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Callum Beveridge

47 Old Mill Lane, Inverness, Highland IV2 3XP Tel: 01463 231787

Email: editor@citroenspecialsclub.org

ADDRESS LABELS Carole Chitty

MAILING

Peter and Margaret Cook

CARTOONS John Wheatley

Printed in England by:

Paul Hackett

The next ‘FLAT OUT’ GOES TO THE PRINTER

on 5th June 2009

The next Flat Out will be issued around July 1st Please send articles by e-mail or typed.

www.citroenspecialsclub.org

Neither the Editor nor the officers of the Citroen Specials Club are necessarily in agreement with

opinions expressed in this magazine. Such opinions are entirely the views of the author and imply no

recommendation by the Citroen Specials Club

All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealings as permitted under the terms of the Copyright Design and Patents Act of 1988, no part of this magazine

may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the written permission of the Citroen Specials Club

3 Chairman's Notes 6 Editorial 11 MemSec’s Report 12 Treasurer’s Report 13 Letters 21 Events Diary 24 Classified Ads 32 Monthly Meetings

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GenSec’s Report 9 North Wales & West Mids 16 North West 18 Cotswold Chat 20 East Mids/Mid Shires

23 North Thames Gas 26 Not So

Wild West 27 Scotland Frozen North 30 East Coasters 34 Down South Roundup

7 Summer Camp Final Update

Editor

CSC Homepage

Copyright

Front Cover: Howard Smiths one-off specials (see ‘the Car’s the Star’)

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Hello all These ramblings are mainly about this years AGM held at the Broadway hotel in Morecambe. If you where there bear with me, but this should be of interest to members not there. The weather was kind to us, dry but windy on Saturday for the run in to the lake district organised by the NW section - thanks lads. The ones who went enjoyed it even if they got wind blown. others explored the local area of Lancaster and Morecambe, some of us went to the castle and priory. The castle is still a prison so not open but the priory was very interesting and worthwhile dating from Roman times.

Saturday evening we had the dinner dance. The music was a broad range for all tastes from traditional Scottish through to up to date, with the fancy dress theme of “They were in entertainment” well supported. It was great to see the effort people put in, some of which where very, original.

Rab C spoke to me at the bar with lots of hand waving and “ooh ahhs ees”. I never understood a word, but he never noticed. Jenny's northern tribe gave us a rendition of a poem Iain wrote “what it was about I'm not sure” (have to go to Scottish language classes). Charlie Chaplin did well to dance in size 12 shoes on size 8 feet and Marilyn Monroe kept on grinning all thought the dance. Jim fixed it for me to look a prat.

With well over 100 attending the AGM on the Sunday, the meeting re-elected all of the committee, except Peter Chitty, who stood down from the treasurers post he has done for the last 20 years. The club owes him a big “thank you” for all his work in that time. The club now have healthy finances for the future due to his work. “Thanks” Peter from all the members. Alan Peacock was elected To take his place

With over 520 paid up members we have more now than ever before .

The club have acknowledged all the work Peter & Margaret Cook have put in over the last 19 years with their licking and sticking your 'Flat Out' postings, by presenting them with an engraved clock in the style of a steering wheel.

The Nic Francois trophy for outstanding contribution was awarded to Alan Peacock for his extra efforts during last year, covering the secretary work until John Fowler took up the post as secretary. The trophy now has a new base with room for plates with the names of past and future recipients, which was kindly donated by Jenny White.

We also have a new annual trophy to be called the 'Roy Bagshaw' trophy, which is to be awarded for technical innovation at the annual summer camps to any member at that event. This is a trophy that the east coaster had made for Roy some years ago. With his passing, his family have given it to the club in his memory .

Finally if you would like to be the editor of flat out, Callum has given us one years notice that he intends to stand down as editor, so we are looking for someone willing to take on this important job. Callum is willing to show them the ropes, so if you think you have what we need, contact me or any of the committee.

Next big event is Stoneleigh which I'm looking forward to as it is always the best kit show of the year with the best turn out of our club with plenty to see and do. If you have not been, come and meet up with other like minded enthusiasts. keep on revving Steve

CHAIRMANS NOTES

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Officers Chairman: Steve Parrish 16 Ivor Close, Holbury, Southampton, Hants 023 8089 2071 SO45 2NY email: stevejan@talktalk.net Secretary: Dr John Fowler “Rivendell” Shortsill Lane Flaxby 01423 867410 Knaresborough, N Yorks HG5 0RT e-mail john.fowler67@virgin.net Treasurer: Alan Peacock Verazze, 61 Windmill Avenue, St Albans, Herts 01727 862971 AL4 9SJ e-mail: alan@hmdev.fsnet.co.uk Membership Carole Chitty 8 Forest End, Fleet, Hampshire, Secretary: 01252 620 128 GU52 7XE e-mail: admin@citroenspecialsclub.org

Area Representatives

North Thames: Vic Braybrook 11 Meade Road, Billericay, Essex 01277 622 331 CM11 1DE South East: Vacant South: Carole & Peter Chitty 8 Forest End Courtmoor, Fleet, 01252 620 128 Hampshire, GU52 7XE South West: Ron Bishop 2 Beresford Gardens, Landsdown 01225 335777 Lane, Weston Bath, Avon BA1 4NX Cotswolds: Gordon & Allyson Burch 6 The Barracks, Parkend, Lydney 01594 562844 Glos. GL15 4HR E-mail badgerburch@tiscali.co.uk South Wales: Vacant Contact: Rob Raikes 90 Heol Bardd, Bridgend, 01656 668 683 Mid-Glamorgan CF31 4td email: owlin.kats@virgin.net North East: Vacant East Midlands: Jim & Joy Barry 164 Polwell Lane, Barton (Midshires Sub-Group) 01536 724 512 Seagrave, Kettering, Northants NN15 6UB North West: Richard Williams 316 Brindle Road, Bamber Bridge 01772 628470 Preston, Lancs. PR5 6ZL E-mail Tibetans@btinternet.com Scotland: Jennie White Whitelaw Cottage, 01387 370 291 Carlesgill, Westerkirk Langholm, Dumfrieshire DG13 0NZ North Wales & Philip Costin-Kelly 42, Timbertree Road, Cradley Heath West Midlands: 01384 567804 West Midlands, B64 7LE. Northern Raymond Lloyd 19 Monaville Av, Lisburn, Co.Antrim, Ireland 02892 587156 Northern Ireland BT28 2DF East Anglia: Bob Hartley 19 Grove Hill, Belstead Village, 01473 730 434 Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3LP East Midlands: David Field Warren House, 24 Cherry Tree Lane (East Coast Sub-Group) 01522 753372 Nettleham, Lincoln, Lincs. LN2 2PR North Wales: Contact: Bob Lloyd The Oaks, Preston Gubbles Rd. Bomere 01939 290216 Heath, Nr Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 3LU

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Falcon Contact: Joyce Taylor Ridge Cottage, Glevering 01728 746 155 Hill, Wickham Market, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 0DG Specials Contact: Richard Perfitt 10 Monmouth Road, Harlington LU2 01525 876 671 Dunstable, Beds. e.mail:richardperfitt@mac.com Pembleton Contact: Dave Parr Oaktree Cottage, High St, Inkberrow 01386 793042 Worcs WR7 4DY. Technical Advisers: Derek Smith 4 Sherbourne Drive 01753 868 537 Windsor, Berks SL4 4AE5 Dicky Dawes 55 Pedlars grove, Frome, 01373 461589 Somerset BA11 2SX e.mail: Dickyandpat@hotmail.co.uk Regalia Sales: Lynda Kiley 14 Spender Close, Exmouth, S Devon 01395 263163 EX8 4LP Handbook Technical info: Jim Barry 164 Polwell Lane, Barton Seagrave 01536 724512 Kettering Northants NN15 6UB

