforehand at The Bat and Ball in Hambledon ( in my case for a Guinness) and then drove to Twyfords in glorious sunshine. Suddenly all seemed right with the world!!
UK Jersey – Rallye des Manoirs, 19-21 April
From Mark Blanchard: Jersey held their Rallye des Manoirs on the weekend of the 19-21 April. Organized by Andrea and Chris Le Boutillier of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club and with help from Mark Blanchard of the E-type Club and Simon Slaffer and Nick Hayman of the XK Club it was a combination of 35 French Jaguars from Normandy and Brittany and twenty Jersey Jaguars. The participating cars ranged from SSs of the 1930s, XK 120s, XK 140s, XK 150s, E-types and a selection of the modern XKs. The weekend was centered around three privately owned Jersey manors, with participants driving to and from them. The clubs were extremely grateful to the Seigneurs, Pam and Paul Bell of Trinity Manor; Vincent Obbard of Samares Manor; and Charles and Georgina Malet de Carteret of St Ouen’s Manor for welcoming them so warmly. On the Friday the French contingent were met off the boat from St Malo and escorted to the Ambassador Hotel where they settled in and had a welcoming four-course evening meal and a chance to get to know each other and meet up with the Jersey organizers. On the Saturday it was an early start and a run to the east of the Island before arriving at the Jersey Orchid Foundation to view their beautiful flowers and have a coffee before heading to Trinity Manor where E-type Club members Seigneurs Paul and Pam Bell hosted a spectacular display of the cars on their Manor lawn. Refreshments were provided by the Jersey team before the convoy left for a drive to Samares Manor where Seigneur Vincent Obbard led guided tours of this beautiful property and provided tea, coffee and sandwiches. The day was rounded off with a superb formal dinner at the exclusive Savoy Hotel in St Helier. On the Sunday, having driven to the west of the Island and passing through the grounds of La Moye Manor, the route incorporated wonderful views of Corbiere lighthouse in brilliant sunshine and after a drive along the five-mile road the convoy stopped at Jersey Pearl for coffee, cakes and some retail therapy. From there the cars headed to St Ouen’s Manor where the Seigneur, Charles Malet de Carteret delivered a potted history of the manor and its grounds in French. A lobster lunch at St Ouen’s Parish Hall followed, culminating with a performance by the Jersey Ukulele Band which had the French and their new Jersey friends on their feet, waving their serviettes and clapping to the beat and providing warm and lasting memories on their journeys home as well as knowing their support of the rally had raised much needed funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association Jersey.
UK East Anglia – Spring Drive, 7 April
From Mike Read: On Sunday 7th April we had our first meeting of 2024, traditionally called the East Anglia Spring Drive. We met for coffee at The Angel Public House at Larling, just off A11, a couple of miles South of Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit. The turnout was excellent with eleven XK's and two E-types, with a total of twenty four participants. The weather was extremely kind, albeit breezy, and the best day for quite a while, which was good as there were quite a few OTS' s and DHC's, including Roger King in his recently finished, immaculate XK 140 DHC. We set off at 11am on a 35 mile drive through Shropham, Great Ellingham and Attleborough, then into Old Buckenham where we visited the Airfield, which in WW2 was home to the USAAF 543rd Bombardment group. This included the famous American actor, James Stewart, who was a pilot there. One of our regulars, Jules Greenway, had arranged with his friend "Biff" to show us a military 1930's Piper Cub L-4 Grasshopper reconnaissance plane, (as used in the film, The Battle of the Bulge), which had been lovingly restored fifteen years ago. Afterwards, there was time to visit the small, but very interesting, 543rd Museum before we headed back to the Angel at Larling for lunch in their private dining room. A great day with a lovely group of XK enthusiasts.
UK Surrey – Brooklands Spring Meeting, 30 March
From Patrick Hanratty: An excellent turnout at the Brooklands Spring meeting. 12 XKs were on show and 1800 cars turned out in warm weather. A good discussion amongst drivers ensued and we were joined by Michael Ballard and Linda who briefed us on future plans including the track day at Goodwood July 3rd and the Phylis Tuckwell event at Robert and Tania Lewis’s collection August 11th. Simon Gurney was the 1st to arrive and others included Dougie Lawson, Peter and Tina Reeves, Chris Bourgeois, John Lay, James Turnbull, Robert Leishman with Oscar and John Ball.
UK Surrey – the Black Swan, Ockham, 17 March
From Patrick Hanratty: On Sunday we had an excellent turnout at The Black Swan at Ockham. Thank you to Lawrence, Simon and Jane, Robert, Martin, Doug and of course Margaret as always . The weather held and the traffic amazingly was very light so all of you who feared for 5 hour jams were disappointed. Everyone was invited to talk about their cars, the history and where they drive, and whilst we don't all have Robert's racing experience, there were lots to talk about. Interestingly we were approached by Keith Benjamin, the Managing Director of Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and a long conversation ensued which may lead to further events. I am still thinking about this year's programme and hope to be in touch with you all again within the month.
UK Surrey – New Years Day Brooklands
From Patrick Hanratty: The meeting was held as usual for the New Years Day parade at Brooklands. About 100 cars attended and 12 XKs were able to come together. The weather was a little chilly but the atmosphere was good. Excellent to welcome Peter and Tina Reeves, Adrian Gray, Robert Leishman, Lawrence and Jane Gordon, Michael Ballard , Jools Cranwell, Bill and Sue Lawes. The cars looked magical lined up and attracted much interest from the visitors
