Scotland Central West Area News

The meeting is held on the first Wednesday of the month at

Lochinch Police Club

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 From now on meetings will be on the 1st Wednesday of the month

There is a new on line magazine @- Classic-Cars-Online -

Spitfire Mk 2 or 3 unfinished project needs a new home glass fiber front end located in Murhead email for details

Nov 2008

The September meeting was attended by 4 dedicated members. Jim, Martin, David and myself. The weather had just turned nasty too, after a sunny afternoon we had torrential rain and localised flooding. When we braved the rain we found Lochinch was closed for some reason and in darkness. Martin?s Land Rover was the largest car so was quickly put into use as the new clubhouse. We finally decided no more cars would turn up so headed to the local Cartha Park Rugby Club which is our back up venue. We have met there before when Lochinch was closed, they were very accommodating and remembered us. Now with a roof over our heads back to all things Triumph.
David ?Mr Concours? has a new rare car, its an Opel not a Triumph! So, enough said.Seriously. It looks a good project one of only 410 Opel Kadette SR?s ever made. We wait to hear about its progress. Martin has new doors and bootlid for his Vitesse, Jim?s Herald is much the same as is my Spitfire, no progress. I have averted a storage crisis again and my 2 Vitesses are safe. But it does highlight a need for storage, any ideas? All my efforts have fallen through, including some very dodgy ones.
The shows are all over now for the year. I attended Scone Palace, which is really a farming show with cars. I was in the area visiting anyway. It was a little wet under foot although dry on the day. I also made the show at Selkirk which again was wet under foot but a dry day. A good turnout of Triumphs well done to those members who had their cars on display. I didn?t get round them all as I was delayed in arriving. A big show with lots of autojumble, but not Triumph stuff. We will consider this for a club event next year, if we can get the numbers.
The restoration show at Stoneleigh will be over by now, the longest journey we make. I will be thinking about possibly trying to get to other long distance shows without driving, now there?s a challenge. Seriously if it is feasible and fairly cheap it could be a possibility. But what happens if I buy things?
I have seen a number of Triumphs out in the autumn sun, a last outing before being garaged?
We will use the darker nights to review this year and go over plans for next year, and I will get on with my Spitfire. No for sales or wanted this month. I am looking for ideas for next year, (if I am AO). I have noted that some of the shows down south are looking for new venues that can cope with heavy rain, so there may be changes here too. The credit crunch may have an effect on things too. The main list of events is not out until early next year.
The November meeting may clash with fireworks and bonfires if so don?t worry, I will see you at the December one.

The next meeting is on Wednesday 5th November at Lochinch see you there. If it is closed again we will go to the Cartha Rugby Club at the entrance to the park on the motorway side.

Gregor G

Oct 2008

A bumper report this time. Firstly some sad news. I have been contacted by Robert (Bob, or Santa Bob) Johnston?s family, to say that sadly Bob passed away suddenly at his work earlier in the year. He always supported the area and was at all the shows and always was eager to help with spares and sheet metal (hence Santa Bob as this started one December meeting). We had not seen him at the shows, and presumed he was working away. Bob will be sadly missed.
Now for the shows. Chatelherault was cancelled due to the weather at short notice, so the entries were followed by messages to say not to go. All this done in the preparation for Stafford. Once again we had a drive of 280 miles through heavy rain and hold ups. On arriving David?s Vitesse was put in the Concours prep area and my Spitfire was consigned to the campsite.
Saturday was Masterclass concours preparation time. Once again I will have to check the AO small print as I helped with the prep of David?s (I need a longer bristled toothbrush to clean it) Vitesse. With the Vitesse presented, the show could be enjoyed. We had at least 3 other Scots there Andy and his wife, Colin M and his wife and Ian MacP in the noisy area. The show was very good and we all had a good time. Lots to see and do this time. I was at the AO meeting, a gathering for all AO?s. Very informative and entertaining, should have had the blue and white face though!
Entertainment and heavy rain at night, then Sunday. Sunny with some auto jumble and a chance to look for bits. Then time for awards. Once again very surprised and unprepared with the camera, David?s Vitesse won the Masterclass Concours Award against some tough competition. The car is very special and the care and originality detail is exceptional. So, congratulations, and all that after having travelled 280 miles, unlike some, it was rumoured. Back up over the border with the trophies again, same jams and some rain.
Onto, the next weekend, Culzean Autoclassica. My Spitfire was loaded up and base camp was set up on the Friday night, a quick walk established the layout for the stand, including a free gift? Saturday saw 3 cars on the stand. Martin, David and myself. This was the day for the Clubs and a chance to see some of the cars and circuit demos (some quite fast). The noises and the Castrol smells filled the air. David?s Vitesse was in the show ring too, he was interviewed by none other than Graham Robson, yes that one. Saturday night was wet so we were inside the visitor area with Bob and Frank. Sunday was dry with most of the club members and public turning up. The Manchester Area attended having driven down from Aberfoyle to attend the show as part of their holiday. We had a full stand after some last minute entries. The free gift didn?t last long; it was a large gazebo, which had been put up in the wrong place, 16 Porsche owners turned up to claim it. We had 20 Triumphs so, we outnumbered them. A marshal sorted it out. The show covers a wide area and there were lots to see and do, both cars and non cars events. The prizes were as follows; Best TSSC Car went to the beautiful white Stag of Paul and Kerry Cottrell from Manchester and Most Loved Club car went to the green Herald 1200 convertible of John Kelly from Ayr. All voted for by those on the stand. The show continued throughout the day with different events. The organisers again asked for cars for the main arena parade, specifically David?s Vitesse and Wullie?s Le Mans GT6. The drivers were both interviewed by Graham Robson, yes that one, who worked for the Triumph Competition Dept. Mr Robson, was particularly taken with both the Triumphs and asked for them to be brought into the arena. This was followed by a parade lap of the event behind the pace car. There was an autograph opportunity too. Once again the club stand was well attended by the public and old friends, a good event overall for the first (summer?) event to be held there. Same again next year? The grounds are vast and there is a lot of walking to see everything. Some people there for the day said they might camp for the weekend and get 2 days there next year. We decided to leave the free gazebo as I could not fit any more in my Spitfire. Thanks to all who helped out.
The September meeting was attended by 5 people Martin (Vitesse) Alan (Spit 1500), Amreek (Spit 1500) and my Spit Mk2. Iain had an Alpha this time.
Alan had travelled from Cowdenbeath via his work and Amreek was at his first meeting also. The two 1500?s were compared, lots of  good ideas on both, don?t know about the fuel consumption gauge on a Spit though? As it was getting dark we all went inside, some good info about how people treat their restorations (rust proofing, paint etc.) The shows are all over for the summer? So we can all get back into the garages and prepare for next year or continue the restorations.
The next meeting is early on Wednesday 1st October at Lochinch see you there.

Gregor G

That's all for this time.

Sorry I missed you at Stafford. Was busy with helping at Concours (roped in for polishing). Had a great time though.
found out my tent is not as waterproof as I thought.

Regards

Gregor Graham

Sept 2008

Hi Bernard,
            September already!
Here is the Area News for the September Courier from Scotland Central and West.