All members of the Citroen Specials Club will be sad to hear of the passing of DAVE LOW who passed away recently after a long illness. We should all be aware the influence Dave had in the promotion and develop-ment of the Lomax motor company during the 80s and 90s and without his ef-forts with lomax, our club would be a lot smaller and poorer supported as the lomax kit is still the main kit used even today. All club members I am sure send their condolences to his family. From the chairman on behalf of the club Steve Parrish

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Hello, The AGM was well attended, and the venue offered unbelievable value for money. The weather on the Sunday was near perfect and the meeting itself passed without incident. On the Saturday evening, there were some very impressive costumes including two Rab C Nesbits. Both were suitable attired, but I hear that one of them created two costumes...just in case... A highlight of the AGM for me, was the chance to drive the chain-driven single-seater around a ca park in Grange-over-Sands. All I can say is that he’s braver than me! Howard Smith arrived at the AGM in his one-off special giving us all the chance to admire the craftsmanship and hard work that has gone into it. As a result, his car is featured in ‘The Car’s the Star’ on page 36. Remember, Matthew and Alsie Joy are organising a North Yorkshire run at the end of May and the latest news is that there’s still space at the B&B. The March/April issue had details of the Alton Classic Car Show and had the wrong email address for John Robson. An updated email address can be found on page 13. There’s a new feature this month on ‘Early Motoring Memories’ which kicks off with details of Jim Caldwells first home-built Special. I’ve got a few more for future issues, but if you want to send me details of your first ‘special’ I’ll try to make it a

regular feature. Details of the SFN ‘Applecross Alpine Adventure’ are now firmed up (see page 19), and this promises to be a spectacular weekend with breathtaking scenery. Due to a recent BBC2 program about life in Applecross, accommodation is getting very much booked up for this summer, so if you’re thinking of coming, please let me know ASAP. I’ve pre-booked some tent pitches and a camping cabin, and these are available on a first-come first-served basis. After that, you’ll have to book your own pitch or B&B etc. Ray Lloyd has details of the North Ireland ‘return’ trip this September. This promises to be another excellent weekend expanding our horizons to Eire. Details on page 8 This is my last stint as ‘Flat Out’ editor, as I’m struggling to find the time to get it done. If you fancy taking over, I’ll give you all the computer help you need. Don’t wait too long though, you’ve only got until next March to learn the ropes… Callum

EDITORIAL

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The CSC Summer Gathering The CSC Summer Gathering Woodhall spaWoodhall spa

June 2009June 2009

FINAL updateFINAL update

Friday Checking-In:

Accommodated 0n-site: On arrival, stop at the CSC HQ check-in point (outside the Rally Field) which will be in place from 9am on Friday morning. (Early arrivees see below) Here you will receive your copy of the CSC Summer Gathering 09 Information Booklet and directions to your pitch or Bungalow. Those of you accommodated in Bungalows will then be able to pick up your keys at the Bainland Reception Counter. Any members arriving before 8am on Friday morning with tents are requested not to pitch on the Rally Field in an area 10 yards back from the tarmac into the field. This is to allow room for the CSC HQ Camper-van which will be positioned on Thursday evening and the CSC HQ Gazebo which will be positioned by 9am on Friday morning. Any members arriving after 7pm on Friday are requested to check in at Bainland Reception on arrival as the CSC HQ Check in point will be closed for the duration of the Meet & Greet in the Function Room which starts at 7pm. Once set up, please see David in the Function Room for your Information Booklet and brief on Saturday timings. Accommodated 0ff-site: You may pick up your CSC Summer Gathering 09 Information Booklet either at the CSC HQ check-in point (outside the Rally Field) any time on Friday, or, at the Friday evening Meet & Greet. Early arrivals: Some of you are arriving on the Thursday or earlier. The CSC HQ check-in point (outside the Rally Field) will not be set up and manned until 9am on Friday morning. Anyone arriving before this time is requested to check in at the Bainland Country Park Reception Counter on arrival for keys and/or directions to your pitch or site. They will also have your copy of the CSC Summer Gathering 09 Information Booklet. I will be coming to the Park early on Thursday evening to deliver and position the CSC HQ Motor-home. Whilst on site, I will come to see all early arrivees at your pitch or Bungalow to make sure that all is well. Early arrivees are reminded that the Bainland Country Park Bistro Restaurant is open all day for meals including breakfast (details from the Bistro or Reception) and the Bar is open until 11pm each day.

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BEST WISHES BOB: As Phil has explained, Bob Lloyd had a heart attack some weeks ago, and consequently has been out of action in terms of driving, writing his own "Bob's Bit" notes for Flat Out, and generally taking part in club activities. It is good to be able to report however that as we went to press, Bob had been back at home for about a fortnight and was making steady progress towards a good recovery. "Please thank everyone who's sent me good wishes, and tell them I'm looking forward to getting back into action," he says. More good wishes from us all, Bob. We're missing you. John Simcock

NORTH WALES—WEST MIDS Bob’s bit (The Wrekin/Border Man)

Bout ye! As I have very recently been volunteered to take over the position of Northern Ireland Representative my first missive will be brief so that I can send it off to Callum in time for it to be included in this May/June issue of Flat Out. Several members have asked me to organise a return visit to Northern Ireland. The first one took place on the first weekend of September 2007 and I propose to hold ‘Ireland – The Return’ during the same weekend of this year. The dates are Thursday 3 September to Monday 7 September 2009. I hope to hold the evening reception in the same place in Groomsport as 2007 before travelling up North the next day.

We will eventually end up in Donegal, my favourite County in Ulster, via Omagh and Derry/Londonderry. I will of course compile lists of Camp Sites, B&B’s and Hotels etc. and I will send these, if requested, by email or by snail mail if you are not on t’internet. If you are interested in coming back to the little gem on your doorstep please email me or ring. Use the landline telephone number as listed in the Club’s handbook. My email is: raymond.lloyd@ntlworld.com Looking forward to meeting you all again. Ray Lloyd

NORN IRON CRAIC

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Hi Everyone. Well we are now in summer time. How many of you were caught out with the clocks again? I think most members would like to see summer time all the time. Since my last report we attended the February Committee Meeting. Three are held each year and this was my third, and it went on a lot longer than the other two due mainly to a long debate about the Footman James offer. This would mean them paying the club a commission for every member that takes out insurance with them and quotes their membership number. In return they want the club magazine to carry a full page advertisement for them or one of their news items, plus a few more little things. The committee finally voted to accept the arrangement and details appeared in the last magazine 123. Our section meetings are still going strong. The 8th February Sunday meeting at the Bell at Tong saw 17 members plus 2 guests including new members, Anthony & David 1808J. The 3rd Wednesday evening meeting on 18th February saw 8 members turning out with much chat and banter. Our last Tong winter meeting on the 8th March saw 15 members and two club cars plus Peter & Della’s very nice MX 5. I was pleased to hear Peter say he would not be selling their 3 wheeled special. 18th March was our tenth 3rd Wednesday of the month meeting and we had 9 members plus 2 guests and 2 Pembletons. Our mid week daytime trip to the Westfield Sportscars Factory saw 5 members turn out. Everyone enjoyed the visit and it was interesting comparing the factory with our Morgan Car Factory visit. Westfield is a much smaller set up, but none the worse for that.

