The Greatest Show on British Wheels began in 1985 as a Show ‘n Shine event held in the parking lot of MCL Motor Cars in Vancouver.  That first show hosted some 35 cars, after which it was decided that a new venue would attract a larger crowd. The event was moved to its current outstanding location at VanDusen Botanical Garden at 37th and Oak Street. Since those early days the event has grown to become the largest of its kind in Canada and the Pacific Northwest, displaying some 637 vehicles, and with more than 5,000 enthusiasts in attendance.
The 2010 Silver Anniversary event will prove to be a very special celebration, with many staging improvements and some additional attractions. Here is what is included so far:

• Anniversary Class: A special display of winning cars from previous years’ Debuting Restoration entrants.
• Restoration Row: Work-in-progress car displays to provide knowledge and information on classic car preservation.
• 2010 Featured Marques will celebrate 50 years of Britain’s sexiest sports car, the E-Type Jaguar (1960-1974)*, and pay tribute to all English Ford models.
• In 2-wheel class: 100 years of BSA motor bikes will be honoured.
• A swanky 25th Anniversary Reception Dinner and Silent Auction will be held Friday May 21st at Shaughnessy’s Restaurant, VanDusen Garden. Entrants can reserve a table for the dinner or have the option of  attending the Reception only. Dinner attendees will be able to park their cars overnight (security in attendance overnight). Transportation will be provided to Richmond hotels.
• The annual presentation of the Canaccord Lewie Award to recognize an individual’s outstanding contribution to the classic car industry.  Best Picnic and Period Dress Award, with emphasis on the Swinging Sixties.
• A special Race Car display sponsored by the Vintage Race Club of B.C. with prize draws for hot laps at the July Historic Motor Races event Mission Raceway.
• Manufacturers’ displays showing the latest 2010 British-built models.
• Garden Tours and a VanDusen $12-million Capital Plan display showing future construction and facilities’ plans.
• What’s Your Classic Worth? Informative presentation on classic car values over the past 25 years. Owners’ cars will be reviewed.
• Win a Trip for 2, Grand prize draw; Weekend Getaway to Haida Gwaii; plus many other prizes draws to be announced.

The annual walk down memory lane promises beautiful machinery, colourful and exotic flora, stirring brass band and jazz music, plus vendors’ stands packed with classic car parts and all things British.
Mark your calendars for the Victoria Day Weekend, Saturday May 22, 2010, and check the event website www.westerndriver.com/abfm for more announcements and registration details. The event is produced by the Olde British & Classic Car Society, which encourages the appreciation, understanding and preservation of classic cars, vehicles and motorcycles for the enjoyment of their owners and the general public. For sponsorship details or to register your British car or motorbike, please visit www.westerndriver.com/abfm, call 604.736.6754, or email jstewart@westerndriver.com.
* E2A Prototype first debuted LeMans June 1960.

Rendezvous Committee Meeting, Feb. 13, 2010 -  Meet at 09:30 AM in the main dining room of the Yaquina Bay Restaurant, 325 Airport Road, Albany, OR.

PM.March 13, 2010 -  British Auto Works has invited us to an open house and technical session at 10580 NW 289th Place, North Plains. (corner of 289th and West Union Rd).  For those unfamiliar with the British Auto Works location the easiest route is to travel west on Sunset Highway 26 to Exit 59, Jackson School road.  It is approximately 9.5 miles west of the Highways 217/Sunset interchange.  Proceed north on Jackson School Road to the first left, NW West Union Road.  Turn left and drive about a quarter mile to British Auto Works.  Phone 503-647-0435. The technical session subject will cover rebuilding of S.U. HD8 Carburetors and will begin at Time: 11:00 AM.   Lunch will be at Cornelius Pass Road House and Imbrie Hall located at 4045 NW Cornelius Pass Road (just south of Hwy. 26).  Lunch will be at 1:00 p.m. with club meeting to follow at about 1:30.

