Hello Everyone
The New Year had started with a well attended and very business-like AGM/EGM. Then, having tempted providence by stating that 2009 had been very kind to the Club on the weather front, we were disheartened to find our January run looking as though it would take place in torrential rain. And when your Chairman arrived at the start venue there were only a few intrepid souls to be seen. However within a short space of time the turn-out actually swelled to greater than its usual numbers. Almost everyone who had said they would come appeared, eager to participate, despite the rain.. Wisely a number of members had left their cherished Classics at home but turned out in support in more weather-proof vehicles! All participants should give themselves a pat on the back for showing "true grit"!
The run had been extremely well organised by our Treasurer, Bob Livermore, and his wife Carol culminating in a "concentracion" in the Plaza de Constitucion in Montejaque, near Ronda. Montejaque is one of the few white villages in Spain that has only a single road into and out of the community – happily the police were extremely co-operative! The locals had been expecting our arrival, and turned out to welcome us, despite the rain. The "El Elefante Amarillo" restaurant had prepared an exceptional lunch for our members, who took over the whole of the dining room The scenery on the run was so stunning that we intend to repeat the run later in the year, hopefully this time in the sunshine.
This year we launched our first ever year book, which was very well received by members. It contains reports of all the runs and events the club has organised, or taken part in during 2009, illustrated with numerous pictures taken during the events. It's a great reminder of just how much we have achieved during the year.
Many thanks to Ross Candler and Bob Livermore who put the Year Book together in a remarkably short space of time, and to the sponsors who helped to fund the project through their advertisements.
Another detailed, well presented technical meeting was given by our very own Francois Van Hoof. The development and history of Ferrari the company and particularly the man Ferrari was explained. Members were intrigued with the personalities involved and the politics associated with production of vehicles by the world's most iconic motor company. As one would expect, Ferrari was always under great competitive pressures from other motor manufacturers but none managed to capture the aura of Ferrari. Some would say that none have to this day. One member of our Club has been the proud owner of several Ferraris in his time; we wish we were all so lucky!
Sadly, Francois is stepping down from his role as the Technical Head, however he is willing to continue to provide input when required. He has felt for some time that others should be given an opportunity to contribute in a similar manner for the well being of the Club. The dedication and effort put in by Francois will be greatly missed. Let us all welcome Ken Cotton, who has offered to take up the role, and is keen to implement some of his own ideas.
The February run hit a setback when the planned route through the Axarquia had to be postponed because of damage to roads in the area caused by the exceptionally bad weather. However, a last minute effort by our new Events Coordinator, Ross Candler and Treasurer Bob Livermore, aided by Spanish Liaison expert Nick Wadham-Sutton saw us gathering for the start of what turned out to be a surprisingly successful day out.
At the start, everyone was looking forward to the chance to get out in their cars after weeks of being cooped up inside because of the unprecedented period of rain we have experienced recently. In the event, 23 members in 13 cars set off in all too rare sunshine from the Taberna de Urbaneja at Monda to travel via Monda through Guaro on to Casarbonela where we enjoyed a coffee break at the Hotel Rural Casaron de Bonela.
After coffee we headed to Ardales where we briefly joined the A357 to drive past the massive wind turbines towards the turn off to Carratraca. We then followed the mountain road through Carratraca towards Alora. En route members enjoyed some superb scenery, the rain having the beneficial effect of providing a beautiful landscape with multiple shades of green, although we passed a number of mud slides, rock falls and road collapses along the way which will no doubt take many weeks to put right.
A splendid lunch was provided by the Venta Las Conejitos near Alora, including a feast of starters that just seemed to keep on coming followed by the main course of pork loin with a mushroom sauce or grilled lubina and then a selection of home made deserts. Everyone staggered away full but happy!!
All in all a good day out, enjoyed all the more because we know there is a lot more rain to come. Many thanks to Bob, Ross and Nick for the hard work they put into making this event possible at the last minute.
Our usual monthly Club evening will be held at the El Chaparral on Monday 1st March. Our planning for the first half of the year is well advanced – however we are in need of contributions from members for the later part of the year. If anyone wishes to have an attempt at organising a run you will be more than welcome, particularly as we now have a dedicated events co-ordinator, in the person of Ross Candler. Committee members are happy tol help with the organisation of runs or any other activity a member wishes to hold – the more variety we have within the Club, the better a Club we are.
On some occasions there is a need for a fluent Spanish speaker to assist with the booking and confirmation of venues. Nick Wadham Sutton would be happy to assist in such an eventuality.
John Greenwood has very kindly offered to reinstate his run that had unfortunately to be cancelled last year. As you all know the run in support of CUDECA was due to be held last October but regrettably, due to difficulties with the lunch venue, had to be cancelled at the last minute. We know many of you collected sponsorship money last October and have been holding that money until the event was re-run. The route has been rechecked and promises to offer an exceptional day out. From the start near Monda the route will take us through Villafranco de Guadalhorce, Valle de Abdalaijis, and will finish with a superb lunch at a Venta in Villanueva del Trabuco.
Details are now on the website. We know Ken is busy preparing for this event as it is his first in his new role.
We have received a good response from members to the Club questionnaire and many have already been returned. If you have not yet completed yours please take a few minutes to do so. You can either e-mail the questionnaire back to Bobbie or bring it along to the Monthly meeting on Monday 1st March.
Your Committee
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