V8 Column for September 2005

The V8 Gathering at the International MG Meeting at Silverstone in July saw over 150 V8s parked up alongside the V8 Marquee. Sadly the run of hot weather we have enjoyed at for this event at Silverstone for the last five years ended on Sunday morning with the arrival of heavy rain. The traditional visit to the Hook Norton to collect upper cylinder lubricant for the weekend was popular on Friday and this year we had a private viewing of the 107 year old steam engine in action - quite a wonderful sight. Lunch at the Pear Tree Inn nearby is always enjoyable and this year we found a very pleasant new landlady with splendid lunches. Supper at the Star Inn at Sulgrave on Friday evening saw twenty members dining in the garden with a the sight of the sun sinking in the west. The V8 Marquee was a popular spot on Saturday morning with much interest in the four special Silverstone V8 Offers - the TE Low Brake Fluid Sensor and 12 Volt Battery Conversion kits were popular together with the RV8 Distributor Clamp Nut Wrench and V8 Thin Wall Plug Sockets brought over from the US by John Targett.

The V8BBQ on Saturday evening was a major event this year with Clive Wheatley's team cooking over 80 suppers this year with supplies of handmade sausages brought from Sussex by John Targett and from Essen in Germany by Walter Kallenberg in his open MG K1.

The V8AGM held on the Sunday at the V8 Marquee was attended by over 50 V8 members and elected a new V8 Committee including former Howard Gosling, a former V8 Chairman. Unfortunately David Waterton, the present V8 Chairman, was not able to attend following serious injuries but the good news he is making a good recovery if frustratingly slowly. The Chris Dodds Award, awarded annually to the member making a major contribution the V8 life, went to

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Gordon and Jennifer Hesketh-Jones enjoying the V8BBQ supper. (Photo: Tim Hipwell)

Gordon Hesketh-Jones for his epic V8 goes East tour and the series of reports sent from various internet cafes and hotels throughout the 5,500 mile route. The annual Ian Lloyd Cup, for the member bringing good cheer to the V8 Register, went to Jim Gibson who has been an active member of the V8 Register since 1978 and is now V8 Treasurer.

Victor Smith and Howard Gosling gave members an update on the New Club Office scheme following which a resolution supporting their critical view of the scheme and proposed action was passed unanimously by all present. The minutes of that meeting are available on the V8 Website together with full details of the scheme and an appraisal so V8 members are well informed. Do let the members of the V8 Committee have your views before the Club's AGM on 15th October 2005 when the scheme is to be put up by the directors of the Club for formal final approval.

Tim Hipwell's RV8 (Oxford Blue 1133) with his unusual RV8 trailer (ex BRG 0270). (Photo: Al Barnett)