It is strange not having been to Stafford yet as I write this. By the time this is printed Stafford,Chatelherault and Culzean will be over all in the space of one week, so a report next month.
The August meeting was on one of the wettest nights, but we had 9 people turning out. Only 2 Club cars, my Spitfire and John?s Herald 1200. It was John and Tony?s first meeting with the newly acquired Herald, so welcome to them. Next month we can see the car properly. Jim, Martin, Mark, David, Scott, Colin had all braved the rain to discuss all things Triumph and the shows left on the events calendar.
I have had contacts from all over Scotland during the past month, so it is good to see you all read the area news. A call from Shona in the far west who travelled to Le Mans and had quite an adventure (you always do in a Triumph). Andy from Falkirk also enjoyed the event. Who had the Scottish flag on the track? TSSC or not?  I may be tempted to go in 2010 if Rosyth ferry is still on. I also had word from Peter Sherrard who, unfortunately wrote his Spitfire off this time last year. He was unhurt and despite efforts by all to persuade him to get another car, he hasn?t ..yet.
Although he said if he did it would have to be an open top, a true die hard.
 My Spitfire blew a tyre and tube which I had to hunt about to find someone to replace both, the local #### fitters refused. Tip; go to the ones that do lorries vans and JCB?s. No problem.
Not much progress on my Spitfire Mk 1, I have started treating the surface rust on the bits of body that are not needing replaced, before I weld the rear deck on. I was planning to get the Vitesse out but was thwarted by the storage facilities as my cars were boxed in. Next year I will plan better.
There are a number of people looking for car storage, so if anyone has any ideas or contacts let me know. The local industrial units are too expensive to rent as a whole, a partial let or sub let may be viable, if we can find one.
David?s Vitesse has been lowered using a Canley Classics lowering block on the rear diff/spring. This was partially fitted by the owner and persuaded into place by me, using believe it or not the original Stanpart hubcap removal tool, which was just the right size. Coincidence? As AO I did not realise that mobile mechanic was part of the job, should have read the small print. We managed not to use the spring lifting tool or remove any bolts other than the 6 at the diff. No fingers were lost in the process and no blood was drawn. With that finished I started to head home and promptly met Amreek and daughter in his newly completed Spitfire 1500 out for a test run.
I don?t know who was more surprised. Good to see another car being used. I had seen a TR6 earlier in the day too. My Spitfire is not the most subtle of cars so I think they may have heard me behind them.
There is a 1974 Mk3 GT6 for sale, a good, well cared for car, also a 1978 Spitfire 1500 again a good car contact me for details.
We still have people looking for Herald chassis and spares in general so if you know of any let me know for the spares wanted/for sale folder.
The shows we attend as a club are all over until next year, anything else will have to be as public or individual entry.

The next meeting is on Wednesday 3rd September at Lochinch see you there.

Gregor G

Thatt's it. Thanks for the advert in last months for the show at Culzean.
Club stand nearly full,might even break even this time.

Take care

Regards

Gregor

Thatt's it. Thanks for the advert in last months for the show at Culzean.
Club stand nearly full,might even break even this time.

Take care

Regards

Gregor

August 2008

We will start off this month with the run report. Well once again the traditional summer run was marred slightly by the traditional weather, not as bad as last year though. The run started at the Garfield Hotel with a total of, wait for it, two cars. We followed the coastal tourist route up to Leven with a couple of stops to put hoods up/down etc. The show was on the seafront and was busy. We met Andy from Perth in his yellow Spitfire 1500, good to see another TSSC member. There were another two Triumphs, a Herald 13/60 and a Spitfire Mk3 but we did not see the owners in between the heavy showers, and putting the hoods up and down( remember a Mk2 Spitfire has a separate hood and frame). We managed lunch at the show with mega filled rolls from the local café, truly worth the journey. I ventured onto the beach and tried a newly purchased power kite. After acting like a big kid, the kite got wet in the rain, covered in sand, the lines got tangled and then one finally broke. So it was put back in its bag. Can you sell a kite at autojumbles? The vintage cars took most of the prizes and then it was time to head home and despite having written the route directions I took one wrong turn but was soon back on the right road, top down all the way as, of course, it had dried up. We have been invited next year too, so we will make it a show only and have a run in another direction.
The July meeting at Lochinch was a little better attended than the run with
4 cars turning out. It was the attack of the clones with two white Vitesse convertibles ( David, Martin) and two red Spitfires Mk2 and Mk3 (myself and Mark). The second Vitesse belonged to new member Martin who lives nearby and had just had the car for 4 weeks. It was good to see a new face and car. His Vitesse is a nice car that has been used, but well cared for and, still running smoothly. It was built in 69 but not registered until 72, so maybe and interesting story there somewhere. It was fascinating to see the two cars together. Iain was in a Freelander having just missed a Spitfire on evilbay. With all inspections done outside some of us headed inside to escape the midges and have a seat. There is not much news this month. We have two shows at the end of August. Entries please, we have 8 cars from Manchester for the Sunday at Culzean. We need to match numbers. The Gazebo is on hold as we only have two shows to go, and the seasonal sales might be a source of a better one.
The show dates we are attending are still as follows:
3 August ? Eglington PLEASE NOTE THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
17 August - Stafford or Chatelherault
23/24 August - Culzean Autoclassica
Contact me if you want to attend, and I will send out details / entries.
Entries please for Culzean Autoclassica, so I know how many places to book.
Any ideas for a theme? We are not going in the posh bit, so the stand should be roughly the same as last year. If you can bring anything that might help let me know.

The next meeting is on Wednesday 6th August at Lochinch see you there.

Gregor G

July 2008

The meeting at Lochinch coincided with the local football final, so the car park was a bit full. But in true tradition we spent most of the meeting there until the midges appeared. We had four Triumphs. My Mk2 Spit, Mark?s
Mk3 Spitfire, David in his Vitesse and a new shape for us, a TR6 belonging to John. Jim, Scott and Graham were all in modern cars (temporary). It was John and Graham?s first meeting, good to see the TR6 and Graham?s Vitesse is again a known Club car and will be up and running soon. We perused the cars and talked Triumph and tried to spot the bits common to the TR6 and the Spitfires and Vitesse. Remember the mountain bike circuit beside Lochinch? Well,  just as we were finishing the list of  common Triumph parts bin items, out of the single track wilderness appeared, Colin, under pedal power, or should that be under powered?. Colin campaigns a lightweight Spitfire Mk1in sprints and hillclimbs. The car has had a few tweeks and is still going strong. So members are coming to the meetings on all modes of transport. We are going to have a go at the bike circuit sometime, most of the people at the meeting said they had a bike.
That said; read on, the show at Dean Castle had three club cars plus two private entries. We had the red white and blue display, David?s white Vitesse, my red Spitfire and Bobby in his blue Spitfire with Katie who wanted to win the trophy. There was lots of interest in TSSC with some people looking for cars and parts, others had had various Triumphs and one person had rallied/navigated with Stuart Turner in the 1960?s. A good busy show this year and it stayed dry too.
(Embedded image moved to file: pic18467.jpg)  Once the show was over the Scotland West bicycle convoy was set up consisting of David plus daughter in a trailer buggy, myself in shorts with dazzlingly white legs, followed by Linda trying to avoid the glare off my legs. The country park is a good venue although the routes are not well marked; we did come to steps at one point and turned round. One way to stop tailgaters in the Spitfire is to have a bike carrier strapped to the back, although, the Spitfire is low and I had to take the front bike wheel off to get ground clearance.
I have made no progress on my Mk1 Spitfire in the garage as the Mk2 had to be Mot?d (passed first time)I now have two older car friendly garages on the Area list. Any more nominations?
A report on the Leven Show next month. Weather permitting.
The show dates we are attending are still as follows:
3 August ? Eglington PLEASE NOTE THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
17 August - Stafford or Chatelherault
23/24 August - Culzean Autoclassica
Contact me if you want to attend, and I will send out details / entries.
I think the Mk 2 or 3 Spitfire is still in a yard in Muirhead for spares.
Condition v. poor, worsening. There is also a Mk4 Spitfire for sale, highly modified with Triumphtune items and twin webers.
I have details of a Herald 1200 convertible for sale in Edinburgh too.
I also have someone looking for a GT6 and another person wanting a Herald for customising (sacrilege!)

The next meeting is on Wednesday 2nd July at Lochinch see you there (all methods of transport accepted).