They turn out a total of 340 kits and turn key cars per year. 75% of their out put is exported, and they have agents in many countries. The engineering is of a very high standard and our members were very impressed. From the Westfield factory we went on to the Glass Museum for coffees and a look around. This museum is well worth a visit. It has an attractive canal side position, and, thanks to Dudley Council, it is free. This was our second mid week trip, both to car factories. Any ideas for our next trip would be welcome and it does not need to be car related. The A.G.M. was another Club success. The hotel may have been a little tired but the attendees were not. It was right on the sea front and I think it was very good value for money. All the area Reps were voted in unopposed for another year, so it’s your own fault that I’m still here for anther year. Try harder next year. Callum, our esteemed Club Magazine editor, gave notice that he will be standing down at the next A.G.M. so if you would like to be Editor let him know. Peter Chitty is standing down as Club Treasurer after 18 or 19 years in the job. Well done Peter. Alan Peacock was voted in as the new Treasurer. Unfortunately, Bonnie Carbutt, one of our best supporters, did not make the A.G.M. due to having a heart attack the day before travelling. After a stay in hospital and an operation Bonnie is now at home being looked after by Peter. Bonnie, we all send our best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. When we visited the Morgan Car Factory one of our group wanted to know where to buy wire wheels suitable for a Lomax. Well, I have had the details for sometime now from Alan Price but I forgot to include them in my earlier reports. So if that person was you, get in touch for the details of the supplier. Jim Barry also as the information which is to be included

NORTH WALES—WEST MIDS (Philips bit)

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in the Handbook details.

I hope you have liked my reports over the last 12 months if you want anything including at any time just let me know.

I have attended twenty eight NW& WM events in my year as your section Rep and in our events register there are 367 signatures of attending members and guests. Many Thanks

for your support.

Drive safely everybody, Philip & Natalie 1502J

Late news

We have found out that 2 of our members are poorly, Bob Lloyd & Terry Baldwin. Our thoughts are with them both. Get well soon.

Diary 2009

May Sunday 10th National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, Staffs, DE13 7AR. The Arboretum is on the A38, approx 6 miles from Lichfield heading towards Burton on Trent. Meet in car park at noon. £2.00 for parking but admission is free. Excel-lent venue with a lot to see (stout shoes recommended) and good facilities.

Tuesday 12th South Midlands Monthly Classic Transport Meet, at 7-00pm The Pearl Group, Wythall, B47 6WG.

Wednesday 20th Evening meeting at the Bell at Belbroughton, DY9 9XV at 8-00pm

June Sunday 7th Philip and Natalie’s Garden Party and auto jumble from 2-00pm open to all NW&WM section members. If you have not been to club event why not try this one. Why not bring your spare little cars bits along to sell as well. You will most welcome, BUT please let us know that you’re coming by the 1st of June. Phone us on 01384 567804. No Singer this year, but you can sing if you want to entertain us.

Tuesday 9th South Midlands Monthly Classic Transport Meet at 7-00pm The Pearl Group, Wythall, B47 6WG.

Wednesday, 17th Evening Meeting at the Bell at Belbroughton DY9 9XV at 8-00hrs

Fri 26th- Sun 28th The Club’s Summer Camp at Woodhall Spa Lincolnshire.

July Saturday 4th Gornal Community Fun Day. I have sent for entry forms. Their only purpose is to give the organiser an idea of the type of vehicle and how many will turn up.

July Sunday 5th 6 Ashes Rally, College Farm, Nr Bridge North WV 15 6EL I have entry forms, if you have been before you may get one posted to you. You could just turn up, but if you send a form in you should get a Plaque. I have forms should you want one. Just ask and I will send you one.

Sat 4th/ Sun 5th ‘Cars in the Park 2009’ in Beacon Park, Lichfield. I have copies of the entry form.

Tuesday 14th South Midlands Monthly Classic Transport Meet at 7-00 pm. The Pearl Group, Wythall, B47 6WG.

Wednesday 15th Evening meeting at the Bell at Belbroughton DY9 9XV at 8-00 pm.

August Sunday 23rd Lupin Farm, Nr Kings Bromley. More details later.

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Membership Secretary's Report As we predicted we came home from a great cruising holiday to find piles of post waiting for us plus a hiccup with the Flat Out mailing as several labels were missing so apologies to those members who received their magazine late. Thank you for the kind letters that also came through the door. Peter and Margaret Cook stood down as “Fillers, Lickers and Stickers” at the AGM (so thank you to them for all their hard work over the years) and Richard (Gos) and Barbara Goodman have agreed to take over this role (Phew! Both Callum and I were glad of that!) Another little hiccup when at the Committee Meeting in February when it was suggested that the layout of the membership listings could be different. This gave me a few days of headache before I realised why I had produced it the way I had! As I am now in the middle of renewals and there are quite a few amendments I am updating as I go along so the promised new listings will be with you asap. If you need any information in the meantime please contact me and I am sorry this has taken so long. If you have any amendments or new entries for the Information pages of the handbook or any queries then Jim Barry’s your man as he is dealing with that side of it. We are still getting a steady stream of new members (two applications have come in as I write this!) and our membership stands at 1830, with a current membership of 520 I hope you are all going to renew or nudge the late renewers! as they will not get this magazine until they have paid up.

Carole Chitty

N.Wales/W.Mids 1825J Terrence & Margaret Furlong , Llangoed Beaumaris, Anglesey. Silver/Black Billington TricycleF942 URE [Billington Tricycle] 1827 Callum Calton, Coseley Dudley, West Midlands. BRG Lomax 225BVR 935T

South 1829 Leslie Rush, BurphamGuildford, Surrey Green Lomax 223E675 DNJ East Anglia 1826J Del & Anne Radley, Chillesford Woodbridge, Suffolk Blue Lomax 224RJE 968J

South West 1828J Alison & Brian Jessup, Sutton Veny Warminster, Wiltshire No special at present North Thames 1830 Ian Gray, Lower Edmonton, London No special at present

Welcome to new members

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At the AGM in Morecambe I stood down as treasurer to make way for a younger man! Not before time you might say. Looking back to see when my printing started in the account books, I found I took over from Trevor Richens at the Stoneleigh AGM of May 1991, eighteen years ago, subs then were £7.20 p.a. which was the amount Trevor had costed out.

The young man taking over is Alan Peacock and I had hoped it would be an easy handover, however the print out from the bank shows a lot of work to do. After all my letters and the new Standing Order Mandate with the last “Flat Out” I had hoped we would all be at £17.50 per annum but NO, there are still some payments at £12.00, £15.00, and even a £17.00 and an £18.00 payment so it looks like a lot more money to the Post Office. I am sure Alan will keep us straight and wish him all the best. Peter Chitty

Ex-Treasurers Report

Some of the cars on the recent AGM Saturday run Some of the cars on the recent AGM Saturday run

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LETTERS...LETTERS...LETTERS...LETTERS...LETTERS... Alton Classic Car Show Many thanks for putting in the latest FO the information about the Alton Classic Car show in September. I need your further help please. Stupidly I gave you an incorrect email address for interested parties to contact me on. A senior moment I'm afraid but I also have another address with the figures 12 after my name and added these to the original I normally use. The result is that anyone wanting to contact me will get their mail returned if they try to send me mail on the address in the article you printed. The correct address for registration of a wish to bring a car is john.robson@uk2.net Kind regards and many thanks. John Robson King Pin Conversion The following may be of interest to other Avion owners. I have fitted the Andrew Gardner front suspension conversion to my Avion which replaces the king pins with Ford ball joints, the conversion also reverts the castor angle back to standard which improves the steering lock as well as making the steering lighter, so if your king pins are worn it may be worth considering. Regards Brian Pitt.

