Starting up a Jag

I spent a good part of the weekend trying to make the starter at least make starting noises.

Nothing—not even a click.

At some point on Sunday afternoon I thought, "I wouldn't have forgotten the engine ground, would I?"
Sure enough...

Rob E.

Riverside Meeting

 Photos by Johanna

FABAC June 17 Meeting/Eating

     With a reservation lost, and Gary laid up and not able to smooth the situation over, mayhem ensued.   We grabbed tables and chairs and made our own enclave under cover of the outdoor balcony.  

  Points were covered as follows:

• Ernst was thanked for the 25th anniversary gathering and he was enticed to talk about the afternoon.  We had an excellent turnout and many old friendships were renewed.
• Phil talked briefly about the upcoming trip to Nova Scotia for the 10th and 11th of July.
• Ernst again took the floor and updated the upcoming trip to the Island for the 3rd of July. It was noted that with the bridge down to one lane we may have to resort to taking the ferry.
• A call was (again) made for some day trips.

     David N spoke well on the history of the club and the reasons for its continued success. With no elected officials or expected obligations, the club has run well thanks to people simply stepping up and taking on various tasks.  He stressed that many folks are now taking on other obligations due to family and/or personal matters, and that other members of the club might want to help out with a bit of their own time.  

     July's meeting on the 15th (of July) will be at the Hilltop restaurant on Prospect.  We've graced the place a few times already and it's shown itself to be excellent.

   Rob E.

FABAC Meeting - June 17/26 - Riverside Grill

 Hi Everyone,

Our June 17th Wednesday meeting will be held at the Riverside Grill near the Mactaquac Dam. I hope to see you there. Some details:

FB:

 https://www.facebook.com/RiversideGrillEventCentre/

Address:

35 Mactaquac Rd., French Village.

  Thanks,

    Gary

FABAC’s 25th Anniversary

First of all, I wanted to say thanks to all those that called wishing me a fast recovery from this bloody back issue. I can’t tell you how much Barb and I wanted to attend this significant milestone for our club. We are over the top happy to see how really fantastic it turned out. Ernst did an excellent job at bringing the overall group together and deserves a big thank you from all of us for making this happen! Also a big thank you to the many who contributed to the overall success of the event.  A huge success on all accounts!

We hope to see you all soon.

           Gary and Barb

Sunday's HUGE bash report

     "It would have brought tears to your eyes, Gary.  15 LBCs sitting in the pounding rain, up to their spokes in mud and brown water."

     FABAC's 25 year celebration took place under appropriately wet and overcast skies.  Still, it didn't dampen anyone's spirits as the cars bounced and splashed through the potholed, wet road.  There were a lot of folks (and cars) that we haven't seen in many years and many old friendships were rekindled.

    The lodge was packed with FABACians and we all enjoyed an afternoon of food and reminiscing. As the afternoon wore on, we pressed our senior member, Jim Bleakney, into cutting the cake. A book was passed around for all to sign and I read 50 (give or take) signatures in it.  I'll list them as soon as can figure them all out.  

    A big thanks to Dianne and Elva for wrangling the food, cooking dogs and ensuring everything was ready.  There was a mystery gent who just stepped in, washed all the dishes then left.....? Thanks to you Sir....whomever you were.  

    Ernst arranged for the lodge.  It's a great place and we should come up with a reason to visit there again.  Thanks, Ernst!

   There will be pictures posted over the next few days and we've started on a 25th video.

More to come on that.

Rob E. 

Yes, it RAINED, but FABACians POURED out to celebrate our 25th Anniversary!

 I highly recommend that we take this opportunity to put names to faces of FABAC members old and new. First names only. Send them in and supply names referring to the photo numbers underneath.

Click on any photo for larger view.

Jim B. ('70 MGB) most senior founding member

Jill B., Jim B., Ellie B, Johanna B., Bruce P. (67 Sunbeam Alpine) Joe H.  ('53 MG-TD)

#2

Phil & Pam O. (2010 Miata)

Bruce P., Ernst (organizer)

#3 Elva & Al T., (TR-6)

#4 Henning (TR4), Jerry W.    Karen (59 TR3A & Terry (TR7 DHC)

#5 David N. ('68 Morgan SS), Jim W. ('58 Morgan +4), Charmain & Clayton ('77 MGB)

#6 Ian B. Jim B. David N.

#7 

#8 Stephen W., Jill B.

