Copies of minutes

MX5 South West Owners Club
Co-ordinating Group
Minutes of a Meeting
Held at The Twisted Oak Pub, Ide
on Tuesday 14th February 2012

Martyn Gannon read a list of dates of forthcoming events. The diary dates are are linked on the home page and now also on the forum. There are many new events planned for this year. Chris Lang announced that mx5 Heaven will not be holding an open day this year but may hold a track day instead. As yet Chris has no information about Lyme RNLI day this year.

On the 11th March we will have Julians drive and lunch at Coombe House Hotel.

The forum has been very successful allowing members to discuss various issues.

Julian also suggested a default meeting place for sundays when a drive has not been 'formally' arranged for the Sunday following a meeting. This will be at the Exeter MOTO services at 10.30 The idea is that members can arrive having decided that the weather is fine perhaps and just see who turns up.

The evening concluded with a fun valentines quiz.

The next monthly meeting will be on Tuesday 13th March 2012.

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MX5 South West Owners Club
Co-ordinating Group
Minutes of a Meeting
Held at The Twisted Oak Pub, Ide
on Tuesday 10th January 2012

The Co-ordinating Group are:
Chris and Anita - Co-ordinators (temporary)
Chris - Website/Adverts
Terri - Events Co-ordinator - Members
Martyn - Events Co-ordinator - Third Party
Nigel and Sharon - Dealership Contact - Vospers
Anita (temporary) - Minutes
Hilary/Amanda - New Member Contact

We had 38 members attend the meeting this month.

We have a total of 177 members in the South West area, and although only about one third of those ever attend meetings and events, it is certainly a big group of people!!

Julian has a couple of ideas for drives for the forthcoming months. He would like to re-do the drive through Somerset via Blue Anchor and this was well received. He also suggested a visit to Copplestone Manor which is heavily into 1300s Civil War. They do private tours with tea or lunch. He also suggested that the Thornfalcon event was made a yearly fixture in our calendar, also approved by the members.

Kev is arranging a drive on Sunday 15th January 2012 starting at Exeter Services at 10.30am. The direction of travel will depend on the numbers of cars and the weather, but he is thinking of a few different options. Anyone interested please contact Kev on kevin738@btinternet.com

The £50 donation from Kev’s charity car goes to the Exmoor Pony Club, which will be passed onto them by Hilary. They have already expressed their considerable thanks. They always struggle making ends meet and any donations are always very gratefully received.

There was a suggestion of a Scalextric Evening and also another Bowling Evening, both in association with the Mini Club. Further info to follow.

Mo suggested we try to get to Castle Combe in June, and will find out some further information in that regard.
Nigel has a quiz evening all ready to go for a future Tuesday evening meeting, so thanks to him in advance.

Dennis has finalised the trip to France in September. Hotel de L'Ocean, Concarneau, Southern Brittany. We will be sailing from Plymouth to Roscoff with Brittany Ferries going out at 0800 on the 6th and arriving back in the UK at approx 2100 on the 11th. £256.40 per person (£321 full price). The 20% reduction is available until confirmation of booking in ten days’ time. We now have 11 cars so it’s going to be a fun trip!! Deposits of £30 per person please to Dennis.

Jim and Sue have volunteered to organise another skittles evening, probably in the autumn. Many thanks for that.

Some members are now using Facebook as a way of communicating with each other, but we stress that this is being used, as Mo put it, “For socialising not organising”. Nothing is being organised through Facebook. Everything is still on the website so no-one is left out of any runs or events. Members are posting pictures and comments of their cars and the events which we attend. Anyone wanting to find the page, it’s MX5OC South West. It is a closed group so please request membership. We haven’t refused anyone yet!!

Chris and Anita thanked everyone who had been involved in the running of the club over the last two years, Joanna, Martyn, Nigel and Sharon and Hilary for their work on the club, Kev who although not officially in the co-ordinating group, still does a lot for the club, and for Jim and Sue who have organised Christmas Parties and also the skittles evenings for us all. Many thanks to everyone.

There are currently no volunteers for the co-ordinators role. Joanna and Hilary stepped down from their positions. Martyn, Nigel and Sharon decided to continue with theirs. Terri has kindly offered to take over the running of the diary from Joanna. Many thanks Terri. We now need a volunteer for the minutes. Chris and Anita will continue with their roles for the future until a volunteer comes forward, so please have a think and see whether you are able to take on some or part of the role. Chris will be reducing his workload and is going to base his communication on the website. There will be fewer and fewer e-mails sent out, unless someone else wants to take on this task. Martyn has offered to share the chairing of meetings with Chris, which will also reduce the burden on Chris and Anita.

Amanda has agreed to help Hilary with the meeting and greeting of new members and Hilary will continue to ensure that the pub know to expect us on a monthly basis.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is on Tuesday 14th February 2012 at 8pm.

Please see The Twisted Oak website for more details: www.twistedoakpub.com.

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December 13th 2011

This was an informal pre-Christmas get together. prizes were awarded to MO & Jim and Lawry & Caroline for 'winning' the treasure hunt held exactly a month earlier.

Terri and Thelma were awarded the wooden spoon prize!

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MX5 South West Owners Club
Co-ordinating Group

Minutes of a Meeting
Held at The Twisted Oak Pub, Ide
on Tuesday 8th November 2011

The Co-ordinating Group are:
Chris and Anita Co-ordinators
Chris Website/Adverts
Joanna Events Co-ordinator - Members
Martyn Events Co-ordinator - Third Party
Nigel and Sharon Dealership Contact - Vospers
Hilary Minutes/New Member Contact

We had 36 members attend this meeting.

We have ten cars for the treasure hunt on Sunday, being organised by Anita and Chris. Now fully booked, but let’s hope the weather is kind!!

The Spring Rally is being held in Falmouth this year. The Cornwall area are asking for any volunteers to help. Please be aware that the Olympic Torch is travelling through Falmouth that same weekend, so if you want to book accommodation it may be better to do it sooner rather than later!!

Guide Dogs for the Blind. Amanda is helping to organise an event on 16th November held in the Bowling Alley in Exeter. There are a number of people already going, but please contact hilary.cripps@btinternet.com if you wish to attend. It is £10 all of which will go the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

We now have 24 members on Facebook. Look us up and request friendship.

If anyone is interested in taking over as co-ordinators, please make themselves known to Chris and Anita. The current group will be retiring at the end of the year.

Next Meeting

There is a carvery booked for 13th December at The Twisted Oak. Carvery plus sweet £10.95. Numbers please to hilary.cripps@btinternet.com by 30th November. Optional secret santa present up to £5. If you bring one, you get one!!

Please see The Twisted Oak website for more details: www.twistedoakpub.com.

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The October 2011

meeting was the talk given by the Devon Air Ambulance Trust at Vospers, Exeter.

Consequently there are no minutes for this month.

Minutes of September Meeting held at The Twisted Oak Pub, Ide
on Tuesday 13th September 2011
The Co-ordinating Group are:
Chris and Anita Co-ordinators
Chris Website/Adverts
Joanna Events Co-ordinator - Members
Martyn Events Co-ordinator - Third Party
Nigel and Sharon Dealership Contact - Vospers
Hilary Minutes/New Member Contact

Welcome to two new couples, Laurie and Caroline and Steve and Val.

Reminder from Sue that she needs final figures for the Christmas ‘do’ and money tonight.

This weekend is the National Rally in Northampton. Chris Lang and Julian are attending.

October meeting will be held at Vospers, Honiton Road, Exeter with a speaker from DAAT. Please let Nigel as soon as possible know if you are going to attend. It has also been suggested that we have a collection on the night for Devon Air Ambulance.

Run on 16th October is being organised by Derek and Joanna and Kim and Ian. Full details are on the website and the cut off date is 30th September.

The Treasure Hunt will be on Sunday 13th November. Details on website.

The gazebo is currently in Steve Budd’s car! Does anyone want to take it off his hands?

Andy Bealing has set up a Facebook group called MX5OC South West. It is intended to be an informal place where members can chat, post photographs and set up events.

Just a reminder that the current committee will be stepping down in January. Anyone who is interested in taking over can talk to Chris and Anita if they would like more information.

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MX5 South West Owners Club
Co-ordinating Group

Minutes of a Meeting
Held at The Twisted Oak Pub, Ide
on Tuesday 9th August 2011

We had 22 members attend this meeting.

We had 8 cars at Mt Edgcumbe this year, joined by around 20 from the Cornwall area. The weather was not too bad, but apparently a large downpour at about 2.30!!

Kev has offered to organise a fish and chip run on 26th or 27th August, either North Devon direction, or maybe Teignmouth. Anyone interested please contact Kev directly. kevin738@btinternet.com If you would like to suggest an alternate date, then please let Kev know.

We need someone to volunteer a run in September. Anyone interested please contact Anita and Chris.

Forthcoming Events

14th Aug Yearlstone Vineyard, followed by Tapas in Tiverton. Meeting at 11am at Tiverton Services or 11.30am at Vineyard.

21st Aug Exmouth Classic Car Show. There is free entry to this show. Just turn up on the day. Meeting at Exeter Services at 9.15am. Anyone wishing to come please contact either Hilary Cripps or Kevin Groom, just so that we don’t go without anyone.
28th Aug Seaton Classic Car Show. This is £5 per car for the Devon Air Ambulance. Parking along Seaton Sea Front. If anyone is interested in going, please contact hilary.cripps@btinternet.com.

Nigel is trying to organise for the Devon Air Ambulance to pay us a visit, possibly October. Vospers in Exeter have kindly said that they will allow us to use their premises as the venue. They may even lay on some refreshments and nibbles. We have provisionally thought that the evening of the October meeting would be a good day to aim for, and there was a large show of hands in agreement. We will let you know what Nigel is able to arrange. Thanks Nigel for offering to organise this.

Chris Easter made mention of a problem he had with his Mark 2 key fob. He has a contact whereby you can order new fobs, and then programme them yourself, rather than pay the hefty amount required for new ones through Mazda. Anyone interested, contact us and we will pass your details to Chris who can supply you with further details.

Sue has now finalised the Christmas Party details. Anyone wishing to come, please let Sue know asap, as she needs to inform the hotel of the final numbers. The cost is £75pp (£85pp single occupancy) for bed and breakfast in ensuite rooms (please see hotel website: www.whitsandbayhotel.co.uk ) evening meal/party/disco and use of the hotels leisure facilities. Dress code is optional posh frocks and DJs/lounge suits. Evening meal/party/disco only is £27.50pp. susiecompton@hotmail.com

Terri still needs to reach 20 before ordering our t-shirts. We have quite a number of orders already, but if you would like to have a t-shirt, or you can still order one of the jackets, please contact hilary.cripps@btinternet.com who will pass your details to Terri.

Next Meeting

The next meeting has been organised for 13th September at The Twisted Oak.

Please see The Twisted Oak website for more details: www.twistedoakpub.com.

The meeting on July 12th was an informal barbeque held at the Twisted Oak.

There are no minutes from this meeting to post here.

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MX5 South West Owners Club
Co-ordinating Group

Minutes of a Meeting
Held at The Twisted Oak Pub, Ide
on Tuesday 14th June 2011

We had 19 members attend this meeting and welcome to new members Kate and Edgar.

Chris and Anita have organised a drive this Sunday, 19th June to Bellevor. Meet at MOTO Services at 10.30am, with a 10.45am leave. Bring a picnic. This is completely weather dependent, so if you wish to go, please contact Chris and Anita who will keep you updated. This will also be updated on the website.

