Off-Side Undo - September 2008

Fall Approach

We’ve almost made it thru the summer of ‘08. Not as hot as ‘07 but still mighty warm here in South Mississippi. We’re on the downside of hurricane season and it appears that everyone in the EMC has made it thru with no damage.

I’ve done some checking and it appears that our friends from the Florida Panhandle area to the New Orleans area have made it thru with little or no damage thank goodness.

As Gustav approached the Gulf Coast states Blake Sonnier and I were making a Labor Day expedition to collect a 1956 MGA that Blake had purchased. We left Ridgeland on Friday for a quick turn round trip to Fort Washington MD.

We made it back into town with the MG in tow early on Sunday evening. After a bite of dinner Blake took off into the eye of the storm. At 2:30am I received the e-mail indicating that he had made it home in tact. A couple of days later I noted on the MG Experience that he had begun inspection and work in hast on the MGA. Hopefully in time for a coming out party at Brits By The River.

About two weeks later Ike made it’s way to the Gulf Coast states. Although not as much wind as Ms. K a few years prior it was pushing an awful lot of water. Unfortunately it did do a number on the Galveston TX area. Brother Clay and I must have been anticipating a summer. Within 30 days we had installed two tops. His was in need while mine was not unless you asked Martha. After her experience to MG 2006 she was thrilled when I announced that I was going for a zip-out window top for Ole’ Red.

Jim Enzman had reported at the September gathering that he was having and un-solvable with his Very Yellow GT. Seems it would crank and run until it warmed up, shut itself off and then wouldn’t re-crank until it had cooled. Clay went down to lend a second set of eyes and they got it resolved. I won’t divulge the issue. You’ll have to ask. Z-Man strikes again.

Past Prez Terry and First Lady Merideth Trovato have busily been preparing the TR-3A for it’s coming out party at Brits By The River. We all look forward to its debut.

Early registration looks great for BBTR, as does the weather. My check of my weather sources indicate clear skies and temps in the low 80's. Perfect weather for a British Car Gathering.

Members have completed preparation for the 11th Annual Brits By The River so come out and join us September 26 - 27, 2008.

Upcoming and changing events

We continue to modify our calendar for the remainder of the year in effort to introduce new activities. If you have suggestions, let us know. We’ll certainly give them consideration. Watch for changes!

September 26 - 27, 2008 EMC’s Brits By The River / Vidalia LA

We’re on again to join the river folks over in Vidalia LA for the 11th annual Brits By The River. Bring a chair, a cooler and anticipation of good times beside the Big Muddy. We’ll be a part of the Jim Bowie Festival again so expect good food and music at this gathering. Details: John Turbeville (601) 940–5288, Gene Johnston (601) 607-7021

October 17 - 18, 2008 l Scarecrow Cruise and Car Show / Madison MS

Organizers of the Scarecrow Cruise have requested that the EMC join them for the 5th annual gathering. This is a two-day event and is held in central Mississippi so it will be a great opportunity for the EMC and other lovers of all things LBC to join together. Members that have made the cruise and show over the last year or so have had a great time. If you plan on making it for any or all of the weekends events please get in touch with Keith Anderson at the number listed below. There is a caravan to the show site on Saturday and members and non-members that want to parked and judged together will need to meet prior to Saturday at 8:30am.

*Please note that this event will replace the previously scheduled gathering and Pat and Barbara Cashman’s. Details: Keith Anderson (601) 829-2573

That’s it for this month's Off-Side Undo.