#9 Robert Y., Clinton, Charmain

#10 

#11 ? Bob E. (E-type), Ian B.

#12 Henning T, Jerry W., Gaston

#13        Tim (MGA) Jim W., Stephen W.

#14 Ernst, 

PLEASE provide me with missing or incorrect information. Refer to photo #.

Send photos or corrections, additions to theoldfiddler@gmail.com.

Some of you have not 'joined' the club which would be a good idea.  ;-)

LOTS more photos on the way! Send in anything you have to include everyone.

These are from John D.

A video for our 25th!

As I watched the rain pound down this morning I was struck with an idea.  I'm challenging

EVERYONE  to grab their phones and shoot some short video clips on their drives to

the farm this afternoon.
1) Set the video quality to it's best/largest.

2) Hold phone sideways so that the video is horizontal (like a screen size)

3) Steady!  Use both hands and if possible, brace your arms.

4) Shoot for at least a slow count of 5.  Longer is better, 15 seconds if possible.

The shots I'm looking for...

1) You're in the garage with lights out looking towards the closed door.  The car is

visible in front of you.  After a few seconds the door slowly opens (or swings open)

revealing the rain.  Once door is open, hold camera for another 5 seconds as your

mate/partner/cuddle bunny looks out at the rain.

     If you have a spot out of the rain (or an umbrella) and can shoot this from outside,

that would also work.

2) Driving along in the rain.  Camera shows drivers upper torso and steering wheel

and is angled to see out the windscreen a bit.  Get a few clips as they're changing

gears/accelerating.  Going around a corner or two is perfect.  We want to see the

driver driving.

3) Straight out the window shooting low over the bonnet showing the rain.

These can also be done on the way home.  We can discuss this further at the gathering.

I'll post instructions and a link where the vids can be uploaded.

  

Rob E.

They're on their way—just a few more days of travel!

 

This is what we want to see on Sunday! 25th Anniversary!

 (Yes—AI created)

FABAC 25TH Anniversary Celebration - Sunday June 7/26

 If you haven't done it already, it's time to shine up your LBC or LFC for our upcoming FABAC 25th Anniversary celebration. We're 25 years old. How great is that? 

 Our club has served us well over these past 25 years bringing us a lot of fun, lots of great tours, wonderful friends and so so many great memories. I know we are looking forward to more years ahead with the club with more great memories.

  So speaking of memories, let's all get together to share these and to celebrate this event on Sunday June 7. Ernst has organized this for us with reservations at the Oakland Farm & Lodge located in New Maryland. Here is the link showing the directions to get there and the lodge details:  http://www.oaklandfarmandlodge.com/location

 Here are the event details:

   - the celebration will start at 3 pm (Do Not arrive before that) and we'll eat around 5pm so that gives us lots of time to organize things.

   - this is a potluck event. 

   - bring your own non-alcoholic beverage(s).

   - there will be a FABAC 25th Anniversary cake.

   - BBQ's are available for those wanting to BBQ.

   - there is a fully supplied kitchen with eat in facilities if needed.

   - bring foldable chairs in case you decide to eat outside.

   - we will pass the hat to accept donations towards the costs.

   - we will also be taking a group pic(s) of all of our touring cars. (Little Brit Cars & Little Foreign Cars)

 Oh yes, I understand someone who is very special to this club is bringing a very special surprise????

  If you have any questions contact Ernst.

                   Gary

Proposed Day Trip - CANCELLED

At our Wednesday dinner at The Carnation I proposed a run to Woodstock, lunch at the River Restaurant (see pics of our recent visit) and then to Houlton and on to Calais via Route 1 and home to Fredericton this week.  After checking the weather forecast for the whole week, it doesn’t look promising. Monday June 1^stlooks like a good day if we can rely on the forecasters, so I’m suggesting  June 1^st, meeting at 9:30 AM at the Riverside Resort (near the Mactaquac Dam) and onto Woodstock via Rt. 105 for lunch at The River Restaurant, then to Houlton, Calais and Fredericton.  I’ll watch the weather for changes/updates.  Chime in if interested.

Phil

FABAC May Meeting report

       We met at one of our regular spots, the Carnation Restaurant in Oromocto.  Despite that PITA bridge closure we had an almost record breaking crowd show up.

      Gary opened with a pair of fives—no wait—wrong night.

