It may be a bit early for this, but................

[David Baldock]

Given the success we've enjoyed with our displays at Silverstone & Brands Hatch this year does anyone agree, as next year is the 50th anniversary of the Lotus Cortina, that it might be a good idea for 2013 if we extend our activities to include the other historic festivals at Donnington & Oulton Park?

Dave B

[Simon G]

I don't see any reason why not Dave but it would depend on when these events were taking place, entry costs etc and whether any other members would be willing to help organise.

Simon

[David Baldock]

I suppose the agm would be the place to discuss it, so maybe the idea could go in the 'ways to celebrate 50 years of the Lotus Cortina' bin?

I would certainly be willing to undertake some of the organising.

Dave B

[Andy M]

Hi Dave and all,
Its never to early and this has all been discussed at the last 2 AGM's and subsequent committee meetings as a way of raising our profile for the forth coming 50th! Just incase the members think these things just happen a week before the event by themselves we have been making moves and planning for 2 years!
2 years ago the LCR has become a member of Silverstone (this is so we can get discounted tickets etc) and get our foot in the door!
I have been in discussion with Classic Team Lotus for a tour and talk on past ventures.
I have made contact with Sir John Whitmore who has expressed an interest and has said if we have a competative car he will drive for us at an event as well as giving us stories and anecdotes of his time with the Cortina(not I hasten to add anything similar to his talk recently at Stratford!!)
Goodwood revival was also targeted but unfortunately they will not accept MK2's
Chomondeley Pageant of Power again we made an attempt at a showing with the idea again to get our foot in the door!

Unfortunately we have been without an events co-ordinator for over 3 years which falls on my shoulders to sort out, but as you saw over the weekend Simon has stepped up to the plate and done a fine job. I have no problems with anyone wanting to continue with what I have put in place I have enough to do with the General Secretary role!

Andy M

[David Baldock]

Sorry Andy. I'm not aware of what has been discussed before but I am aware of how tirelessly our committee works for our club. It just occured to me that Silverstone, Brands, & Oulton Park, in our 50th anniversary year, are the circuits the Team Lotus cortinas raced at with such success in the sixties & this is where most people's memories (in my experience)of our cars tend to live. I'm not sure about cortinas at Donnington but it is centrally located so maybe members up that way could enjoy a weekend there in the way we did down South did at Brands recently)
I didn't mean to imply that you havn't already considered it, just thought I'd throw the idea into the hat.
As I said. I would be happy to help with organizing/co-ordinating for any of these locations should the situations arise.
For my own part it is my intention to attend all four meetings in our 50th year.
Maybe someone could remind me if Team Lotus cortinas did race at Donnington or, indeed, did the circuit close down for a while?

Regards.

Dave B

[Andy M]

Hi Dave,

No its ok I know you did'nt!

I was just letting everyone know that just because we don't shout about it it does'nt mean we are not trying to get things together.
That way if it all goes tits up then you hav'nt let anyone down because they did'nt know about it in the first place!

I am gratefull for any assistance or ideas and I am pretty much available at all times to discuss.
Can you imagine the amount of correspondance Simon and I have had behind the scenes over the last 3 months!
Anyone who wants to organise an event or has some ideas do not think you will be alone we are there to back you up.

However on the otherhand, with events, it still amazes me that we can have something organised months in advance and let everyone know by way of the forum or in the QB. Then when you think you have done everything come Saturday morning when you are packing your tent for a long trip up or down the country you still get a phone call or email asking "is there's anything on tommorrow" and "can I have tickets"??
You then stop what you are doing make calls or emails chasing someone that may have spares and then arrange for the member to pick them up on the gate. You then are constantly looking over you shoulder for them all day and they don't even bother to turn up and don't even have the curtesy to inform you!!

That's just a small pitfall there aren't any others!!!

Anyone who wants to air their ideas or thoughts can come along to the AGM in November we don't bite, except on a full moon!

Regards

Andy M

PS. Dave, don't forget Crystal Palace, Snetterton and Aintree!
There was also talk of a solely Cortina Race at Silverstone like the E Types did last year but the talk was it can't fit in with the U2TC calendar. Geoff was sort of looking into it but I think he's drawn a blank

PPS. Where would the best area be that could attract the most cars? I would put an event on the Moon if I thought 100 cars would make it. Do you think we can make 50 cars at an event next year? The E Types had 887 parading at Silverstone, now there's commitment for you!!!!!

[Simon G]

Well done Dave for offering to help organise the club's presence at an event next year. I think it's great that other members are willing to get more involved. Andy's right though - it is a lot of work but it can be very enjoyable if it all goes well. In terms of whether we can get 50 cars to an event next year, I think that is definitely possible. If Battlesbridge hadn't clashed with Brands this year, we could have had 32 cars for the National Day. There's other cars out there being restored and awaiting completion (including mine!) and with a bit of encouragement I am sure there are lot's of other members who we could persuade to attend.

Simon

[David Baldock]

Hi Andy & Simon.

I was really thinking of the possibility of repeating the Brands experience next year at the circuits that promote a major Historic Festival. That's Brands, Silverstone, Donnington & Oulton Park. For me, all of our cars were created so Ford could go racing. So showing them at a major race meeting is what made Brands so special. I don't think any of the other circuits do one??? As you say Andy, Crystal Palace is another but we're already succesfully esconced there.
I suppose it's always a gamble but it seemed to me that the majority of cars displayed at Brands were fairly local. Who traveled the farthest to get there? (Was it you Simon)? So the other meetings would hopefully drag other clans out?
I know it doesn't do much for you poor sods in the South West, there's Castle Combe, but do they hold any historic meetings? I don't think they do.
Anyway Andy. If I can be involved, maybe we can chat about it if I go up to the next West London pub meet.

Regards.

Dave B

[Simon G]

You're right Dave - most people who attended came from the south or south east. For me it was about 140 miles from Norwich but I think Will Payton would have travelled much further than that.

Simon

[David Baldock]

Maybe we should give a prize. A 'I'd rather be driving my lotus cortina' sticker?