TDCIR 2009

[xvivalve]

I think I will be volunteering to organise next year's TDCIR

Well done that man =D>

[Glynnd]

I second that

[Yellow Banana]

“TDCIR 2009 – back to reality!Woke up Monday morning after the event to another damp, misty and wet day thinking “Boy, how lucky we were to have good weather on Sunday”. If Sunday’s weather was what we woke up to on Monday perhaps this would have had a marked effect on the numbers attending. Anyway, although I was completely worn out after Sunday, was still on a high. I just can’t believe the number of cars and owners who attended TDCIR 2009 at Haynes. It was way beyond my expectations and I know a lot of you who did attend were similarly blown away! At one point (about 12:00) I think I counted a total 79 cars although I hadn’t deducted the non Dolomite based cars which I think would have been about 15 – 16 consisting of Stags, Spitfires, GT6s, a TR6 and a Ford Capri and a red American jobby. A few people departed quite early (before about 13:00) but there was also a trickle of cars arriving even into the afternoon!

The day started with a jolt. After having decided to get my head down about 10 pm on Saturday, couldn’t get off straight away but, at about 1:45 am, the phone rang to find Wes (1500SE) had inadvertently dialled my number but he hadn’t realised this. (Cheers Wes)! Tried to get back to sleep but not too successful so by the time my alarm went off at 5:30 am, woke up feeling a shade “knackered”. After a quick brekky me and the missus were ready to leave Plymouth for 6:30 - having packed up everything I needed on the Saturday. We passed Graham in his 1300 near Ivybridge and a little further on passed Lee Abbot in his Toledo en route to meet up with Paul Abrey (sorry I didn’t have time to take my hands off the wheel to wave Lee!!!). We arrived at Haynes for about 7:45 and after having checked in with the curator, started setting up the signs and Gazebo. This was almost complete by the time Lee, Geoff and Paul arrived at about 08:30.

From that point on it was really great to see the cars arriving: some on their own and some in little groups. The day was looking promising as more and more of you trickled in with dark clouds threatening but fortunately not actually doing anything. The turnout was absolutely fantastic with a number of new members attending what was their first Dolomite gathering with some amazing motors. To mention just one or two: were George Lynham from Swindon in his white H plate 1300 – all original and looking a real treat, and (I think, Des) in the beautiful gold 1850. The last time I recall seeing this car I think was back in the 90’s at the Beaulieu SODIT when it was owned by twin brothers. I recall it won one of the awards on the day alongside Jim Hylton’s immaculate Magenta Sprint which I think won the Blue Riband Trophy. Unfortunately, the story behind this car from the 90’s till Sunday was straight out of the horror movies but all credit to Des for getting it back up to the condition a lot of us remembered it. Des explained that there were two other cars in this colour but I wasn’t aware (even back in the 90’s) that there was more than one around as I thought the matt black paint around the top sections of the doors and great paint colour was unique to this car. Anyway, it was a treat for everyone! It was also good to see Adrie and his wife Jolande over from Holland – who I hadn’t seen since, I think, 2001. I wasn’t aware of anyone coming from Holland until Jeroen emailed me on the Friday before the show. Thanks for showing up Adrie!! Other notable long distance travellers were Neil from Liverpool and Martin from Bromley in Kent – so a big thank you to you guys for this.

From speaking to a lot of you on Sunday, you were also enjoying the day but, as I said at the end, if you guys don’t turn up, it isn’t an event so really the credit is yours for making it the day it was. The number of you attending is testament to the success of the day. I understand that a couple of guys were a little perplexed at the Club Sec and Chairman’s absence but, in fairness, it was some distance for Steve, (and some others located north of the Midlands) to travel and I believe some others were also booked in for other shows in their own regions.. For my part I think it detracted from the day given that the event was notified on the forum back in April but I did learn that one or two members were expecting some sort of mini meeting (as is customary with other TDCIRs) but perhaps, as this was also assumed by some to be classed as a Southern Dolly Day, their attendance wasn’t relevant. I don’t know and I don’t want to become embroiled in any infighting. However, they did miss out on a great day.