Forthcoming Events

9/10th July Powderham. Tickets have now been received by Martyn.

17th July Proposed trip to the Swannery at Abbotsbury. Terri Kennard organising. See website home page for more details.

24th July Branscombe. Chris Laing is organising a meeting point at the Bowd Inn, as in previous years. Details on homepage.

The treasure hunt this year has now been fixed for 13th November.

Kevin has organised a Chinese buffet meal in George Street, Exeter for Saturday 2nd July. The cost will be £10.95 per head with a £5 deposit to Kev. Please see website for further details.

We have collected another £50 in Kev’s collection box, and Anette has picked out the name of the MacMillan Nurses, via Kim Oakey, who will be receiving this money. Thanks to everyone who has contributed.

Dave Ovenden has said that he is willing to organise a drive to a motor museum, www.atwellwilson.org.uk. He says it is about 80 miles. Please see that website for more details and contact Dave via Chris and Anita if you are interested.

Terri has agreed to get some polo shirts with our logo embroidered onto them. We need 18 items for an embroidery run to be made worthwhile. The t-shirts are £14 and are available in different colours. We have quite a number of orders already, but if you would like to have a t-shirt, or you can still order one of the jackets, please contact hilary.cripps@btinternet.com who will pass your details to Terri. Thanks to Terri for volunteering (or was that volunteered!!) to do this for us.

Finally, the current co-ordinator group are going to be stepping down after the January 2012 meeting. With some current family difficulties, they are unable to give the club the necessary time required to keep things up to date. If anyone is interested in taking over some or all of the responsibilities of the co-ordinating group, please contact Chris and Anita. By January 2012, they will have been co-ordinating the South West Club for two years, and it might be time for someone else with new ideas, a fresh approach etcetera. Chris is content to continue with the website if required.

Next Meeting

The next meeting has been organised for 12th July at The Twisted Oak. We have arranged a barbecue at the pub at 7.30pm for this meeting. The cost is £7.50 a head. Numbers please by Monday 4th July to hilary.cripps@btinternet.com. Attached is a menu of what is included in the price. If the worst happens and it rains, we will still get the food, albeit it will be cooked in the kitchen instead of on the barbecue!! There will still be the normal menu available on the night for those who don’t wish to have a barbecue and, of course, everyone is welcome whether eating or not!!

Please see The Twisted Oak website for more details: www.twistedoakpub.com.

The Twisted Oak

B-B-Q Menu
£7.50

Burgers
Chicken Drumsticks
Hotdogs
Vegetable Kebabs – courgette, pepper, onion and mushroom

Salads

Mixed Leaf
Cucumber & Tomato
New Potato Salad
Coleslaw
Pasta Salad

Sauces & Relishes

Caramelised onions
Red pepper and cherry tomato relish
Tomato Sauce
Brown Sauce
Mayonnaise

Breads

Floured 5” Burger baps
Hotdog rolls
Pitta Bread

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MX5 South West Owners Club
Co-ordinating Group

Minutes of a Meeting
Held at The Twisted Oak Pub, Ide
on Tuesday 10th May 2011

We had 44 members attend this meeting. The Twisted Oak seems to be a good venue for us and although the food was slow, I’m sure that will improve and if anyone wanted to book their food in advance, I’m sure they would welcome that.

Forthcoming Events

15th May RNB Chivenor – Petroc Motorsport Fun Day. In aid of C Group, a charity that provides support for Royal Marine Commandos. Trip organised by Kev.

22nd May Spring Rally. Hop Fields, Kent. See Soft Top Hard Top for more details. Half a dozen SW members are attending.

30th May Castle Combe Ma5da Racing. Bank Holiday Monday. Contact Julian on julianhj@julianhj.plus.com if interested. £15 per adult.

9/10th July Powderham. £5 per ticket for both days. Please let Martyn Gannon know by 16th May if you will be attending.

17th July Proposed trip to the Swannery at Abbotsbury. Terri Kennard organising. See website for more details.

24th July Branscombe. You have to apply individually for this event. The forms are on the Branscombe web-site and they have to be in by 1st June.

The RNLI event will not be happening this year, but hopes to next.

Chris suggested a drive later in the year to Tyneham Village. Also a suggestion to take a picnic up onto Dartmoor, which could be a last minute decision, weather dependant.

Nigel spoke to us about the Plymouth Hoe, Devon Air Ambulance event. See website for more details.

The treasure hunt this year is still undecided on date. Please see website for preferences.

Sue and Jim Wilcox have been investigating venues for our Christmas Party. They have suggested the Whitsand Bay Hotel Golf and Country Club. There was a show of hands, and this has been decided upon for our event. It will be held on 3rd December. The price is £75 per person for dinner, bed and breakfast (or £85 for single). This is to include use of the leisure facilities including heated indoor pool and sauna. The meal only with the disco is £27.50 per person. This price is only £15 per person more than we paid at the Dartmouth Golf and Country Club. A round of golf can be arranged for the Sunday for £15 per person. For details of the hotel please see: www.whitsandbayhotel.co.uk Please advise if you wish to attend. Thanks to Sue and Jim for organising this again this year.

The website has had over 1,000 hits.

The next meeting has been organised for 14th June at The Twisted Oak. Please see their website for more details: www.twistedoakpub.com.

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MX5 South West Owners Club
Co-ordinating Group

Minutes of a Meeting
Held at The Twisted Oak Pub, Ide
on Tuesday 12th April 2011

After a very hasty re-arrangement with the venue, receiving news that the Hungry Fox has now closed, we arranged to meet at The Twisted Oak Pub at Little John’s Cross Hill, Ide, Exeter, EX2 9RG where we were met with a very warm welcome, the conservatory all to ourselves, and a very good deal on food.

Phil and Dawn, the proprietors of the Twisted Oak, were very helpful and said that they enjoyed having us all there. We were informed that they had a skittle alley which we could use free of charge, although they would ask us to book a buffet menu, for which they had two alternatives, £7.50 and £10.50 per person, which consisted of assorted hot and cold food, salads, dips and sauces. They also did barbecues in the garden in summer, which were the usual burgers, hot dogs, kebabs, salads for £7.50 per person. If we wished to, we could arrange to meet there before any of our Sunday runs, and they would provide bacon baps with tea or coffee for £3 per head. They are obviously very pleased to have our business, and are being very flexible about what they can offer us. They also had a room we could use if we were to have any future presentations, like the talk we had from the police last month. So all in all, a very positive beginning. They were very apologetic to those who had to wait for their food, but were rather overwhelmed with the amount of us who wished to eat. Next month they would have more idea, and hopefully this will not happen again. So they did express their sincere apologies.

We had 41 members attend this meeting which was a very good turn out considering the short notice of the change of venue.

Forthcoming Events

Sat 16/4 Finch Foundry. Please meet at Exeter Services at 11am. Please contact Dennis or website for more info.

Sun 17/4 Seaton Tram Trip. Please meet at Exeter Services at 11am or at Bowd Inn at 11.30am. Please contact Kev or website for more info.

The Devon branch of the Morris Minor Club has invited us to join them on 21st August 2011 from 10am. The event is open to all makes of classic and modern cars of interest and does not require you to book or pay any entry fee. Simply turn up between 10am and 4pm, park and enjoy the gathering. This is held at the Imperial Recreation Ground in Exmouth. For further details, contact Lorna Moggridge on (01823) 672693.

The treasure hunt this year will be 19th June. There has been a slight tweaking to the format, so that it will be the car who comes in last will be the organiser of next year’s event.

The website has had 600 hits, and although a few problems were identified, they were all gradually being weeded out.

It was decided that the venue was very suitable for us and a show of hands meant that it had a unanimous vote for next month, which was duly booked.

There is another £50 in the charity box, so a charity will be picked to receive that money at the next meeting.

If there are members who have not yet organised drives, please come forward and do so. It really isn’t as difficult as it might at first seem. We can, of course, always try out this new venue with their bacon baps which might be easier than getting out of Exeter Services, with all those traffic lights.

Many thanks to Cliff and Ann who arranged the quiz. Obviously some of us just weren’t old enough to know those dates!!

(Thank you Hilary... Perhaps some of us just know a thing or two...!)

The next meeting has been organised for 10th May at The Twisted Oak. Please see their website for more details: www.twistedoakpub.com.

Diary of Events

16th April Finch Foundry – see Dennis – 11am start at Exeter Servs

17th April Seaton Tram Trip – see Kev – 11am start at Exeter Servs, 11.30 The Bowd Inn. The tram was £7.50 return.

7th/8th May Dean Court Racecourse, Buckfastleigh

21/22nd May Spring Rally, Hop Farm, Kent – see Softtop Hardtop for more details.

5th June Yeovil Car Club, Cricket St Thomas – see Julian.

5th June Bude Classic Car Club

19th June Treasure Hunt

7th July Wheels of Wadebridge

9/10th July Powderham – Please let Martyn Gannon know by 16th May, or next meeting. £5 per ticket for both days.

24th July Branscombe

7th Aug Mount Edgcumbe

4th Sept Thornfalcon

17/18th Sept National Rally, Billing Aquadrome – see Softtop Hardtop for more details.

Lyme RNLI – to be advised.

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MX5 South West Owners Club

Co-ordinating Group

Minutes of a Meeting

Held at The Hungry Fox, Broadclyst

8th February 2011

The Co-ordinating Group are:

Chris and Anita Co-ordinators

Chris Website/Adverts

Joanna Events Co-ordinator - Members

Martyn Events Co-ordinator - Third Party

Nigel and Sharon Dealership Contact - Vospers

Hilary Minutes/New Member Contact

We had 46 members attend this meeting. Welcome to new members Annette and Murray.

The Hungry Fox have just started their Early Bird menu, so if you want to take advantage of this, get to the pub between 6pm and 7pm.

Forthcoming Events

13th Feb Dave was organising a run starting at Exeter Services at 10.30, going to Dartmoor, Princetown, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge and ending up in Dartmouth. Bring your own lunch, or take a chance in Dartmouth when you get there.

13th Feb St Valentine’s Day Run with the Cornwall Group. Please see the Cornwall area website.

26th Feb Observatory. Meet at The Blue Ball, Sidford.

6pm to eat. 7.45 for Observatory.

9th March Police talk. Newton St Cyres Parish Hall 8pm.

Eat before hand if you wish, at the Crown and Sceptre. Post code of the pub is EX5 5DA. Please call to book a table, so that the pub have an idea of numbers. Tel: 01392 851278

27th March Northampton fish and chip run to Bournemouth. There was quite a lot of interest in this run, so further details to come.

Terri brought some sample sizes for jackets and the orders were flooding in. There was a suggestion of some t-shirts with the logo on, and she was going to look into this for us.

Eddie and Graham will be back in March, and Kev has volunteered to organise a run. Thanks Kev!! They will hopefully be coming to the Police talk as well.

The treasure hunt is likely to be some time in May.

Nigel told us that Vospers has a new manager, Steve. He also reminded them about our 10% discount for parts and 5% discount for servicing!! Vospers were keen to keep the links with the club, and were happy for us to make use of their showroom. They were thinking of holding a pre-launch show for the new car the Miyako, and were thinking of having a stand alongside us at Powderham, Mount Edgecumbe etc. They were offering 20% off a new car and you could win a Mazda MX-5 Miyako. See their website. There was more Mazda merchandise in their showroom and they were giving away free Diamond Bright with every new car.