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I thought that the attached photograph which recently came to light might be of interest to the readers of Flat Out. It's my first car which I put together in 1956 , 53 years ago when I was 20 years old. It comprises an MG J1 chassis, radiator and bonnet of 1931 vintage, a Ford 933 cc side valve engine and associated 3-speed gearbox. The body was fashioned from aluminium sheet and plywood and bolted to a steel frame made of 1/8in x 1in. flat bar. The brakes were originally cable operated and somewhat erratic, so I fitted a set of Morris 8 hydraulic brakes which were a big improvement. It had a bench seat from a bus (complete with a plate for striking matches!)

The car was painted red and silver and served me very well. I tried to ascend Ben Nevis but did not get very far due to the old vehicle track to the top degenerating into a stoney footpath after a mile or so. Hope the picture is of interest. Best wishes, Jim Caldwell Member 1229J

Early Motoring Memories

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Join a weekend away in North York Moors, starting in Guisborough at 11.00 a.m. on the Saturday, with moorland roads, steep gradients, steam trains, coastal views, Heartbeat, Dracula, etc. Daily distances will not be huge. 15 places have been booked in the two village pubs in Castleton. There may be other places if needed in a village B&B which may cost a little more, but not much. The basic cost is £50 per person for the two nights B&B, a special deal. If you have time off on the Friday you could have an extra night in Castleton for a further £25 (subject to availability). Meals will be arranged at suitable venues bearing the credit crunch in mind! For further details, please phone Matthew & Alsie Joy on 01226 762276; if you want to book early, write to them at : Lindisfarne, Eddyfield Road, Oxspring, Sheffield, S36 8YH, and enclose a deposit of £25 per person. Please also let us know if you have any diet requirements, dogs to bring, or perhaps children, etc. etc.

Yorkshire Moors and Coast May 23rd to May 25th (Bank Holiday w/e in England)

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Richard Williams (member No. 1210) 01772 628470 Tibetans@btinternet.com Malcolm Hopwood (member No. 1591) 01253 854363

North West Section Notes Now the AGM and AGM run (or Unintended Lake District Mystery Tour) as it probably should be known, are passed – thoughts are turning to the coming show season and all the usual venues. After the on/off situation with the Cheshire Kit Car Show at Capesthorne Hall last year it has now been incorporated with one of Andrew Greenwood’s shows. It will now be held on the 26th July, but unlike previous years when Kit Cars were entitled to free entry it will now cost £6 on the day or £3 if pre-booked, for more details see - www.classicshows.org or phone no.01484 452002. The other main show organiser in this area is Mark Woodward and his web site and phone no. are –

www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com – 01253 407779. I won’t be able to attend as many shows as I would like mainly due to work commitments but I am looking forward to the ones I can manage. Malcolm will be attending most of them so between us we are looking forward to seeing any of you that can attend – hopefully the weather will be better than the last couple of years. Our monthly meetings are at The Bowling Green located on the A49 at Charnock Richard approx 4 miles from junction 27 on the M6 towards Preston, postcode PR7 4LA.Monthly meetings are the second Saturday of the month from 1.30pm.

Events 10TH May – Cholmondeley Castle 24/25TH May – Capesthorne Hall 25TH May – Ripley Castle 14TH June – Garstang Autojumble 21ST June – Hutton-in-the-Forest 28TH June – Houghton Tower 4/5TH July – Garstang Classic Show 12TH July – Leighton Hall 26TH July – Capesthorne Hall – Incorporating The Cheshire Kit Car Show. Anyone requiring additional details can contact Malcolm or Myself.

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Our second meeting at the Foresters Arms at Kirdford was supported with a good turnout on a sunny spring morning. Four members braved the (still chilly) wind and brought their specials. Norman and Sheila Miller had their hood up and their heater on. Tony and Iris Burch, Roy DeBoise and David Denyer got an early taste of warmer things to come and braved their journeys behind their aeroscreens. The rest of us maybe thought about transport options but opted for the tintops this month. Early afternoon showers dissipated any guilty feelings we may have had of using modern cars.

Everyone enjoyed the warm welcome, the log fire and good lunches and maybe a few more of us will be tempted to bring our specials next time.

Southern Section March lunch meet at the Foresters Arms, Kirdford

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Cotswold Chat The AGM at Morecambe was an enjoyable weekend if a bit breezy. Thanks to everyone involved in the organisation. Our April meeting was held at the Hunters Inn on the 5th and was well attended with quite a few specials turning out for the day. It was also nice to see a few fresh faces. We were unable to take FiFi as Gordon had gone done with a chest infection and wasn’t too keen on my ‘kill or cure’ suggestion. We were made to feel very welcome and allocated a separate room for our gathering – not sure whether that was for our benefit or to protect the regulars!!! We have been offered use of this room for future meetings and it was decided that this will be the new venue from June onwards. Ian Sanders (membership no.1747) has kindly offered to organise this year’s camping weekend which will take place on the weekend of September 18th - 20th. A final decision on the location has yet to be reached but please contact either Ian or ourselves for further information if you would like to join us. As some of us will miss the June meeting it was decided that our July meeting will be held on the second Sunday (the 12th) by which time we will have returned from the Caux-Retro gathering. Forthcoming Events There will be no meeting in May due to Stoneleigh Kit car show June Meeting - Hunters Inn, Longdon – 7th June July Meeting – Hunters Inn, Longdon – 12th July Annual Camping Weekend September 18th - 20th contact Ian (ian.sanders@uk.fujitsu.com) or Gordon & Allyson (badgerburch@tiscali.co.uk) Gordon & Allyson Burch (Membership No. 1462J)

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F ollowing on from last years run to Durness, we'll be tackling the

Applecross Peninsula and the infamous Bealach Na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) - the only true Alpine route in the UK and a challenge for most motorised transport.

The Bealach na Ba is a famous, twisting, single-track mountain road, rising to 626 metres (2053 feet) in the Applecross peninsula, in Wester Ross, Ross and Cromarty, Highland, Scotland. It is one of very few roads in the Scottish Highlands which is engineered in a similar fashion to the great mountain passes in the Alps, with very tight hairpin bends which switch back and forth up the hillside, with gradients approaching 20%.

