Hi GSM Fans

It’s been a while since I have put pen to paper, but here I am again. Not too much to report on, but a thought on the George Car Show: We had an enjoyable trip to George, most members drove their cars there, only a few want on trailers. The bulk of us stayed at the Pine Lodge, very good accommodation, and lots of stories told around the camp fires. Obviously some of the guys shared rooms, which left some of them rather sleepy the next day due to snoring of room mates. Fortunately I don’t snore so my room mates were lucky.

We were able to display twenty cars, nine Flamingos, eight GSM Darts, two Levy Darts and one Hayden Dart. What was really encouraging was the standard of the cars. When the club started, we would display maybe four cars, one very neat and three rather tatty. Well at George we had twenty show condition cars. I think the club and possibly the Jubilee has encouraged and motivated owners to improve the standard of their exhibits or investment. Our cars were good; we did not have to stand back for any of the other clubs. We were also allowed a drive by, with a talk on GSM. A good show, I thought. Thanks guys. Jeff levy also displayed his Dart trailer, a very snazzy and roomy trailer at that.

Another one of our GSM members we have not seen for a while is John and Pat Engelbrecht. Well, the rumor is John has retired now so we will be apparently be seeing a lot more of them at GSM runs. Great to know they will be participating again as they have come a long way with us.

Now, a few dates of what is to happen soon. The first date is 06th March 2009, which is the 40th birthday celebration of the Cape Hell Drivers Club. You might ask what has that got to do with GSM? Well let me tell you.

Forty years ago when most of you were listening to LM Radio and David Gresham, with good dollops of Brylcreem in your hair, there was plenty movement in all the car club in Cape Town, resulting in some clubs fading away and both the Western Province Motor Club and the Cape Hell Drivers were formed, and still prosper today. Although the two clubs were involved in different disciplines of motor sport, one man who was involved in both circuit racing and oval track racing, also had a share in the early GSM formation days. That man is Jack Holloway and the evening of the 6th March will find him a special VIP guest. Jack was around when the prototype Darts were being built, and a genuine Dart seat was actually molded around the backside of Jack Holloway. Not only was this likable and charismatic man a competent driver on the old Goodwood Speedway, but also at Killarney. He has always been a bit of a comedian, a singer of repute, and today he is also retired, spending half of his year on the Isle of Man, and the rest CD-ing in Cape Town. (If you are not familiar with CD-ing, that means coffin dodging) He is a very fit 82 years old and can hold his own with all the younger guys I know. Some of us will defiantly be celebrating with Jack and the Cape Hell Drivers.

Our next event is the Stanford Show. This takes place on the 13th March 2009 in the little town Uncle Bob van Niekerk grew up. The lady that lives in the house Bob lived in has invited the Club to come out for the day on the 14th and take a look at the old homestead. Uncle Bob and his wife will be attending on Saturday. There will be a canoe race, vintage tractor show and food stalls. I think it will be an emotional day for Bob, but going down memory lane should be special for him, especially with a few of his cars parked around the house. Let support him, it’s also a pleasant drive.

Then on the 22nd March 2009 there will be a GSM Auction party with a bring and braai at the Multicar Clubhouse in Parow North. The GSM Club will supply the salads and the wood together with dvd’s running of the shows we have had. We would like each person to bring a unisex gift of not more than R30.00 each. This will be another great day I am sure because of the super venue and great GSM people. Please support the club. We need to cockroach or is networking a better term?

On the 29th March 2009, there will be a Crankhandle Club Auto Jumble Sale at Timour Hall, in Plumstead. This is an annual event in aid of the Chaelie Campaign. This is a must for all motoring enthusiasts, because you can buy cars, books, wheels, tyres, spacers and more for old cars. Everyone except Ronnie that is.

Knysna Car Show, 2 May 2009, not as big as George, more of a local Knysna petrol head affair to raise funds for various charities such as hospice etc;… Peanuts and Rose will go down for the show on the Friday and was wondering if anyone would like to join them. They can also leave at seven in the morning like Clarry Taylor as it is a public holiday.

Finally there are two Oval track meetings at Killarney with daughters of two of our members competing. Trish Fouche is our chairman’s daughter and gives the Midget guys a tough time being 3rd in the club points at the moment. While Anneke de Beer, daughter of Dawie and Ohna, in her mini, also gives the guys a tough time lying 4th in the club points. The next two races take place on the 7th March and 18th April, so let’s support them too.

Regards
Piet