Next Meeting Date – Wednesday 9th March

In place of the next meeting, we have the talk by the Police, organised by Dave and Kevin, at the Newton St Cyres Parish Hall at 8pm. Those who wish to eat beforehand can try the Crown and Sceptre, but please book your table beforehand, so that they have an idea of numbers. Their phone number is 01392 851278.

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South West MX5 Owners Club
Annual General Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, 11th January 2011

• Website – there have been some ongoing problems, which should be resolved soon
• Financial statement – as per attached. Statement includes an amount of approximately £35 which was for the balance of the cost of Edie & Graham’s farewell meal.
• Chris asked if everyone was happy for the current team to continue. There were no dissenters or volunteers so the current team will carry on.
• Monthly run on 16th January is being arranged by Kevin Groom.
• At the March 9th meeting David Ovenden has arranged a speaker from the police force. The meeting will be held at Newton St Cyres Parish Hall (paid for by the national club). There is a pub, The Crown & Sceptre, over the road from the hall and they do serve food. Post code of the pub is EX5 5DA.
• There is a Valentine’s Day run being organised by Cornwall. Further details to follow.
• We were once again at The Hungry Fox, now under new management. Current manager is moving on but generally everyone was happy to meet there in future. Therefore, February’s meeting will be at The Hungry Fox.
• Saturday April 16th Martyn Gannon is once again organising a car show at Finch Foundry, Sticklepath.
• Club Jacket. David Ovenden had designs for a logo for everyone to look at. The jacket, which was modelled by Terri, is shower proof and will cost £25 plus £2 for the logo.
• Ideas for future runs / events were asked for and received as follows:
Wiscombe Park Hill Climb
Tour of Mini factory in Oxford
Evening run to Norman Lockley observatory in Sidmouth
Horse race meeting in Wincanton
Brewery trip
Dartmouth Steam Railway and river boat trip – ideally this would be a spring/summer event and would cost approx £20
• Treasure Hunt. Chris and Anita are aware of their responsibility to organise this event and it will probably be in June.
• Volunteers are needed for Sunday runs.
• Kevin asked if we could definitely have a run on 13th March as Edie and Graham will be over from France.
• Jim Wilcox raised the point that anyone one organising an event should collect any money needed up front. They would have been left out of pocket after people didn’t turn up for the skittles evening if they hadn’t been able to make up the shortfall from the wine raffle.

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MX5 South West Owners Club
Co-ordinating Group

Minutes of a Meeting

Held at The Black Horse, Sowton
On 9th November 2010

The Co-ordinating Group are:

Chris and Anita Co-ordinators
Chris Website
Joanna Events Co-ordinator - Members
Martyn Events Co-ordinator - Third Party
Nigel and Sharon Dealership Contact - Vospers
Hilary Minutes/New Member Contact

We had 44 members attend this meeting. Welcome to new members Amanda and Alan, and Jean and Don.

There was a reminder about the Moonrakers run to Shepton Mallet on Sunday 14th November. Please contact Kev or Julian, as per flyer.

Cornwall will be hosting the 2012 Spring Rally. They have yet to decide on a venue, but the Pendennis Castle is looking favourable. Cornwall area are looking for volunteers for car parking duties, marshals etcetera, although we do have plenty of time!!

Cornwall are also organising a Valentine’s Day drive. See attached flyer for more details.

Dave is trying to organise a visit by the police to give us a talk on 8th March. Venue yet to be agreed. Further details to follow.

There is also a possible visit to a fire station in January/February. Again, further details to follow.

9/10th July is the 20th anniversary of winning Le Mans. There is a possible Wessex Rally to be held at Beaulieu. Although there has been some opposition nationally about having three rallies in one year, the response from our meeting was positive, so we will keep you informed about this event. The charity being supported is the Neurological Unit at Southampton Hospital.

21/22 May Spring Rally, The Hope Farm, Kent. Please see Softtop Hardtop for further information.

Dennis has suggested an “odds and sods” car boot type event. A sort of car boot for MX5 bits and pieces. Suggestions please. Venue to be decided.

Terri had brought with her a sample fleece/waterproof jacket for us to see, following a previous discussion about having some South West Area jackets. This was very elegantly modelled by Mo!! Thank you. It is going to cost around £27 per jacket, which would include the embroidery. Dave was going to see whether his son could design us an appropriate logo. Thoughts please on how many would buy this jacket. The initial thought was that we should get them all in the same colour, which most members generally considered should be black.

The meeting at the Black Horse was now becoming rather expensive, and members have always been unhappy about ordering food the day before the meeting. We are currently considering a new venue. The Hungry Fox is now under new management, and are very happy to have us back. We are going to meet for drinks on 14th December, which is when our next meeting would normally have occurred. People can then eat if they wish, or just have a drink and see how suitable the venue would be. We are conscious of the fact that we regularly have more than 40 people to the meetings, so need to be sure that we could all fit and that everyone can hear. Thoughts please, or alternative venues if anyone has suggestions.

In March the Northampton area are having their yearly fish and chip run, this time coming to Bournemouth. It would be good if some of us could meet up with them. More details as and when we get them.

The skittles held on 23rd October in Kenn was won by Jim Wilcox. Well done Jim!!

Next Meeting Date - Tuesday 14th December 2010

There is no December meeting, due to people’s Christmas commitments, but we will be meeting in the Hungry Fox to see what has changed since its refurbishment, and hope that as many of you can come as possible. There is a new menu for those of you wishing to eat.

Moonrakers NCT Meeting

Sunday 14th November - 11.30am

The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction, Nr Shepton
Mallet, Somerset BA4 6NA

Julian and Kev plan to go so if there are any other members who might like to join in, Julian will be leaving Taunton Sainsbury’s car park M5 jcn 25 at 10am as it's about an hour and half run to the Natterjack Inn from Taunton If you can let Julian know that you are coming by the 11th November so that he can warn the venue as to numbers for catering. Hope to see you there if you can make it.

Kev will be meeting anyone coming from Exeter, so please contact him and he will arrange somewhere to meet.

Julian Thomas: julianhj@julianhj.plus.com

Kevin Groom: kevin738@btinternet.com

Members, Steve & Beverley have kindly offered to organise our next Cornish Five's

Valentine's Week-end 2011

Friday 11th February, departing Sunday 13th February.

This is a fun week-end, which has proved very popular over the last few years.

So, come on you 'lovebirds'
why not join in !

In 2008 we went to Ormonde House Hotel, Lyndhurst which was an excellent venue, easy leisurely drive, good accommodation, food and hospitality.
An ideal location for exploring the New Forest and visiting The Beaulieu Motor Museum.

www.ormondehouse.co.uk

All the rooms are en suite, with TV and drink facilites.
Rates are per room, for 2 nights.
Standard room with shower, is £210.00 Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.
A Standard with bath and shower is £220.00 Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.
Superior is £230.00 Dinner Bed and Breakfast.
Dinner is 2 courses.
Please let Steve and Bev know in the next couple of weeks if you are interested so as, not to lose the available dates at the hotel.
stevenwestley@hotmail.com
OR telephone 01752-846769

Sharon & Mike
Cornwall Area Coordinators
MX5OC Diary

Sat 4th December Christmas party at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club. This event is now officially closed but if you would still like to go then please contact Sue at susiecompton@hotmail.com and she will see what she can do!
Just a friendly reminder that this is traditionally a formal occasion giving everyone an opportunity to dress up in DJ’s and evening dresses.

Tuesday 14th Informal Christmas drinks evening at the Hungry Fox which has been recently refurbished and under new management. There is no official meeting this month due to many events being held in December.

Tuesday 10th January 2011 AGM Venue to be confirmed.

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MX5 South West Owners Club
Co-ordinating Group

Minutes of a Meeting

Held at Littletown Primary School, Honiton
On 12th October 2010

The Co-ordinating Group are:

Chris and Anita Co-ordinators
Graham and Eddie Website/Adverts
Joanna Events Co-ordinator - Members
Martyn Events Co-ordinator - Third Party
Nigel & Sharon Dealership Contact - Vospers
Hilary Minutes/New Member Contact

Welcome to all new members – we look forward to meeting you soon.

There was no official meeting this month. Instead we had a fun scalextric/jewellery evening held at the Littletown Primary School in Honiton much enjoyed by all.

Many thanks to Kim for bringing all her jewellery pieces and we sat and chatted while some of us were buying!!

Also thanks to Kev for the two scalextric tracks, and also for the enthusiasts who brought their own cars with them!! Well done to Andy for winning the trophy, although you do have to give it back next time!!

Kev has suggested a run on 31st October. Either a coastal run to Teignmouth or perhaps Lyme Regis or Seatown for a picnic lunch. Anyone interested, please let Kev know by e-mail on kevin738@btinternet.com or by phone 01392 851633. Alternatively, let Anita and Chris know and they can pass on a message.

Due to ill health we are waiting for the national office to link up our web site.
We are endeavouring to keep up to date information on our site at :

www.wix.com/roxymoxy5/swareamx5oc

Next Meeting Date

The next meeting will be on 9th November at The Black Horse, Sowton at 8pm.

If you wish to order food, please do so by 12 noon on Monday 8th November by e-mailing or telephoning The Black Horse.

14/10/2010

MX5OC Diary

Sat 23rd October. Annual Skittles Evening at the Seven Stars, Kennford, Nr Exeter at 7pm for a 7.30 start. Hot buffet at £6 per head (money collected at the pub)

We shall be holding our usual raffle (prizes would be appreciated). Proceeds from the raffle will be going towards wine on the table at the Christmas party. No obligation to buy tickets if not going to Christmas party or not drinking! Please email Sue at susiecompton@hotmail.com or give her a ring 01823 278897 if you would like to come BY MONDAY 18th October.

Sun 31st October – Proposed coastal run to be arranged by Kev. See Minutes.

Tuesday 10th January 2011 AGM Venue to be confirmed.

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MX5 South West Owners Club
Co-ordinating Group

Minutes of a Meeting

Held at The Black Horse, Sowton
On 14th September 2010

The Co-ordinating Group are:

Chris and Anita               Co-ordinators
Graham and Eddie           Website/Adverts
Joanna                           Events Co-ordinator - Members
Martyn                          Events Co-ordinator - Third Party
Nigel & Sharon               Dealership Contact - Vospers
Hilary                            Minutes/New Member Contact

We had 27 members attend this meeting. Welcome to new members Liz and Brian.

Chris Laing mentioned that we had received the certificate from the RNLI for the contribution made of £50, plus extra contributions still to be advised.

The winery and BBQ event was excellent and very well organised. So thanks to all those involved in the organisation.

The Thornfalcon show was attended to 10/11 cars. The weather was okay and it was well worth going to see the 1,000 cars or so on show. It was worth considering making it more of an event for the club next year.

There is currently a snag with the website. Hardware problems apparently!! There is a re-direction being organised, but hopefully this will only be a very temporary problem.

There was a flier circulated at the meeting about a Port to Port event being organised by Deeley Classics for 5th to 13th April 2011. Starting in Porto onto Santander, via Viana de Castelo, Santiago de Compostela, Gijon and Santillana del Mar. Four nights in Portugal, six in Spain with several days off for exploring. For full details please see the Deeley Classics website at http://freespace.virgin.net/deeley.classics.

We say a final goodbye to Graham and Eddie who are leaving for France at the end of September. Thank you both for all the hard work you have done for the club and for organising the website so efficiently. Keep in touch and see you in March!!

Forthcoming Events

18th/19th Sept   National Rally – Chatsworth, Derbyshire.