Gregor G

June 2008

Summer is here, well for a few days anyway. The cars are all emerging from garages again. The May meeting at Lochinch was turning out to be the red Spitfire meeting with 3 different models covered until David?s Vitesse joined in. Good to see all the cars. 8 people in total. Scott came back again and was awarded with a replacement petrol tank for his Herald, courtesy of Robert. My spitfire made it through the heavy football traffic at Ibrox but was stalling when hot and misfiring. A change of distributor cap helped but I think the problem is cheap condensers bought last year. I have had trouble with these before and was warned not to buy unbranded ones. Time for an electronic ignition module?  The meeting was slightly shorter as some elected to leave early to miss the football traffic coming out again. So the main meeting was in the car park. Two passing persons offered us a hardtop for a MG? As it is summer we don?t need a sledge, but plant pot was suggested. We declined the offer. I remembered to bring my Spitfire out for Drive It Day in April and saw a total of one other classic when I was in the queue for expensive petrol. I had to run the old stuff in the tank down to emptyish, only to find a local shortage, just made it.
Measuring out additive when there is a line of cars behind you is not a popular move.
Showtimes
A report on Dean Castle next month.
29 June - Leven
3 August ? Eglington PLEASE NOTE THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
17 August - Stafford or Chatelherault
23/24 August - Culzean Autoclassica

Names for those wanting to attend Leven please. Meet Garfield Hotel Stepps and then drive up? 9.30 for a 10am set off. No convoy just travelling to show. I will provisionally book places. Same as last year but hopefully without the bad weather.
Names also for Chatelherault and Culzean Autoclassica please if only provisional. To give an idea of numbers.  I am looking for run suggestions, see below. (Autumn )?
If you want to attend any of the shows please phone me or see me at the meetings.
I think the Mk 2 or 3 Spitfire is still in a yard in Muirhead for spares.
Condition poor. There is also a Mk4 Spitfire for sale, highly modified with Triumphtune items and twin webers.
I have details of a Herald 1200 convertible for sale in Edinburgh too.
A run venue has been suggested, how about the David Coulthard Museum in Twynholm near Kirkudbright in Galloway. Possibly at the beginning of September. Thoughts please.
The shows are slightly less this year, a reaction to the weather last year, and some venue and date problems, this will hopefully pick up again next year. The gazebo is being debated, not many waterproof ones within budget, does water repellent mean leaky.Should we wait until next year, due to lack of shows, and try sales in autumn? Can anyone get a discount on one, if so contact me.
A reminder to those contacting through TSSC website, put a Triumph word in the subject box so I can see it amongst the large amount of spam forwarded to me.

The next meeting is at Lochinch on Wednesday 4th June.
See you there.

Gregor G

May 2008

Well summertime is here, lighter evenings. Nine people turned up for the April meet. Soon we will be in double figures. Dave was the only one in a club car. The first outing of the year for his Spitfire. We welcomed Scott who has a Herald saloon and is a new member; his car however is an old friend, good to see it has a new home. Jim didn?t bring his Herald but turned up with 4 tyres, which, went to Scott. See the benefits of attending the meetings? Robert kindly donated some sheet steel to my Spitfire, I have started welding (finally) only to find the gas is running out. Also, a tip, wear gloves, I have one pink UV burned hand and one normal coloured one. I also took the guard off the grinder. Oops, I have a nice disc width cut across one of my burned fingers now, still attached to my hand though. The Lanark autojumble turned out to be a success. A 5am start though, to get the trailer loaded (remember the clocks changed) thanks to Ian, Dennis, and Iain for help with the stall and Robert for backup. At one stage we were manning 6 various stalls (nature calls). Not so many Triumph people out, but we sold a few items and have a little money in the area piggybank. We also gave some stuff away rather than bring it back. Everyone went home happy and for once I did not buy a single thing! The auto jumble will be a regular event on the calendar now to raise funds for the following year, as it worked well.
The shows we will attend are provisionally as follows:
11 May - Dean Castle
29 June - Leven
3 August ? Eglington PLEASE NOTE THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
17 August - Stafford or Chatelherault
23/24 August - Culzean Autoclassica
Chatelherault will be entrusted to Colin, as I am at Stafford. I will do the entries and paperwork etc. It?s free, run by the Local Council, and you get a goody bag.
Culzean will now be the only show we will all be together at, 8 cars are coming from Manchester. So try to make it if you can, we are curious to see what the new format show will be like.
The Northern Ireland Area are travelling to Skye during the May holiday weekend. Would anybody like to meet up with them? Possibly somewhere at Loch Lomond.
I know of a Mk 2 or 3 Spitfire in a yard in Muirhead for spares. Condition poor. There may also be some Vitesse spares coming up. More details as I get them.
There is also a Mk4 Spitfire for sale due to injury, to driver Jim Sinclair not the car, hope the arm is healing. Again it is a familiar car and ex concours car. It is highly tuned, balanced and lightened with double webers etc plus Triumphtune accessories and some spares. Phone me for details if you are interested. It will be mot?d and ready for summer. The shows are a bit less this year due to the Stafford date change and Eglington being cancelled. I am in the process of preparing the forms for the shows. There is still plenty of time. As ever I am looking for run suggestions (Autumn)?
If you want to attend any of the shows please phone me or see me at the meetings.

The next meeting is at Lochinch on Wednesday 7th May.
See you there.

Gregor G

April 2008 Courier.

Four people turned up for the March meet. Dave, Colin, Robert and myself.
David B sent apologies from Amsterdam. No club cars were out, due to the weather still being a bit weird. As it was cold, wet and windy, we were straight inside to the comfy seats. Robert has been busy recruiting new members, well done spotting the Triumphs and their owners. If your job involves travelling there is a chance you will see something interesting.
Not much is happening with the cars. We are all poised for the spring and better weather. I have started welding (finally) the Spitfire again, only to find the gas is running out. The pile of accumulated stuff in the garage is going to get sorted through. The Lanark autojumble will be past now, a report on that next month. We are just beginning to work out the shows we will attend.
They are provisionally as follows:
11 May - Dean Castle
29 June - Leven
3 August ? Eglington(venue tbc)
17 August - Stafford or Chatelherault
23/24 August - Culzean Autoclassica
Chatelherault will be run by Colin on the day, much appreciated as I am at Stafford. I will do the entry paperwork etc. It?s free, run by the local Council, and you get a goody bag. A good show for all the family.
We are going to have Pip, Frank and friends at Culzean with at least 8 cars coming from Manchester. We need to equal the numbers at least please.
Dressing up is not necessary as we will be beside the historic motorsport area. Dave is going to be on BBQ duty, thanks for that. I will still need some people to help for an hour each so I can have a break at some point.
If there are other shows we can arrange to travel or meet up, but not necessarily have a stand. It really depends on numbers.
Some form of fund raising will be at each show, or as much as we can do, of are allowed.
The month of July is free of events, but is holiday time for most so what about an autumn run? Suggestions of a place to visit please.
Three of us were at the Triumph Day at Stoneleigh. Why is it you see big or oily items when you are not in your own car? I did buy two doors for my Mk1 Spitfire, and thanks to Dennis for transporting them and the driving. I had to leave Elvis, the blue moped, behind. But did I really need another project???? All 3 of us had a good (long) day at what turned out to be a great show. If I missed anything/anyone it was due to being loaded with the cold and the various remedies taken.
I have looked at gazebos but am undecided; some are not easily stored, or transported especially in a Spitfire.
If you want to attend any of the shows please phone me or see me at the meetings.

The next meeting is at Lochinch on Wednesday 2nd April.
See you there.
Elvis has now left the building (or autojumble).

Gregor G

That is the news for this month. Sorry I'm not going to make the AGM, but I will be at Stafford.

Regards

Gregor Graham

March 2008 Courier.

Well what a difference a month makes. The weather was a bit better for the meeting in February. We had 7 members this time including 2 new faces, Neil from Paisley and Alasdair from Linlithgow (quite a distance for an evening meeting). Robert also made a return. Good to see you all. There were no club cars out yet. Bear this in mind if you are going to come to a meeting.
The Lochinch postcode for those with sat nav is G41 4SN.  The combined efforts of all those at the meeting were required to help with David?s overheating car (modern one). Jim was the main spanner man once we all bounced on the bonnet to release the stuck catch. With that sorted we all headed into Lochinch.
The SVVF Yearbook is out with listings of all the Scottish shows so we have definite dates to work to.
Lanark Autojumble 30th March- I am going to need help in manning the stall.
I need a break to buy as well as sell! If you have anything to sell on behalf of the area please bring it to the event. I am going to try to raise a much as I can for area funds.
Dean Castle show 11th May a Club invitation to attend has been received.
Leven Show 29th June we have an invitation to attend as a club as compensation for the wash out last year.
July ? it was put forward that the annual run be, during July, more to follow. Any suggestions?
Eglington Show 3rd August venue tba. Possibly changing location due to mud last year.
Stafford 16th 17th August. Same day as Chatelherault. Help required for this one as I am at Stafford (2008 only).I can complete all the paperwork for Chatelherault and will just need someone to sign in on the day and collect the entrant packs. Gazebo/Club stand set up etc is an option but not a necessity.
Culzean Autoclassica 23rd 24th August. A Club invitation has been received for this. It is slightly different to Callander more Goodwood styled. I think we should have the stand in the B area (non posh period dress) more scruff period dress. Seriously, there is a dress code for the event, details at the meetings. There appears to be activities similar to Callander including a soapbox race!? Does anyone have the time to produce one/ I can get the rules if you really want to.
 If you are interested in attending any of the events give me your details/car details to go in the club entry. There will be a slight additional charge added to the entry fee to cover admin and for club funds.
The shows are all dependant on having enough club cars to form a stand/display. Culzean is going to be the main one so we have enough time to plan and get a gazebo.
None of us at the meeting had done much work to the cars since the last meeting due to the poor weather. Although David has had success in contacting the original owner of his prize-winning Vitesse, who drove the car brand new, away from the dealership. There is a possibility of them reuniting later in the year. I will hopefully be able to get my Vitesse running this year complete with small trailer. I may have 2 club cars roadworthy, something I haven?t done for a few years.

