Representatives – Past Events
UK Essex – Andrewsfield Airfield meet, 15 October 2023
Pleased to report that Essex met earlier for a couple of hours at a local grass strip airfield, Andrewsfield, near Great Dunmow where we were blessed with late autumn sunshine. Great to see 6 cars turn up, the first club meeting for most. Significant interest from all on being involved in events and meeting up regularly which was pleasing.
UK Cheshire, Derbyshire etc – Breakfast Meeting at Tagg Lane Dairy, Monyash – 21 May
The first of this year’s events for the Derbyshire/Cheshire region of the Club was a casual, relaxed meeting at one of the Peak District’s finest places for all things dairy. Tagg Lane Dairy is conveniently located just off one of the main Derbyshire arterial routes from Buxton to Ashbourne (the A515), making it a great place for members of our region to convene. The dairy is a stone’s throw from the quaint White Peak village of Monyash, famous for its old smithy (now a café) and its proximity to the dramatic geology and charming surrounds of Lathkill Dale. The views on the elevated stretches as you approach the dairy are always excellent, and today was an especially clear day for admiring the dramatic limestone-based terrain. This award-winning dairy sells its own organic raw Jersey milk, artisan ice cream and a variety of other dairy- based treats, including Belgian waffles, ice cream sundaes, American style milkshakes and cakes. We didn’t see the Jersey herd today (although they are all based on-site) but we soon got stuck into the extensive flavours of gelato on offer – even though it was 10 am! Whilst members chatted over a few sweet treats, a respectable turnout of six E-types (of all series) were enjoying their sunny spot on the newly resurfaced picnic area (and “posh car park”) in the prime parking spot. Where else did you expect us to park? Departing Tagg Lane midday, a few of us headed down to the Great British Car Journey exhibition/museum at Ambergate (a previous feature on our 2021 High Peak Run), where there was a large gathering of Morris 1000s and a few other classics. A bit more sun and a spot of lunch concluded the day’s proceedings. Thanks to everyone who made the effort to attend at relatively short notice – we had members from all corners of the region which is excellent! We will be back for our High Peak Run in September. Many thanks to Simon Johnson for the report.
UK Dorset 2023
In from Paul Abadjian: “So….when God created the XK & E-Type (as he/she/they/it undoubtedly did), He (or she, or they, or it) made the Devil mightily jealous, and Beelzebub declared that whenever in Future Times the Keepers of These Beauteous Chariots shall attempt to get together, he would smite them down with Foul Weather…….and so it came to pass on Sunday July 30th……..and he saw his work, and it was good…….and thorough. “He timed it to coincide with kick off at Queen Mother Square and managed to keep it going more or less continuously until the moment the last car left Stourhead. Infuriating. “Many thanks to all brave enough to come, so sorry that so little of a mostly rather attractive rural route was obscured, and sorry about all the crumbs and bits of chicken now needing to be swept out of your cars, for the many of you who made it to Stourhead. “Who knew that you could consume a lavish picnic in an XK 120?!Thank Heavens God fitted such effective wipers and demisting, otherwise it could have been challenging. “Clearly an open-air picnic was not on the cards yesterday, sadly. For those of you who have never seen Stourhead (and STILL haven’t!!) Do try to get there at some point…it’s really lovely. “Thank you all so much for coming. I hope it doesn’t put you off for next year! “Speaking selfishly, the MkX came into its own yesterday, being relatively waterproof, and boasting a plethora of picnic tables, that we put to good use……. “Many thanks in advance, and thanks again for coming…we hope you dry out soon………”
UK East Anglia, 23 July 2023
From Mike Read, XK Rep for East Anglia: “On Sunday 23rd July I drove South to Dickleburgh near Diss to the old USAF 100th Bomber Group museum. Steve and Angela Sykes, who are E-type, XK and Morgan Club members had organised a private tour for us. There were four XK members, John and Sue Marsh, Jules and Cindy Greenway, Bob Ridley and myself. It was especially good to meet Bob in his immaculate, early XK150 DHC as this was the first time he had been to a meeting. In addition to the XK's there were five Morgans and three E-types. We were given an introductory talk and film and then left to look around the site. Much of the original airfield has been removed so the central part of the museum is the Control or Watch tower, which the trustees had restored. It was full of interesting photographs and individual stories about the B17's and their crews. In 1943 ten B17's flew to Regensburg to bomb the AC factory. Only one plane returned, and that was on two engines. After everybody had looked around, we had a picnic and managed to avoid the occasional shower. It was a thoroughly interesting visit and many thanks to Angela and Steve for organising it.
UK West Sussex, 9 July 2023
From Steve Jackman: “the West Sussex section of the E type and XK club met at Amberley train station. We then headed off in convoy through the Sussex downs to arrive at Goodwood Aerodrome where we all enjoyed a very good breakfast whilst watching planes, including spitfires, landing outside the window. A very enjoyable morning”.