                        For those attending the National Rally, there will be a meeting point at 9.45am on Sunday 19th at the public car park in Baslow on the A619. Anyone wishing to meet us there, please contact Hilary, just so that we can expect you and not disappear without you!! If we want to park together, we have to arrive together. Hilary’s mobile: 07938 007962. We aim to be at Chatsworth by 10am and this meeting place is only a mile or so from there.

12th Oct           The scalextric/jewellery evening has been arranged for the next meeting date, which is 12th October. It will be held at a school hall in Honiton, further details to be advised. Kev has put a lot of effort into getting all the scalextric kit, so a contribution of £2.50 per person has been suggested.

23rd Oct           There is a proposed skittles evening at Kenn, to be arranged by Sue Wilcox. More details to follow.

Next Meeting Date

The next meeting will be on 12th October at the scalextric/jewellery evening at 7pm/7.30pm at Honiton School – more details to follow.

16/09/2010

MX5OC Diary

Sat 18th & Sun 19th September National Rally at Chatsworth House, Peak District National Park full details can be found on MX5OC main website

Tuesday 12th October Scalextric and Jewellery Evening at Honiton School

10th October Austin Healy Owners Club Exeter Rut from Buckfastleigh to Umberleigh. Tea and coffee on offer at the starting point and a cream tea at the Highbullen Hotel, Chittlehamholt. Cost is £25, of which £10 is non refundable.
Email Exmoor.rut@virginmedia.com for further information and an entry form.

Sat 4th December Christmas party at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club. This event is now officially closed but if you would still like to go then please contact Sue at susiecompton@hotmail.com and she will see what she can do!

10/08/2010

MX5OC Diary

Sun 22nd August – Dennis’ BBQ run. Meet at Exeter services at 10.45 to leave at 11.00. First part of run takes us to vineyard and park where there will be a tour. The second part of the run will take us to The Fox and Hounds where the BBQ will take place. Cost is £10 per person to include the tour and the BBQ food (not drinks).
Please let either Dennis or Chris and Anita know if you would like to go.

Sun 5th September     Wessex Classic Car Show at Bovington     details at www.dorset-jec.org

And     Thornfalcon Classic Car Meet     details at www.thornfalconclassics.com. Let Steve Budd know as soon as possible if you wish to go. stevebudd@fsmail.net

Sat 18th & Sun 19th September     National Rally at Chatsworth House, Peak District National Park     full details can be found on MX5OC main website

Scalextric and Jewellery Evening. Sometime in October – date to be confirmed.

10th October    Austin Healy Owners Club Exeter Rut from Buckfastleigh to Umberleigh. Tea and coffee on offer at the starting point and a cream tea at the Highbullen Hotel, Chittlehamholt. Cost is £25, of which £10 is non refundable.
Email Exmoor.rut@virginmedia.com for further information and an entry form.

Sat 4th December Christmas party at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club. This event is now officially closed but if you would still like to go then please contact Sue at susiecompton@hotmail.com and she will see what she can do!

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MX5 South West Owners Club
Co-ordinating Group

Minutes of a Meeting

Held at The Black Horse, Sowton
On 10th August 2010

The Co-ordinating Group are:

We had 34 members attend this meeting. Not bad for August when everyone is away!! Welcome to new members Howard and Jane.

There was a general discussion about the previous events of Powderham, Branscombe and Mt Edgcumbe. The new events shelter was used for the first time at Mt Edgcumbe. It was apparently easy to put up, although needed several people. And some on each other’s shoulders, it seems, to tie in the final straps!! We were thinking about getting a couple of extra “walls”. Apparently it was thought they could be provided by the national area, so that was going to be investigated before we go out and purchase any.

We have another £50 collected, which is going to be sent to the RNLI via Chris Laing. Thank you to everyone who is donating.

As you know, Eddie and Graham are leaving our shores for their new life in France. That being so, Chris Read is taking over the website. The website is currently live, although not yet linked to the south west area site. Please view it at www.wix.com/roxymoxy5/swareamx5oc. Comments please to Chris Read.

An e-mail from Peter Mileham had been received. He is a past member, who has just rejoined the club. He makes kit cars, an MX5 being one of them. He has a stand at the Kit Car Show at Westpoint in October, and has said that he would be willing to bring along the MK 1 to one of our future meetings. Anyone interested, his website is www.aspirekitcars.co.uk.

We have a proposed Scalextric/jewellery evening planned for, maybe, October or November. We are still arranging a venue for this, but anyone with Scalextric bits and pieces, contact Kev who would be welcome for any additions. It seems we have rather a lot of closet Scalextric players ...

Forthcoming Events

22nd Aug BBQ, run and vineyard visit. 10.45 meet at Exeter Services. Leaving 11am. See attached diary. Contact Dennis for further info.

5th Sept Thornfalcon. Please see attached diary for information.

18th/19th Sept National Rally – Chatsworth, Derbyshire. See diary or Hard Top Soft Top magazine for more information. A meeting point in Derbyshire, outside Chatsworth is being discussed and will be circulated nearer the time.

Next Meeting Date

The next meeting will be at The Black Horse, Sowton, on Tuesday 14th September. Please pre-order food by Monday 13th.

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Minutes of a Meeting

Held at The Black Horse, Sowton

On 13th July 2010

The Co-ordinating Group are: Chris and Anita, Co-ordinators : Graham and Eddie, Website/Adverts: Joanna, Events Co-ordinator - Members : Martyn, Events Co-ordinator - Third Party : Nigel & Sharon, Dealership Contact - Vospers : Hilary, Minutes/New Member Contact

We had 53 members attend the meeting, with nine new members. Welcome to Sue & Adrian, Terri & Thelma, Liz & Malcolm, Myra & Phil, and Dave.

There were 17 cars who met up to travel to MX5 Heaven on 4th July, and roughly 75 cars in total turned up to the event. MX5 Heaven were very pleased with the turnout and it stayed dry for most of the day. There were several stalls available for anyone with money to spend, together with a couple of different raffles. There were several bottles of wine won, seemingly by the same people. Wont name names!!

There was a discussion about the possible attendance of Goodwood next year, either the Festival of Speed or the Revival, which is in September. Further information would be gathered and there was a show of interest in attending this event next year.

Forthcoming Events: We have a lot of events over the next month of so. Please see attached diary for more details.

Routes and meeting places for Branscombe on 25th July and Lyme Regis on 31st July will be sent out shortly by e-mail.

The MX5 Christmas Dinner has now been set for 4th December. Anyone wishing to attend, please contact Sue Willcox as per e-mail address on diary of events.

Dave tried to organise an event with Gregorys Transport, but they have declined, but he is still trying to organise the Police coming to give us a talk about collision investigation, which he is hoping to arrange for sometime in the New Year.

There was a discussion about the next meeting being held in North Devon. Gail to provide more details of her pub, The Black Cock, although it may only be able to cater for 30 people.

Dennis is organising a barbecue for one Sunday in late August. A pub called the Fox and Hounds on the A386 Okehampton/Tavistock road. £7 a head. Details to be confirmed.

There was also a discussion about the possibility of all meeting at Exeter Services and going off for a picnic on Dartmoor. Perhaps Boules, ice creams etc, although Chris Read refused to buy ice creams for us all!! Spoil sport.

Sharon from Cornwall area has contacted us to see if we would like to join forces at Mt Edgcumbe. Maybe take meat/fish to join in their picnic lunch. They are bringing salads, baguettes, cheeses, desserts etc. Comments please.

There is also a run being organised by Cornwall area on 10/10/10. Would we like to join them?

It was announced that Eddie and Graham are shortly departing for their new life in France. Good luck to them both. Chris Read has currently volunteered to take over the website, unless anyone else would like to do so.

When we went on our fish and chip run with our Australian visitors, we noticed that they had name badges. What do you think about doing the same thing? We are now a very large group and remembering names is often difficult. Comments please. We could also do a similar thing with fleeces, t-shirts etc.

Three of our members went to rounds 10 and 11 at Castle Combe on 10th July. There were 43 cars on the grid. For further info/pictures please see www.ma5daracing.com also Motors TV on Sky.

Devon AirAmbulance have sent us a certificate, with many thanks, for our donation of £50. Thank you to Dennis for organising the delivery of that donation and receiving the certificate on our behalf.

And finally, the new Miyako has been launched. On sale from 1st July. Please see attached flyer. Nigel is negotiating with Vospers, possibly a cheese and wine event like they did with the last new car, so that we can all go and see it and maybe have a drive. Watch this space!!

Next Meeting Date : The next meeting venue to be advised but will be on 10th August 2010.

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Minutes of a Meeting

Held at a Fish and Chip Shop

Somewhere in Budleigh Salterton!!

On 8th June 2010

The Co-ordinating Group are: Chris and Anita, Co-ordinators : Graham and Eddie, Website/Adverts ; Joanna, Events Co-ordinator - Members ; Martyn, Events Co-ordinator - Third Party ; Nigel & Sharon, Dealership Contact - Vospers ; Hilary, Minutes/New Member Contact

There was no meeting as such this month. We all met at Exeter Services for a quick drive to Budleigh Salterton, stopping for fish and chips which we managed to eat sitting by the sea. We then adjourned to The Otter Inn for liquid refreshment.

We had a couple of visitors this month, Janette and John who joined us for our short run. They have been over from Australia, visiting relatives in Exeter for nearly a month, so were very happy to join us on our run and wanted to thank everybody for being so hospitable.

Next Meeting Date : The next meeting will be on Tuesday 13th July 2010 at The Black Horse, Sowton at 8pm. If you wish to order food, please do so by 8pm on Monday 12th July by e-mailing or telephoning The Black Horse on 01392 366649 or E-mail: enquiries@blackhorseinnexeter.co.uk mentioning that you are with the MX5 group. Menu attached.

MX5OC Diary

Sunday 13th June North Cornwall run organised by Martyn Gannon (martyn@marlynn.plus.com)

Sun 20th June Mazda MX5 Championship at Castle Coombe. Co-ordinator is Julian Thomas (julianhj@julianhj.plus.com)

Sun 4th July MX5 Heaven Open Day. Meet at West Bay car park at 9.30. Names to Chris Lang (please indicate if you are coming to West Bay or going direct to MX5 Heaven ) by Sat 24th June please (annie-chris@phestos.co.uk). If anyone would like to meet at Exeter MOTO services for a run to the run please contact Kevin ( kevin738@btinternet.com or 01392 851633.)

Sat 10th & Sun 11th July Powderham Classic Car Show. Our attendance at this event is being organised by Martyn Gannon (martyn@marlynn.plus.com).

Sun 18th July Wheels of Wadebridge (details of club attendance tbc)

Sun 25th July Braunton Wheels, Braunton Recreation Ground. Numbers for this free event are needed by Martyn (martyn@marlynn.plus.com) by the end of June.

Sun 25th July Branscombe Air & Classic Car Show

23rd, 24th & 25th July Silverstone Classic Car Show Details of money off vouchers can be found on the website

Saturday 31st July Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Week celebrations, Seafront, Lyme Regis. Timings are from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm so we will need to arrive around 1045 am. Access to the sea front via Cobb Gate car park at the bottom of the main street. Names to Chris Lang by 24th July please (annie-chris@phestos.co.uk)

Sun 1st August Mount Edgcumbe attendance at this event is also being organised by Martyn (martyn@marlynn.plus.com). Cost is £5 per car and numbers needed by end of June

Sun 5th September Wessex Classic Car Show at Bovington, details at www.dorset-jec.org

and Thornfalcon Classic Car Meet details at www.thornfalconclassics.com. Full details of a proposed day out around this event are attached.