Next meeting is at Lochinch on Wednesday 5th March. Hope to see you there.

Gregor G

That is the news for this month, hope everyone is well at HQ.

Regards

Gregor Graham
AO Scotland Central West

February 2008 Courier.

Having survived the severe gales the first meeting of 2008 had 4 members present.
We managed to get past the flooding and the fallen tree, and the bowling green which is now a pond outside Lochinch. No Triumphs were present, all tucked up in their respective garages. Most of us haven’t touched the Triumphs over the festive weeks despite promising to. No dates for events can be decided until the Scottish Events yearbook is available. I will print dates as soon as I can, still plenty time. We are still looking for ideas. As it was a little cold we ventured past the water feature and inside for Triumph talk. David is looking for advice on protecting the arch areas on his concours, Car of Show Vitesse as it is driven to shows. Iain’s GT6 will be needing general underside painting. We all have tried some methods which is best? The debate goes on. Jim’s Herald has still to be worked on, and my Spitfire is still a pile of panels. I have the parts for my welder now, Thanks to Ian W. The chassis has survived another winter outside, although the neighbours nearly got my tarpaulin in the gales. Just to join the debate, chassis – shot blasted, welded, rust converter, Finnegan’s (hammerite) primer, no topcoat yet. Seems to work. 
We have had an invitation from the Monklands Sporting Car Club to spectate at their events (RACMSA Licence required to compete plus scrutineered car). These vary from trialling to hillclimbing and are mostly based at Forrestburn near Kirk O’ Shotts. We will try to get out to see them later in the year possibly as a run to watch a hillclimb. Weather is usually poor at Shotts, so we will have to pick carefully. I used to compete with them many years ago, usually a good day out, if it’s dry. With varied machinery turning up. If you are reading this and are competing let me know and we will try to turn out on that day. 
The next meeting is on Wednesday 6th February at Lochinch. This is just before the Stoneleigh show and all being well some of us are going. Again if you are looking for something small let me know and I will do my best. As long as it isn’t something I want! We have started collecting for Area funds. Bring a list of your sales and wants and photos. Although if you are like me all my club car photos don’t have me in them.
We now have 2 takers for the Mt bike course in the park in the summer; if I am injured then the AO will be my seconder on the form. I can see the course now, lined with cushions and mattresses. I have looked at some gazebos but all have been unsuitable (heavy, not fold down or just too expensive) the search continues.
The Culzean Autoclassica show in August  is going to be our main big show, details nearer the time.
Lochinch is back to normal service and we will be very welcome for the foreseeable future. Remember the next meeting is Wednesday 6th February. Hope you can make it.

