FUTURE EVENTS

As you can see from Nathan’s letter to members the COM have held a meeting and there was quite a lot to be done considering the fact that, due to Covid, we have not been able to hold meetings for some six months or so. When planning future events there was much more to be considered than the usual date, time, place etc. Restrictions had to be kept in mind, locations where social distancing could be respected, meeting/coffee/lunch venues and suchlike and we would like to think that we put some effort into getting it right and providing the members with a varied and interesting set of drives over the summer months. Of course we cannot please everybody and already we have received a complaint about one of the proposed drives. All I can say (as the person who suggested the drive in question) is that there was a lot to be considered such as familiarity with the route and the location of the overnight stay in order to cut down on recce work etc. and also an issue regarding the deposit money for the Ibiza trip which is being held by the travel agent. While we accept that members may have legitimate complaints from time to time my belief is that the club would be better served if those people would join us on the COM and put their valuable suggestions to a forum where action could then be taken for the benefit of the membership as a whole.

Richard O’Rourke

Secretary

Club Drive May 2021

A wonderful turn-out of 18 cars, including two new members, celebrated the return of the club to the roads of the Costa Blanca after a six month lay-off due to the Covid restrictions. We assembled at the BP near Zoco Market and travelled via Formentera and San Fulgencio to the fabulous roads around the Parc Natural del Fondo where we enjoyed a picnic, a chat and, for some, a walk around the wildlife park. Back on board again and onward via San Felipe Neri, Catral, Dolores and Benijofar to the finish in San Miguel. A slightly different drive to what we might usually expect but one that was enjoyed by everyone and we now look forward to another drive in June hosted by Mr Halvorsen.

A drive to Tipsy Hondon

What a lovely drive Johnny gave us for our first drive out in a very long time, 35 members met in Formentera and then set out via canals, farmland, fruit farms an aqueduct  and a few roads (typical Halvorsan drive). We visited Rafal , Cox,  Albatera  before the climb to Hondon and a very nice lunch at the Tipsy Terrace. After the lunch Nathan spoke of our friends Bengt and Karl who will be missed by all club members. Many thanks to Johnny & Rachael for organising such a wonderful day and we look forward to Terry’s drive in October with great anticipation.

LOST IN THE FOG

We congregated in Callosa with a few more cars joining in along the way and 12 cars set off in the early morning fog which spoiled the views of the first half of the drive but didn’t lessen the enjoyment of the route via Elche, the suburbs of Alicante, San Vincente, Agost and Alcoi. At the coffee halt some cars had gone missing but caught up later on as we headed into the mountains and over some fabulous roads (just wide enough for Dafydd’s Rolls Royce) to our destination, the Restaurant Roselada in Monovar. Now that the sun had come out the views were spectacular as you can see from Chris’s excellent video (see link https://youtu.be/KB2WilitJng) and everyone enjoyed the day out and the wonderful meal.

POTTY IN AGOST

This was another do we or don’t we drive, as the weather once again threatened to put the kybosh on the day, but in true Phoenix spirit 30 people gathered at the old Meroil  J733 and set off for our drive, and we had a very scenic drive, pleasant coffee stop and a little shopping in the pottery emporium, all be it with one eye on the very menacing clouds forming, the wind was getting a little stronger and b**** freezing. We then set off  for lunch at Las Palmaras Crevillente,  where we had the side dining room all to ourselves and enjoyed an excellent lunch, a really lovely end to the day organized by Sue & Richard.

Our AGM was held at El Prado San Miguel It was voted unanimously to adjust fees to 20e per person thus making single member fee 20e Joint member 40e                The voting in of COM : President: Nathan Hall – Secretary: Richard O Rourke- Treasurer: Lesley Hall – Vocales: Johnny Halverson, Ian Smith , Terry Sawkins .  Many thanks to all in attendance  

Christmas At Cosecha

Once again we were looked after very well by the Cosecha staff , this time we had an evening event with entertainment for a change and I think this was welcomed by most.  All members that were at the meal were treated to our now famous Calendar. Many thanks to Lesley for booking, collecting menu choices, and collecting money for all this to run smoothly.          (Calendars for members not at the meal are available at the monthly ACE)

Lo Monte Carlo Rally.

We met at the Lo Monte Hotel, hence the name of the drive, and Richard’s half took us via El Mirador and Avileses to the coffee halt at Venta El Garruchal in the hills south of Murcia. After viewing the scenery Ian took over and led us around Murcia city and then via Fortuna to the lunch stop at Los Molinicos. 38 members enjoyed a lovely drive in warm sunshine.

JULY AUTOTEST

The Annual Autotest and drive took place on Thursday July 11th and 23 members took part, though not all attempted the autotest. The drive began at Castillo Conesa in San Miguel and followed a route to Montebello, La Finca, Pedrera, Torremendo and Rebate before returning to Conesa where we had great fun competing in and watching the antics of the Autotest. Tests included parking between parallel lines, car golf, egg and spoon (ladle, tennis ball and bucket), and squashing the squeak. After a stewards enquiry Ian Smith, navigated by grandson, Jack, was declared the winner with Alan Fullalove, Karl Neuinzer, Nathan Hall and Lou Sawkins in joint second place. Even though Dennis Wilson set the fastest time he was last!

BOCAIRENT DRIVE JUNE 2019

Chris and Ange Grube organised this very pleasant drive which started from Meroil in Catral and wound it’s way via San Isidro, Albetera, Hondon, (both) and Romana to Salinas where the Café Trivial was the location for the coffee halt. Onward then and the roads and the scenery got better and better as the day went on. We travelled via Yecla and Villena towards Caudete and then through Fontenars before stopping at the falls and lakes at Pou Clar Ontinyent. From there it was a short spin to Bocairent where we dined in the wonderful Hotel L’Estacio. The food and surroundings were first class and after the meal some of the more active members wandered around the old town and visited the sites including the eighteenth century bullring. Many thanks to Chris and Ange for their imaginative efforts in organising this excellent drive.

IFA Classic Car Show

I would just like to say a big Thankyou to all the exhibitors and members who attended the I.F.A. Show. It was a great success for all concerned. The organisers are hoping next year will be even bigger. Thanks to C.B.cruisers and the Jaguar enthusiasts club, particularly Brian Rae (CB cruisers) and Den Wilson ( Jaguar Enthusiasts Club) for their invaluable help in getting twenty three cars on the stand. A great joint venture from three good clubs. The Phoenix stand included Steve’s Alvis, Rogers TR3, Dens Oxford, Rolfs and Torbens Mercedes and Toms Capri. Lastly I would like to thank my fellow member and friend Joachin, without whom none of this would be possible. Once again a great weekend had by all. Massive interest in all the cars on show at our stand. People asking if each and every one of the cars were for sale!! Thanks. Regards, Bob    And many thanks  from me for all the support. So pleased it was a success. Nathan.