Sat 18th & Sun 19th September National Rally at Chatsworth House, Peak District National Park full details can be found on MX5OC main website

10th October Austin Healy Owners Club Exeter Rut from Buckfastleigh to Umberleigh. Tea and coffee on offer at the starting point and a cream tea at the Highbullen Hotel, Chittlehamholt. Cost is £25, of which £10 is non refundable. Email Exmoor.rut@virginmedia.com for further information and an entry form.

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Minutes of a Meeting

Held at The Black Horse, Sowton

On 11th May 2010

The Co-ordinating Group are: Chris and Anita, Co-ordinators : Graham and Eddie, Website/Adverts: Joanna, Events Co-ordinator - Members: Martyn, Events Co-ordinator - Third Party: Nigel & Sharon, Dealership Contact - Vospers: Hilary, Minutes/New Member Contact

We had 46 members attend the meeting, with four new members. Welcome to Christine & Mark and Jonathan & Linda.

Congratulations went to all those involved in the Okehampton/Finch Foundry run, the breakfast, the train ride and the drive to Finch Foundry (apart from those of us who got a bit lost!!) which was very much appreciated, especially organising the weather so well!! So well done to Dennis and Sue, Dave and Jan, George and Wendy and Martyn. There were 21 cars.

Forthcoming Events: There was a suggestion by Steve Budd that we could attend the Thornfalcon Car Show (already in the diary) but to meet in a pub first, for bacon rolls and then get to the show for 11am. We could then leave the show and drive to Hestercombe House, where we could park in front of the house and then have a cream tea. Responses please.

We have had an e-mail from a couple visiting England from Australia, who would like to join us on a run while they are here. We thought we might make the next meeting a run to Exmouth, for fish and chips by the sea and thought we might invite the visiting couple along. We may even have room for them in our cars, so they can get a feel for topless driving in the not so sunny South West!!

It was suggested that now that our runs are becoming so popular, we split the cars into groups of no more than ten, with several leaders, so that any difficulties with cars getting split up and lost could be avoided. It is an idea to always keep the car behind you in view, rather than trying to keep up with the car in front. This means that cars getting stopped by traffic lights/roundabouts etcetera are not having to speed to catch up the cars in front. Please se the attached Good Driving Guide and Planning a Run.

If anyone is interested in the National Rally in Derbyshire, the hotels are booking up quickly, so make your minds up fairly soon.

Graham suggested a club activity for taking part in a skid prevention and control course. Run by Devon Drivers Centre at West point. It is a dry course (not a wet skid pan) using a DDC car fitted with one of those clever bolt-on frames that reduces the friction of the car to the road. The course would cater for six people and lasts three hours, including classroom instruction and time on the skid course. Cost is about £75 per person. Anyone interested, please contact Graham White: grahamanded@hotmail.co.uk

We have three events on 25th July, Braunton Wheels which is free 10am to 4.30pm, Branscombe Car Show (entries please by 1st June martyn@marlynn.plus.com ) or Silverstone Classic.

There is also the Exmoor Rut which is organised by the Healey Club. This is being held on 10th October at a cost of £25, which includes coffees and cream teas.

See attached diary of events for more details including the following:

May - 16th May Treasure Hunt now fully book, 23rd May Petroc Race Day see diary for more details, 29th May Spring Rally Belfast

June - 13th June North Cornwall run organised by Martyn Gannon (martyn@marlynn.plus.com, 20th June Mazda MX5 Championship at Castle Coomb, Co-ordinator is Julian Thomas (julianhj@julianhj.plus.com)

Vospers : Nigel and Sharon wanted to remind everyone that Vospers are still giving 10% off parts and 5% off servicing on production of a membership card.

Next Meeting Date : The next meeting will be on Tuesday 8th June 2010 for fish and chips at either Exmouth or Sidmouth sea front. Meet in Exeter Services at 7pm, for a 7.15 departure. We would like a rough idea of numbers please. Venue to be confirmed shortly. 14/05/2010

MX5OC Diary

23rd May Petroc Motor Sport Day at RAF Chivenor, which will be attended by the Renault Racing Team with a formula one car. Cost for this is £10 per adult. Contacts are Louise Lang 01271 338181 or Mr Hanson 01271 338191.

29-31 May Spring Rally in Belfast Check www.mx5ni.com for details

Sunday 13th June North Cornwall run organised by Martyn Gannon (martyn@marlynn.plus.com)

Sun 20th June Mazda MX5 Championship at Castle Coombe, Co-ordinator is Julian Thomas (julianhj@julianhj.plus.com)

Sun 4th July MX5 Heaven Open Day. Drive to this event will be organised by Chris Lang who is also liaising with MX5 Heaven (annie-chris@phestos.co.uk)

Sat 10th & Sun 11th July Powderham Classic Car Show. Our attendance at this event is being organised by Martyn Gannon (martyn@marlynn.plus.com). Martyn needs to know who wants to attend this event (either Saturday and/or Sunday) by the club meeting on May 11th. Cost is £5 per vehicle and if you wish to camp that is £15 per unit for two nights. All monies need to be paid to Martyn by May 11th.

Sun 18th July Wheels of Wadebridge (details of club attendance tbc)

Sun 25th July Braunton Wheels, Braunton Recreation Ground. Numbers for this free event are needed by Martyn (martyn@marlynn.plus.com) by the end of June.

Sun 25th July Branscombe Air & Classic Car Show

23rd, 24th & 25th July Silverstone Classic Car Show Details of money off vouchers can be found on the website

Saturday 31st July Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Week celebrations, Seafront, Lyme Regis. Provisional timings are from 10.30 am to 3.00 pm. More details to be confirmed by Chris Lang (annie-chris@phestos.co.uk) nearer the date

Sun 1st August Mount Edgcumbe attendance at this event is also being organised by Martyn (martyn@marlynn.plus.com). Cost is £5 per car and numbers needed by end of June

Sun 5th September Wessex Classic Car Show at Bovington details at www.dorset-jec.org and

Thornfalcon Classic Car Meet details at www.thornfalconclassics.com. Details of a proposed day out around this event will follow.

Sat 18th & Sun 19th September National Rally at Chatsworth House, Peak District National Park. Full details can be found on MX5OC main website

10th October Austin Healey Owners Club Exeter Rut from Buckfastleigh to Umberleigh. Tea and coffee on offer at the starting point and a cream tea at the Highbullen Hotel, Chittlehamholt. Cost is £25, of which £10 is non refundable. E-mail Exmoor.rut@virginmedia.com for further information and an entry form.

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Minutes of a Meeting

Held at The Black Horse, Sowton

On 13th April 2010

The Co-ordinating Group are: Chris and Anita - Area Co-ordinators, Graham and Eddie - Website/Adverts, Joanna - Events Co-ordinator - Members, Martyn, Events Co-ordinator - Third Party, Nigel & Sharon - Dealership Contact - Vospers, Hilary - Minutes/New Member Contact

We had 43 members attend the meeting, with three new members. Welcome to David and Pauline and to Andy.

Venues: There was a brief discussion about the possibility of other venues, The Swans Nest in Exminster, which had a large room, but which was split in the middle with an arch, and also The Toby Carvery in Middlemoor which had a room available but which cost £50 per night. It was decided currently to keep these venues in reserve. Any other suggestions for venues in your area very welcome.

Website: The website had now had its complete rebuild. Any ideas welcome, comments, photos, etcetera.

Forthcoming Events: If anyone is interested in going to Silverstone on the weekend of 23/24/25 July, the Daily Telegraph have a discount available. Please refer to website for details.

There are currently 13 cars booked for the treasure hunt on 16th May, so there is still room for anyone else who would like to add their names to the list. If you would like to come just for the meal, then please contact Kev who will send you the menu choices. We will meet at The Black Horse, Sowton at 10am and tea/coffee will be available, with bacon baps for those who want them. The first car will be sent on their way by 11am. Numbers for treasure hunt please by 20th April. Food choices/bacon baps by 24th April. For any more info, meal choices, bacon baps etc, please contact Kev Groom on kevin738@btinternet.com. The bacon baps will cost £3.95, coffee is £1.60 but if you have coffee and a bap, thats £5. Please let Kev know what you would like.

See attached diary of events for more details including the following:

April - 24th April St Georges Day run Okehampton/Finch Foundry (9pm start Exeter Services)

May - 16th May Treasure Hunt see above, 30th May Spring Rally Belfast

If anyone has contacted Chris Lang about either the Lyme Regis event or MX5 Heaven and has not had a response from him, please e-mail him again. Im afraid hes had computer problems and has lost your e-mails. He knows there are two e-mails he is missing, so please let him know.

Bank Account: There were club funds of £51.71.

Charity: Kevin has now updated our collection box for runs, and we now have a smart new black MX5 money box. Well done Kev!! Voluntary donations please, when you go on a run.

Personal Information: There was a discussion about having an updated list of personal information. We had a list previously, where members had agreed to have their e-mail address and phone numbers on a list available to members. Maybe this needed to be updated, so that members can decide whether to have their information included or not.

Next Meeting Date The next meeting will be on Tuesday 11th May 2010 at The Black Horse, Sowton at 8pm. If you wish to order food, please do so by 8pm on Monday 10th May by e-mailing or telephoning The Black Horse on 01392 366649. E-mail: enquiries@blackhorseinnexeter.co.uk mentioning that you are with the MX5 group. Menu attached.

MX5OC Diary

Sat 24th April Breakfast and train ride on Dartmoor Railway, Okehampton organised by Dennis (pinn.mill@btinternet.com) followed by car show at Finch Foundry, Sticklepath organised by Martyn Gannon (martyn@marlynn.plus.com). The run to Dartmoor Railway will be leaving Exeter Services at 9.00 am and cost of breakfast and train ride is £7.00 per person. Entry to car show is free. Entry to Finch Foundry is free for National Trust members and £4.20 for non-members. FULLY BOOKED

Sunday 16th May Treasure Hunt. Organised by Kevin Groom (kevin738@btinternet.com). There is a limit of 15 cars for this event and the cut off for entries is 24th April. There will also be a charge of £1 per vehicle.

29-31 May Spring Rally in Belfast Check www.mx5ni.com for details

Sunday 13th June North Cornwall run organised by Martyn Gannon (martyn@marlynn.plus.com)

Sun 20th June Mazda MX5 Championship at Castle Coombe. Co-ordinator is Julian Thomas (julianhj@julianhj.plus.com)

Sun 4th July MX5 Heaven Open Day. Drive to this event will be organised by Chris Lang who is also liaising with MX5 Heaven (annie-chris@phestos.co.uk)

Sun 18th July Wheels of Wadebridge (details of club attendance tbc)

Sun 25th July Braunton Wheels, Braunton Recreation Ground. Numbers for this free event are needed by Martyn (martyn@marlynn.plus.com) by the end of June.

Sun 25th July Branscombe Air & Classic Car Show details to follow

23rd, 24th & 25th July Silverstone Classic Car Show Details of money off vouchers can be found on the website

Sun 1st August Mount Edgcumbe attendance at this event is also being organised by Martyn (martyn@marlynn.plus.com). Cost is £5 per car and numbers needed by end of June

Sun 5th September Wessex Classic Car Show at Bovington details at www.dorset-jec.org and Thornfalcon Classic Car Meet details at www.thornfalconclassics.com

Sat 18th & Sun 19th September National Rally at Chatsworth House, Peak District National Park full details can be found on MX5OC main website

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Minutes of a Meeting

Held at The Black Horse, Sowton

On 9th March 2010

The Co-ordinating Group are: Chris and Anita - Area Co-ordinators, Graham and Eddie - Website/Adverts, Joanna - Events Co-ordinator - Members, Martyn - Events Co-ordinator - Third Party, Nigel & Sharon - Dealership Contact - Vospers, Hilary - Minutes/New Member Contact.