Rather than start from Inverness, we will arrange to meet up in at the Drumnadrochit Visitor Information centre on the A82 Loch Ness road. The run will head South West along the banks of Loch Ness before turning West on the Road to the Isles. We'll follow the coastal roads as much as possible. We will cover approx 70 miles on the first day, ending up in Applecross for an evening meal and accommodation. Points of interest on the first day include...Loch Ness, Urqhart Castle, Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton, Stromeferry, Lochcarron and Applecross Sundays route will take us North towards Torridon, Poolewe, Gairloch, Inverewe, Dundonnel and then South, back down to Inverness. There is a shortcut for those that want to leave earlier. Having only recently driven the route, I know we're in for a treat. Switchbacks and hairpin bends abound! Get that handbrake adjusted and refit those brake cooling ducts... Contact Callum (1595) for more information or visit: http://www.bevs.org/applecross

Applecross Alpine Adventure Aug 15th and 16th 2009

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The AGM is now behind us, and what a good weekend it was, for good or bad, Joy and I are still in the seat as the East Midlands Area Reps. This year I would like to see a more concerted effort in getting the three sub groups of our area working in closer collaboration and enjoying each others company not only at shows and events but at a central location at least once a year. I know that this will be very difficult due to the very size of the region but I am sure that with a bit of effort it can be arranged. With regard to the Mid-shires Sub Group, which covers Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and East Warwickshire, there are many members who we never see; if any of you have any suggestions or ideas as to what we are doing wrong or what you would like to do please let us know so that we can rectify the situation. Our new meeting venue is at the Gliding Club based at Sibbertoft Airfield, which is between Husbands Bosworth and Welford on the A5199. Our meetings have now been changed

to the 4th Sunday of the Month, 12pm and the second Tuesday evening of the month at 7pm. It is therefore advisable to give me a ring on 01536 724512 to clarify the situation and to inform us if you wish to join us at Sibertoft. It is a very useful venue to us and we have the use of the barbeque for our meetings. Due to various reasons we have yet to set out a detailed program of events however we should be able to get something sorted out at our next meeting on Tuesday 14th April. In the meantime we have The Stoneleigh Kit Car Show on Sunday May 3rd, Rushden Cavalcade on Monday May 4th and Belvoir Castle on May 16th to look forward to. On a more serious note, we have received news from Jean Baldwin that Terry is not at all well and will be undergoing an operation soon after Easter. Hopefully, by the time everyone receives this edition of Flat Out, he will have had the operation and whatever further treatment is decided, will help him on the long road to a complete recovery.

EAST MIDLANDS (MID SHIRES) REPORT

Can anyone identify this kit? Seen recently in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt

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Events Diary This is not an exhaustive list - Check area listings for more details (CSC events in bold text)

May 3-4 Stoneleigh National Kit Car Show 3-4 Bedford Classic Motor Show, Shuttleworth College 4 Popham Air Day and Classics 10 Cholmondeley Castle 10 Battlesbridge Classic Car Show, Essex 17 Chiltern Hills Vintage Rally, Aston Clinton 23-25 Yorkshire Moors and Coast. Based at Castleton, staying in the village pubs. 24-25 Capesthorne Hall 25 Ripley Castle 27 Stan Dents Humber Bridge Run 31 Museum of Power Summer Show, Maldon, Essex June 1-5 Pyrenees Run (With optional extra days in Spain) 6 Perth air show at Scone Air Field. 6-7 S.W Airfields Heritage Trust 13-14 Wilts. Agri Steam & Vintage Show 13-14 South Weald Country Festival, nr. Brentwood 14 Garstang Autojumble 14 Luton Festival of Transport 20-21 Newark Kit Car Show 26-28 Citroen Specials Club Summer Gathering,Lincolnshire July 3-5 Caux Retro 2009 Nr Le Havre France 4-5 Garstang Classic Show 4-5 Heddington & Stockley Vintage Rally 4-5 ‘Cars in the Park 2009’ in Beacon Park, Lichfield 5 6 Ashes Rally, College Farm, Nr Bridge North 11-12 Scottish Transport Extravaganza at Glamis Castle. Contact Jennie. 11-12 Ardingly Steam Fair – Passes needed – Contact: Paul Leaney Memb 58 12 Essex Classic Motor Show, Barleylands, Nr. Billericay tbc Running Board Rally – Henley - 24-26 New Forest Camp – Nomansland, Near Romsey. Contact: Steve Parish (Member 104) August 15-15 West Highlands—Applecross Peninsula—contact Callum #1595 21-23 Camping weekend in Purbeck, Dorset – Sunday attend the Purbeck Show. 30 Romsey Show. You will need passes to display your car. Good day out. 31 Gosporteers event on the beach at Stokes Bay. You will need passes to display your car.

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North Thames Gas Denise and I enjoyed the A.G.M. at Morecambe in March and thought the Hotel was very good value for money. The Entertainer on Saturday we thought was very good and worked hard without a break for the whole evening. We stayed on for three extra days at £20.00 per person per night for B.& B! The weather was good although there was a very cold wind on Saturday. On Monday we went up to the Lake District-around Coniston Water and Lake Windermere, etc., and it was sunny! Several of us visited the newly restored Art Deco Midland Hotel on the seafront and

were very impressed. Margaret and Peter Cook (from our area) were presented with a memento represented by a small steering wheel with a clock in the middle as a "thank you" for distributing and posting the magazine for 19 years (500 plus a time) -" lickers and stickers" is the affectionate term. Richard and Barbara Goodman, also from our area, have volunteered to carry on the good, and necessary, work. Vic and Denise

Forthcoming events MAY 3rd and 4th Bedford Classic Motor Show, Shuttleworth College. £2.50 (to be confirmed) if pre-booked

28 days before - I obtain the passes so please contact and pay me before April. We go on Sunday 3rd,which is Flying Day in the next field.

10th Sunday Battlesbridge Classic Car Show, Essex. Free(to be confirmed) Note: must now book a month in advance and cannot pay on the day.

17th Sunday Chiltern Hills Vintage Rally, Aston Clinton. Advance entry fee £4.00 (in by 30th April) £10 on the day

31st Sunday Museum of Power Summer Show, Maldon, Essex. Free Entry - if you haven't been before, obtain Entry Form from me.

JUNE 14th Sunday Luton Festival of Transport. Free entry - obtain passes from me.. 13th and 14th South Weald Country Festival, nr. Brentwood. Entry pre-booked £4.00, £5.00 on the day.

Most members going to Luton Festival of Transport above. 28th Sunday Leighton Buzzard Railway. Free entry, I believe, - awaiting confirmation. Note:- same

weekend as our Club's Summer Camp in Lincolnshire. JULY 12th Sunday Essex Classic Motor Show, Barleylands, Nr. Billericay. £2.50 entry - I obtain passes but I

must know who's going by 6th June. 19th Sunday Uxbridge Autoshow. £5.00 Entry, pre-booked brefore 30th June. £10.00 on the day. 26th Sunday. Chiltern Hills Open Air Museum Classic Car Show - yet to receive official notification but

last year it was free. AUGUST 16th Sunday "It's Showtime" at a new venue of Purleigh Holt, Barons Lane, Purleigh, Essex, which is

ten miles east of Chelmsford - it supports Little Havens Children's Hospice. Free but must pre-book.

30th Sunday Little Gransden Air Show, Nr. St.Neots. £5.00 entry. Must be prebooked by 31st July - download form from their web site.

3lst Sunday Knebworth Annual Classic Car Show, nr.Stevenage. £2.50 if prebooked one month in advance.

SEPTEMBER 20th Sunday Milton Keynes Classic Car Show - free, just turn up. 27th Sunday Motorbilia Day, Battlesbridge, Essex. Free entry but please note, must prebook 14 days

before - no entry if just turning up on the day.

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Classified Ads

Bargain of the year!!

NEW - Mark 4 Cricket Gyro

Due to ill health, this Gyro is reluctantly up for sale, completed to a very high standard and comes

with a purpose designed trailer.

Running in hours only, Rotax 582’99 Oil Injection engine, Airplast 4 Blade Prop, Rotordyne Rotors

and Wunderlich Pre-rotor.

