Darren Sharp

This looks like a fabulous event Amy . I’ve seen it before and it is well placed in the calendar .

Hi everyone, in the next Magazine I have written a piece under secretary’s notes in respect of the relative success of the last years CT events . This is your chance to have your say . Ideas for future events and changes / improvements to current events , shows or anything you can think can improve the Club will be considered. The article has been redacted from a piece that I did for the committee but my own ideas for improvements have been largely removed and replaced in some instances by suggestions. This is because as a committee member and the lead for two of the big shows I may be too close to some of the events to be properly objective and the reason for this consultation is to give the membership the chance to have its say … I would caution that all our organisers are volunteers and as a relatively small Club we punch way above our weight so if you have a big new idea you may have to put some work in as we don’t have time to put it in for you . As a taster , I have looked at the RBRR, The 10CR , The C2C , The Border Raiders, The multi club show, The Triumph Picnic and the NEC Shows . I have given my own opinions and reflected on the views of the various organisers that have been given in committee . I have also been to all of these events and taken part in most and have canvassed those members who have attended.

Hi everyone, today is the last chance to buy tickets for the National weekend next week at Gaydon . Full weekend camping and Saturday only ticket sales end today . See f you are just planning on coming on Sunday for the BL day then tickets are purchased direct and are cheaper pre booked . thank you . Darren

Getting excited about the National weekend now with just two weeks to go . The organisers are busy sorting out all the equipment and the food and drink . Let’s hope the weather is kind to us . I’m looking forward to the run out to Gilks motoring cafe on Saturday and especially to the live band . Club Presidente Malcolm and his lovely wife Madeline will be joining us on Saturday for the entertainment. The BL day on the Sunday will be another highlight . Wendy will be doing a pasta supper on Friday and there will be specials from chef Garry on Saturday. . Still time to join us as tickets are available from the Club Shop .

Hi Everyone This free event is on Sunday 23rd June at The Woodland Grange Hotel, Old Milverton Lane , Leamington Spa, Warks , CV32 6RN from 10am - 4pm . As I’m no longer able to do the C2C I’ll be manning the stand with Wendy . Be great to see you Darren

Have you not been anywhere this year ??? It hasn’t stopped raining since last October.

Not yet listed as a CT event but I’m in the process of planning a treasure hunt in the stunning Lincolnshire countryside around East Kirkby. With beautiful views of the Wolds and a wonderful water splash ford . The route is now complete with a likely finish for Sunday lunch at the Red Lion PH in Revesby. The former coach house to the Revesby estate. The event will feature scrabble scoring with alphabet signs placed at strategic points around the route which will need to be documented The emphasis of this planned route will be as an entry level event to encourage beginners to take part and have fun with their cars .

Hi all , it’s time to get your tickets for the national weekend at Gaydon , this year we have negotiated free entry to the Sunday BL day which includes Museum entry for campers only which saves you £16 if you just go on the Sunday . Saturday entertainment passes which are a bargain price of £15 do not include camping or entry to the Sunday show . If anyone has another BL car that they are intending to display on Sunday they are most welcome to join us for the weekend but they must pay the same fees . This is to allow those that are coming from further afield that otherwise could not commit to a one day show . If you have friends with BL / BMC cars please feel free to invite them . In order to buy tickets they will either have to sign up on the CT forum or members can buy tickets on their behalf . It’s shaping up to be another great weekend and the team are beavering away to bring you another top class event .

Ok post cleaning update ladies and gents … all the engine components have now been dismantled and checked for damage and wear within our ability to assess them . There are small areas of wear on the ends and mains with small areas of copper showing on the main and big end bearings / journals but no scoring . The piston ring in no3 which can be seen above, fractured and passed the piston crown embedding in the crown and putting small marks on the cylinder head . This has clearly happened previously to no4 bore as there is greater damage of an identical nature to no4 piston crown even though its rings were unbroken . There is no damage to the mating surfaces of the head and the gasket remained intact . Greater wisdom seems to confirm that the head will be fine providing their are no cracks or other damage . It cleaned up nicely but I will leave any machining to the experts . Wendy will take the opportunity to have all new valves and hardened exhaust valve seats fitted . She has already amassed new valves , and guides . The cylinder walls are standard size currently and have a small ridge at the top which will need boring/ honing with new pistons and rings to match . Mabel being an early 12/50 has the smaller diameter cam followers from the 948 engine , they all needed a gentle tap to remove and one had a small amount of damage on its face . They will also be replaced . The cam gear appeared to be in good order with no hooking on the sprockets and the tensioner in good condition, the cam looks ok to an untrained eye with wear on the fuel pump lobe . It too will be checked over . In all it has been a very interesting learning experience and although it’s going to get expensive from now on it has been very rewarding .. my thanks to Colin Wake and Kevin Hagger for pouring over the pictures and giving advice .

Video of the head coming off IMG_0563.MOV