The meeting was started with a brief welcome to the new venue. We had 45 members attend the meeting.

Update on Past Events: There was a brief resume of the trip to the SS Great Britain on 14th February and the Bovington Tank Museum on 7th March, both of which were well attended. Many thanks to Nigel and Sharon for organising the trip to Bovington and also for arranging the weather!! Please see attached notes for further info.

Forthcoming Events: See attached diary of events for more details on the following:

April - 9/10th April Duxford Air Museum; 24th April St Georges Day run Okehampton/Finch Foundry

May - 16th May Treasure Hunt; 30th May Spring Rally Belfast

July - 4th July MX5 Heaven; 31st July Lyme Regis RNLI

There is a run to Looe on Sunday 14th March. Anyone interested please contact Dave at oldsmithy1@btinternet.com.

We discussed a few suggestions for runs to National Trust properties, Exmoor Pony Centre, a picnic on Dartmoor, The Eden Project, Norman Lockyer Observatory, a run into Cornwall amongst other things. A ladies day was suggested at a spa in Bath. Please keep the suggestions coming and anyone volunteering to organise a run will always be appreciated.

Bank Account: There were club funds of £51.71. Opening of bank account still ongoing!!

Charity: Julie Sylvester has asked that we collect plastic milk bottle tops, as she is collecting them for a charity. Please let Julie have them at the next meeting.

Website Update: We all had a chance to have a look at the new website, which Graham has been working on. Hopefully up and running within the next couple of weeks. Well done Graham. It looks great. If anyone has any photos for the website, please let Graham have them.

Future Venues: We discussed the possibility of choosing different venues throughout the summer, maybe Taunton/Chard direction and also maybe Bideford and any other areas. Please feel free to make any comments/suggestions. We would need a pub big enough for between 45/50 people, with a decent car park to accommodate 25+ cars.

Bling !! Nigel has managed to get us some discount from a company called Rockshore. They sell all sorts of things, gear knobs and gaiters, handbrake handles/covers/gaiters. Steering wheels, seat covers, chrome styling. Their website address is: www.rockshore.uk.com. You will get a 5% discount if you use the discount code [----------]. Well done Nigel!!

Venue - General: There was a discussion about the new venue and about the way in which the change of venue had been achieved. There were points raised about how it should have been talked about before it was changed, although it was also pointed out that this was difficult to do: talking about a change of venue in the venue already being used. A show of hands, or paper voting was also discussed. However, it was also pointed out that this meant that only those members attending that particular meeting would have had a chance to vote, leaving out all those members who had not attended the meeting. It was noted that doing it by e-mail, everyone had a chance to vote if they wanted to. There were suggestions that the whole thing should have been done differently and that it was wrong for a reverse vote to be held, i.e. only voting if you were against the move. It was suggested that complaints or comments should have been made if it was felt that the Hungry Fox was no longer an acceptable venue. There was a suggestion of finding a place where we could have sole occupancy of a meeting room, even if we had to pay for it. Comments/suggestions please. We had some teething problems with people being unable to hear Chris during the meeting. Hopefully this will be resolved by moving the tables about slightly next month. However, there were positive comments about the Black Horse and hopefully there will be some suggestions for different venues in the future and we shall see how we go. We have no commitment to the Black Horse, and have made it clear to them that we will not be meeting there every month but will arrange it on a month by month basis.

Next Meeting Date: The next meeting will be on Tuesday 13th April 2010 at The Black Horse, Sowton at 8pm. If you wish to order food, please do so by 12 noon on Monday 12th April by e-mailing or telephoning The Black Horse. The Black Horse Tel: 01392 366649. E-mail: enquiries@blackhorseinnexeter.co.uk mentioning that you are with the MX5 group. Menu attached.

Diary of Events 2010

14th February - SS Great Britain Visit There were 15 MX5s who left Taunton for Bristol. We had a dry morning and some cars braved the cold, and took the roofs down. We had a slight hitch when we arrived in Bristol, to find that the swing bridge was closed, and a rather long diversion, which meant we arrived in the car park having lost the majority of cars! Everyone eventually caught up, only to find there wasnt room in the car park, so MX5s were scattered around the dock area, but we all managed to park eventually. After that slight hiccup, the visit to the ship went well, and after a late lunch a few members went for a stroll around the docks. We saw the Mathew, the replica of John Cabots ship, which had come sailing in whilst we were on the SS Great Britain, and then some of us took the river ferry back to where the cars were parked. Those of us left, drove home, some of us braving the roofs down again!!

7th March - Bovington Tank Museum Visit There were 16 MX5s leaving Axminster, meeting one more car at the museum. We had a great drive to the museum, all of us with our tops down. We had a quick cuppa, then took the opportunity to have some pictures of our cars taken in front of one of the tanks keep your eye out for the photos when the new website is up and running. We then had a buffet lunch, which I think we were all ready for and then had a guided tour of the museum, which houses a very large number of tanks. After another quick cuppa, a few of us left the museum for a drive to Lulworth Cove, which was aborted after realising the cost of the car park!! We then drove to Seatown, and all had a look at the sea, then had a drink (or two) in the pub. Many thanks to Nigel and Sharon for organising this run, which must have taken quite some time, what with the refreshments, the lunch, the photos and the tour. Many thanks.

APRIL

9/11 Apr Duxford Air Museum

Trip to Duxford Air Museum weekend of 9/10/11 April. The plan is to drive up to Duxford during the day Friday, go to the museum Saturday, then travel back Sunday. (Eddie and Graham White)

24th Apr St Georges Day Run - Okehampton/Finch Foundry (Saturday run)

Breakfast and train ride on Dartmoor Railway, Okehampton organised by Dennis (pinn.mill@btinternet.com) followed by car show at Finch Foundry, Sticklepath organised by Martyn Gannon (marlynn@tesco.net). The run to Dartmoor Railway will be leaving Exeter Services at 9.00am and cost of breakfast and train ride is £7 per person. Entry to car show is free. Entry to Finch Foundry is free for National Trust members and £4.20 for non-members

MAY

16th May Treasure Hunt

Organised by Kevin Groom (kevin738@btinternet.com) There is a limit of 15 cars for this event and the cut off for entries is 30th April. There will also be a charge of £1 per vehicle.

29th May Northern Ireland Spring Rally

Gala Dinner at Stormont, Parliament Building. Various hotels available, ferry crossings etc. See the Northern Ireland website www.mx5ni.com. So far two, possibly three cars going from the South West area on Wednesday 26th May, for an overnight ferry trip, coming back on the ferry the night of Monday 31st May.

JUNE

13th June North Cornwall Run

Organised by Martyn Gannon (marlynn@tesco.net)

29th June Mazda MX5 Championship at Castle Coombe

Co-ordinator is Julian Thomas (julianj@julianj.plus.com)

JULY

4th Jul MX5 Heaven Open Day

Drive to this event will be organised by Chris Lang who is also liaising with MX5 Heaven (annie-chris@phestos.co.uk)

10/11th Jul Powderham Classic Car Show

Our attendance at this event is being organised by Martyn Gannon (marlynn@tesco.net). Martyn needs to know who wants to attend this event (either Saturday and/or Sunday) by the club meeting on May 11th. Cost is £5 per vehicle and if you wish to camp that is £15 per unit for two nights.

18th Jul Wheels of Wadebridge

Details of club attendance to be confirmed.

25th Jul Braunton Wheels, Braunton Recreation Ground

External contact is Rachel Shortridge 01598 763221 (fundraisingexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk) Details of club attendance to be confirmed.

23 25 Jul Silverstone Classic Car Show

Details of money off vouchers can be obtained from Dennis on 01837 83853 or pinn.mill@btinternet.com.

31st Jul RNLI Lifeboat Week, Seafront, Lyme Regis.

Provisional timings are from 10.30am to 3pm. More details to be confirmed by Chris Lang (annie-chris@phestos.co.uk) nearer the date.

AUGUST

1st Aug Mount Edgcumbe

Details of club attendance to be confirmed.

SEPTEMBER

18/19 Sept National Rally Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

The pre-rally get together will be held at The Beauchief Hotel. On the evening of 18th, there is a live band in a private marquee in the hotel grounds. There is a home made pie and pea supper for £10 per person. For those wanting B&B, a special rate has been agreed for MX5 owners of £60 per room, including breakfast. There is also another hotel and camping available. The rally itself is on Sunday 19th Sept. You can order a special picnic hamper prepare by Chatsworth House. See Soft Top Hard Top for more details of above. (From Hilary Cripps) On a personal note, I have to say that there are some wonderful pubs in Ashover, which is not very far from Chatsworth, about 12 miles. The Old Poets Corner, Ashover, S45 0EW is a very good pub. They have their own micro brewery in their backyard. If you need to know what their ale is like, ask Derek Higgs. He managed to drink a fair amount of it when we were last there!! (Sorry Derek!!). Other pubs in Ashover are The Black Swan, S45 0AB and The Crispin, S45 0AB. They are both real ale pubs as well. The Black Swan apparently has a resident ghost, so those of a sensitive disposition might want to avoid this one!!

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Minutes of a Meeting

Held at The Hungry Fox, Broadclyst

On 9th February 2010

Introduction of the new team and their roles

Nigel opened the meeting and handed over the co-ordinating role to Chris and Anita Read. Chris thanked Sharon and Nigel for all their work over the last few years and thank you gifts were given. Many thanks from all the south west area to Sharon and Nigel. Hopefully their excellent standard can be maintained!!

The new co-ordinating group were announced as follows:

Chris and Anita : Co-ordinators who will do the meeting updates, e-mails, bi-monthly newsletter and will be the contact to the national club.

Graham and Eddie Website/adverts.

Joanna Members Events Co-ordinator.

Hilary Minutes of Meetings. New Member Contact.

Nigel Vospers Dealership Contact.

Then suggested but not yet confirmed:

Martyn; to assist with third party events co-ordinating and deputy co-ordinator for when Chris and Anita are unable to attend meetings.

Christmas Venue: The Dartmouth Lodge Golf and Country Club was suggested again as a venue for the Christmas party. Those who attended last year agreed it was a good venue and there were no objections for the venue again for this year. Sue and Jim to investigate.

Aerials: Kev had produced the aerials for the cars, which have proved very successful. Many thanks to Kev.

Bank Account: Opening a bank account was discussed for club funds. Chris and Anita to pursue further (bank currently unhelpful!!). There were club funds of £44.55.

Charity Donations: Kev has put together a voluntary donation box which will be taken on all future runs. Please donate as you choose. Every six months, names will be put into a hat and the charity picked will receive those donations. The person suggesting the particular charity will take responsibility for ensuring the donation gets to the charity.

Forthcoming Events: See attached diary of events for following:

February - SS Great Britain visit

March - Bovington Tank Museum

April - Duxford Air Museum

- St Georges Day run Okehampton/Finch Foundry

There was an idea to come up with some less masculine runs, i.e. NOT trains, planes, automobiles. Ideas welcome please. Maybe visit National Trust properties, have lunch. We werent necessarily thinking of shopping!!

