Swap meet Report

Swap Meet Repor t

Sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news again, but I guess the news was not only predictable, but has now already probably got pretty well around the general membership. Unfortunately we’ve had to postpone Swap Meet 2021 again, and our new dates are now Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th February. It was not an easy decision, but once all of the information regarding Covid restrictions, vaccination rates, the new “traffic light” system, and the need for vaccination certificates was assembled and analysed, it was clear that we were highly unlikely to be free to run the event at the end of November. Underlying the decision was a reply to an email we had sent to the Covid Response email address, in which we spelled out exactly how the event would be run, and pointing out contradictions in the Level 2 rules, asking them if the event fell within the definition of being able to run with an unlimited number of people present. A reply was received two weeks later from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, which told us it didn’t, and that we were unable to run the event under Level 2 restrictions. With the next Cabinet decision on a move from Level 2 and the introduction of the new traffic light system not due until 29th November, plus it being clear that the South Island was not going to reach the required double-vax rate of 90% by the end of November, there was no point perusing the 26th to 28th November dates. So, sorry everyone – just keep sorting out your items for disposal, and saving your dollars for February now. If you have put signs out around your neighbourhood we will try and have yet another overlay for the dates available for you by Noggin night. If not the November one, then definitely the December one. We’ll also keep the duties rosters going, and we may even need a few more helpers now – particularly if we’re required to check vaccination certificates at the entrances to the grounds. That will be a fun job, but then we are all double vaxed aren’t we?? Colin Hey

All British Day Repor t

This year’s All British Day was kept low-key. Another Covid casualty was the Amberley Rock’n’Wheels event, which was going to be our finish destination this year. Because of the ongoing Covid Level 2 restrictions, the Rock’n’Wheels organisers decided to postpone the event to 12th December, which does not suit our calendar. So with a need to try and keep the All British Day attendees to hopefully no more than 100 people, it was not promoted outside of our branch, and instead we made the day a leisurely run to Greendale Reserve, about a 40km run from Cutler Park. Leaving our monthly OCBC event at around 11.00am, a route was plotted through West Melton, Aylesbury and Charing Cross and on to Greendale. Around 50 cars took part, and what a beautiful place Greendale Reserve proved to be, with plenty of shelter from a light NW wind, lots of green mowed grounds to relax in, and plenty of sunshine to enjoy as well. A great variety of cars attended too, including a beautiful and elegant 1950’s? Rolls Royce, a stunning E-Type and other Jaguars, and even a handful of Minis. A relaxing and easy run in the country on a warm and sunny day, finishing at a pleasant location with good friends and like-minded enthusiasts sure takes a lot of beating!

Colin

(Lots of British cars this month. I’ll find some American ones at the Vintage Rally - Ed.)