What Cold Snap?

It took until mid-February to get much cold weather, but it seems when the ground hog sped for cover he took the unusually warm weather with him.  Hope you enjoyed it while you could. Lot’s of excellent tops down weather halfway thru our usual cold season.  I suppose the drawback is that there’s been little time for car repairs when you have nine to ten months of incredible weather.

On January 21 the first gathering of the EMC was held at our usual location, The Archestartus Grille in Clinton MS.  After some consideration of moving our yearly kickoff from Archestratus I think everyone agreed they really did a great job of hosting our gathering of eighteen members this year. We got the back room to ourselves and the food and service was a cut above.

Treasurer Mary Katherine Loftin updated us on the stability of the EMC which seems to be in good order and was kind enough to accept on the spot re-ups of memberships from several folks. Membership for 2006 remains at the very reasonable rate of $25.00 and the British Marque is still included.

The club kicked off 2006 with a Happy Birthday sing-along for Pat Cashman and everyone enjoyed sitting in on the present openings along with a slice of the car-topped birthday cake that was great.

Will Duncan was fresh from his trip to England and returned with photos of his tour to the MG Owners Club as well as several copies of the MGOC publication Enjoying MG magazine and December goodie catalog. Will was quite impressed with the ability to just walk into the shop and be able to request most any part....and the shop having it. Will also gave a testimonial regarding the health facilities in England coming down with the crud sufficient to have himself check into the hospital (bummer!) for a day. 

Two new members, Michael and Alice Glore joined us for our initial gathering of the year arriving in their Lotus Elan M100. Mike and Alice join us from the New Orleans LA area and are in the process of setting up shop in the Braxton MS area with their collection of cars. Everyone welcomed the Glores and hope they become regular attendees at our gatherings.

At the end of the meeting we discussed upcoming events including the 16th Annual New Orleans British Car Day scheduled for March 25, 2006. Due to the lack of motel rooms in the area they have decided to limit their show to a gathering on the 25th at their usual location on the campus of Delgado Community College. I plan on attending and hope that other members of the EMC are able to make it down in support of The British Motoring Club of New Orleans. Additional information is located at www.bmcno.org, or give me a call.

Following the meeting several folks adjourned ten or so miles north just off the Natchez Trace to the Johnston’s residence. Not much had taken place since our last tech session of 2005 when we were thwarted in our efforts to do something constructive and attempt the turn over of Ole’ ‘64. I you recall we resorted to furthering the disassembly. This time however everything was in order engine wise and within an hour the Tech Guru’s had the engine humming....well maybe not exactly humming but a good strong sputter or two, enough to blow the rust out of the tailpipe and burn a couple of float bowls of gasoline. An impromptu check of the compression indicated that the engine was in reasonable good health and the engine oil pressure hovered around 60 lbs.

That’s about it for our kickoff meeting of 2006. I hope a few more folks will be able to join us as we roll thru 2006. Don’t forget if you haven’t joined up do so now.

Here is a listing of upcoming events on the EMC Calendar for 2006:

FEBRUARY 18, 2006 - Tech Session I / Eddiceton MS

Their baaacckkk. Jim and Faye may have lost a daughter in 2005 but they haven’t lost The EMC. We’ll kick off our Tech Sessions with numero uno at Jim and Faye’s. Jim’s attempting to makeup for lost time on his projects so wear your working dungarees. Bring a dish and or a box of chicken. Wrenching begins at 11:00am with lunch break about 12:00pm. Details: Jim or Faye Enzman (601) 532 - 6293

MARCH 25, 2006 - New Orleans British Car Day / New Orleans LA

The British Car Club of New Orleans is getting together for the 16th Annual New Orleans British Car Day. Details: www.bmcno.org

APRIL 1, 2006 - The EMC Tops Down / Rocky Springs MS

Our annual rite of passage is on tap again this year. This trip down the Trace (or perhaps up) is a great way to ensure that the top of that LBC is permanently dropped for summer. Bring a dish and settle back for a relaxing day under the trees at Rocky Springs. Lunch begins at 12:00pm. Details: Keith Anderson (601) 829 - 2573

APRIL 29, 2006 - Pensacola British Car Show / Pensacola FL

The date may have changed and the planned location is still under discussion however the Panhandle British Car Association is working on another great event for their 14th annual gathering. Keep an eye on their web site for further information. Details: www.pbca1.com 

Well that’s it up to mid February. Spring is around the corner and now is the time for maintenance.

Happy motoring,

Gene Johnston