January/February - Report 2025

Adrian Wells

As most of you will have read on the website Adrian Wells died on December 20th.Originally an MG man he saw the light and bought himself an Austin. Along with his wife Judith he embraced our Lincs. Group and can best be described as a “Super Chap”. Our thoughts go out to Judith and the family. He is having a private funeral and we shall raise a glass in his memory at the next Woodcock luncheon.

January 2025 Meeting

Despite the wintry weather, 29 stalwarts braved the elements to attend the Group’s AGM on Wednesday, January 8th. With Peter Rowlands bedridden, suffering from a severe bout of flu, Tony Johnson gallantly volunteered to chair the evening. We were saddened to hear of the deaths of both Pat Mather & Maureen Fairbrother.

Our guest speaker, Chris Hewis, began the proceedings by recounting his life as a theatre manager and professional musician, working in venues ranging from pubs and working men’s clubs to some of the finest theatres in the land. Over a long career on stage, TV, radio and recording he performed with many of the big stars and regaled us with some fascinating stories and anecdotes of his life in showbiz. He received a rousing round of applause when he reached his finale.

Following the talk the AGM began with Peter’s Report being read in his absence:-

2024 was a good year but 2025 will be even better with more runs & more on our calendar. I want to retire as your Sec next year but will stay on the committee. We need younger people to step forward – particularly people with better IT skills than mine. Through ill health & people moving away, we desperately need new blood. Running the Lincs Group has been both a privilege and rewarding.

Ben Gadsby, the Hon Treasurer, was involved in a collision with a car “being driven in a manner inappropriate to the conditions” on his way to the meeting. Although the “attack vehicle” was written off, fortunately no-one was injured. As Ben was suddenly unable to attend, there was no official Financial Report, but it could be reported that the Group’s finances are in a healthy condition & financial spreadsheets will be available at our February meeting.

Details of a very full programme of events for 2025 are listed elsewhere. However, these events do not just happen. They are the result of the efforts of the Committee. If the Lincs Group is to continue to be one of the most dynamic groups within the PWA7C, then our Committee needs to remain strong. With it being in jeopardy due to people moving away and health issues, Rodney Smith’s volunteering to join the Committee was warmly received. However, ideally a couple more volunteers would be very welcome.

The reason for keeping the Club Car had been questioned in the past so, having been given twelve months to think about it since last year’s AGM, there followed a long and healthy debate on the future of the Lincs Group Club Car, with contributions from the floor plus two emails in support of its retention. When the vote was taken, apart from two abstentions.

all entitled to vote were in favour of its being retained, with no-one against. So, the Club Car, unique to the Lincs Group lives on! Graham Beckett was warmly thanked for his generosity in providing free storage for the car and trailer over many years. However, it was agreed to try & find a more suitable smaller trailer which would ease the burden of manoeuvrability in Graham’s workshop. Also it can only be used at Trials in the near future while the concerns re, Insurance are resolved. Peter is liaising with R & H on this matter.

Tony Johnson’s handling of the evening at such short notice was recognised with appropriate applause.

Paddy Malone

Christmas Luncheon

31 members attended for a jovial & convivial lunch. Super variety of “Festive Jumpers’! Some hilarious unisex Xmas presents & a jolly good time was had by all.

Dave Wilcox Memorial – Winter Trial

Once again a great event, with 48 entries, no rain but damp & cold! Special thanks to all those who organised & marshalled at the event. You all know who you are but a special mention must go to Andy Storer, Ben Gadsby, Graham & Anne Beckett, Julia & Dennis Bingham& Ian Bancroft. There will be a full report in the February Magazine however, there was immediate positive feedback on Facebook,