THAMES VALLEY REGION NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

(First of all, apologies for the late newsletter this month because of updates to the MCR’s new database system. Because of this, it’s also possible that you are receiving this newsletter for the first time)

A reminder that our meetings are on the last Wednesday of the month at The Crooked Billet, London Road, Hook, Hants, RG27 9EH from 8pm. All members are very welcome, you don’t have to own a Mini Cooper – any mini will do! It doesn’t matter if you turn up without your mini either….just come along for a chat with other members. If you have any technical queries there is bound to be somebody at the meeting who can answer them.
SEE YOU THERE!

Following on from the announcement in last month’s newsletter, Mini Cooper Register has two more new Honorary Members. These are Bill Richards, who has been successfully racing and preparing minis for a very long time and Ray Cunningham from the world of rallying. Ray has been rallying in Ireland for a very long while and his Galway Mini Centre is very popular for mini preparation in Ireland. We look forward to reading articles in CooperWorld written by our new members and to seeing them in person at Beaulieu.

I’m sure you will all be aware of the very sad news of the recent passing of Barrie “Whizzo” Williams. The Goodwood Road & Racing website reported:
Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams, who retired from his 60-year motor racing career earlier this year, sadly passed away this morning (8th September) following a fall. He began racing in historic events in 1986 and his quick wit will be missed from the paddock as much as his spectacular driving style and exemplary car control will be remembered.
His career began in 1957 at the Prescott hillclimb course, and went on to become long and varied. He turned his hand to – and excelled in – karting, sprints, races, rallies and hillclimbs, and had an ability to race anything from saloon cars to single-seaters. Speaking to The Telegraph in 2002, he said: “Whether it’s a Maserati 250F, a Ferrari 250GTO, or a Morris Minor, if it’s got wheels I’ll drive it. The cars are there to be appreciated.”
He was a regular winner and favourite at Goodwood right up until his retirement. A varied career matched by a huge personality made ‘Whizzo’ one of the brightest lights in the historic motor sport scene, and one that will be sorely missed by fans, all at Goodwood and those who knew him. He was 79 years old.
https://www.goodwood.com/grrc/race/historic/2018/9/barrie-whizzo-williams-1938-2018/

In September’s CooperWorld you will have read the report, kindly written by Melanie Brooks, of the Thames Valley Tour 2018. If you didn’t manage to make this event, I bet you wish you had done so, it really was excellent!

This is the time of year when thoughts turn to the MCR’s Social event of the year – The infamous Hinton Firs weekend in Bournemouth, 25th to 29th January 2019. I strongly urge you to at least consider attending this event, it really is tremendous fun and this will be the 37th consecutive year! For more information contact Josh Bromage j-bromage@outlook.com

When ordering goodies from MINI SPORT don’t forget that members now get a special exclusive discount. You will need to contact them first with your membership number and contact details in order to set up your discount cara@minisport.com or 01282 778731

That’s all for now. Enjoy your Minis, whether driving them or working on them. Make the most of it…..the evenings are drawing in!

Lorraine: PR@minicooper.org thames_valley@minicooper.org
Ken: thames_valley@minicooper.org

Reply to Lorraine Hampson | Sep 22,2018 |