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GSM CAR CLUB OF SOUTH
AFRICA
24 October 2003
Newsletter No: 14
Hi all GSM fans
With Christmas around the corner, only sixty-four days left, this
will be your last Newsletter of 2003, unless someone else decides to
write one before the end of the year. Is that wishful thinking on my
part or what?
Our club has been rather busy of late! Lots of thank you's to be
said by Peanuts and myself. Cars at the Castle, 9th of August, were
well supported by faithful members and their beautiful cars, even
though the weather was not too good. This aspect also affected
attendance by the public, but lets hope 2004 will allow us a
sunshine day with lots more people. Hopefully we shall also have
cars then.
As mentioned in Newsletter No 13, 13th August dawned with Peanuts
giving his "GSM-talk" in the morning, at the Crankhandle Club, and
as he had to leave for P.E. where his daughter was racing Go-karts
on the 16th, I represented our club that evening, virtually
repeating the morning talk. By all accounts, their members enjoyed
what we had to relate. The early morning meeting, for the seniors
attracted a larger attendance than they have ever experienced! We
were fortunate to have Bob van Niekerk there as well and also André
Loubser who told a few stories from his memory bank. Slowly but
surely I feel we are focusing almost forgotten attention on GSM
again. This, obviously we can not do without your help, and we thank
you for your support when we ask for it! Great stuff and thanks
Guys, and Dolls.
Then came the wheels and whales at Hermanus. Again thanks to J.R.
Rousseau, Zim Geldenhuys, Trevor and Sydney, John Engelbrecht and
Louis Buys for attending, with their well prepared cars. I am sure
they also enjoyed the drive to Hermanus on a fantastic windless day.
The procession through the town was again led by a flamingo and a
dart. Once again our Chairman could not attend. Just like Thabo
Mbeki he has a lot to do in other parts of the world.
That's what's past, now what is coming. On the 1st November, the
Panorama Wiele Skou. The largest and most important event in the
country. This we cannot miss, and Hein van der Watt is in charge of
this event. Kindly support him, he needs you. Please phone him or
leave messages with Rose - 9302852. Peanuts would like to have ten
GSM cars in addition to his five collector's items Rotary Mazda's.
Following this, Ford is celebrating 85 years in S.A… at Ysterplaat
on the 8th November. That is quite a story; cause the Ford Company
is only 100 years old, proving that S.A. has been Ford-country for a
long long time. Wijnland Auto Museum has invited us to attend there
as well. Les Boshoff and Ian Loubser are involved with the
arrangements. They are expecting more than 120000 people. So space
is a problem, if they could have a Dart and a Flamingo they will be
pleased. Please contact Ian or Les on 0827729903.
The next evening on our calendar will be the Christmas party! This
will take place on the 22nd November, at the Multicar Club house in
Parow North. This is a great venue, all weather, and Rose will tell
you more about what she is organizing in her own words. I can't
wait. Lekker!
On the financial side, we don't have too much in the bank at
present, but we have ten Dart windscreens, valued at R975.00 each. A
few have been sold, the money is in the bank, one is being sent to
Canada, AND WE ARE WAITING AS FAST AS WE CAN FOR SUBS TO BE PAID FOR
2004. Dart windscreen frames have also been ordered, so have
wood-rimmed steering wheels for Flamingos. This should help our
finances considerably. We have some GSM caps left at R35.00 each,
new Dart badges, also new Dart springs.
Johan Walters is still flying our flag at Killarney in sports car
races with his indecently fast Dart. Congrats Johan. It should not
be too long before he will be joined by Peanuts with a rotary Dart,
believed to have 190 Kw at the flywheel!
Please show him the way round gently Johan. At the meeting in Bob
van Niekerks honor for his 75th birthday party at the Multicar Club
House in early in September, Peanuts was presented with an award for
all his hard work. This was a Dart trailing link he received in
recognition of not only his efforts, but the loyalty and support of
the Fouché family, which started with his father, old Foesh!!
It's a pity some members missed a great event.
The Dart screen going to Canada is for Dr.Ted Carden's Alfa Dart.
You should find photos of this green and gold car on our website.
The car is very neat and he will be racing it all over America and
Canada next year.
New members keep crawling out of the woodwork all over. Neville Rowe
from P.E. has bought the Flamingo from Sondagsrivier. In Welgemoed,
we have also made contact, via the website, with a gentleman with a
cream Dart.
Finally, your committee wishes you and your loved ones a very happy
festive season, and a prosperous new year. Thanks for your
enthusiasm and support during 2003.
Please don't forget about "Operation Gariep" in March 2004!
Yours truly,
Piet van Niekerk |