Off-Side Undo - June, 2008

The Rail Tour

Meridian, MS, Ten members of the English Motoring Club gathered at Primos early Saturday the May 24th for the annual Tour Thru History. Ron and Haven Stuckey made the trip as far as Primo’s but had to turn back due to a case of the "something has got me’s". Ron called later in the day to report they’d made it home and were recovering. They were missed as it’s been awhile since they’ve been able to make an event but it was good that they were able to make the drive back home for recovery.

Leaving Primos our little group headed eastbound on Highway 80, three MG’s and two Jaguars with one pursuit vehicle. We made good time making exploratory stops at the rail depots in Lake, and Newton.

Lunch was provided at the Real Southern Images Photo Gallery in Newton before we struck out for a brief stop at the caboose on the square in downtown Hickory before heading to the highest water fall in Mississippi at Dunn’s Falls. Ok it’s only 65 feet but for a state that’s generally as flat as Mississippi it’s our claim to fame as far as falling water goes. Everyone had a great time watching the water wheel turn away and the waters of the Chunky River pass-by while exploring the 1857 grist mill on the property.

Finishing at Dunn’s Falls we headed up the road to our final stop at Union Depot in Meridian. Unfortunately we could only peer thru the windows of the Meridian Railroad Museum but it’s on my list of upcoming car runs for the club.

Following a hotel check in a break we headed to the downtown landmark restaurants Weidmann’s. Dinner was great and so was the company. After our overnight stay, the group broke-up for the ride home.

Car Notes:

Brother Clay has finally gotten his MGB back from the painter and is well along with reassembly. David Crawford made the Drive Thru History in his freshly painted MGA and it is looking very good. Trey Decell made the Drive with a funky starter...sometimes it would and some times it wouldn’t so everyone got the chance to work off some of the meals by exercising a little leverage to keep his MGB in line.

Membership Update:

We’re holding about level with our membership with the following new additions for 2008: David and Amy Turner of Jackson with an Austin Healey 3000 and a Land Rover D90 and Howard and Marilyn Laramy of Natchitoches LA with an Aston Martin and a Morgan Plus Four. Welcome aboard all and hope you can make some of our gatherings.

Upcoming Events:

JUNE 21, 2008 - Jake Weaver's Picnic and Tire Kick'n / Clinton MS
Jake has agreed to fire up the grille again in 2008 for our annual "darn and it’s just gettin hot" summer gathering. We’ll provide the core food group requirements you can bring a side dish. We’re usually light on work however Jake may have a project or two we can help with. Wrenching begins at 11:00am with lunch break about 12:00pm. Details: Jake Weaver (601) 924 - 4367 (Please note the corrected telephone number)

JULY 19, 2008 - EMC's Gone Fishing / Lake Arrowhead MS
Been a couple of years since we’ve visited Pat and Barbara’s camp. An afternoon of lazing around the lake. Bring a pole and catch your own lunch or bring a dish. We’re looking for out of town guest so make plans. Relaxing will begin at 11:00am. Details: Pat or Barbara Cashman (601) 638 - 3240

AUGUST 16, 2008 - Tech Session III / Brandon MS
We had such a good time in 2007 that Barry and Patti Schmidt invited us back. This will be our final prep meeting before Brits By The River 2008. We’re looking to having a knock out show this year so please bring along your ideas and offers of assistance. We’re looking for sponsors, door prizes and goodie bag stuff along with volunteers. Details: Barry or Patti Schmidt (601) 992 - 9196

That’s it for this months Off-Side Undo. Hope everyone got a dear old friend out during Drive your British Car week.