Well we at last managed our first monthly meeting at the Devonshire Arms last Tuesday and had a good turnout of 38 with most of us eating. Overall the Devonshire looked after us very well although I do know a number of you had to wait some time for your food. We did have dedicated staff for the evening but as the pub/hotel were fully booked this resulted in some delays which we hope didn’t spoil your evening. We are in regular contact with them and hopefully things will ease/improve a little as we go forward. The manager advised us they could have sold the hotels rooms 10 times over as the demand has been crazy, so you can understand their problems. However they are keen we continue with them and apart from the car parking situation the venue is convenient for most of us, and finding decent food and a large car park in a central location is not easy!
As we mentioned at the meeting we are keen to hear what you want us to organise for the rest of the year. We are considering a trip to Ambergate to the Great British Car Journey and Hartley has already visited and discussed us going and we are trying to work out the best options. They preferred a morning visit, but would also stay open in the evening if required, but as the nights are drawing in this may not be sensible, especially if we want to include driving some of the cars, however we will investigate and report back. We could also do with a speaker/speakers for the Autumn/Winter months so if you have any contacts then let us know.
I have been contacted by one of our members, Douglas Inch who is selling his 2002 XKR Coupe due to as he puts in “lingering health problems”. He has owned the car since 2019 and it is approaching 100,000 miles, which is nothing for these engines, so if anyone is interested I have some photos I can send and also give you Douglas’s details. He is located in Cuttthorpe, Chesterfield.
The David Manners Group has contacted me to say they offer trade discount prices to club members and also a £3.00 shipping offer for orders placed over the phone and also free online shipping for all UK orders. The contact is Yvette Thorman and her email is [email protected]
In another development via JEC Head Office I have had an enquiry from a magazine called Classic.Retro.Modern. who I must admit I hadn’t heard, but you can find their details on the internet, and they are asking for an XJS for a photoshoot for a magazine buying guide. The studio is based in Derby and they would require you to take the car there and for your participation you will get a full set of photos and obviously the magazine when it’s published. If anyone is interested in discussing it with them, the contact is Vicky Dredge and her email is [email protected] and she is happy to answer any questions you may have.
Just a reminder I have booked Biggin Hall for our Christmas Lunch on Sunday 19th December which means there will be no December meeting at the Devonshire Arms. I am enclosing a copy of the menu and as before they require a pre order a couple of weeks before so I am asking if you will advise me no later than the end of November if you plan to come. This was the only date I could get as they are virtually fully booked, especially for a group of our size. We did consider an early date in December had it been available but the XK Forum are having their lunch on Sunday 5th December at Mere Golf and Country Club and I know quite a few of us will be attending that. I understand this is being organized by Mike Owen and the room can accommodate around 60/70 people so it may be thrown open to any JEC members who want to go. However wait for more information via the magazine before you act!
The September meeting will be Tuesday 14th at Baslow but unfortunately we will be away, however I will be reminding you before then and also asking to advise if you plan to attend, so we can help the Devonshire Arms plan for the event, which under the current circumstances is only fair.
Best regards
Roger