Gregor G

Jan 2008
~~~~
First of all Happy New Year to all.
It was the night near to Christmas and everything was still, including the AGM. Not the best of turnouts for what should have been the most important meeting of the year, to plan for 2008. Yes I have been given the AO mantle for another year and the AGM did go ahead, a summary will be available at the future meetings.
Festive Feely Fun or Santa?s Sack was postponed and will be aptly renamed to be run another evening. We did finish all the mince pies though.
A provisional calendar was put forward and will be drawn up once yearbook is published. We may also look at local shows and galas or charity events.
One point, if you have been using the tssc area email to contact me, the system of forwarding has also included a massive amount of spam etc. please put Triumph or Scotland Central West in the title, it is taking a while to filter them.
The meeting for January is being put off for a week to the 9th January as Lochinch is closed for New Year. The copy date for the next news will be tight so a reminder the February meeting is on Wednesday 6th February at Lochinch.
There will not be much to report on shows, as we will be working on the cars for 2008. I am finally aligning the rear panels of my Spitfire Mk1 for welding up. I think once I see it taking shape it will encourage me on with the chassis etc. It looks like a pile of panels right now. I also have to find the bits I have collected for it. My hard top is temporarily outside until I am ready for it. Iain?s GT6 is a little further on and David will be polishing from now to August.
The Lanark Autojumble in April? (TBA) will be the first outing and a Club Area stall to raise funds for equipment will require items and staff. If you would like to donate anything please either bring to the meetings or on the day. The same will apply to the shows later in the year, plus a tombola of general items, again for area funds (gazebo).
We will also be looking for ex display items or things we can use on the club stand. Do you know of or have anything that we could use? No Santas or reindeer please.
Remember January Meeting 9th January, February meeting 6th February and normal service from then on. It is good to see the date for Triumph day at Stoneleigh some of us should be going , so, if you are looking for anything
(small) let us know and we will try to find it, delivery to the meetings or pick up. The sales and wants folder is available at the meetings. Still need some photos of you and your car(s) for the Area album.

That is all for now, try to make the meetings if you can.

Gregor G

Dec 2007

Well: I?ve not been fired! Despite turning up in a Fiat!
The Area Liaison Officers and friends have been for a visit north of the border to Aberfoyle. The group also included the new International Area Liaison Officer: Scotland is not that far!! We all met up for a chat and to discuss all things TSSC one evening. It was good to have some support for our area and some input from the Club. We hope Pip and Frank plus some Manchester members will make it to the Culzean show in August next year.
Three of us went to Stoneleigh for the Restoration Show and picked up a few odds and ends, nothing major. It took one and a quarter hours to get into the show from the entrance road. Every year a different parking regime is in force, this time it didn?t work. Triumph parts were not as well catered for as Mini?s or MG?s or the vintage  cars. I did get part of a door catch for my Mk1 Spitfire.
It has taken 4 years to get the bits so far for the new doors. I?m not sure if I missed things or not, the day seemed a little rushed due to the delay at the entrance. A stop at a local hostelry for food, and six hours later we were back in Glasgow.
The November meeting consisted of seven people. Colin was the only one in a Triumph. I have finally sold my bonnet and am gaining a hardtop for my Spitfire. The two Ians are working on a 13/60 and GT6 respectively. One common theme was that the car under restoration in the garage tends to get other things put on top of it and around it, ranging from furniture to carpets or in my case bicycles.  The review of 2007 started a bit early and those present decided that a new gazebo was top priority for 2008, preferably one with sides and waterproof this time. Central heating is not really viable, Colin. Ideas for funding and sources please.
The next meeting is the AGM on Wednesday 5th December. The Area needs your input and ideas for shows to attend, the run, fund raising and equipment (see above). Also if there are any nominations for AO please stand up. We will be reviewing 2007 and trying to put together a calendar for next year.
We will wait for the Scottish yearbook before deciding definite dates, so the calendar will only be provisional. There have been suggestions for an excursion to a big show later in 2008, again plenty time to decide. There will be a competition to round off proceedings, not the traditional type.
Might be mince pies too?
The meeting in January will provisionally be on the second Wednesday, 9th January 2008, to allow for the holidays, Lochinch has still to confirm this. The 2008 AO will take it from there.
As this is the last news of 2007 all that remains for me to do is to thank the members who attended the meetings and shows, and helped me through my first year as AO, And to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous (Triumphant) New Year.
And for a New Years resolution? Try to come to your Area Meetings.

Here?s to 2008 and a new gazebo ?.

Gregor
AO Scotland Central West .

e-mail : gregor.graham@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Nov 2007

Well again three people turned out, for the October meeting this time.
Admittedly it was a very wet evening and the football was on. My Spitfire was the sole club car out in the rain. I will be putting it away to dry out now.
David and Mark turned up to complete the trio. It was a little bit of a shame about the lack of people as I had matters to be put forward for a meeting arranged with Pip and Frank , the TSSC Area Liaison officers who are (or will have, by the time you read this) been North of the border for a meeting to see the different areas. More on that next month, (providing I?m not sacked). We did come up with various questions. I had prepared a presentation to illustrate the 2007 year with our area. Was it really that wet?  We should be thinking about next year now and I (if I continue) will be trying to put together a provisional calendar and will finalise the dates once the SVVF Yearbook is published early next year. So we are looking for ideas for the area. Provisional thoughts are Lanark Autojumble, usually early April, the club will be taking out a stand and you have the option of donating either an item or % of sales to our area funds. Start looking out your stuff or have a think about it. This theme will be continued at the shows we attend (just smaller items we can get away with).
The club run ?? Well again, pick a date and place, traditionally, it will be raining anyway. Indoor venue or attraction, have you seen anywhere that we could go??
Stafford is in August now, we need to go and support David and his Vitesse in the Masterclass level concours. News has come in that the Callander show was, as I suspected, the last one at that venue. There will be an Autoclassica event to replace it, based at Culzean Castle in Ayrshire 23rd and 24th August 2008. I have placed a provisional enquiry for a stand. The other shows we attended in 2007 can be attended in 2008 if you so wish. We have standing invitations from our last visits. Again, do you want to attend?? Start thinking now.
I am going to try to get on with my Mk1 Spitfire now as it has been neglected recently as I have diverged onto other things (my Yamaha FS1E, and 1980?s bicycles of all things).Does anyone have any spares for a FS1E??
I might take a whole one. Here we go again?. I will bring a bicycle to Lochinch next year and have a go on the mtb circuit if you promise not to laugh. That could be another TSSC activity for the calendar?!
I am still looking for photos and a list of items for sale or wanted for the area folder, also recommended traders that you may have experience of.
One idea put forward was to offer help to anyone requiring assistance with their restoration etc. We have (just) enough people to help lift bodytubs, chassis  etc.
Next meeting is on Wednesday 7th November at Lochinch. With hopefully some feedback and ideas.
See you there
Gregor G

**
End of News.

Bernard, I am thinking of preparing an article about the Scotland Central West Area. Would there be a chance of getting magazine space in possibly spring next year? Full page or double page if possible. What would be required printwise/photowise, so I can inform the members, that actually come to the meetings!, to bring photos etc.

Regards

Gregor

Oct 2007

Firstly reports on the shows.
Chatelherault ? it was dry all day. There were3 cars on the stand. The heavy rain the night before made the grass a little muddy. A chance to try the banners and bunting this time. It worked too, as the stand had a good flow of visitors all day. Some new membership requests, scantily clad girls (from the Fast and Modified Show arena) had photos taken with the Classic Cars (David?s Vitesse was ideal as it took Best TSSC Car Trophy). The stand will also have been on Reporting Scotland who were filming the event and Mark?s Spitfire. Could be on t?interweb only vague details were given. So a change from the last show and we all got a goody bag for attending. After the flying display from a Tiger Moth and Barnstormers overhead, it was time to pack up after what is always a good show, and it was completely free.
Callander Show - almost 3 days camping with some of the largest insects living, out with the Avon skin lotion then. A proven remedy. The Spitfire managed to hold the camping gear as well as the gazebo and stand stuff.
A little rain on the Saturday morning when I was setting up but I ended up with 5 cars on the stand 3 Scottish and two English. Ken and his navigator went on the photo rally in the Herald , but I gather the clues were a little out of sync. Steven and Becky entrusted their cars to the stand which helped fill it. The usual Saturday night activities prevailed and the rain stayed off. The skies cleared on Sunday morning and our stand swelled to 8 cars. Thanks to all who came through and helped man our area stand. A lot of interest for the Club and the meetings in Glasgow, some membership enquiries should be on their way to HQ. Eric , from Sheffield took the TSSC Most Loved Car Award with his Courier Van , with window conversion, and towing a caravan. David?s ( ton up)  Vitesse took TSSC Best Car Award and generated a lot of interest. Dorothy sold her Spitfire on Sunday, so we hope to see it about with its new owner. What is capable of filling the empty Triumph space? The other Triumph owners at the show came over to the stand and promised to support us next year. A lot old friends were out too and all came over to say hello. Ian McK. Who had the very bad garage fire and lost his 13/60 is well and now has an MX5. I think we covered all age ranges over the weekend ranging from babies to retired persons. The Triumphs seem to have a universal appeal. With the lowering of the flag all was packed back into the Spitfire.
