EA Section – Noggin and Natter

(l-r) Dave Stokes, David Austin, Stewart Robinson, Roy Smith and Steve Horne

EA Section – Noggin and Natter, 13 May 2021

Eleven members of the EA Section met for the regular noggin and natter at the Horse and Groom, Cornish Hall End, Essex organised by Steve Horne. The weather decided to ignore the dry forecast and instead provided a steady drizzle all evening, the rain becoming heavier as the night wore on. Special mention must be made of Stewart Robinson who was brave enough to bring along his TE21 despite the conditions; the rest of us played safe with moderns – see photo. Although it was chilly, we were in a small marquee with a heater so were warm and comfortable - see photos (your correspondent was volunteered to stand outside to take the photos). It was great to see that Dave Stokes had fully recovered from his fall at the previous month’s get together. He still maintains it had absolutely nothing to do with the merlot!

A highlight of such evenings is always the excellent homemade pies and gravy - steak and ale was a very popular choice, washed down with a pint.
As ever, the conversation was varied, with much focus on the gradual opening-up of restrictions. Those present very much looking forward to participating in future events such as the Suffolk Run on 7 July and the EA Section Day later in July, both at Pakenham Water Mill, Suffolk. There was also discussion of the 2022 International being organised by EA Section, with plans coming together nicely.

The growth, and price, of “continuation cars” (Bristol being a recent example) and the electrification of classic and vintage cars provided interesting topics of conversation. As the pint glasses emptied, the conversations naturally turned to politics and politicians and, as always, on how those present would clearly do a much better job than the current incumbents.

Everyone looked forward to the next meeting (10 June) with the hope that the weather would be better (it probably couldn’t be much worse). If it wasn’t, at least we would (fingers-crossed) be able to meet inside the pub!

Mark Kingstone

(l-r) Malcom Kindell, Val Scott, Carol Baker, Val and Dave Stokes and Mike Baker

Stewart Robinson’s nicely polished TE21 braving the weather