Bob's Birthday
5 September 2004
15 September 2004
Hi all GSM fans,
As the day dawned on the 5th September, we here in the Northern Suburbs of the
mother city expected it to be a lovely spring day. But, then of course we live
in the country! As we got closer to the mountain and over the neck to Bob’s
home, it started spitting and eventually we had a couple of real hard showers of
rain throughout the day.
This fortunately did not affect us too much. Or shall I say most of us. Our
chairman and executive committee anticipated bad weather and a large marquee
tent had been erected. Together with the tables and chairs that came with the
tent all guests were kept reasonably comfortable and dry.
The same did not apply to the GSM official braaier! Willie Visagie, in spite of
the wet and windy conditions performed a sterling task. Willie started the fires
at about eleven, and probably did not take off the last piece of wors until
about five that afternoon. A great job Willie, and on behalf of us all three
cheers and thanks a million!
It goes without saying that some of the visitors and members also got more than
just a bit wet, especially those in the open cars. Thanks for braving the
elements, and assisting in making it a successful day for all of us.
Rose devised a large birthday card for Bob, big enough to carry forty eight
signatures of the about sixty people that attended.
The club (and that means all of you, and then some more) commissioned Derek
Tesnaar to make two models, one of Bob’s Dart, and one of his V8 Flamingo, in
their correct colors, and with correct registration numbers in 1:12 scale. These
models were mounted on a wooden plaque, with a Perspex cover and presented to
him. I would say more as a token of appreciation and thanks than a gift. Bob,
Willie Meissner and Verster de Witt, with the cars they designed have given many
of us many hours of great pleasure………Plus a few hours of real trouble and
strife. But let’s forget that.
Although it was sad not having
Willie and Verster present, I think that Bob will always remember this as a
special day in his life.
Over and above the old familiar and faithful faces of the usual backbone and
core of the club, it was gratifying to see a host of new faces. I have been
informed that a few new members were also enrolled at this function. May I wish
you all welcome, and I am sure you will enjoy hanging out with GSM people and
their cars!
Largely as a result of this party, we have been very fortunate to have enjoyed
some great, and I mean GREAT publicity in the Cape Times. I wonder who’s very
pretty lime-green Flamingo was on the cover of Drive time? I am told that the
Argus motoring scribe is also working on an article.
It appears that although the Hayden Dart will no longer be with us, Johan
Schroenen has acquired the molds and jigs, intending to carry on production.
Won’t it be fantastic if we could persuade him to make a few changes, and we
could also become enthusiastic about his car? He would like to join our club and
I think he could become a valuable member.
In closing, I almost forgot to wish Clarry Taylor a happy birthday. Clarry also
has his birthday on the 5th September. Happy birthday Clarry, may we wish you
many more as well.
Our next outing will be the Whales and Wheels at Hermanus. May I suggest that
you book now.
Shortly after that, on the 3rd October is the Droonendal School event in Hout
Bay, then the Panorama Wiele Skou on the 29th and 30th October, then our
Christmas Party in the BMW Bouma at Killarney, then 2005 starts all over again.
Kind regards and best wishes.
Piet van Niekerk