President’s Message – July 2022

President’s Message – July 2022

Good day everyone and I do hope that you enjoyed a safe and happy Canada Day!   We are so fortunate to live in the best country in the world where we can, as our motto states, Preserve and Drive our Triumphs, whenever we want.

On Thursday Terence McKillen led us on a driving tour around his home territory on a route which somehow managed to avoid traffic lights and road works (oh joy!) as it wended its way from Milton to Rockwood and ended-up in Campbellville.   The weather was perfect for top-down motoring and our 2 groups caused quite a stir as we drove by the local populace.   We had a very good mix of Triumphs including 6 TR6, 2 TR250, 2 Spitfire and 1 each of TR4A, TR3, TR8, Stag and TR3A.  It was great to see new members Kathy Kirschmayer in her Spitfire, Ken Martin in his TR6 and Jim Shaver in his TR250.   Nice one Terence!

On 18th June Fred Meyer’s family held a celebration of life for Fred which was attended by many of his friends at his home in Oakville.  Fred’s TR7 and Spitfire were the centre piece on the back lawn and they were joined by other classic cars from Toronto Triumph Club and Hamilton Sports Car Club members.   Regrettably I was on vacation but Brian Clark took over the reins and organised things.  Brian tells me that it was a lovely event and the attendees were able to raise a glass of Fred’s favourite tipple to say goodbye.   We’ll miss you Fred!

Last Wednesday we were all set to hold a car show at V!VA Mississauga Retirement Community.    We haven’t done this for ages and I’m sure you’ll agree that our seniors could use a bit of Toronto Triumph Club magic after the long impacts of COVID.  Unfortunately, the weather was miserable with a risk of thunderstorms so we had to cancel    We’ll try again in August.  

So what’s happening in July?

Kincardine Blues Festival British Car Show, Kincardine – 9th July 2022

The car show is held on Saturday as part of the 3-day weekend blues event. This year’s festival will have everything you’ve come to expect…two nights with the Bruce Telecom Main Stage at The Bruce, 4 street stages on Saturday plus a singer/songwriter workshop, lots of family-fun entertainment, British vintage sportscars, Artisan Alley and Street Market and then followed by our Sunday Morning Gospel Revival.  For all the details check out Lighthouse Blues Festival Website

Also in July there are TWO Brits-in-the-Park events scheduled for the 16th July weekend.

Brits-in-the-Park, Lindsay – Car Run – Saturday 16th July

The drive will take you on a leisurely jaunt around the lakes. The drive starts at 4:30 p.m. from A&W beside Canadian Tire on Kent Street West. Please let the organizers know if you plan to join in.  If you need more information or have a question, contact britsinthepark@gmail.com   Accommodation is available at the Ramada 705-328-1743 , Days Inn at 705-328-0100 or several other hotels/motels.   

Brits-in-the-Park, Lindsay – Car Show – Sunday 17th July

This year it’s a Brits Triple Play as we get back to a live car show and celebrate three marques: Triumph Spitfire, MG Midget and Lotus Elan. We hope to see a good contingent of each. The field at Victoria Park opens at 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning. There is no pre-registration; just drive into the park, pay the entrance fee of $20, park your car and enjoy the day.   For further information go to:  https://www.victoriabritishcarclub.ca/new-page-1

If you need more information or have a question, contact britsinthepark@gmail.com

Our next drives will occur over the August long weekend and we’ll tell you all about them throughout the month.

Planning is full speed ahead for British Car Day® which is just 79 days away.  We encourage you to pre-register for this amazing event through “Fast Lane” now available at https://torontotriumph.com/BCD/reg/registration.html 

We have had to make a modest increase to our car registration pricing this year by $5 – the first change since 2010 – to cover ever-increasing costs.    Pre-registration through FASTLANE is a great way to save money ($20 versus $25 at the gate).  In addition, you will save time by driving through the FASTLANE where you will pick-up an excellent programme together with a voting card and dash plaque.  There will be no need to have close contact with anyone as you can then drive directly to your parking spot for the day with your fellow Triumph owners.   Those paying cash at the gate will have to sign-in at our registration desk which is where you will collect your programme etc.   

Once you have successfully completed the FASTLANE process you will immediately receive a PayPal auto receipt in your e-mail which is proof that your registration has been received.   We will send you a PDF of your window card via e-mail which you will need to print out and display when entering the park.  NOTE: We prepare the window cards in batches of 50 so you won’t necessarily receive it immediately, but please be patient – your card WILL arrive in plenty of time for the show!   If you prefer to pay at the gate the cost is $25 per car and to save time on the day you can download the registration form available at http://www.torontotriumph.com/suite/list/links.php?id=104 complete it and bring it along to the show.

Talking of British Car Day® we will need about 30 volunteers to help with set-up on Saturday and over 100 for Sunday.  Rob Ragsdale, our Director of Memberships, is working his magic so that the Membership Database can be utilised to streamline the process.  You will be receiving information shortly which will describe the jobs that we have available and the timeslots.   PLEASE sign up to help so that we can demonstrate to the classic car community that both Toronto Triumph Club and British Car Day are the best in class.  Thank you!

Please stay safe and should you have any questions, please call me.

Cheers; Dave

Dave Sims

President Toronto Triumph Club

905-331-1496

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