• Gary opened with a quick recap of recent outings, specifically JD's (Dewitt not Irving) run to St. George and my run to Spinney's in St. Martins. He also thanked the hot babe seated to his left for arranging the evening's outing.
• We all took note of the recent passing of one of our longtime and much revered members, Lise Hoffman.
• Phil gave a quick update and reminder of his upcoming trip to NS.
• Ernst and Gary both corralled the group and got us organized for the (quickly!) upcoming 25th anniversary event in New Maryland. It will be on the 7th of June (SOON FOLKS!!) at 3:00 PM and will be a pot luck. There will be a couple of salads and 'something else'? (I wasn't listening closely) but all of us need to bring our specialties.  

   Other items:

• The Wednesday car gathering starts this week.  It's behind the Legion on Queen St. at around 6:30 PM.
• There's a car show in Hoyt on the 6th of June.  Details will show up here.
• The next meeting will be at the Riverside Restaurant just before the dam (or just after the dam if you're coming from the North side).

      The meeting folded but quickly regrouped at the Dari Delite where we got to watch ice cream melt all over our fingers. The summer is great but it does have its down sides.
   

Rob E—still picking away at the Jag.

Why the Sunbeam Tiger Was Cancelled — The British Car With an American V8 Heart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNMqJMwFANshttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HNMqJMwFANs&ra=m

Submitted by John D.

Triumph TR6: “The Last True Triumph”

So Why Did It Help End the Brand? - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMh1prqDd5Y https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KMh1prqDd5Y&ra=m

- John D.

May 20th FABAC Meeting/Eating

May’s mtg will be at the Carnation Chinese Restaurant in the Days Inn, 60 Braydon Blvd, Oromocto.  I’ve booked the private dining room for 5:30 on Wednesday, May 20th. With the  room accommodating a maximum of 25 people, pls confirm your attendance online no later than noon this coming Tuesday.  

FYI, Gary & I plan to drive through Maugerville making a short stop at Moxon’s Country Pumpkin for some of their delicious cookies before crossing the Burton Bridge to get to Oromocto. If anyone wants to join us, post so online and we will arrange to meet at the Ramada for a 4:30 departure.

Hope you are able to make the meeting!

Barb

Report on the Day trip to St.Martins

     Today's run (a drive actually, it would be a looong way to run) took five, then six cars down to Spinney's sea food take-out in St. Martins.  The weather was excellent (it's about time too) and only got warmer as we wandered down the not-horrible 102 heading south.  The ferries at Evandale and Belleisle Bay provided fun little breaks, just long enough to stretch one's legs and chat a bit.

    Once in Long Pointe, JD (DeWitt not Irving) took control and led us via a scenic route into Hampton where we met Carol and  John Dixon.  There was a quick and informal CoC (Change of Command) and with the blue Porsche now in the lead, we continued towards the coast. As we drove along we could feel the Atlantic breeze cooling the temps a bit.  The air also seemed crisper and cleaner.    

     I had assumed that most folks would be going out on Monday, the long weekend, leaving Sunday relatively quiet.  I was wildly wrong.  The parking lot was packed and cars lined the streets.  Despite the throng of people, we received our orders quickly and sat down to eat as the coastal wind did its best to liberate anything lightweight.  The star of the show was Barb and Gary's choice of the 'Seafood Feast'.  The picture tells the story and I'm sure that I'm not the only one who'll be ordering that the next time we visit.  

     There was an offer to visit the sea caves not far from the restaurant but it was declined due to the lateness of the day.  I'm determined to visit the place again (maybe late in June?) and this time go earlier so that we can visit the sea caves.

   Thanks to all who attended, we all seemed to have a great outing.

    Rob E.  

Sunday Sunny Run to St. Martin's this Sunday

      For your enjoyment, a run is offered.  Taking place this coming Sunday, the 17th of May,  a trip is planned to attend lunch at Spinneys:(https://www.facebook.com/p/Spinneys-Seafood-Market-100057512795943/).

     Weather is expected to be fine with warm temperatures.  Bring a warm jacket as seating is outside only.

     We will meet at the Burton courthouse (upper parking lot) for an 11:00 AM departure down the scenic (and just repaired) 102. The route takes us to the Evandale Ferry, a couple of nice roads to highway 1 for a couple of minutes to pick up the 111 which will take us to St. Martins and Spinney's.  The return route follows the 111 north to Sussex and highway 10.

JD (DeWitt not Irving) is invited to comment on the route since he knows that roads better than I do.

