EMC’s Brits By The River 2008

After a leisurely trip down the Natchez Trace on September 26, lunch at one of the great local restaurants in Natchez the lead crew of the EMC made our way over the bridge to Vidalia Louisiana to began preparation for the English Motoring Clubs 11th annual Brits By The River car show on September 27.

Friday night kicked off with the usually riverside gathering at The River View RV Park Clubhouse right on the banks of the Mississippi River. Food was provided by one of yours truly’s favorite barbeque stops over in Natchez, The Pig Out Inn.

Everyone gathered round the pool and told tall tales and shared experiences of recent and not too recent automobile gatherings and shenanigans. The evening was cool and with the passing of a couple of hours everyone adjourned along the levee to a spot a little further north, the veranda of the River View Comfort Suites. The reveling continued until the late hours. Everyone, as in years past, enjoying the view across the Great Muddy to the night-lights of Natchez.

Next day thirty-two gleaming examples of her majesties favorites gathered to motor back down the levee to the grounds of The River View Resort. To join the activities associated with the Jim Bowie BBQ Festival and Dual. The new location is blessed with abundant shade. The EMC and attendees extend a thank you to EMC’ers Cappy and Judy Stahlman for allowing us access to the grounds of River View. The location was great!

The morning and afternoon were spent strolling in and amongst quality automobiles on the show field and lolling in the shade. Recent EMC’er Howard Laramy brought out his Aston Martin DB6 but loaded up a two-cycle blender and was passing out Margarita flavored slushie’s to folks in need of a cool one. What a great time!

John Wilkerson was a return visitor this year bringing in his beautiful 1978 MGB all the way in from Yorktown TX. Several members of the British Car Club of New Orleans made the trip up river. From the east members of the Panhandle British Car Association headed west with Bill Silhan bringing over his 1951 Morgan Plus 4, it’s first visit to our show. The field was abuzz with tire kicking and rollicking amongst the panels.

Past president Terry Trovato passed out door prizes and awards to end the afternoon in grand style. Members of the EMC enjoyed the gathering and appreciated everyone that made the effort to join us for our 11th annual.

After Saturday’s festivities everyone enjoyed quite dinner meals in Natchez that evening.
Next morning saw everyone make their way back to their homes.

Just before lunch I loaded up the MGB GT and ended the weekend as it started with a leisurely drive on the Natchez Trace. I can’t say it enough...Great weekend and thanks to everyone that joined us this year.

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!

October 24 - 25, 2008 - South Alabama British Car Festival / Fairhope AL

If you haven’t made this gathering, write it down now. The 2007 gathering was one of the best ever with a great turn out of cars. The Friday night gathering has become legendary. Details: www.sabcc.org

November 15, 2008 - Bob Jenkins - Garage Visit / Grenada MS

Travel to Grenada to Bob Jenkins' garage to view his collector cars which includes various makes such as: Porsche, Fiat, Allard, Ferrari, Paige, Austin Healey and several MG's. * Please note that this event will replace the previously scheduled gathering and Gene and Martha Johnston’s. * Details: John Turbeville (601) 940 - 5288

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

Happy Motoring

Gene Johnston