April 10, 2010 -  We are planning this as an overnighter to Astoria/Warrenton.  We will be staying at the Shilo Inn in Warrenton, OR (503-861-2181).  The special rate for a king or queen room is $76.86.  Be sure to mention that you are with the Austin Healey club of Oregon when making your reservation.  We have a block of 15 rooms available that must be reserved by March 10, 2010 in order to get this price.  We will have a special tour of the beautiful Victorian  “Warren House”.  It is a private house owned by a friend of John and Judy Carter.  We ill also tour nearby Ft. Stevens also in Warrenton.  www.astoria-usa.com/fort-stevens-state-park.shtml.  The meeting time and place has not been decided.  Stay tuned for that information.

Other News and Thoughts -  I want to thank all of the members who responded to my first memo and provided me with guidance.  The Executive Board has asked me to increase the memo frequency.  I will be sending Mark’s Memo monthly.  Hopefully,  I have corrected the formatting difficulties we had with the first issue and all of the members will receive this one and be able to read it straightaway.

If you haven’t already done so, you will want to register for the 2010 Rendezvous,  June 28 – July 2,  2010 in Eugene, OR.  Charlie Frazer and the committee are working very hard to put together an outstanding event.  It would also be a good idea to book your rooms at the Valley River Inn, 541-341-3472.

Another activity to be aware of is found on the Club website, http://healey-oregon.org.  Activities Director, John Carter is seeking a show of interest in participating in a great tour.  Destinations on a super tour include: Port Angeles, WA; Victoria, B.C.; Roche Harbor, San Juan Is.; La Conner WA; and Tacoma, WA during the week of August 21-29, 2010.  Check it out and let John know. 503-579-6599.

I just read something in the newest issue of the AH Club USA magazine that struck me as a really good idea.  Most of us have a Road Trip Kit of spare parts and tools stowed in the boot.  If you haven’t already done so, add a copy of one of the national Healey clubs’ Directories or Resource Books to the kit.  No matter where you may travel and a breakdown occurs, there is probably another Healey owner nearby who might lend assistance.

Thank You, Mike Scroggie

Editor, Healey Motor News
mike@mikescroggie.com

Sat. Aug.21- Leave Portland and drive to Port Angeles(230mi.). Overnight in Port Angeles.

Sun. Aug.22- Ferry to Victoria,BC and check-in at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Balance of morning and day in Victoria.

Mon. Aug.23- The Fairmont Empress Hotel. Our cars will be on display in front of the hotel.

Tues.Aug.24-Check out of Empress. Drive to Sidney(18 mi.). Ferry to Friday Harbor. Drive to Roche Harbor and check-in(9 mi.)

Wed. Aug.25-Thurs. Aug.26- Roche Harbor. Our cars will be on display at the hotel.

Thurs.Aug.26-Roche Harbor check-out. Drive to Friday Harbor. Ferry to Anacortes. Check-in at La Conner.

Fri.Aug.27- LaConner

Sat.Aug.28-Attend the LeMay Car Show and drive home(140 mi.)

Approximate cost:

6 Overnights $750
2 Ferry passages $150
500 driving miles $100
Food, etc. ???

Total $1000+

Right now I am just testing the water to see how many would be interested in this kind of a tour. I must limit the group to 10 couples. Please let me know if you are interested and I will put your name on the list.  It will take a lot of preplanning and reservations to make it work but it should be fun. Check out the websites for Victoria, Roche Harbor, Friday Harbor and the LeMay Show for detailed information. You can also call or email me. John Carter 503-579-6599 or jc9821@msn.com

www.victoria.ca

www.rocheharbor.com

www.fridayharbor.com

www.lemaymuseum.org

www.fairmont.com/Empress

http://www.laconnerchamber.com/

At this time all 10 spots are taken and there is a waiting list.

• March 13th

British Auto Works has invited us to an open house and technical session at 10580 NW 289th Place, North Plains. (corner of 289th and West Union Rd)
Phone  503-647-435. Time: 11:00 a.m.
The rebuilding of S.U. Carburetors will be covered. Lunch will be at Cornelious Pass RoadHouse and Imbrie Hall located at 4045 NW Cornelious Pass Road (just south of Hwy. 26)
Lunch will be at 1:00 p.m. with club meeting to follow at about 1:30.