Next meeting date The next meeting date will be on Tuesday 9th March 2010

Diary of Events 2010

FEBRUARY

14th Feb SS Great Britain

(1) Meeting at Tiverton Services 9.45am, (J27 M5) to leave at 10am for Taunton

(2) Meeting Sainsburys Hankridge (TA1 2LR) 9.30am (J25 M5) to leave at 11am for Bristol

Tour of SS Great Britain starting approx 12.30pm. Tour lasts about two hours. Then optional walk around docks etcetera, coffee, depending on weather see attached flier courtesy of Graham White (Thanks Graham). Might be busy, being Valentines Day, so packed lunch might be best option for food. (Sat Nav Reference: BS1 6TY) (Hilary Cripps) hilary.cripps@btinternet.com

MARCH

7th Mar Bovington Tank Museum. Meeting in Axminster (time and place to be advised). The plan would be to drive to Bovington (64 miles from Exeter, approx one and a half hours), have coffee/tea on arrival, then photos, tour and then buffet lunch with more coffee/tea on the balcony area. (Sharon and Nigel Williams)

APRIL

9th Apr Duxford Air Museum. Trip to Duxford Air Museum weekend of 9/10 April. The plan is to drive up to Duxford during the day Friday, go to the museum Saturday, then travel back Sunday. (Eddie and Graham White)

24th Apr St Georges Day Run - Okehampton/Finch Foundry (Saturday run). Leaving Exeter Services at 9am. Drive to Okehampton (£7) for full English breakfast and train journey followed by scenic drive to Finch Foundry, Sticklepath for free car show. There are still a couple of places available. (Dennis and Martyn) Contact Dennis on pinn.mill@btinternet.com

MAY TO BE ADVISED

JUNE TO BE ADVISED

JULY 24th Jul Lyme Regis RNLI MORE DETAILS TO BE ADVISED

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Update from 10th November 2009 Club meeting

Hi All,
Thanks for all members who made it to last nights club meeting despite the poor weather.
One potential new member Lynn Martin came along in her new Red Mk3.5 (apparently it was it's first night outing), so hopefully we haven't put her off and hope to see her on the members list.
The meeting started with the sad news that Chris Glover had passed away. The MX-5 Owners Club SW was represented by several members at the funeral on 12th. There was a large turnout including the Triumph Owners Club
There were no past events to cover as these were discussed at the last meeting.
Forthcoming Events 2009.
Sunday 15th November - Maureen & Jim's drive to Great Torrington, we have 30+ members joining this drive. First pickup point will be Exeter Moto Services (lower car park) - departing at 10.15am. Second pickup point will be Whiddon Down Services, departing at 10.45, there will be an opportunity here for a comfort break and a quick coffee if need be. Lunch (12.00) will be at the Black Horse Gt Torrington followed by a couple of quizzes £1 entry. You will probably have to park in the public Car Park nearby (£1.50). After the quiz there will an opportunity to continue the drive to Atlantic Village shopping outlet for a bit of Christmas Shopping.

Saturday 28th November - Haynes MX-5 Book launch. This starts at 10.00am, with book signing by the author Liz Turner at 11.00am. Unfortunately the free entry to the museum that was on offer has now been withdrawn and it will cost £6.95 to go in.Hopefully those of you going have already contacted Paul Bateman. However, even if you have not contacted Paul he will be pleased to see as many cars as possible. Haynes Motor Museum is just off the A303 at Sparkford and If you want to meet up and go in all together we suggest you meet up at the Cartgate Picnic Area which is just off the roundabout (on left) on the A303 - it is signposted. This is about 10 miles from the Haynes Motor Museum, so we suggest you depart from Cartgate at about 09.45am.

Saturday 5th December - Christmas Party at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club.

Sunday 6th December - Drive organised by Mike & Julie to blow away the cobwebs from the night before. We will confirm start time of drive later, but as we have to be out of our rooms by 10.00am it will be when we're all ready. Please let Mike & Julie know if you're interested in going on the drive.

Tuesday 8th December - Our Club meeting Christmas meal and get together at the Hungry Fox. 2 course meal either starter/main or main/pud £11.95. Please see attached menu for choices. We need confirmation of numbers and choices no later than 23rd November. Funny hats are obligatory and don't forget your Secret Santa present (no more than £5) wrapped and marked male or female. To make sure we have the right number of pressies girls buy for girls and boys for boys!!!!!!!!!
Forthcoming events 2010
Sunday 24th January - Visit to Temperley Cider and Somerset Royal Brandy. See attached flyer from Eddie & Graham with all the details. Temperleys is opening especially on this Sunday for us, so it would be good to have a turnout reflecting the celebration. NB meeting point at Sainsbury's Hankridge Way is J25, M5. not J23 as stated on the flyer.

Sunday, 14th February - St. Valentine's Day drive to SS Great Britain in Bristol. Hilary is looking into the details for this event. Watch this space.

March drive - any volunteers?

Friday, April 9th - Duxford visit. You should all have received details of this proposed visit. Again please let Eddie and Graham know if you intend going by January 12th club meeting at the very latest as this will take a fair bit of organising.

Saturday, April 24th - drive to Okehampton (£6) for full English breakfast and train journey followed by scenic drive to Finch Foundry, Sticklepath for free car show. Contact Dennis. There is a limit of 20 cars for this so book in fast!!!
These are just a few of the events for 2010 to whet your appetites - plenty more in the pipeline, watch this space.
South West " On the Road"
Previously there has been a lot of discussion regarding club identification when on drives. Some areas have magnetic signs but some members feel these might possibly damage the paintwork. Therefore, Kevin has been working on alternatives. He has come up with the idea of flags which could be fitted into the screw holes used for the "Frankenstein" bolts via an aerial type mast. Members at the meeting were all in agreement that these looked good and advertised the Area well. We are hoping to get the screen print for the flag set up and the cost for each flag and "pole" will be approx £7.50. Hopefully these will be available in the not too distant future.
Finally, has anybody mislaid a navy blue with white piping Slazenger jacket size XL left at the Hungry Fox after the September Club meeting. If so please contact us as we have it safe and secure here.

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Update from AGM & Planning Meeting 13th October 2009

Hi Everyone,

Thank you to everyone who came to the AGM and planning meeting on Tuesday. A really good turn out and we also welcomed some new members - Christine & Alan Davies and Terry Delderfield. Sorry that this is such a long email, but it was a very successful meeting with lots of ideas being discussed. Just a few "thank yous" to members for arranging events and drives over the past month. Selina & John's farm visit was a really brilliant day out. Sue & Jim's skittle evening was another very enjoyable event and despite the weather last Sunday 11 cars had a good drive over Exmoor with Anne & Chris,

A couple of dates for your diaries:
Sunday 15th November - Maureen & Jim are arranging a drive up to Great Torrington for a pub lunch and quiz. Details to follow.
Saturday, 28th November - Haynes MX-5 book launch - 10am open - book signing 11am by Liz Turner. Free entry to Haynes Motor Museum.
Saturday, 5th December - Christmas Party at Dartmouth Golf & Country Club, black tie and "posh" frocks. Followed by a revival drive on Sunday morning - Julie & Mike Sylvester.
AGM & Planning for 2010
Membership : As of 13th October 2009 there are 150 members in the SW Area
1st SW Meeting : We believe the first SW Club meeting was held on the 19th January 1998 at the Marsh Mills Beefeater in Plymouth co-ordinator was Chris Head. Its believed their first run was on the 24th January to a Cider Brandy factory in Somerset . ***Eddie White is looking at recreating this first drive on the same date ie 24th January (2010) to the same venue - that would be so good.***
Funds 2009:- Outgoings from this years funds (made up of £200 allowance and monies raised through raffles, quiz etc.
£140 approx spent on Postage (19 non email members), stationery, ink cartridges, raffle tickets etc
£25.00 SW Club photo (5s on Parade at Dartmouth), currently on loan to Vospers in their receptionArea.
Before every raffle & quiz it was stated that any funds raised from these events would be put towards this years Club Christmas Party. - £81 (bottles of wine for the tables)
£41.55p carried forward from 2008 to be carried forward to 2010
Items purchased from 2008 funds
2 x Trophies (Skittles and Treasure Hunt) - £40
2 x Telescopic flag poles and 2 County Flags, Mazda Flag donated by Vospers. (£37).
Club Assets
Club Banner in A frame, 1x spare Banner
Club pop up banner currently on display in Vospers, Exeter
Gazebo possibly due to be replaced in 2010
2 x Flagpoles and 2 County flags
2 x Trophies
1 x Club Photo (A3 size) currently on loan to Vospers
Laminator
Walkie talkies (not working properly)
Co-ordinator for SW We asked, "Would anyone else like a go?" No one else offered! It was proposed that we continue.
Planning
What a lot of ideas!!!!! Below is a brief outline of what was suggested. What we would like and need to enable a calendar to be drawn up is for you to let us know your thoughts. What would you be interested in joining in with so organisers can go ahead and make plans. As we have had such a large number of ideas some might need to be carried over to 2011 - how good is that - so we need your input to prioritise events. PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE DO LET US KNOW. Many members have put a lot of effort into this so it would be a shame just to let it all go to waste. It was suggested that a nominal voluntary donation of 50p/head should be made for each drive and donated to a nominated charity. If you would like to nominate a charity please let us have your thoughts and we can put them all in a hat and pull out the winner at the Christmas Club meeting on 8th December.
Drives including places of interest.
SS Great Britain - Bristol - lot of interest in this - Hilary will find out more details and organise.
Mid week lunch runs - some interest - Jan & Dave Ovenden to organise.
Charity Car Treasure Hunt in aid of Somerset Air Ambulance - Chris Read would like to arrange this one as a thank you for the help their family received - over to you Chris.
Club Treasure Hunt - previous winner (Kev) to arrange.
Norman Lockyer Observatory - again lot of interest - possible evening drive and visit - only open certain dates. Again Chris Read to find out about this.
Goodwood Revival 2010 - September 17th - 19th. A lot of interest in this but costs could be high - we will try to find out details and circulate as and when.
Totnes/Dartmouth boat trip - possibly a Sunday afternoon with a drive in the morning. (Chris Read again!!)
Exmoor Run - Dave Ovenden has offered to arrange a drive across Exmoor with route book and places of interest noted.
Bovington Tank Museum - quite a bit of interest in this so we will go ahead and find out all the details and sort out a date.
Wiscombe Hill climb - looking at 9th May Vintage Sports Car Club - £15 entry pp. Terry Delderfield will sort this one out.
Duxford Air Museum - Cambridge. A weekend away with a day at the Museum. Graham & Eddie White to find out more details.
SW Photoshoot/cream tea/drive at Montacute House, nr Yeovil. Graham & Eddie will arrange this subject to interest.
W. Somerset steam railway trip - Julian Thomas
Cabaret night at Brean - drive, free entry to the Seagull Club, carvery meal (March - October) - Julian again.
Drive from Exeter to Sticklepath, Okehampton for Classic Car Day followed by lunch and train ride. (Martyn, Dennis & Dave).
Annual Fish & Chip drive to Weston super Mare. Saturday, 5th June - Monica & Chris Sluman are arranging this.
Other Social Events
Skittles - Our skittles co-ordinators Sue & Jim will arrange this one.
Go Karting - Raceworld, Exeter - Kevin has found out the following already.
Arrive & Drive, (I think they may have an offer on at moment 3 for 2, So buy 20 mins get 10 free!) £10 for 10 mins. Print out of lap times so if not many interested we could do this, and have spectators then work out ourselves quickest lap times. Supersprint: 5 Min practice, 10 Min qualifying, 12 lap final. Approx 45 min duration if 5-8 drivers £30 each or Formula Sprint which is basically the same as above but for 10-20 drivers, approx 1 1/2 hours £27 each
Line/Barn Dance - Anita Read to provide more info and availability etc.
Boule on the beach and picnic - sometime in the fine weather - Maureen.
SW Car shows
Powderham Classic Car Show - 11/12th July
Branscombe Air & Classic Car Show - July
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week - car display (Chris Lang to co-ordinate) - July
Wheels of Wadebridge Car Show - July
Mt Edgcumbe Car Show - August
Thornfalcon Car Meet - September. 800 cars this year - a good 2 hour "meet".
MX-5 Heaven - maybe a repeat of this year's good event.
National Events
Spring Rally - Belfast 28-30th May - website being updated daily www.mx5ni.com . Please keep checking if you are interested in going. Tickets for Stormont dinner on sale from Thursday, 15th October, only 200 places.
Silverstone Classic July (last weekend).
National Rally - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire 18/19th September
NEC Classic Car Show 13/15th November
2011 - Wessex Area Rally to be held at Beaulieu.
Feedback from Club AGM and ACs meeting 10th/11th September (attended by Lynn & Martyn Gannon)
New Club Chairman - John Cookson (aka Dr. Bob). Area Co-ordinators allowance increased to £250 pa. to cover expenses. New branded gazebos and feather flags available for areas from 2010. National Club Membership now 5500. "Run" library to be created online. Dates of drives for local areas to be included in Softop Hard Top calendar.
Think that's all. If we have missed anything out sorry and please let us know. Regards to all and thank you for your continued support.
Sharon & Nigel