*********************************************

£10.500 or sensible offers: Call Ken on 01278 444270 or email kge@tinyworld.co.uk

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For Sale Lomax 223 Was pillar box red now faded to Chestnut. Selling due to ill health. £1700 Ken Alderson (Poole) 01202 676308

For Sale Lomax 223 basic 602 engine and gearbox, stainless exhaust, unleaded valve conversion. Historic vehicle, {no tax}. very reliable. Well maintained. Needs some tidying. Hence £1900. 01726 814343 jimcrane.Falmouth@virgin.net (Cornwall)

Classified Ads

Keith Macdonald deep in concentration

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Not So Wild West Our Winter seasonal greetings culminated in us hosting a “hot and cold” buffet at our home on Sunday 1st March and although neighbours in our small cul-de-sac were warned that there might be some parking difficulties, no problems arose. The buffet lunch was well received by some 18 members and gave us all a further opportunity to talk about shows and visits scheduled during the coming season. Our regular meeting at the “live and Let Live” continue to see a regular band of followers although the evening now tends to be male dominated! Can’t expect much else really when build problems, carburetion and general mechanical “chit chat” is the order of the

evening! The AGM at Morecambe was a tremendous success in all respects and the “entertainment” theme seemed to go down well. We all had a brilliant weekend and my Charlie Chaplin antics on the dance floor raised more than just a few smiles. The size 14 shoes I was wearing caused me no real problem but I’m afraid the same cannot be said for Janet’s poor toes! Hopefully, the improvement in the weather over the last few days will be a good omen for the future, so…a few more dates for your diaries :- Ron Bishop (Member No. 847)

May 3rd/4th Stoneleigh Kit Car Show 4th Popham Air Day and Classics (Interested? Nook now) 23rd-25th Selwood Steam & Vintage Show (Free– just turn up) 23rd-25th Tortworth Vintage Rally (Closing date 1st May) 25th Bradford on Avon Lions Fun Day (Apply ASAP) June 6th/7th S.W Airfields Heritage Trust (Ex Culmstock Show) 13th/14th Wilts. Agri Steam & Vintage Show (closes 30th April) July 4th/5th Heddington & Stockley Vintage Rally (closes 24th April) 5th The Dorset Tour (£10 per car—includes 2 cream teas) 12th Atwell Wilson Classic Vehicle Show (Closes 30th May) 18th/19th Melbury Abbas Vintage Rally (closes 30th Hune) 19th Classics at Sherbourne Castle (£10 per car Closes 30th June) 19th Wadebridge Classic Rally (Closes 30th June) If you are interested in attending any of the above and have not yet completed your entry form, please contact me ASAP.

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We had a good turn-out at the AGM with fourteen members coming from North, South East and West, and on Sunday we were joined Donald from Fife. It was great for us all to meet up again with so many friends from other areas. Thank goodness the weather was much better than the forecast – staying dry though very windy and absolutely lovely on Sunday. Friday night we were all a bit worried as Craig and Lesley (Who live nearer to Morecambe than anyone else in S.F.N) had not arrived. They made their entrance at 10:15 pm with yet another Asbridge epic. The engine of the speed machine had seized at the beginning of the week. Craig had changed it on Tuesday – in a rather protracted dinner break – and all seemed well. However, on way down – big problems! They stopped for 1.5 hours with the mechanic and his assistant sorting things out and then started South again. Things then got worse, so they turned around to go back home for the tin top. Things then got better, so they turned around again and finally made it to Morecambe. Not bad – a 1.5 hour journey in

3.5 hours! Several of us enjoyed the great run organised by Malcolm and Richard. We all managed to get lost, but were compensated by finding some lovely little roads to get back on route. Miraculously, just about everyone on the run got to the same very good pub for lunch! We all enjoyed the Saturday night do in various version of fancy dress. Whether other people enjoyed our performance, scripted by the “awful Author” is open to question! Events this year are listed below with one addition. We have been invited by Mike, of the CSC and Triking club, to attend an air show. This should be great fun – competing with the Red Arrows. Details of the Applecross Peninsula run are now available – this should be another fantastic weekend. Hope to see lots of people in Yorkshire, Scone and the summer camp! Jennie

Scotland Frozen North

Events *May 23rd-25th Yorkshire Moors and Coast. Based at Castleton, staying in the village pubs. £50 per

person for 2 nights B&B. Steep moorland roads, steam trains, Dracula, Heartbeat country and lovely coastal walks. Contact Mathew & Alsie Joy on 01226 762276

June 6th Perth air show at Scone Air Field. We have been invited to go along and display our

cars. Other events include Red Arrows and other air displays. Details from Mike Hart 1819J 0131 220 1036 and also on www.PerthAirShow.com

*June 26th-28th CSC Summer Camp in Bomber Country July 11th-12th Scottish Transport Extravaganza at Glamis Castle. Contact Jennie. *Aug 15th-16th West Highlands—Applecross Peninsula—contact Callum #1595 *Sep 3rd-8th The Irish return. Contact Ray Lloyd Sep 18th-20th Selkirk Rally – contact Jennie *Dec 5th-6th Christmas weekend – Contact Jennie * club events open to everyone

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Advance Copy of the Weekend Itinerary & Timings Friday: Arrive, check-in at CSC HQ, set up camp and chill. Remember to fill up with fuel ready for the Saturday runs out. (See below) 7pm: ‘Meet & Greet’ in the NAAFI (Function Room) with Cheese, Plum bread and Glass of Wine. Raffle Tickets will be on sale The Camp Bar will be open until 11pm Saturday: 9-9.15am: Assemble cars outside the Rally Field 9.15am: Depart Bainland Country Park for RAF Scampton in two loose convoys at 5 minute intervals. 10.10am: Arrive RAF Scampton 10.15-11.15am: Visit RAF Scampton Museum 11.30am: Depart RAF Scampton 12.30pm: Arrive Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby 12.30-4.15pm: Visit East Kirkby museum and Lancaster ‘Just Jayne’ (12.30-1.15pm/1.15-2pm): Light Lunch in the NAAFI at East Kirkby (2 sittings) 4.15pm: Photo-Shoot around the Lancaster ‘Just Jayne’ 4.30pm: Depart East Kirkby for Bainland Country Park 5pm: Arrive Bainland Country Park 7-8pm: Assemble in the Camp NAAFI for the evening meal (Function Room next to the bar in the Reception Block) 8-9pm: Dance to the Big Band sounds of the 40s 9-9.45pm: Raffle, Best Theme dress (Male & Female) & CSC Engineering Innovation award presentations. 9.45-11.00pm Dance to the Big Band sounds of the 40s The Camp Bar will be open until 11pm Sunday: 10.45am: Assemble in camp NAAFI (Function Room) for final goodbyes for those departing (Optional) 11-11.15am: Assemble participating cars outside the Rally Field 11.15am: Depart Campsite for Bubblecar Museum 12.00-1pm: Visit Bubblecar Museum (There is a café adjacent to the Museum where snacks and drinks may be purchased) 1.15pm: Depart Bubblecar Museum for home destinations. 2pm: Arrive at Bainland Country Park.

CSC Summer Camp 2009

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Fuel Top-Up

We will be departing at 9.15am promptly on Saturday morning for the runs to RAF Scampton and the Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby. Please ensure during Fri-day afternoon, that you have filled your tank up and have sufficient petrol for a round trip of approximately 77 miles. There are two filling stations in Woodhall Spa. Locations and opening times are: Roughton Moor Service Station (WCF) Turn right out of Campsite - right outside Camp entrance Opening hours: Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat: 9am - 5pm Sun: 10am - pm Morley’s Service Station (TOTAL) Turn left out of Camp-Site Through Woodhall Spa. Just before River Bridge on RH side - 2miles Opening hours: Fri: 8am - 7pm Sat: 8am - 6pm Sun: 9am - 5pm

Ration Books

Please remember to bring with you your Ration Books containing the receipts for the various events you are attending throughout the weekend. Remember to bring them with you to the Friday evening Meet & Greet, the Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby and the Saturday Meal/Dance.

