Katrina's Bumps

 

I'll start off with the good news.

 

On Saturday August 20, 2005 the EMC had a great lunch and gathering at Pat and Barbara Cashman's garage and meeting hall.  A large crowd of nineteen attended the meeting, lunch and wrenching around.  Our meeting addressed our plans for the 9th Annual Brits by the River again planned for September 23 - 24 2005.  Pat and Barbara rolled out the new art work and Ron Stucky updated us on giveaway treasures he had secured.  Jim Enzman and I had made an initial reconnaissance to Vidalia LA and met with the organizers.  We we're really headed for a great show for 2005.

 

After everyone got fed we wandered out into the garage and assisted Pat with his cars.

The brakes on the Gordon Keeble had been acting somewhat suspect with fronts locking at the most inopportune time.....revisit Sports Cars at Tannehill in Birmingham AL 2005 when without notice the front brakes decided on their own they would like to stay engaged.

 

After extensive hooking and unhooking of brake lines it was decided that the problem was a sticking brake master cylinder.  Pat was to get a new on order so perhaps on our Christmas visit to the Cashman's we can have a go at correcting the problem.   If the ladies will allow the men some time and the risk of a little Castrol DOT 3 on our good Sunday go to meeting clothes.

 

Joe Speetjens was the brave soul amongst us, driving from Jackson to Vicksburg in his 1934 Morgan trike.  Joe left the Jackson area before the mid-Mississippi humidity got too high sending the real feel temp to 100.  He looked like he was having a blast though. Everyone had a great time as usual.

 

Now for the bad news. 

 

As everyone is aware Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama were struck by Hurricane Katrina on August 29 2005.  After all the water and wind had subsided a very wide swath of destruction was left in her wake.

 

A large contingent of LBC lovers was scheduled to descend on Vidalia LA on September 23 for our show however due to the damage in the New Orleans and surrounding areas and due to the need for hotel rooms in the area the decision was made to cancel Brits by the River 2005.

 

 We have heard from a few of the folks in the New Orleans area and so far the news has been good as far as our friends associated to the British Motoring Club of New Orleans and others that frequent our show.  Our hopes and prayers are that by the time this update reaches the printed page that all will be accounted for and in good health and safe.

 

We now have two years to plan Brits by the River for 2006 and hope everyone in the area will stop by for the show.

 

Upcoming events on the EMC calendar include:

 

September 24, 2005 - Brits in Eddiceton MS

This is our answer to that very mean sprinted lady that visited the Gulf Coast area.  On the 24th we'll have a gathering at Jim and Faye Enzman's for a hamburger cookout.  Burgers will be provided.  Bring your most celebrated sides and favorite beverage for an afternoon of relaxing around Jim and Faye's fabulous fishpond.  A special invitation goes out to our friends in the New Orleans area and we hope that you'll join us.  Eddiceton, known far and wide as the South Mississippi center of everything British is max, one hour east of Natchez on Highway 84.  You can't miss Jim and Faye's we'll have something British parked and idling on the eastbound shoulder of Hwy 84.  Jim will start the proceedings at 11:00am and we'll eat until we're full.  We won't even make anyone work on Jim's cars nor the community golf carts...unless you really, really want to. 

We'll be working up our club contribution to the American Red Cross.

Lunch begins at 12:00pm

Details: Jim / Faye Enzman  (601) 532 - 6293

            Gene / Martha Johnston (601) 607 - 7021 or (601) 952 - 2653

 

October 15, 2005 - Tech Session III / Brandon MS

Well Barry and Pattie were so impressed with our work last year they invited us back again in 2005.  This will be another table clearing event no doubt so bring a dish to keep the table cloth down. Barry’s resto MGB will be the focus again so bring a wrench.

Lunch begins at 12:00pm.

Details: Barry / Pattie Schmidt (601) 992 - 9196

 

October 29, 2005 - British Car Festival / Fairhope AL

The last note I had received indicated that the SABCC was evaluating the show site along Fairhope Beach in the aftermath of Katrina.  I'll update if additional info becomes available.  Also please check for updates at their web site. www.sabcc.org

 

November 19, 2005 - Tech Session IV / Ridgeland MS

This will be a first.  As everyone recalls I had a new orphan follow me home from Tops Down 2005.  This is you first chance to see how much progress has been made...none really, that's why Martha and I are inviting everyone over to our place.  Martha's ready to see it move.  Bring a contribution for lunch, as we'll let you have the working end of a wrench or similar device.  Wrenching begins at 11:00 am.

Lunch begins at 12:00pm.

Details: Gene / Martha Johnston (601) 607 - 7021

 

December 3, 2005 - Annual EMC Christmas Party / Vicksburg MS

We'll close out 2005 with our final get together. Bring something good and it will certainly be returned to you many times over.

Lunch begins at 1:00pm

Details: Pat / Barbara Cashman (601) 638 - 3240

 

Well that's it for a very bumpy month.

 

Happy motoring

 

Gene Johnston