News from Peter S and his crash is that he is fine, but not surprisingly, the Spitfire was classed a write off. The Triumph driving gloves have been hung up temporarily. But?watch this space, it won?t last, once Triumph always Triumph.
The September meeting - Well, after the promises of attendance at the shows, there were exactly 3 people at the September meeting. Die hards Jim, Iain and myself. My Spitfire was the only Club car. It will be going into hibernation soon to dry out after a busy summer?? I will be looking for suggestions or comments at the area meetings for the future. Darker nights will probably mean less club cars at the meetings, but come along anyway and join in all things Triumph. The next meeting is on Wednesday 3rd October at Lochinch. Bring your photos, sales and wants etc and we will try to build these up during autumn and winter. See you on the 3rd October.

Gregor G

July 2007

July already, that?s the first six months (sentence?) news done, a report
on the run next month (copy deadlines). A bright sunny night saw an
increased turnout of cars at Lochinch for the June meeting. I was in a
Triumph for once; freshly MOT?d and described as an awkward little car?? It
did have the hood up, and the tester had work boots on, so not the easiest
situation. We had a total of 8 club cars and 1 modern plus 1 person on
foot, a true enthusiast. All were Spitfires ranging from Mk2 to 1500 apart
from a rally prepared TR4 and an ?as new? Vitesse convertible. Most of the
meeting was spent outside with the cars comparing this and that, a lot of
work is put into our cars and it is good to see how things fit if you are
thinking of doing something similar. Also some of the cars sometimes sport
unusual features courtesy of previous owners. Iain brought a box of
brackets and parts that he found in his additional GT6 project, a quick
look over the cars soon had most of them identified.
Colin and I were at the Dean Castle Show in May the only TSSC members and
cars there. Surprisingly we managed the whole day with the top down.
I have entry forms for the Club stands at Eglington and Chatelherault. The
stands will be able to take 12 cars at each. The forms are available at the
meetings up to 1st August or contact me if you want a place. No word of the
Doune/Callander show at time of writing this, again any details will be at
meeting in August. If you are going to other events use an individual
entry.
Steve with the TR4 has decided to sell his Bond Equipe. It is a red Mk2, 2L
with a fresh Mot. All ready for summer. I have his details if you are
interested. The1972 Spitfire Mk4 and the collection of parts is still for
sale. Phone me if you are interested, but the owner may be abroad now.
There are still two Herald chassis/ parts for sale in Ayrshire, and I have
a 13/60 bonnet which I need to sell.
Remember the Strathven Balloon Festival which is a mixture of classic cars
and hot air balloon experts and a good local event. It?s on 25th& 26th
August, an alternative to Callander.
Some of us are going to Stafford and it is now only a few days away, the
lists of spares wanted will be written and memorised. I will be there in
the Spitfire but I am defecting to a motorcycle show down the road for part
of the weekend. David is going to enter the concours category with his
Vitesse convertible.

The next meeting is on Wednesday 4th July at Lochinch; it now has been
refurbished and is open for the foreseeable future. Remember the joggers
and cyclists? We found out that Ian, who arrived on foot, has two dogs, one
of which likes to chase them and did! Revenge for all the disapproving
looks the cars get as we scythe through them on our way to Lochinch.
Proof then, that you don?t even have to bring a car, let alone a Triumph,
to the meetings.
Hope to see you there sometime.

Gregor G

March  2007

Hi All,
I start this report with a very big Thank You to the person who found my
mobile phone, which I dropped at the Stoneleigh Show, and put it beside the
cash machine. We managed to ring it and homed in on it, just before heading
back up the M6. If by any chance you read this or know who it was, Thank
you again. The show was excellent. I managed to get some of the missing
bits for my Mk1 Spit, quite a find after 3 years! The traders and
stallholders were very helpful. We will be back next year.
Well the weather has been slightly better and due to my modern cars being
off the road. My Spitfire Mk2 was pressed into action after a long
hibernation. It promptly broke down on the M8 the next week. A core plug at
the manifold side of the engine decided to make a bid for freedom, leaving
me with no water. Thanks to the recovery people who came to get me, and all
the ?people? that honked and gestured as they saw me on the hard shoulder.
A new core plug is now in and seems to be staying put. The local modified
car boys had a good look at the Spit when it was out and about. It is very
basic to them, no catalyst, no computer and no roof, as it all detaches in
the Mk 2. The dedication put into the modified cars probably equals us and
our Triumphs, horses for courses, we still all run on petrol. See them at
Chatelherault.
Welding class has progressed onto gas welding, the rear deck is now
repaired, and having no rear deck actually on the car now I have found I
can get in at the outer wheel arches enough to tack weld them in place and
align the wings.
The March meeting saw 5 people out, back at Lochinch too. My Spitfire was
the only Club Car present which is a first. Iain has now separated his GT6
body from chassis, but has been offered another car, a Stag this time. You
never really have just one Triumph. David has still got his very early
Herald Mk1 estate which will be up for sale shortly. A good solid project
for someone. Any offers? There was a general discussion about shows to
attend and the summer run. We came up with the idea to attend a show at
Leven on 24th June and use that as the run. More information will follow as
it becomes available. The provisional dates for shows are: 5th August ?
Eglington. 19th August ? Chatelherault. These again to be confirmed. There
will also be some of us at Stafford this year, so if you are going, let me
know.
There is an Autojumble at Lanark (old Doune Autojumble organisers) on
Sunday 1st April. The Dean Castle show on 13th May is to be confirmed. Try
www.svvf.org.uk for more info on shows or the yearbook, a copy is at the
meetings. We are going to try to get local traders to offer discounts to
club members. I know some people perhaps already use personal contacts etc
for this. Would this be able to extend to local club members too? The
Lochinch Club is now open on Wednesdays, so we are booked in for the next
few meetings, if anything changes I?ll put it in here. The lighter nights
should be here soon and the larger car park is ideal.


Next meeting is at LOCHINCH on Wednesday 4th April.

See You All There.

Gregor G. (and mobile)

Feb  2007

Hi enthusiasts,

The first meeting of 2007 was at the Rugby Club and as it was after the
copy deadline you are getting two reports this issue. A few brave ones
ventured out in January. Due to the dreadful weather no Triumphs were out.
Most I presume are being worked on.
Ian who had only one GT6 at his last meeting in November now has two. He
has acquired a partially restored second car. It seemed from the photos and
history to be a great find. Won't be long before it is up and running. The
proposal for a folder of useful contacts seems to meet with approval. The
same with sales and wants. The photos are an ongoing project. The hub
puller is still missing, anyone ?
There wasn't much else to report as everyone was recovering from New Year,
and being back at work.
The February meeting was a little better attended with five braving the
cold night again at the Rugby Club. This time there was one Spitfire, well
done Colin.
Ian had two Standard Triumph books detailing engines and fuel injection
systems which we all studied, they are available for reference. Can you
still get the film shows to go with them?
There are still two Heralds for spares or repair in Cumnock, phone me for
details, both are said to have good chassis(s).
There is now a copy of the Scottish Yearbook available at the meetings for
viewing.
There is an Auto jumble at Lanark (old Doune Auto jumble organisers) on
Sunday 1st April, can't promise any Triumph bits but worth supporting.
We have been invited to a Classic Car show at Dean Castle on 13th May by
the Ayrshire Classic Car Club. Details will follow at the meetings nearer
the time.
Stoneleigh will be past by the time this is printed this is the furthest
some of us travel. It is as much as you can manage in one day.
Welding class is progressing the door b-posts are repaired, but migs are a
bit too powerful for bodywork, we have been put on a smaller machine
especially for the thinner metal.
David has bought another car, a Herald this time, but is selling it. It was
not exactly as the seller described and is a little more work than
anticipated.
I have spoken to the manager at Lochinch and it seems it is open for
business again, so it is proposed to go back to Lochinch for the meeting
venue as it has a bigger car park. This may still change; we will run the
meetings on a month by month basis until further notice. The venue will be
in Pollock Country Park at one of the two clubhouses, keep reading the
reports for an update. We are still looking for ideas for a summer run
venue, where would you like to go?
Next meeting is at LOCHINCH on Wednesday 7th March, hopefully the weather
will improve.

See You All There

Gregor G

Jan 2007

Well Folks I?ve done it now haven?t I? Neither the Foreign Legion nor the
Circus would have me. So for 2007 at least I am now AO. Many thanks to Jim
for his work over the last 7 years. I didn?t know it had been that long. I
now have all the Club Regalia sitting in my Spitfire in the garage as I
haven?t worked out a place to keep it yet. Amongst the bunting and flags
etc. was a time capsule going back to 1991 with photos of a lot of old
friends, some of which have moved geographically, some have moved marques.
The time capsule did reveal an old activity which will be resurrected in
the very near future, but you will have to contain your excitement
meantime. As the January meeting is not until after the print deadline
there is no news as such yet.
So a brief introduction for those of you who don't know me. A long time ago
in a galaxy far, far, away? Sorry, seriously I was introduced to the TSSC at
the Doune Show in 1986 when I had a Herald 13/60 saloon, and have never
really got Triumphs out of my system since. I have always owned at least 2
since then. I now have 4, a Spitfire Mk1, Spitfire Mk2, Vitesse 1600
