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Welcome to Gariep
2004!
Historically this is only the second time that the GSM Club meets at
this venue. Back in 1984 when the first meeting was held, this area
was known as the Verwoerd Dam. Well a lot of water has passed under
the bridge since then, and many changes have taken place, not only
in our beloved country but also among and between ourselves. While
some are not around anymore, and some are not well enough to attend
this time, we are extremely thankful for those of you who are here
and have taken the trouble and made the effort to attend. One
appreciates the fact that not everyone that wanted to come could
make it in the end, and our thoughts and best wishes are with absent
friends and members.
We are fortunate to have with us Dr Con Joubert, the man that
arranged, not only the first ever meeting here, but also the person
who founded the GSM Club back in 1976. Once again, when requested to
assist, he was instrumental in introducing us to the correct people
here at Gariep and did the preliminary ground work for us. Please
accept our sincere thanks for pointing us in the right direction. We
apologize for the arrangements that did not work out exactly as
planned, but the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of your
secretary. One learns as one goes along, and I shall try to do a
better job next time.
The idea behind this meeting is firstly, to allow not only owners of
GSM cars, but also just ordinary fans, who might aspire to becoming
owners of these fabulous cars, to meet and get to know each other.
In this day and age we are all so busy doing our own thing that very
little time is left to relax and pursue your hobby to the full. It
was felt that getting away from home, into sharing of information,
and enhancing communication.
Secondly, this pleasant venue is a close to central as one can get,
and allows us equal opportunity to enjoy driving our cars without
anybody having to do unrealistic distances whilst others have just a
short hop to a neighboring town.
The recent letter by Con Joubert in the Car Magazine has resulted in
e-mails from abroad and locally. People enquiring about cars for
sale, prices etc.
Our website, wwwgsmclub.co.za has been visited by various members
and enthusiasts. Just recently we added a gripping and lengthy
article, also by Con Joubert, relating how he came to be interested
in GSM and all the Flamingos he found and restored.
Although the first Darts were seen on the road towards the end of
1957, it was only on the 1st January 1958 that the two prototypes
took part in their first race, at Gunners Circle in Cape Town,
driven by Willie Meissner and Bob van Niekerk. This means that 2007
will officially be the 50th birthday of GSM.
This same weekend, just before Easter in 2007, is almost three years
away and there should be no excuses for a bumper turn out at Gariep
for the 50th anniversary.
Looking forward to seeing you all there with your Darts and
Flamingos! |
Gariep Dam Info
Letter from the President
Programme of Events
Price List |