Each year, at our Christmas Dinner we ask our members to exercise their ingenuity by decorating a designated item. In the past we have had masks, gloves and even noses, this year it was festive braces. More members took part than ever before, there were decorated trouser braces; decorated wheel braces and flashing LED tooth braces! The competition, light hearted as it was, encouraged a diner from another group to volunteer as head judge, in fact he insisted! He asked the whole restaurant to applaud the two leading contenders and the clapometer recorded a record score for Alec Fairbrother. One of the waitresses took over and selected Gordon Bancroft as having an outstanding pair of trouser braces. Gordon always comes up with something out of the ordinary. Then Karin Willgoose, our hostess donated a bottle of wine for the best wheel brace ensemble this was won by Tony Johnson with his candlestick, it was pointed out that they were Austin Ten wheel braces but this objection was overruled. On the downside Alan and Margaret Cady were unable to attend, it looks as though Alan has the dreaded flu, get well soon Alan.
Mike and Karin recently celebrated 40 years in The George Hotel, Leadenham and were kind enough to invite our committee to a party in the hotel. Free drinks, hot food and entertainment were enjoyed by hundreds of their customers and friends. It was a much-appreciated gesture. They have proved to be generous hosts over the years. In the past T E Lawrence, then known as Aircraftsman Shaw, used the hotel in his spare time to write in peace and quiet. Another famous airman who visited the hotel was Douglas Bader during his time at The RAF College, Cranwell. The hotel boasts a collection of 700 different bottles of whisky. The most expensive of these being sold at £450 a tot! I understand there may be a small discount for a double!
We have been invited to attend the late Christmas Lunch at The Bull, Rippingale, it is on Friday 19th February. Contact Neil on 01778 440897. I have just used the last flying balloon from the 2009 event. We do have fun with Sue at the Bull. Joining the Pre-War Austin Seven Club does wonders for your social life.
The NEW Regulations for the Shoe Box Gravity Race, (March meeting) are available from Tony Johnson. Just send £3. Shoe boxes can be collected at the January or February meetings. Check with the NEW Regulations first as some racers may still be legal. Those that do meet the NEW Regulations will need to be re-certified to the NEW Regulations, by Tony.
Planning for the Sevens To The Sea is well in hand, the Boaters Beach Restaurant at Cleethorpes has changed hands, but the new owner is keen to accommodate us for the dinner on Sunday night. We really enjoy the evening, hopefully the day will have gone with no major upsets and we can relax, knowing it is only a short walk to get to bed. Entry forms are being sent to all 2009 STTS entrants.
KNOWN GROUP MEETINGS FOR 2010
Normal timing 7.30pm for 8.00pm at the George Hotel, Leadenham, unless specified differently.
January 13th Planning meeting to sort out the programme for the year.
February 10th Auction of Auto jumble, Please look out anything suitable we can auction.
March 10th Shoe Box Gravity Race.
August 14th The Lincolnshire Group’s Annual BBQ. At Richard Moore’s, Laughterton.
OTHER EVENTS 2010
February 19th Christmas Lunch, The Bull, Rippingale.
June 6th Autokarna.