Closure of Bookings

A final reminder that bookings for the event must close on 31st May. This is to ena-ble both the East Coasters and the Bainland Country Park Staff to cross-check and en-sure that all bookings have been transferred into the Bainland booking system success-fully and that accounts for all event service providers have been drawn up, checked and prepared for payment.

And finally…………..

We in the East Coasters look forward to welcoming you all to Lincolnshire. Enjoy your journey to Woodhall Spa, drive safely and watch out for yellow boxes! We will see you all, if not before, in the Function Room on Friday evening. If you have any questions or need any further information, please feel free to contact me either by telephone or email. David Field Tel: 01522 753372 email: davidfield344@btinternet.com

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‘EAST COASTER’S’

A s I am sure was the case for most of us, early February was heralded with snow which in some areas

brought transport almost to a stop. That said, it was all gone in time for our February Monthly Meeting which is traditionally the meeting used to plan the Group’s activities for the coming year. This is normally conducted at our meeting place, The Chase in Mkt Rasen, however, this year our planning meeting took place at the Summer Gathering venue, Bainland Country Park. Those members of the East Coasters who had not previously visited Bainland were very impressed with the facilities and layout. This was further enhanced after those who wished to, had Sunday lunch in the Bistro Restaurant, as the food was both plentiful and well prepared. We have now sorted out some of the finer detail for the event and are confident that the wider CSC membership will enjoy your visit to Lincolnshire in June. Whilst the remainder of the East Coasters were assembling at The Chase for their Monthly Meeting, John Davis and I had travelled to Morecombe for the AGM. We felt it particularly important to be there as I had the opportunity to address the Committee and members to bring them up to date with progress on the Summer Gathering so far, and to mention things like Raffle Prize donation, arrival

procedure and weekend itinerary. Finally, those of you who have access to the Internet, will have continued to see various technical queries from East Coaster Keith Bradshaw from Grantham on the CSC Web Forum. Keith was the third member of the Group undergoing a major project. After Paul Turner and Stan Dent’s terrific new build and SVA success, eyes then turned to Keith’s complete strip and chassis up rebuild of a Lomax 223. As this car had previously been correctly Registered and SORN’d, there was no SVA involved, however, the rebuild of this car has nevertheless been nothing short of meticulous. In early March, Keith reached what is always something of a milestone on these projects, the first engine start. The good news was that it started first time, ran well and sounded great. The bad news was that the new pushrod seals which he had fitted during the engine rebuild were leaking oil. As I go to press, we await a successful outcome with eager anticipation. We are about to enter a busy period with Stoneleigh in May and the Spilsby Show and Summer Gathering in June. Lets hope that the weather is kind to us, particularly at the end of June for the Summer Gathering - see you all there!

David Field

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EAST COASTERS PROGRAMME OF EVENTS Monthly Meetings - Last Sunday in the month at 12 Noon -The Chase, Mkt Rasen Casual or first time visitors are requested to check with David Field before travelling to ensure that the Group are not at an event or outing on Monthly Meeting day. Tel: 01522 753372 e/m: davidfield344@btinternet.com) May: 3/4th Stoneleigh Kit-Car Show 27th Stan Dents Humber Bridge Run June: 7th Louth Show * 21st 20/21st Newark Kit Car Show 26-28th CSC Summer Gathering - Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire July: 12th Spilsby Show * August: 2nd Markham Grange Steam Day 9th Robin Hood Festival - Sherwood Forest September: 13th Church Farm Show - Skegness 19th (Sat)Gainsborough Transport Festival * October: 11th Market Rasen Market Place - Classics Meet - (Just turn up) January 2010: 10th New Year Meal - Venue to be arranged

Morecambe Bay—the view from the Hotel

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MONTHLY MEETINGS

Regular local meetings not listed in the main diary: South: The Cricketers Arms pub, Chestnut Avenue, Chandlers Ford

(Eastleigh), Hants. Last Sunday of the month, 12 noon. The Foresters Arms, Kirdford, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 0ND

Tel: 01403 820205. 2nd Sunday of the month, 12 noon. South West: The Live & Let Live, Frampton Cotterell, Nr. Bristol 3rd Monday of

the month. Details: Derek 01454 250 959. The Borough Arms, Bodmin, 2nd Monday of each month. South Wales: None at the moment. Cotswolds: 1st Sunday of the month, 12 noon. Hunters Inn, Longdon. Contact

Gordon & Allyson on 01594 562844 for more details. East Midlands (East Coast sub-group) 12 Noon, Last Sunday in the month (Unless this clashes with an event)

The Chase, Market Square, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire. It is suggested that casual or first time visitors contact David Field (01522 753372) before travelling in case of an event clash.

East Midlands: (Mid Shires Group) Monthly winter meetings (October to March) The 4th Sunday of the month at Sibertoft Airfield (between Husbands

Bosworth and Welford on the A5199) for 12pm, Monthly summer meetings (April to September) The 2nd Tuesday of the month at Sibertoft Airfield (between

Husbands Bosworth and Welford on the A5199) at 7 pm Contact Jim or Joy on 01536 724512 to confirm venue and to book

numbers East Anglia: Shadingfield Fox, A145 Beccles Road, 2nd Sunday of the month, 12

for 12.30. Numbers need to be confirmed. Please contact Bob Hartley, 01473 730434.

North Thames The Airfield, Galleria Site, Lemsford, Comet Way, Hatfield, Herts

AL10 0DA. 1st. Sunday of the month, Oct. to Apr, from 12 noon

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General Secretary’s Ramblings Hi everyone. Just a very short entry this time as my computer (and indeed me!) are both close to collapse after penning the minutes of our AGM in Morecambe last Sunday. In my book, this was an absolutely super weekend from start to finish with a record number of 92 CSC members staying in the hotel, and with well over 100 at the AGM itself. The hotel was great, Morecambe Bay was great (if mighty blowy), the dance was great and the AGM went extremely well. In short, it was a magnificent weekend only a little spoilt a tiny bit by some of us getting lost (but in fabulous surroundings) on the Saturday afternoon Road Run to the Lake District and by my Lomax 223 "Demented Wasp" suffering a broken gear-linkage just outside Harrogate on the way back. However, the fact that I was back on my way within 10 minutes having fixed up a very effective "Jury Rig" with a split-pin

and tie-wraps just shows how simple and easy to repair our magnificent little "fun-wagons" really are! Indeed, I am sure you all can just imagine the outright panic, roadside recovery, inconvenience and colossal costs that would surely result should the populace's everyday "Hondahyatoyasuki" hatchback simply break its gear linkage on a Sunday afternoon! Well that's all for now, please call or e-mail me if you have any questions about this Club's organisation or running and I hope to see many of you at a host of Classic Car shows in this part of the World, or indeed at the Newark Kit Car Show on Sunday 21 June this year. Dr John Fowler 01423 867410 john.fowler67@virgin.net