Bob Earl  :-)

Lise Hoffman passing

I just received this included announcement of the passing of Lise Hoffman, wife of Alex Hoffman. Both of whom were just wonderful people who for years actively participated in our club. I, like many of you, would have many fond memories of Lise and Alex.

  Our sympathies to her family and friends. 

    Gary

https://www.echovita.com/ca/obituaries/nb/nackawic/lise-hoffmann-21486622

St. George trip

Great day for driving, great company and wonderful conversation. The reason there are no photographs—too busy talking with everyone. I would like to thank Gary Arsenault, Gary Hetherington, Chris Daigle and Ernst for coming along on the first road trip of the year. There were 2 MGBs, 1Triumph, 1 BMW and a Mazda. 

- John D.

St. George Fish 'n' Chips run this Saturday

Ernst and I are thinking of driving to St. George for a feed of fish and chips on Saturday, the 25th, at Birch Grove Restaurant. I have booked 14 seats at the restaurant. Please let me know if you are interested in going so I can let the restaurant know how many seats will actually be required. 

Meeting in Harvey at the Irving Gas bar at 10:45am—leaving by 11am drive route 127 to Saint Andrews. Then route 1 over to St. George to the Birch Grove restaurant for lunch at around 1pm. After having lunch, drive to St. Andrews, then on to St. Stephen, stopping at Tim’s for a break. Then, back on route 3 to Fredericton. 

Cheers John 

April FABAC Meeting/Eating Report

    The Hilltop (an increasingly popular spot with us) was the scene of much merriment as spring did it best to (finally) break through.

• The agenda was short as Gary wasn't there and I'd forgotten what he'd asked me to talk about. Oh well, that'll give him more to chat about next month at the Carnation Restaurant in Oromocto.
• Ernst reminded everyone of our 25th anniversary blow-out on June the 7th at Oakland Farm (http://www.oaklandfarmandlodge.com/location) in New Maryland.  It will be potluck and someone(?) has volunteered to coordinate the food.  As always, there will be updates.
• The lovely and talented JD  (Dewitt, not Irving) has a run to the Birches in St George on the 24th of April.  There will be updates here as well.
• Spinney's, just outside of St. Martins has just opened for the season and I'll be leading a run there in early May.  Yup, there will also be an update soon.
• A mystery proposal for our next meeting was made for the Carnation Restaurant in Oromocto. There was no other suggestion so the Carnation it is.  Please note that those of us who pass that intersection often—oh yes—it's just Dianne & I isn't it—should let everyone else know that the intersection of Waasis and Restigouche is once again mostly blocked as 'they' do something expensive with the bridge over the highway.  Folks will have to access the Day's Inn either by getting off the Trans Canada and hanging a left off the off ramp, or going through the Gateway complex.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

   Rob E.

Report on FABAC Meeting 18th March, 2026

    With St. Patrick's Day barely out of the way, we met at the shiny new location of one of our favourite eateries, Namaste for the March meeting and dinner.

      As always (do I still need to state this?) Gary took the floor once we'd all ordered our meals and brought us date on recent happenings. Since it's still early—and cold—and snowy, there's only been one event, which was our annual (and always well attended) run up to Dumfries for maple syrup and pancakes. 

    Upcoming events were then mentioned:

• John and his entourage are planning a couple of summer runs to a car show on the Island and a jaunt around Nova Scotia. Details will be forthcoming. 
• Ernst reminded us of the 25th anniversary bash in New Maryland on June 7th, This will be a pot luck. 

    I distributed a few copies of what I hope is the final version of our club brochure. With all comments and revisions done, I'll print a few AND have David post it on the site for everyone to download and print their own. These can be carried in a person's car and handed out (or stuck in a windshield) of an interesting or appropriate car. Everyone can write their own number and/or email on the brochure for a more personal touch. 

    Next month's dinner will be at the good ole Hilltop on April 15th. We have the large front window seating area on the left as you enter. 

    This brings up a point that has been circulating a bit within our group. We're talking about having a few regular spots that we meet at every month. Going somewhere different each month has led us to spots that weren't up to our standards and sometimes resulted in confusion. The Hilltop is popular and has lots of parking at the front door. We also have a somewhat large, private area by the front window and it's never crowded. It looks like Namaste will also be a regular spot. The food is excellent, the service is terrific and like the Hilltop, there's a ton of parking right outside. There's a few other spots we've frequented that we can keep on our list. This doesn't preclude trying someplace new either. 

    Rob E.