convertible, Vitesse Mk2 saloon, but did have 9 at one stage. I also have a
1987 Mercedes 190 2.5 Diesel and a Fiat Coupe which has just shed its cam
belt and balance belt, ouch! My Spitfire Mk1 is famous for having a tree
growing through the boot floor and out through the boot lid before I
?rescued? it, or it found me.
So by way of a 20th anniversary present I was given the role of AO.
I am hoping that the venue problems will be sorted out soon. The February
meeting is at the Cartha Queens Park Rugby Club which is still within
Pollock Country Park and will be our temporary venue on a month to month
basis, until Lochinch is manned again or we can find another venue.
Some of the Area workshop tools have appeared or their location is now
known, with the exception of the hub puller, does anyone know where it is?
I will be compiling a list of tools available (for a small charge +
deposit.) I am also hoping to put forward the idea of an Area Folder with
different sections for Sales and Wants, Tools Available, Etc, and any
information that might be useful to Club members. I have contacted the SVVF
for a yearbook/ event details which would also be kept in the folder. The
folder would be available at all meetings for all to view. I will be
looking for ideas for the area, A summer run? Shows to attend? Activities?
One final request is for a photo of you with your car, as the area photo
album is starting up again.
THE FEBRUARY 7th MEETING IS AT THE CARTHA QUEENS PARK RUGBY CLUB, our
temporary venue. See you there? I will keep you informed of progress at
Lochinch.

I'm off to start a welding course at a local college but cannot find a
piece of my spitfire small enough to take in to work on.

Gregor G
*

That's the news report .

Thanks.

Gregor Graham
Architectural Technologist
Partnership & Planning Department
The Triangle , Kirkintilloch Road ,
Bishopbriggs , G64 2TR .
Tel : 0141 578 8631
Fax : 0141 578 8575
e-mail : gregor.graham@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

 

Dec 2006

After what I think is seven years it is time for a change and after what I
am afraid to say was a poorly attended AGM in December I have handed over
the reins of the area group to Gregor Graham. Regular readers will know that
GG has deputised for me on numerous occasions over that last few years. My
poor attendance lately plus a lack of a (running) club car has reinforced
the need to move on and I am grateful to Gregor for taking over - please
give him all the support you can.

The only other real business at the AGM was a discussion over our meeting
place. Currently the Lochinch Sports Club is closed weekdays. Their
management hopes to have this resolved early in the new year but in the
meantime we shall meet in the in the _Cartha Queens Park Rugby Club_,
Pollock Park Glasgow on Wednesday 10th January from 7.30pm. The February
meeting (reverting to the first Wednesday as usual) is also likely to be in
the same location but thereafter things are up for discussion. Gregor hopes
we can get back to the Lochinch once they sort out staffing issues but watch
this space...

Meeting over we got down to the quiz... Slightly different this year as
contestants not only had had to work out the town/village etc on the virtual
tour of Scotland but who was born there! So twenty questions, forty one
answers (one questions had a bonus in case you were wondering!), a prize for
the winner and another for the person who most nearly guessed the mileage
covered. So 41 points and 542 miles. Without labouring the point Steve won
the first competition with a grand score of 26 (I'll gloss over the others!)
while stalwart Robert was closest on the miles at 487 - everyone else
guessed well over!

So its good night from me and hello to Gregor - please give him all the help
you can in keeping the TSSC alive and well in and around Glasgow.

All the best for the New Year and I hope Santa was good to you.

Yours aye

Jim
 

Nov 2006

Hi Folks, yes it's me Gregor G again.

A cold evening at Lochinch on the 1st of November with only one Triumph
present, topless too. David's newly finished and immaculate Vitesse
convertible was out, brave one, as the gritters were out too. We had a
brief tour of the car and tried to go into the Lochinch clubhouse only to
be told that it was now closed during the week. A brief discussion followed
and we had no venue. There were only four of us so we decided to go to the
local rugby club, Cartha Queens Park Rugby Club just at the entrance to the
park. Having explained the situation, we had a venue for the night, so on
with business. New member Ian has his eye on another GT6, low mileage and
complete although dismantled, you can never have only one Triumph, once you
get one the others just follow on, been there done that, a bit.
We have two members looking for a replacement chassis each, both 1200?s,
and I have a 13/60 bonnet for sale too. Most of the Club cars will be
tucked away for winter now or undergoing winter restoration so everything
is quiet. I had pictures of my Spitfire Mk1on view and realised just how
slow restoration is going. It is now half buried under all the summer junk
in the garage. I must clear up and weld all the panels held on with self
tapping screws permanently in place. Then the body can finally be lifted
off without fear of damage.
The manager of the rugby club is quite happy to have us for the NEXT
MEETING AT THE CARTHA QUEENS PARK RUGBY CLUB as Lochinch is now probably
not going to be available. The Rugby Club is at the Ibrox side of Pollock
Country Park, with the pitches usually floodlit. The next meeting is the
AGM with lots to discuss and Jim's famous quiz.

As you may have guessed me writing the Area News has become more frequent
and is about to become official, the mantle is being passed to myself next
year, about time some say. Jim is wishing to stand down after a good long
stint at AO. I will try to do my best to keep the area going, most of you
will know me as I've been hanging about Triumphs for a long time now.
The AGM on Wednesday 6th December is fairly important, so come along with
any ideas you may have, and there is no chance of you being made AO, unless
my Foreign Legion application comes through or I run off and join the
circus.

As this is for the December issue have A Happy Christmas with lots of
Triumph shaped presents and a good New Year. See you all soon.

Remember - December 6th AGM at the CARTHA QUEENS PARK RUGBY CLUB, Pollock
Country Park. It is booked, but there may be a change in venue early next
year.

Gregor G.

* *

That's all the news to be included. As you may well have read I am to take
over as AO from January.
Please let me know that this arrives OK.

Gregor Graham

e-mail : gregor.graham@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Firstly let me apologise for  no report last month - as happened once before I typed it up, hit the send button, then nothing seems to have
happened! I was using a strange computer last month and it is possible it was blocked by a firewall!

Anyway turning to this month (and back on my own computer) a good gathering of around 10 met at the Lochinch when we decided on Sunday 12th June for a
club run to Motormania - described as a brand new interactive family attraction at Stirling Tillicoultry.  I have draw up a suitable scenic route which I hope to have done by next month's meeting.

Car news: Ian Kinning (0141 561 8775) has a 1974 Stag for sale. It was rebuilt 3 years ago and is finished in java green. It comes with hard and soft tops and, most importantly, a  MOT. Asking price is £7000.

That's all for now. See you on Wednesday 3rd May at the Lochinch Sports Club, Pollock Park, Glasgow.

Yours aye

Jim

 

March  2005

Nine members met at the Lochinch on the first Wednesday of February where we were surprised to find ourselves sharing the bar with a large group of
Hardly Davidson riders number maybe around 40 - and that was one of their quieter meets! Speaking to a couple of their Road Captains (think AO) it
turned out at least a couple of their number also owned a Triumph of some discription. They are a very friendly bunch but the bar at the Lochinch
isn't that big so we'll need to see how things work out over the next few months.

A couple of dates for your diary: Ian Russell (0141 775 0065) is looking for cars to attend both the Kirkintilloch Agricultural Show on Saturday 21st May and the Campsie Agricultural Show on Saturday 4th June. The former is usually a good wee show but I think it is the first time they have had cars
at the latter.

Robert Donaldson of Motherwell reports "I've recently got into the world of restoring Triumphs. The cars I currently have are a Moss Monaco. It's based around the Vitesse chassis but has a 2.5 SU carbed engine from a Triumph 2500. I also have a 1967 MK1 GT6 which was just a shell when I bought it. Both cars will be long term projects." He also has some surplusGT6 drive shafts for sale - full details on the area website and Robert can
be contacted as robert.donaldson@calmed.co.uk.

That's it for this month. See you at the Lochinch on Wednesday 2nd March.

Yours aye

Jim
 

February  2005

Wednesday 5th saw a good turn out of twelve on a cold dark January night. The tally included three newcomers so welcome to David B, David G and Barry- it was good to see you and I hope you'll all be back. I hope no one turned out on the Thursday so the Courier was out in good time before the meeting to inform everyone of the enforces change.

A good deal of discussion ensued (as well as various thoughts which I had received earlier in response to the e-mail sent out by HQ) as to the time
and place for our meetings for the coming year. In the end the consensus the FIRST WEDNESDAY of every month.

So, it having been a very quite month car-wise I'll close by inviting you all to the next meeting at the Lochinch Sports Club, Pollock Park, Glasgow
on WEDNESDAY 3rd February. Meetings are very informal and usually start around 7.30pm.

Yours aye

Jim
 

January  2005

