Fredericton Area British Automobile Club

New Member's Toys

Some day, you will meet Don M. in one or other of his two toys. Looking forward to seeing him in his Mini.

Amidst the distant rumblings of thunder, five FABACian steeds prepared to provide Jennifer and Matthew with the 'congratulatory cacophony' at the conclusion of their outdoor wedding ceremony. We tooted and waved as we drove by in a slow and dignified manner, and enjoyed the surprised looks on faces as they waved in return. Thanks to Pat S and Ellie B for snapping some photos of the event. Click on the photo for more.

Report by Bob S. on June FABAC Meeting

Twenty two FABACians rode their way under threatening skies up to Dumfries and the Moonlight Restaurant where we experienced some great home-style cooking and the usual good fellowship. Jim B gave a short report which consisted of a number of reminders. First, was the June 28th Fly-in Breakfast at Granite Hill. Organizers are again extending an invitation to the club for our attendance. Let’s have another great turnout for this event.

Jim also reminded those present about the British Car Days PEI event which is coming up on the July 12th weekend. Although the early thinking was that we would fore go the July club meeting because of its close proximity to the PEI trip, there was sufficient interest in meeting once again. This time we will be scooting out to Harvey to meet at the Lougheed Pub and Eatery. Details to follow.

Good news item: It seems that Phil O. is back in commission again after his long recuperation from his freak bike accident last year.

A special guest in attendance at the meeting was Peter Mittler who was in the area having just arrived from Ontario in his red B. We enjoyed meeting him, seeing his beautiful B, his nifty B trailer and hearing about the upcoming MG meets in the US and the Ontario show that he is helping organize in 2010. Plans are in the works to have a “drive-by-tooting” during his son’s outdoor wedding in Keswick on Saturday. Watch our web site for further details.

Jim M announced a couple of local upcoming car shows. The first is this coming Saturday, June 21st at Auto Machinery from 10:00-2:00. The second is on the following Saturday at World Class Auto and the time is also from 10:00-2:00.

Gary and Barb regret to inform that the pot-luck gathering that they were to host on June 29th has had to be cancelled due to other commitments. The Alders have extended an invitation to have the club to their house for a pot-luck in July. Details to follow.

- Bob S.

A Beautiful Day for a Run to the Kingston Peninsula

It didn't take long for Vic D. to send along proof of a perfect day. And more photos have been added taken by Pat S. and Ellie B. Good stuff!

Bob E's report:
Sitting on the side of the road waiting for other FABACians to gather me up was becoming old hat. It was yet another run south along the river and I was again, swatting at mosquitoes as I waited in the morning sun. For once I'd timed it right and only had to wait a couple of minutes before a gaggle of LBCs thundered across the Burton Bridge. Even though it was a Saturday, the spectacular weather had roused seven couples to brave the series of ferries, bad roads, and not a few moose to make a trip to Kingston to have brunch at the Kingston Market.
Several folks had displayed a complete lack of good sense and put me in charge of leading the group. I drove with a map close at hand which did me little good since I couldn't read it without my reading glasses and couldn't drive with them on. I found that by holding the map at arms length and squinting I could kind of make the roads out. Thankfully, the first part of the trip was a no brainer. We stopped at the S***l station just past Jemseg and I did my best to commit our route to memory. On the road again, we headed along the trusty old 102.
The weather couldn't have been better. It was the kind of day we all hope summer is full of, but rarely is. The roads should have been full of tourists and sight-see'ers. Instead we saw the occasional farm truck or small group of motorcyclists. Otherwise, the roads where ours. We took the Evandale ferry across the river, spent a few minutes on a highway then took another ferry to the Kingston Peninsula. Here we encountered twisty roads and tree lined valleys. The scenery could only have been better if the drivers could have spent more time ogling it instead of watching the roads.
We entered Kingston shortly before 1:00 and only a kilometre from the market, I made a wrong turn in an attempt to get us lost just short of our destination. Thankfully, those following were smarter than I and continued straight to the market which was just around the next bend. Having lost my place in the lead, I took up the rear.
We'd arrived close to closing time but found that food was still available. We all had a late breakfast and languished over coffee. By the time we finished and went outside to do some
market stuff, the market had been replaced by an empty field and an even emptier parking lot.

No one could agree on where to go next so we split into two groups. One went south to take a ferry to Saint John for shopping and visiting. The other group headed West along the peninsula. The westward group was rewarded with even better roads and yet more beautiful scenery. We bore on through the afternoon to the Westfield ferry. On the other side we were waylaid by several large ice cream cones which we dripped all over each others cars. The group split yet again with three folks heading up the dull boring highway 7. I held up the good name of the club and took the 102 back north. After crossing the Nerapis marsh I encountered exactly zero cars until reaching Gagetown. The day had been spectacular under blue cloudless skies over twisty scenic roads. As I pulled into the driveway, I did a quick mental calculation of the days mileage. I'd gotten 243 smiles per litre of high test. This had to be a personal best.

But next time we do this, we'll leave earlier.

****Due to the imminent passing of American style copyright laws, all corporate names have been removed. Don't like it?! Write your MLA and demand he kill the Draconian bill C-61.

- Bob E.

A Drive-By Tooting

Recently I was contacted by Peter M of Toronto--an avid MGB owner(see his MGB trailor). He will be in our area later in June for his son's wedding to a Keswick Ridge girl. He has invited our club to do a mass drive-by tooting and hooting following the outdoor wedding ceremony on the Ridge on June 21st around 4:30pm. Sounds like a good excuse to get out for a wee run and maybe stop somewhere for ice cream or food.

A Note from Jim B

It is nice to see other FABAC members getting involved with tours and events, etc. I would like to step back and follow for a change, while others contribute.
Thank-you fellow members for your co-operation.
It was fun!

Jim & Ellie Bleakney

Some interesting questions

I received this e-mail from Pat in Saint John. Usually I just refer these to the Forum, but I thought this could use a little broader audience. Let's hear your advice. Here's his e-mail:

David:
I own a 1958 Morris Minor 1000. 2dr, saloon. I am getting ready for some body work/painting in July. I have in hand some quotes from a British dealer (UK); replacement seals around lights, door and glass - that sort of thing; also, chrome bumper bolts. I have a few questions about shipping from England and where others find such items as I have mentioned.

1. Is anyone ordering from England in the very near future? I would like to join their order.
2. Have you an e-mail of someone who has renewed their trims or gaskets or seals such that that they found the unique clips which associate with this work.
3. If you wanted to chrome a bumper who would you choose?

My main issue here is to gather a little experience from the "go-to-guys" on such matters.

Regards, Pat