More of the cars on the recent AGM Saturday run

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The new venue at Kirdford seems to be going well and there has been a very good turnout each month. With our holiday and the AGM in March we have missed a couple of meetings but hopefully will be at the next ones. John Pettit’s hip op seems to have gone well and he has told me he is getting frustrated at not being able to drive his Lomax. We have heard that John Langridge has had a nasty fall and broken his leg. Hopefully he will be much better soon. The usual events are on again but if you have

somewhere to go and would like company let us know and we can spread the word. Several area members are organising events this year, which helps out - Neil and Kerry are holding a Barbeque at the end of May, bring your own food and bits, if you would like to come, let them know. Steve is organising his usual New Forest Camping weekend in July and John Robson is organising our entry for the Alton show in September so please come along and support us. Carole and Peter Chitty

Down South

Chain-driven single-seater arriving at the AGM run mid-point stop

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Forthcoming Events: Contact Carole and Peter or member listed. May 30th Neil and Kerry's Barbeque From 12 Noon – bring your own food. Camping

available – the Eastleigh meeting on the Sunday - depart 10:30 to arrive at 12:00 noon Contact Neil and Kerry.Gunfield

June Pyrenees Microcar Rally and/or Monressa Rally – Organised by Nick and

Antje Poll (Members 1739) Open to all (Contact Carole for information) July 11-12 Ardingly Steam Fair – Passes needed – Contact: Paul Leaney Memb 58 July 3 - 7 Caux Retro at Allouville Bellefoss near Le Havre – We have a good group

going to this event I will get the details to you as soon as possible, some of us are planning to stay in the area and tour to …

July 15 - 18 Bastille Celebrations at Le Renourd, Near Vimoutiers – We shall be joining

ex club member Jan Hallwood for her village’s celebrations and then home on the ferry Monday or Tuesday. This is a lovely area on the other side of the Seine from Allouville. We could visit Honfleur Contact Carole

July 17-19 Running Board Rally – Henley - Booking Forms will be available at

Stoneleigh or just come along for the day. You can put your name on the list with Carole Chitty. Lets see if we can win any cups this year rather that just the raffle. Last minute bookings acceptable. Contact: Carole (015) Open to all areas

July 24-26. New Forest Camp – Nomansland, Near Romsey. Contact: Steve Parish

(Member 104) Aug: 21-23 Possible camping weekend in Purbeck, Dorset – Sunday attend the Purbeck

Show. Contact Steve Parish (Member 104) Open to all areas August Bank Bank Hol Weekend (Whole w/e event if you wish, camping or B&B) Holiday Saturday Evelyn’s Birthday Bar-b-Q - at Evelyn and Brian Lofty’s -1.00pm for lunch.

Bring your own meat to cook and something for the table to share. This is Brian and Evelyn’s event so contact them as they will need to know how many will be coming.

Sunday Romsey Show. You will need passes to display your car. Good day out. Contact: Carole Chitty (15)

Monday Gosporteers event on the beach at Stokes Bay. You will need passes to display your car. Good day out on the beach. Contact: Carole & Peter Chitty (015)

September 26 Alton Classic Car Show – See John Robson’s item in this issue Contact: John

(member 1800) October 9 –12 South Area End of Season Fling at the Sefton Hotel in Babbacombe, Very

reasonable rates for a 2 night or three night break. Time to unwind, catch up

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The Car’s The Star I’d always fancied building my own car, but what to use as a basis. A Mini, a Fiesta? I’d owned a couple of 2CVs and always appreciated the somewhat unusual layout of the chassis and suspension. Then, one day back in 93 I took a trip out to the Long Mynd. Whilst standing admiring the view I heard the unmistakable sound of 2CV engines. From over the hill came a procession of 3 or 4 strange looking 3 wheelers, all were converted 2CVs. I went over to take a look. Mmmm! What a good Idea. So that was it then. Back home, out came the drawing board and, 8 years later..

A bit of research told me that a Dyane would be a good choice having a slightly higher compression ratio and disc brakes as standard… The chassis however was in poor shape and anyway sheet steel just wouldn’t do. So… Some 50 x 30 x 3 ERW box section gave me something which looked a bit more like it.

The body frame was kept light using 40x20 and 20x20x1.5 box ERW... The bulkhead used 1.2mm zintex while the floors are 12mm marine ply. The engine seemed in reasonable nick so was just given a clean, some new piston rings and valve springs.

The body panelling was made up from 3 laminations of 10mm marine ply. This was glued together, fixing one piece at a time to obtain a slight contour… The doors were then simply jig-sawed out along with as much of the remainder as possible. The doors and body were then

37

covered in 1.2mm aluminium sheet while the bonnet is formed from 1.5mm.

The wings and scuttle top were made for me by a Manchester company specializing in vintage car restoration. I didn’t fancy all that beating and wheeling. The wheels, lights, instruments and switches all came from many visits to auto-jumbles.. I didn’t fancy connecting the old Lucas push-pull switches directly to the high current loads and I didn’t want to have to use a modern multi-pole rocker switch to operate the hazard indicators. To solve this I made up a control unit using a relay and fuse on all outputs and some solid state logic to operate the indicators, hazard warning and

wiper delay. This also made the wiring very easy. (If anyone is interested in this unit I could probably come up with a circuit diagram). The alternator has been swapped for a Lucas Mini unit which also eliminates the need for the voltage control box. The timing pulley behind the fan belt is the rev counter drive. A DG unit replaces the contact breaker. The windscreen frame is formed from 16x16x3 aly channel while the bottom rail was machined from solid bar. A bit of a tricky job especially the long T slot in the bottom for the weather seal moulding.

The bonnet cowling is formed from 1.5mm brass sheet (goodbye one

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Christmas holiday)! The engine cover is 5mm aly sheet MIG welded up.

The car was finally competed in 2000 but had to be mothballed due to a move to work in China. I was back in UK last year (2007) but only had time to do the upholstery before returning to China. My home run this year finally saw the car on the road, wow! That’s what you call patience!

Problems: Only 2 but both quite serious. First; no power from the engine. This was fairly obviously the carbs. I had fitted a pair of SU’s but it was impossible to get the mixtures sorted. Second; front brakes overheating.

Anyway time ran out so the first serious outing for HJS1 was down to Stoneleigh. What a nightmare! Maximum speed was forty (downhill) and the slightest upward gradient meant second gear with the engine revving its nuts off. The brakes however were fine, this though due to continuous pouring rain. (Maybe water cooling is better after all). The weather brightened up for the home run, but so did the brakes! After totally seizing on the M6 I had to be towed the rest of the way. (Thanks Ged).

Solutions: The SU’s were binned in favour of a pair of Dellortos. (Thanks Don for the info). The engine now runs OK apart from a sensitive flat spot between tick-over and 2000 rpm. The brakes; I had the exhaust pipes running in front of the discs, so these were wrapped in glass tape (50quid)! Still no good. Next the pipes were re-routed over the engine. First test runs seemed fine; great! But then, on the way to Newark, on the M62!!! I managed to pull off onto the Halifax

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turnoff. While I was cooling the brakes down with all my drinking water, a very friendly breakdown truck driver wandered over asking what the trouble was. He put his head under the scuttle and told me to slacken off the pedal to master cylinder pushrod.

No more brake problems!! You learn something every day. Many thanks to that anonymous Samaritan. What’s next?... Some weather protection and; More power!…any ideas?? See you at 2009 Stoneleigh. Howard.

If anyone would like any more info my E-mail is howardsystemsdevelopment@yahoo.com

Also I have just put some details on a website www.hjsdevelopments.com

inquiry@hjsdevelopments.com

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A Hudson Kindred Spirit, Lomax 224 and a Blackjack Avion from the ‘39 Steps’ run descend from Loch Lyon on a pot-holed unclassified road

The cars at La Roche

Talking of loonies...

More Morecambe madness!