Season Opener for East Anglia

Season Opener for East Anglia

The crescendo of conversation as thirty members sat down to enjoy a generous roast at The Bull at Bacton, Suffolk on Sunday 29th January was a true indication that we were all enjoying the opportunity to be together again for the first time this year.

The season opener for East Anglia was a tremendous success thanks to the organising skills of our committee member Brian Aket. Brian's initial concern in organising a January meeting and the probability of poor weather was fortunately unfounded. We even had four Alvis cars in the car park. More would have been there but for a few non starters following the winter recess.

Val and I collected Clare in Maudie, our TA21 DHC, for a very pleasant and relaxing drive, the first time for ages that I have had an Alvis out and about in January. The sunsets on the way home were magnificent - the joys of living in rural Suffolk! Clare's TA21 DHC was one of the reluctant non starters as her rear bumper was away being re-chromed which of course meant that she had no number plate to display.  I am currently rebuilding her numberplate light and reversing lamp.

Another non starter was Peter and Jenny whose TA21 DHC is reaching completion of a major engine rebuild. The video of the engine under test is a clear indication that the rebuild has been a success. As Peter explains, it's now down to road testing and hopefully all will be ready for the spring and summer.

Congratulations must be given to Michael who is the first time proud owner of an Alvis. Michael has been under the influence of Pete Barratt who has been nudging him to get involved with an Alvis. He has bought a very unusual TA14 saloon with a CARPANELS body. No it is not a Mulliners special. We can’t wait to see the car. Pete is currently stuck at home with his leg in plaster nursing a broken ankle. None of us realised the dangers of being on the golf course.

Steve has bought Malcolm Roberts' Speed 25 Charlesworth saloon which you can see in the photo. Some improvements have been made to the rear end lighting which brings the car back to originality.

Trevor and Sue turned up in the their lovely Grey Lady and discussion revolved around the probable need to renew the rear shock absorbers. Trevor is hoping that new shock absorbers will improve the handling.

David and Rachel arrived in the Firebird which Rachel declares has more room than the 12/60 and is slightly less draughty.

So we are all set and ready to enjoy the full programme of events laid on for the rest of the year. Come on all you East Anglia members who are reluctant to get involved! Come on in and enjoy the convivial company and enjoyment of fellow Alvis enthusiasts. Read your electronic Calendar and respond to your web collect emails to sign up to the events organised for you in East Anglia. You won’t know what you are missing unless you come and join in.

Malcolm Kindell
Chairman
East Anglia Section.