• April 10th

This will be an overnighter to Astoria/Warrenton or you may wish to return home after the meeting.  We will be staying at the Shilo Inn in Warrenton.(503-861-2181) The special rate for a king or queen room is$76.86. Be sure to mention that you are with the Austin Healey Club when making your reservation. We have a block of 15 rooms available that must be reserved by March 10 in order to get this price.We will have a special tour of the beautiful Victorian” Warren House”. It is a private house owned by a friend of John and Judy Carter. We will also tour nearby Ft. Stevens also in Warrenton. www.astoria-usa.com/fort-stevens-state-park.shtml
The meeting will be at the motel in the late afternoon.

• May 8th

John Wilson will lead a tour to Longview

• May 22nd

25th Anniversary of the Vancouver All British Field Meet at Van Dusen Garden
www.westerndriver.com/abf

• June 12th

Michael and Wanda Hartfield in Dundee have volunteered to host an event at their house. There will be a tour in the Wilsonville Road/Sherwood area and a wine tasting. They will provide hamburgers and all the fixings afterward at their home.

• June 28-July2

The Rendezvous in Eugene,OR. See the club website for details.

• July 9-11

The Portland Historic Races at PIR www.portlandhistorics.com

• August 21-28

Plans are being made for a 7- day ferry trip through the San Juan Islands culminating with the LeMay Show on the way home. Please see the separate posting for details.

• September 4-5

All British Field Meet at PIR

• September 16-19

Northwest Meet at Lake Chelan,WA hosted by the Cascade Club of Washington
www.cascadeahc.homestead.com/home.html

• October 9th

Bob Bollinger has reserved his club house at the Eugene Yacht Club on the lake for a BBQ and meeting. Jim Averill will lead a tour down. Details later.

• November 13th

Indoor go-cart racing in Tigard and lunch and meeting at Max’s

• December 4th

Christmas Party

Note: All activities are subject to change. Please check back regularly.

We had two hours to have some Christmas cheer, mix, mingle, meet new people, and catch up with old friends, while also bidding on (and sometimes winning) some great silent auction items.

At 2:15 pm, The Eastmoreland staff served a delicious brunch, featuring prime rib, eggs benedict, fruit, salads, and a variety of desserts.  Many folks, out of the 56 or so present, went back for seconds.  There was more food than you’d think we’d ever eat, but by the time people went back for seconds, it was pretty well gone.  It was good stuff!

With the meal over and drinks replenished, our President, Jeff Mach, shared a few words.  Jeff thanked everyone for coming, thanked everyone for their volunteer efforts, and thanked the 2009 officers for their service this past year.

Then, it was time to start the oral auction.  As usual, Tom Monaco served as grinch auctioneer, with Jeff as his right hand man.  They took us through lots of great items with precision and a generous amount of humor.  There were many good bargains had among the silent auction and oral auction items, the proceeds from which will benefit the Club’s charity fund.

What a day!  We acquainted ourselves with members whom we’d not met before (some of whom have belonged to the Club for many years) along with some brand new members.  We shared many laughs, had a delicious brunch together, and left with some nifty auction items.  The event came off without a hitch and the party was a rap by 4:15 pm.

Despite the fact that the Club has several good photographers, they either didn’t attend the party or left their cameras home, so no publishable photos of the event have surfaced.  Bet that won’t happen again!

Here are a few comments left by party-goers:

Thanks so much for the great banquet – Bruce and I had a wonderful time and am so relived that you and Skip helped me find my purse!  I set it at the wrong table (that was before the wine!).  – Bruce & Kerri Harding

Enjoyable afternoon, nice people and good brunch — we recommend the Healey Christmas Party and Charity Auction.  – Michael & Wanda Hartfield

Great party, we really enjoyed ourselves.  – Dick & Gerry Lynch

Beautiful venue, great food, met a lot of fun people, & the auction was a blast.  – Brian & Kerry O’Boyle

I had a wonderful time! Jeff and co. organized the timing so we had  2+ hours to mingle and participate in the silent auction. Brunch was next with mouthwatering goodies. The oral auction ended the event and only took a half an hour. (Thanks, Tom for cutting the time down. It was perfect!) The Golf Club had their usual Christmas glitter all around: 3 decorated trees, classy new black chairs and wreathes (what seemed like) everywhere. A terrific way to start the holidays! A big thanks to Jeff and the Charity Committee.  – Jan Whittlesey