The second of December saw a total of 10 members assemble at the Lochinch Sports Club for the AGM and quiz only to find it shut! We hastily reconvened at the nearby Clutha Rugby Club (and thanks to them for their hospitality offered at a moments notice) where we proceeded to hold a short business meeting where we decided 1) I would continue as AO 2)investigations into venue to be undertaken (see below) and 3) we would hold a run in the late spring/early summer - the date to be decided once the SVVF Handbook is available and allows us to find a free(ish) weekend - the destination finally being decided as Motor Mania, a new 'interactive family attraction' at Tillicoultry although quite a few other destinations/formats were discussed. That over it was eyes down for the annual quiz with the usual pair of road atlases on offer as prizes - actually they are new ones each year but you know what I mean! The format was also the same as usual with a set of clues leading you in a virtual tour of Scotland. Reckon I got the difficulty level more or less right this year as the winner was Ian Mc Kerracher with14 out of 20. The mileage prise went to David Parker was only five miles over the target of 720. So well done both and thank to everyone who tookpart .Turning back to point 2 above, it has subsequently been established that the Lochinch Sports Club will be shut on Monday, Tuesday and THURSDAY during 2005. This leaves us with two choices: we switch nights or we switch venue. There is a possibility that Clutha Rugby Club will be able to host us but it would have to be put to their committee who don't meet until sometime latter in January which, even if the decision proves favourable ,rules it out for January and probably February by the time details get communicated so I've, somewhat unilaterally, decided to switch the next meeting to WEDNESDAY 3rd January still at the Lochinch. Those of you who have an e-mail address registered with the Club should have received advance notification of this - anyone with a e-mail address who didn' t notice (Car to be collected by the weekend or it's scrap type of things!)John Mc Alasse in Troon has a set of Courier mags from 1982-1999 available free for collection. His number is 01292 314050.Finally I hope you all had a great festive session and I hope to see you atthe Lochinch Sports Club, Pollock Park, Glasgow on WEDNESDAY 5th January.

July 2004

The annual run in June was a bit of a disappointment with only four cars actually taking part in the run and another meeting us at the destination -weren't all superstitious about coming out on the 13th were you? However I think I can safely say that all of us who went had a good run and an enjoyable ride on the steam railway at Bo'ness plus we found a car museum just along the road. It's a bit of an odd mix of a pub and a museum and abit pricey to get into but there is a load original James Bond stuff amongother cars. The find (for me anyway) was what seemed to be a Tristan Herald convertible. It had the hood up but peering in (you can get right up tomost of the exhibits) you could see a Stag style cross bar. It car seemed to be in nice nick but I wouldn't be surprised if it had only been a cosmetic restoration.

The July meeting went well - no less than thirteen including two new comers whose names I've forgotten in my usual style. sorry guys but welcome any way and I hope you'll make it back soon. Both had 13/60 convertibles by the way.

The Culzean show will probably have come and gone by the time you get this1st August) which leaves Callander at the bank holiday weekend and Selkirkon September 19th as the remaining big shows this year. I doubt there will be a TSSC stand at Callander this year as I am not in a position to organise it and as far as I know no one from Lothian is either, Ian having resigned after a long stint at the end of last years show.

Think that's it for now - remember Thursday 5th August, at the Lochinch Sports Club, Pollock Park, Glasgow.

Yours aye

Jim
 

June 2004

April 2004

April 1st saw nine members at the Lochinch again - not by and large the same nine as last month - I'm sure if all managed to turn up on the same month we'd manage 20 plus...

A date for your diary - Saturday 15th May sees the Kirkintilloch Agricultural Show which is held just up the road from me and which is organised by a Herald driver (which still won't see me there this year as it clashes with a meeting I have in York.) I normally attend and find it to be a good wee show. Forms from Raymond Taylor, 27 Foxes Grove, Lenzie, GLASGOW,G66 5BN.

Another date which should already be in your diary is Sunday June 13th forthe Area run to the Bo'ness steam railway. I plotted up a route which take us over the Eriskine Bridge, up through the Trossachs and round by Striling which met with general approval at the meeting so I'll print it up soon for distribution at he next two meeting which we have before the run. Only snags the starting point - we'd agreed to start at te Lochinch until I checked with the club steward. Turns out it clashes with an open day at the club and their car-park will be out of bounds to us so I've arranged (subject to ratification by the committee...) to use the car park at the Cartha Queen'sPark Rugby Club to use their car park instead. (The club is just inside the gate to Pollock Park from Drumbreck Road.)

Bob Stuart writes "I'm looking for a good hood and windscreen for my Spitfire 1500, can any of your members help. In near future want a re-spray for the car, any advice, looking for good price no rust or repairs required, recommendations welcome.

I have a new old stock down pipe for a Dolly Sprint for a tenner if anyone is interested. I also have 2 spitfire 1500 boot lids which are in good nick, and some doors in not so good nick for sale, prices very cheap." Bob can be contacted on 0141 954 6836 which is, of course, a Glasgow number.

That's it again.

Yours aye

Jim

March 2004

March saw a healthy turnout of 9 gather at the Lochinch on what hopefully
was the last meeting 'in the dark'. Hopefully the light nights which are
coming will let us see newcomer Ian's 13/60 Herald convertible better for
it looks to be a very nice car with low mileage and a rather unusual colour
scheme of slate grey with a red hood. Also new was Gordon who is studying
in Glasgow and without his car which is at home in Elgin. Welcome to you
both.

I haven't yet finalised the route for the run in June but rest assured I'm
working on it. The only definite at the moment is that we need to be at
Bo'ness by 15:00 if we want a steam train ride. More detail next month
hopefully.

Car news: I've been forwarded an e-mail from Andrew Staddon who lives in
Falkirk and is looking for tips and advice on buying his first classic
Triumph. He is looking for a GT6 which must be a rolling restoration with
MOT and tax. Ideally he would like a car that requires no welding but any
mechanical work is no problem. Anyone help? Andrew can be contacted at
ajstaddon@blueyonder.co.uk

That's all for now.

Yours aye

Jim

Oct 2003

The Scottish season normally more or less winds up with the Selkirk show which by now must be about the largest in Scotland but this year we had a
new show - the Scottish Classic Car Show at the Royal Highland Show groundjust outside Edinburgh a fortnight later.

I really enjoyed Selkirk which had a great variety of exhibits - not just cars but lorries, traction engines, motorbikes, bicycles: basically everything do do with road vehicles big and small plus stationary engines and an improving selection of trade stands. The weather was fair and the
surrounding pleasant apart from rather too much animal muck on the ground!

On the other hand I've had mixed reports about the Scottish Classic - some really enjoyed it, some thought it was way overpriced. I didn't get there
myself as it fell on the Glasgow September holiday weekend when, as per normal, I was  in the West Highlands so I can't comment further
expect to say one can't expect miracles in the first year of a show. Lets give it a chance shall we?

There was a fair turnout at the Lochinch on the 2nd, but was I the only club car? Hamish delighted in showing off his new acquisition, a Smart coupe!Well I suppose it is in the Spitfire tradition, lightweight and fun to drive. Tad quicker I'd reckon and _much_ better on the go juice too.

To business - the Area AGM will be on Thursday December 4th, 7:45pm for a prompt 8:00pm start. No formal agenda except to agree next year's venue (everyone happy with the Lochinch?) and election of AO (as I've said I'd like to stand down as I may have to work away from home in the near future -any takers?) I might even manage a quiz for afters if the meeting doesn'ttake too long.

Car news: Bill Heatlie, of Selkirk has a rather nice Vallencia Blue, 1970Herald 13/60 estate for sale. Seen at Selkirk I have some photos of the car which I can lend/email to any prospective purchaser. Asking price is around£2900 including a lot of spares (inc engine) and Bill can be contacted on
01750 21052.

That's it for now, see you at the Lochinch on Thursday November 6th.

Yours aye

Jim
 

Sept 2003

Thursday last saw me back my hols so I must first thank Gregor for looking after the patch in my absence. I gather that the Culzean show and the August
meeting both went well so once again thanks.

I didn't see any Triumphs in the West Highlands during my break but soon made up for it on return at the Callender Classic over the August bank holiday weekend. For many years Ian Robertson (Lothian AO) has organised a fine display of club cars at this meet (and Doune before it). I don't know how many years he's been doing it but this was my 6th under his organisation and there were many before that. However he has now stepped down and is due a vote of thanks from all of us. Obviously if we don't want to lose what is the largest gathering of Club cars in Scotland a new organiser is required for next year. Any volunteers? I can't commit due to the fickle nature of my work. I'll be out of contract again be the time this reaches you and indeed for this reason I wouldn't mind stepping down as AO at the end of the year. Again any volunteers? There isn't that much to running the Area really - it basically comprises of turning up at the meetings to get the news, writing this bit every month, organising the Area for the Culzean show in August, perhaps a Club run, a quiz following the AGM in December and/or anything else you want to organise!

A smallish band met at the Lochinch in September including newcomer Dave who arrived from Carluke in a tidy Spitfire IV. Welcome sir and we hope to see you again. Once more my car (albeit with a new MOT - and clutch but that's another story!) was in disgrace - I stopped to answer the phone on the approach road to the Lochinch and when I went to restart there was a click and nothing else! Other members soon arrived and jammed starter motor was diagnosed. A bit of rocking in gear freed that off, so thanks guys!

Car news: Ian Walker on 0141 632 7452 knows of a Damson 1971 Herald 13/60saloon for sale. It needs a fair bit of work but as it is only £50 it should make a good project for someone. Those of you who have been around the Area for a few years will probably remember it as belonging to Gregor Steel (the last AO) up to about 4/5 years ago.

Think that's it for this month, Selkirk (basically the wind-up meet for the Scottish season) will have been and gone by the time you get this so see you
at the Lochinch Sports Club, Pollock Park, Glasgow on Thursday 2nd October.

Yours aye

Jim

 

July 2003

There was a good turnout at the Lochinch in July with several people having
a guess at my fuel starvation/lean mix problem which I still haven't got to
the bottom of yet but I'm still trying!

Due to the fickle nature of my work I've had to rearrange my holidays at
short notice which means I'll have to miss the Culzean Show on August 3rd.
I'll pass all the gubbins for the Club stand to Gregor Graham (0141 952
4624) and hopefully have posted out the numbers in advance. I'll also have
to miss the regular August meeting and have asked Gregor to do next month's
report.

Membe