Time and tide, waits for nobody. I don’t know who said that, but it’s so true. It became very clear with the GSM Golden Jubilee, in 2007. We had more than three years to prepare and get ready, and when 2007 dawned, most of us were caught with our pants around our knees, not even nearly ready, so, let’s learn from that. Arno van der Westhuizen has just reminded us and especially Flamingo owners of the Flamingo Jubilee in 2012.

Most of our meetings are attended by a host of extremely neat Flamingos, but I know of quite a few that would like to be ready by 2012, but have a long way to go. Cheer up guys, more than two years to go, but if you don’t do a little every day, you will not be ready. It is surprising how much you can achieve by a little every day.

Arno has also bought a Dart; he calls it the “Yellow Bird”. The car comes from Gauteng, and knowing Arno it will be absolutely perfect before he brings it to any meeting. Nice to know that another original Dart has found a home with someone who really cares, Good luck Arno, I know you will enjoy your new investment.

Arno also has information about new bodies for Flamingos, not available yet, but if and when they do become available, they will be tremendous, and only available via the club to owners of cars with chassis numbers, who will destroy old bodies under club supervision. Good to know, but with fiberglass it is almost impossible not to be able to fix your exiting body, don’t just give up. More news form the Eastern Cape, Lukas van Wyk is busy with his Flaming, engine and gearbox, so it seems he will make 2012.

Sadly we have heard that Stef Steyn was on holiday in Botswana when he suddenly passed away. Our deepest sympathy to his wife Judy and his loved ones.

Ron Langfield who uses his beautiful red Flamingo almost daily has become the victim of a Mercedes driver who reversed into him, damaging his left front fender, but with his expertise that is only a small problem.

I referred to Arno’s Dart as an investment, and honestly, these little cars have become collector’s items. I believe there is someone else in PE after a Dart, but does not want to say too much as it could affect the price, and other people interested may also crawl out of the woodwork, causing him to loose out. Classic and Performance Magazine also has pictures of a Dart FOR SALE, at R100,000.00. Incidentally I can recommend anyone to subscribe to that mag as it is very interesting and refers to all the show, races and events for veteran vintage and interesting cars such as ours. They also mention that people who once owned interesting cars in their heyday, have now retired and are buying the same models they once owned and are lovingly restoring them and reliving the past, What a pleasure. It seems that quite a few GSM owners of yesteryear are now looking for GMS’s to buy.

News from the Cape, is that Franschhoek Museum is committed to a new motoring event term. The L’Ormarins 1200, which will be an event run from 27th to 31st October, rather like the Italian Mille Miglia. It will form part of the Execuline Springbok Series each year. I have it on good authority that around twenty international entries have been received, after their announcement in London. Spectating points will be at Killarney, one of the stages, and also at the Museum.

Trisha Fouche has ended the racing season in third position in the club championship and will collect her trophy on the 18 June at the annual prize giving. Congratulations Trisha.

Dates to remember:
20 June 2010 – Fathers Day at Franschhoek Motor Museum.
AGM – Multicar Club Parow – Date to be announced.
17 July 2010 – Evita se Paron – Xmas in July – Dar’t’ling

In closing, we would like to officially welcome Neville and Cynthia Lomnitz to Cape Town in their retirement. They have bought a beautiful home in Durbanville. Let’s hope they become a permanent part of our outings in their lovely Dart.

Dave Brown has been in hospital, but is out again, lets all wish him well.

JR Rousseau has bought a Flamingo from KZN, another GSM for the Cape. Many happy miles in your Flamingo JR. Ray brown is selling a Dart in Gauteng. Ronnie Roberts is back to normal after his operation so hopefully he will be operating on his GSM’s now.

Membership fees are due. R100 for single membership. R150.00 for family membership.

Birthdays in July:

1. 8th - Alan Cole.
2. 14th – Deon Smit
3. 15th – Ronnie Roberts
4. 16th – Gideon van der Westhuizen
5. 20th – Arthur Cockin.
6. 22nd – Rob Gay
7. 24th – Meegan Damant
8. 26th – Neil Arentsen
9. 29th – Zim Geldenhuys.

Kind regards and hope to see you all soon.

Piet van Niekerk