Glynn Davis was a happy bunny too as we managed to sell quite a bit of regalia on the day – I think he said well over £100 – so thanks again to you all for supporting this side of the club. Because I was kept pretty busy during the day (I didn’t really get a chance to look round the cars till about 3:00 pm) so I couldn’t get any photos but I know that Rob was actively clicking away as was some guy who was also covering our event plus the Rare Breeds show for the other classic mags so hopefully we’ll be able to see some great pics of the day either on the forum, the Dolly Mixture or the Triumph World Mag.

After the show, Paul and Geoff left about 10 minutes or so before I could as I had to take down the signs and just say thanks to the museum curator for hosting us (he asked if we would coming again next year but I said it would probably be in a different region). Lee had left a little earlier than Paul/Geoff. After having taken the A303 in the direction Andover instead of Exeter (?!!?) I had to make a detour back onto the westbound carriageway a couple of miles further down. The plan was for us to stop for a bite to eat just as we joined the A38 at Kenford but I had a bit of trouble catching the others up with the heavier traffic of the afternoon, but that didn’t stop me hitting 90 for a good part of the way on the A30 and onto the M5/A38 just in time to see Paul’s white Sprint about two miles ahead as he pulled of the main road into the village. Just as well as I didn’t know where the pub was. Close thing or what!! The rest of the trip home was at a more sedate pace. As always, the car performed brilliantly - there and back. Just hope I don’t have a brown envelope from the Driving Licence Department in the next few weeks!!!

Anyway – thanks so much to you all again for attending and making my day a great one as well. Hope to hear/see your stories as they appear!!

Take care.

Mike Taylor (aka Yellow Banana)

[hutch76]

Sorry to have missed this years event, however the maple chariot I was relying on getting a lift in, got sold a week or so ago!

Seems everyone had a good time, and hopefully i'll make it down to next years event.

[Glynnd]

[color=#BF0040
Glynn Davis was a happy bunny too as we managed to sell quite a bit of regalia on the day – I think he said well over £100 – so thanks again to you all for supporting this side of the club.

Very happy as it was over £200, when I did the final count up

[Yellow Banana]

Excellent !!

[1300dolly]

Hi Hutch, a few people asked me who this infamous Calum is and why I have a 'pick on Calum club'.
Simple i said' He is scottish and owns a sprint, what more of an excuss do i need?'
shame you couldn't make it, next year maybe?

[sprint1976]

hi glynn great news about the regalia really wished we could of been there jannette

[Mike Groom]

For those who couldn't be there, here's a short video snapshot-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSeI3rmXHGo

[tangocharlie1]

Excellent Mike, great sound track, hope you got to the bottom of your leak.

[donhulio]

Thanks for organising TDCIR 09. It was great to catch up with some fellow dolly/fwd owners. I haven't been out in my 1500 FWD much this summer and I certainly enjoyed the pretty drive in the West Country more than last years trip to the midlands!

Must admit not particularly bothered if the Chairman etc weren't there as I know they already put in loads of time into the club - much more than me.

[desmk11]

Thanks to Yellow Banana at the TDCIR, after all he was the first person we spoke to that morning and after explaining that we were not members of any clubs he was very welcoming and helpfull.

Just got back from a few days away and only just looked through the photos which reminded us of how good a show this really was.

What a great video that is on this thread, very well done indeed you must be proud.

A big thank you to everybody who spoke to me about the dolly i have learned so many little things, that to me would basically have gone un-noticed not being a previous dolly owner.
I was of the understanding that there were a couple of other dollys done in this colour with matt black around the door tops and going to this meet would have been my opportunity to see one, or at least get some info. I do now believe this not to be true, so she is quite unique i suppose. I do quite like the look though and will not be changing it although i know its not to everybodies taste just like the gold colour itself.
Each to their own.

Just keep doing what it is you guys do.
Happy days.

Des.

[Yellow Banana]

[desmk11 wrote:
I do quite like the look though and will not be changing it although i know its not to everybodies taste just like the gold colour itself.
Each to their own.
quote]

Nice to hear you aren't going to mess with the colour scheme. It is a one off and if you can keep her like it, it'll make the car that more unique and a good talking point too!

YB

[blacksprint]

When do get the royalty Cheques through the post?

Neil

Ps, Had a nice day and met some nice people. Funny how you know everyone by their avatars

[knightrider150]

Bit late with this one!

Good to put faces to names! been a long time seeing as ive been on the forum about 7 or so years!

Dolly got me home but really starting to wonder what the horrible noise is on part clutch.... sometimes. Odd.