UK Lancashire & Cumbria, 21 June 2023
Six members came along in four cars. Topics of discussion included Abba, this year's centenary Le Mans 24hr race and local motor clubs. These meetings alternate between our Cumbria venue (The Plough at Lupton) and our Lancashire venue ( The Bluebird Inn at Salmesbury) on the third Wednesday of each month. Why not come along to the next meeting at The Bluebird on 19th July? Partners always welcome, likewise members from other regions who are visiting the area. Keep your eyes on the 'Representative's News & Events' page in the magazine for up-to-date arrangements.”
US Texas – Jaguar Owners Association of North Texas Concours D’Elegance, June 3
The weather chose to cooperate and bless us with mild temperatures and lots of Texas sunshine on Saturday, June 3rd, at the Frisco Jaguar Land Rover Dealership just north of Dallas for the 53rd annual Concours. This club did a great job organizing and hosting last year’s International Jaguar Festival, so they hardly had time to catch a break! The turnout this year was terrific, and some newly restored cars competed and were put on display. Congratulations to Ben Davis with his 1957 XK 140 as Best of Show. Great turnout of E-types, to include a racing E-type built by longtime vintage racer and restoration specialist Richard Wright. Dave MacDowell also displayed his newly restored ’70 E-type in British Racing Green. All cars were stunners. Of note was how very busy this dealership was with foot traffic in the showroom and the outdoor parking areas. Nice change of pace from years past, and we hope the Concours participants were part of the attraction. It was good to interact with curious families and customers who were fascinated by our cars. Kudos to Jaguar Land Rover of Frisco Texas for the great hospitality offered by their staff. The grey 140 was Best of Show. There was a second row of E-types, this just shows the first. Nice turnout of E-types. All photos were taken by Ron Wallis.
UK East Midlands – HSCC Meeting Silverstone, 27-28 May
Half a dozen E-types made the trip to Silverstone for the Historic Sports Car Club International Trophy. With half-price tickets and VIP display parking for our cars, it was a great opportunity to watch the racing. Historic Formula Fords, Historic Formula 3 and a fantastic range of 1960s sports cars tackled the fast sweeps through Maggots and Becketts and the technical loop section of the Grand Prix Circuit. E-type and XK Club members were able to sit in the stands and enjoy the racing together. Thanks are due to Charles Gratton of Silverstone for taking us on an impromptu tour of Race Control on the Sunday.
Channel Islands – Coronation Celebration
Members of the Jersey sections of the E-type Club, the XK Club and the Jaguar Enthusiast Club, recently combined to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Organized by Chris and Andrea Le Boutillier and Ralph and Judith Genee the day-long event began with coffee and pastries at the Windmill Pub and was followed by a leisurely drive through the quiet lanes of the northern parishes before settling into the beautiful courtyard and farm buildings of Ralph and Judith. Decorated out with lots of red, white and blue bunting and accompanied by a local Ukulele band the party was full of fun and laughter as well as lashings of local food and drink supplied by the club members. The cars were similarly adorned and sported special Coronation Rally plates. A collection was made, via the Jersey Ukulele Band, for the Healing Waves Charity and over £400 was raised for this worthwhile cause. It was a truly remarkable day and Chris, Andrea, Ralph and Judith would like to thank all those who helped with the food making, the layout and table decoration and all the lifters and shifters who got everything thing in place.
UK Scotland – Drive-it-day, Sunday 23 April
A number of our members in Scotland joined in with the Perthshire Drive-it-day, known as the Perthshire Classic Car Tour, and organised by the Rotary Club of Perth. The E-types joined up to 100 other classic cars assembled at McDiarmid Park Perth, home of St Johnstone Football Club. Old and new acquaintances chased over the multitude of different vehicles at the event - from a 1920’s Bentley and an Austin up to modern classics, even a 2CV-based 3-wheeler. The atmosphere was one of a team of likeminded people ready for a good drive with good company for a good cause. The cars journeyed north through rural Perthshire along the banks of Loch Tay and on to Glencoe where lunch was taken at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel. The weather was exceptionally kind to all, tops were down, hair pieces flying, temperatures low so limited chance of overheating. This particular rout,e being one of the best scenic ones in Scotland, resulted in a very pleasurable drive up to Glencoe. The return route south was through Glencoe and along Loch Earn and through Comrie before finishing at Crieff Hydro Hotel for a lightdDinner and the Awards Ceremony. All the cars were directed to a central location within the hotel grounds where members of the public and hotel guests could enjoy a varied car show for the evening. Principal charities benefiting from the event were Prostate Cancer Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland and Carers Trust Scotland. Over £100,000 has been raised since 2017.