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Update from Club meeting 8th September 2009

Hi Everyone,
Yet another great turn out for club evening. There were about 43 of us at the Hungry Fox including new members Sarah & James Saddlington and Tricia & Steve Budd along with other visitors including Richard & Eileen Coombes.
We had some good drives and events over the past month including a Sunday drive on 16th August arranged by Kevin Groom up to Seatown with a picnic on the beach and even some members venturing into the sea for a dip. (How much will it cost to keep the photos out of Soft Top Hardtop?). The Open Day at MX-5 Heaven was really well attended by the South West Area with 12 cars meeting up at West Bay for a scenic drive up to Charminster and another 11 cars joining us there. There were also Club members there from Wessex and the Moonrakers. Thanks to Chris Lang for arranging this really enjoyable day. £255.66 was raised for Cancer Research over the day and quite a few SW members walked off with raffle prizes. Several cars attended the Annual Classic Car meet Thornfalcon Classics at Hatch Beauchamp on 6th September. It was a very good day and hopefully we can add it to next year's calendar.
Future Events
Saturday, 12th September National Rally at Mallory Park Race Circuit, Leicestershire. We have 3 cars attending from this area. Look forward to hearing all about it.
Sunday, 13th September The Cornish 5s are planning a Devon drive on this day and would like to invite anyone from this area to join them. It is proposed to meet up with them for coffee at Princetown and then drive over Dartmoor for lunch at Buckfastleigh. If you would like to join up to go on this drive please let us know by Friday, 11th September at the very latest if you haven't already told us. We will be meeting at Moto Services J30 M5 9.45am to leave prompt 10am. If you are just going to meet up at Princetown we will be in the car park at Station Road and then meet the Cornish Fives in the Old Police Station Coffee Shop at 11am
Sunday, 27th September
South West Area have been invited by Selina & John to visit their farm at Highworthy, Higher Clovelly, Bideford. Selina will meet us at South Molton Cattle Market car park Mill St (sat nav co-ordinates N 51.015207, W -3.832178) meet 11.15am to leave at 11.30am for a drive cross country to the North Devon coast and a coastal drive to their farm. There will then be a farmhouse lunch of cold meats, pasties and salads followed by a visit to see the robotic milking set up (which we are all intrigued by). Depending on the weather there will also be a short farm walk or just sit and relax by the fire ending the day with a cream tea!!!! If you would like to go on Saturday 26th and stay overnight, Selina and John are happy for people to come from noon for a drive to Cornwall followed by drinks and BBQ or fish and chips. Camping overnight is dependant on the weather but there is parking space for camper vans. Numbers for this event are needed by 21st September at the very latest. . If you would like to meet to drive up to South Molton together we will be at J27 M5 Little Chef (Uffcombe) at 10.15am to leave prompt 10.30am. Please let us know if you will be meeting us here so that we don't go without you.
Saturday, 3rd October Another great skittles evening with our hosts Sue & Jim. This is again being held at the 7 Stars Kennford and is LIMITED TO 30 PEOPLE MAXIMUM. Places available on first come, first served basis. Contact Sue if you would like to go and didn't put your name down at the meeting. The cost is £6.95 per person to include buffet and once you have committed to go you will have to pay even if you don't turn up on the night.
Sunday, 11th October Scenic drive with Anne & Chris, more details nearer the time.
This is also the weekend of the Owners Club AGM and Area co-ordinators Meeting. Lynn & Martyn are representing SW area so if you would like them to raise anything you would like to ask about the Club at the meeting please contact them
Tuesday, 13th October More than just a club meeting. This will be our SW Area AGM. Let's have some really good ideas as to what you would like the club to be doing in 2010.
Sunday, 15th November Sunday drive with Maureen & Jim up to Great Torrington.
Saturday, 5th December SW Area Christmas Party. All booked at the Dartmouth Golf & Country Club. If you are still thinking about this one don't leave it any longer but contact to see if there is still any availability.
Don't forget IF YOU HAVE BOOKED YOU ARE NOW LIABLE TO PAY FULL AMOUNT (£89.90 per couple/£64.95 single room). You can give your cheques made payable to Dartmouth Golf & Country Club to Sue at the next club night on 13th October. If you are not able to be there please contact Sue and ask where you should send the cheques. NB All monies must be with Sue by 13th October.
Tuesday, 8th December Christmas Club Night. Let's try to make it a special Christmas evening with a Christmas meal at the Hungry Fox and also "Secret Santa". If you know you will be coming to this special event and would like to have a Christmas meal could you let us know as it will really help with the catering.
Regarding the email we sent about Mazda merchandise - we will send out the latest list we received from Mazda UK as this now seems to have shrunk considerably, but the prices seem the same. If you are still interested in the items you asked about please let us know and then we can check that they are actually available.
We now have county flags and flagpoles that we will be able to display at events we attend so everyone will know who we are. We are also hoping have a pa system (kindly being loaned by Steve Budd) at the next club evening so you might be able to hear us.
Next Club meeting 13th October - AGM
Regards Sharon & Nigel

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Update from Club Meeting 11th August (2009)

Hi Everyone,
What a lovely warm evening for the club meeting. In fact most of us ended up in the car park as it was so warm!!!!! Well, we certainly broke our own record for a club meeting with 51 members present including new members and visitors: Pam & Bob, Debbie, Dave & Jan, Sandra & Andy and Chrispin. Hope you all enjoyed the evening and we will see you again at other events or club evenings
A quick resume of past events:
11/12th July. We had 19 cars attending the Powderham Classic including the 15/20 Club Car. Saturday was wet but we still managed to sell some of the raffle tickets for Help for Heroes - £62. While the car was in Vospers, Exeter prior to the show £80 of raffle tickets were sold and we also received £50 donation from Vospers towards the charity.
25th July. A bright and sunny day for the resurrected Branscombe Air & Classic Car Show. 14 cars went to this event and enjoyed a very good air display. Hopefully the exit route will be improved by next year.
August 2nd. What a pity! Due to the very heavy rain over the preceding weeks Mt Edgcumbe had to be cancelled. It was agreed by everyone at the meeting that the £5 entry fee paid by those going would be donated to the Hospice. Thank you all for that. However, we did have a great drive instead to Dawlish Warren followed by lunch. So many thanks to Kevin for stepping in at such short notice to organise this one and to Adrian at the Hungry Fox for fitting us all in for a great Sunday roast and pudding.
Forthcoming Events
Sunday, 16th August If you would like to join up for a drive this Sunday and haven't already done so please contact Kevin
Details of proposed times and drive below.
Meet Exeter Moto Services for all, 10.45 to leave at 11.00, head for Sidmouth, onto Seaton, Lyme Regis, Picnic lunch (bring your own) at Seatown, (Just outside Bridport) Then returning to Exeter via Axminster and Honiton.
Saturday, 5th September Visit to MX-5 Heaven Open Day. If you put your name down for the event you should have heard directly from Chris Lang - if not please contact him for all the details.
Sunday, 6th September Annual Classic Car meet Thornfalcon Classics at Hatch Beauchamp, Free entry starts 11.00am 14.30pm, approx 1,000 cars attend its a meeting not a show, food available or take a picnic.
http://www.thornfalconclassics.com/Event.aspx Please contact Julian for any more details maybe to drive to the event together.
Saturday, 12th September National Rally at Mallory Park Race Circuit, Leicestershire. We have 5 cars attending from this area. Look forward to hearing all about it.
Sunday, 13th September The Cornish 5s are planning a Devon drive on this day and would like to invite anyone from this area to join them. It is proposed to meet up with them for coffee at Princetown and then drive over Dartmoor for lunch at Buckfastleigh. Please let us know if you would like to join this drive.
Sunday, 27th September South West Area have been invited by Selina & John to visit their farm at Highworthy, Higher Clovelly, Bideford. Selina will meet us at South Molton Cattle Market car park to leave at 11am for a drive cross country to the North Devon coast and a coastal drive to their farm. There will then be a farmhouse lunch of cold meats, pasties and salads followed by a visit to see the robotic milking set up (which we are all intrigued by). Depending on the weather there will also be a short farm walk or just sit and relax by the fire ending the day with a cream tea!!!! If you would like to go on Saturday 26th and stay overnight, Selina and John are happy for people to come from noon for a drive to Cornwall followed by drinks and BBQ or fish and chips. Camping overnight is dependant on the weather but there is parking space for camper vans. Numbers for this event are needed by 21st September at the very latest. Please contact Selina
Saturday, 3rd October Looking forward to another great skittles evening with our hosts Sue & Jim. Details later.
Sunday, 11th October Scenic drive with Anne & Chris. Again, more deails nearer the time.
Tuesday, 13th October More than just a club meeting. This will be our SW Area AGM. Let's have some really good ideas as to what the club will be doing in 2010.
Sunday, 15th November Sunday drive with Maureen & Jim up to Great Torrington.
Saturday, 5th December SW Area Christmas Party. All booked at the Dartmouth Golf & Country Club. If you are still thinking about this one don't leave it any longer but contact Sue to see if there is still any availability. Don't forget IF YOU HAVE BOOKED YOU ARE NOW LIABLE TO PAY FULL AMOUNT (£44.95 per person) by 17th OCTOBER UNLESS YOU PREVIOUSLY CANCEL BUT YOUR DEPOSIT WILL BE FORFEIT.
Tuesday, 8th December Christmas Club Night. Let's try to make it a special Christmas evening with a Christmas meal at the Hungry Fox and also "Secret Santa".
2010 Spring Rally in Belfast

There was very little response to our previous email regarding this trip. As with previous National and Spring Rallies we will not be organising an area trip to this event. Wessex Area are trying to arrange a trip so if anyone is thinking of going and would like to join up with them please contact us and we will be you in touch.

Next Club Meeting Tuesday, 8th September at the Hungry Fox so see you all there. Will it be another record breaker??

Regards Sharon & Nigel

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