FABAC Meeting March 18/26 - Namaste Bistro

IMPORTANT: Please respond if you plan to attend this meeting. I have to confirm numbers by Monday. gararsenault@gmail.com

     Our March meeting will be held at the new and improved Namaste's Bistro (formerly the Namaste restaurant located in the Capital Curling Rink). Its new location on 5 Acorn St. is located off Bishop Drive near Hanwell Rd.

They specialize in Indian foods especially curries. Here is their menu:

         

       https://www.namastebistro.ca/menufrederictonnav

     I've made our reservation for the usual time at 5:30. This is going to be a popular restaurant so I will need attending numbers in order to confirm our seating. 

    I'm looking forward to experiencing the new location and their new expanded menu. 

    Also, please bring ideas for runs and events that could help us celebrate our 25th anniversary. Again, it does not have to be a big event.....a short run somewhere with a meal is always well appreciated.

   Looking forward to seeing many of you at the new Namaste Bistro.

          Thanks,

           Gary

Proposed Nova Scotia Tour

I’ve been planning to go to a long-standing car show on Yarmouth, NS this summer.  The show starts on the evening of July 10^th with a downtown parade and the car show on July 11^th from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.  My plan is as follows:

• Take a two and one half hour cruise on the 10^th from Saint John to Digby, leaving at 2:15 PM.  Rates have been lowered substantially this year.
• Travel to Yarmouth via Rt. 101 and Rt. 1, take in the evening parade, staying at the Comfort Inn, Yarmouth and attend the car show the next morning.  You may want to enter your car in the show. Information about the show at https://www.facebook.com/roaringautos  
• Leaving Yarmouth on July 11^th after the show and travel to Bridgewater and Lunenburg via Rt.103 staying at Travelodge in Bridgewater.  The evening of the 11^th and the morning of the 12^th can be spent touring Lunenburg.
• After lunch on July 12^th, we will drive to Peggy’s Cove for a short visit and a stop at the SwissAir Memorial, then on to Truro and Fredericton via some back roads.
• More detailed information later for those interested in the trip.  Hotels in NS are booking up already for the summer.

Please let me know if you are interested.

- Phil O.

Friday Night Car Show in Summerside

 Here is the trip Ernst and I are planning to do this summer. 

• On Friday, July 3 leaving my house 8:30am drive to Summerside PEI . 
• Driving down to Rte 105 to Coles Island cut  off Rte 10 onto  Salisbury.  
• Then take the Rte106 through Salisbury , Moncton and Dieppe onto Sackville NB. 
• Take Rte 940 Comeau Point, then over to Rte 955 to Murray Corner NB Cape Tormentine NB. 
• Over the Bridge onto Summerside PEI arriving around 2 PM registering at the hotel. The hotel we staying at is Sunny Isle Motel. They have 5 rooms left. If you wish the book with him, here is their phone number(902)436 5666. The hotel asked if anyone was interested, please book by no later than April 1, as July starts their busiest season. Room Type: 2 Queens garden; Room Rate: $179.99 (per night plus applicable taxes).
• After registering at the hotel.Then drive over to the car show and register.  The car show is put on every Friday night in Summerside in the summer. 
• On Saturday, 4 July leaving the hotel at around 8:45 driving on to Charlottetown on Rte1 Then taking Rte 19 along the coast  to Charlottetown. 
• Then take Rte 26 over to Pownal PRI back to Rte 1 for then driving over to Wood Island ferry. 
• Taking the ferry to Nova Scotia then drive back to Amherst Nova Scotia and Sackville, New Brunswick. 
• Then driving back to Moncton on route 106. 
• Then at Petitcode NB taking Rte 855 to Sussex, and onto Fredericton taking route Rte 10 to Rte 715 to Cambridge-Narrows to Jemseg NB. 
• Going back to Route 105 on to Fredericton. 

- JOHN D.

Dumfries Pancake Run 2026

      Under clear blue skies, with clean roads and not horribly cold temps, we headed upriver to Dumfries maple syrup cabin and true to form, overshot the entrance.  It would have been fun to have a camera set up on the road to catch the informal ballet as we all performed  U, Z, and some W turns to get back to the entrance. Next year I'll make sure we have our phones ready to record the fun-n-games.  Guaranteed it'll happen again.

    

     Our timing was again perfect as we had the place to ourselves. The breakfast and lunch crowds were gone and supper was still a couple of hours away.  True to form, we all forgot how generous the portions were and most of us took home doggie bags.

   

Thanks to all who attended.

   Rob E.