9-90s

Hi to you all We had our Christmas Lunch again at the Pineacres Restaurant. We had a full house, 79 people, and a good time was had by all. We had a raffle with a difference. The proceeds went to balance the books. Everyone went home with a bag of Christmas Cheer. Let's hope that 2022 is going to be better than 2021 2022 February 9th Tony Meikle. Meet at The Peg Carpark, Belfast Hotel at 9.55am. (Please note, change of advised meeting place) We would like you to bring your vintage cars, if possible. . Looking forward to seeing you all again.

J K and the Team

...and now to wind a few up: Could this be a first (and a last) for the Hub—a cake picture!

At the Commercial Section Christmas Noggin held during an absolute monsoon downpour, host Mark Drury proved that he’s not just a top mechanic but a master baker as well.

THE CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PICNIC

Sunday the 19th dawned sunny and cloudless, the perfect day for a family picnic. People started arriving round about 10 and after having our Covid Passports checked, children given a bag of sweets and being pointed in the right direction, we parked our car and a great day began. There was candy floss to eat and stilts to play on and eventually, to the wailing of the siren, the beautifully restored club fire engine appeared, followed by the club truck. Rides were given and eventually we were driven (via a great drive round the grounds) over to Steam Scene for rides on the miniature railway. We were fortunate to have a ride on the little steam engine with smoke billowing all round us. After lunch there were running, 3 legged, and sack races for all the various age groups and finally an egg throwing contest. I have to say there were a few messy hands and clothes at the end of that contest. Lastly there was the tug of war. A really amazing programme. Finally, the big moment. Santa arrived on the fire truck and gifts were given. So much excitement. The day ended with ice blocks for all and, I am sure, some very tired and sun burnt children. It was really great to be back to the car club again for the traditional picnic that we have looked forward to for most of the past 45-50 years. Sincere thanks to those who arranged such a wonderful day. Hopefully we can look forward to something similar in 2022. Margaret Seaton

Above: Terry McQuinn the candy floss man caught red handed.

Left: Leigh has just asked for a 2022 Swap Meet. (Father Christmas looks remarkably like Phil Breading. How interesting!)

(With a happy ending)

Sunday, 16 January was a nice sunny day and Robyn and I headed out to OCBC. Unfortunately, when we got around the back of the airport our Dodge decided to stop. I hopped out and put the bonnet up to try to see what the problem was. Within a short time Grant and his friend had stopped and offered their help. I thought that I would be ok and sent them on their way but not before Grant gave Robyn his phone number in case we needed a tow.

I continued to work on the problem which I knew was likely to be a blocked jet in the carburettor. I didn’t have any success and then Lyndsey Saunders came past and stopped. While he was there a third club member (David?) stopped and offered his assistance as well. In the end Lyndsey towed us to the club rooms.

Being towed through all the cars at OCBC was a bit like doing the “walk of shame” but at least it gave everybody something to talk about.

I was unable to fix the problem at the clubrooms due to lack of appropriate tools. Despite receiving lots of offers of help I felt that it was better to be towed home where I could fix the problem in my own time. Kevin Sarjeant kindly agreed to tow us home.

As it turned out the problem was what I thought, a blocked jet. When I was finally able to clear the jet the Dodge worked perfectly fine. What a relief! I found that the jet was full of old RTV. It’s such a nice feeling knowing that the club has so many members who are willing to stop and help other members, even if they don’t know them.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped,

helped or gave advice /suggestions as to what the problem might be. The photo of the MGBGT towing the Dodge is certainly interesting and shows that size doesn’t matter. Cheers Eric

8 X 4

Kevin stretching the MG

8 X 6

(It’s a fuel saving dodge!)