Had a good time at Xmas party.  We stayed as long as we could, but I was on call that day, and sure enough, I got called in.  – Jeff & Lisa Brown

We had a great time.  It’s good to get to know fellow club members outside of tech sessions and road trips!  – Dick & Kappy Lenahan

I thought Jeff and the charity committee did a great job putting together the Christmas party, meal, and auction. It went very well and was enjoyed by all that attended, I’m sure. Thank you to each and every one of you. It was a fun day.  – John Meyer

Here’s a hearty Thank You! to everyone who helped stage the event!   This was our 1st AHCO event and we really enjoyed ourselves, met a lot of really nice people, ate good food, thought the golf course was a great place & just had a great time.  We enjoyed the auction & think you have picked some really deserving charities to help. We are looking forward to the next event.  – Don & Sharon Slaybaugh 

The AHCO holiday party was well organized providing a friendly social  environment for making new/continuing former acquaintances while at  the same time providing outreach to the community at large and a  monetary contribution to the needy during this holiday season.  – Del Allen

As the out-going president of Oregon Mini Society – and an AHCO member – I have to say that the AHCO tradition of a Christmas Party / Auction for Charity is what inspired our club to begin such a giving tradition!  These clubs aren’t here for “profit”, and the moneys we do accumulate need to be put to good use.  Our OMS Christmas party has become such a sharing event, with the annual Oregon Food Bank drive plus donating a percentage of our holdings to two local charities.  In addition we do a gift exchange and pot-luck dinner.  My hat’s off to the AHCO Charity Committee for their hard work in gathering and then auctioning off those items!  The money garnered will certainly help someone in need this Holiday Season!  PS . . . the grub and companionship were excellent, too!  A good group of car folks!  – Craig House, President, OMS and Portland ABFM Committee Member

Thanks for your efforts to put on another great AHCO holiday party!  Good friends, good food, good venue, great auction (silent and oral).  Happy holidays to all!  – Bob & Jean Bennett

Thank you for all your hard work. It was a great event and we really enjoyed ourselves.  – Rick and Iva Curry

Also here is a Youtube link of the actual auction- for those watching it on Speed Channel it was interrupted by a commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92VZK0_6YuE

Click photos to view larger

Tom's Healey with the top up!

Brave healey owners with the tops down

Cornelius Pass road

After lunch we headed west along the beautiful Willapa Bay and then South onto Hwy 101. Staying within the speed limit for a change, we were met by Chuck Gowan and navigator, Jerry Baron – coming up from the south. After they pulled in behind, we took off to continue our journey. We went past the Longbeach Peninsula, thru Chinook, across the Astoria bridge and onto Hwy 202. From Astoria we led the group to Seaside on the back curvy roads that you can only find after looking for many years. Bob Wallace, right behind me, did a great job of staying close to my tail end. He almost caught me a few times. I had to slow it down a bit when I noticed my passenger trying to rip the grab handle out of my dash.

Lunch break

Tom Monaco

Carol Trenko

Upon arriving at our beach house in Seaside, we were greeted by all those folks who wished they had driven their Healeys on such a tour as this. I won’t mention any names but you know who you are! The great cooking of Skip Monaco and Iva Curry made for a great dinner. Spicy pasta, great Italian salad and dessert; wow, what a meal!

The Jag made it.

Healey's at Tom and Skip's house in Seaside

All the Healeys made it home with no issues ( over 300 miles). If you couldn’t make it, I’m sorry. You missed the last great tour of the year. My co-pilot and I braved the trip home on Sunday night after a great day of fishing. It was about 38 degrees in the Coast Range at seven that night. You just don’t know cold until you try that trip. T.M.

Our VRI hotel location is minutes from either downtown (for galleries, dining, or music) or the University of Oregon campus (for art, natural history, or athletic facility tours). You can easily get to either downtown or campus by driving your Healey or in a VRI van or a city bus. Enjoy tours in the splendid south Willamette Valley and the Rendezvous Rally which will run through wine country.

We’ve got all the ingredients for a good time, so join us for the festivities! The event schedule and registration form are available at the AHCO web site:

www.healey-oregon.org/rendezvous-2010