STERLING BRITISH MOTORING SOCIETY -- December 26, 2002

We have had quite a year at Sterling British Motoring Society, and with any luck next year will be even better.

Our group has held regular meetings on the First Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at some eatery or another. To be sure, there have been exceptions where our scheduled date conflicted with some other activity, but for the most part we have had a fine time guzzling and telling lies about our cars. Check out our mail list, our website (or, in a pinch, call Mike Razor at 859-498-8610, and he will give you the lowdown) on our planned activity.

We have also taken in a number of car shows, beginning with Louisville, moving through Cincinnati, and with Indianapolis as a finale. Others in our group traveled in ones and twos to various other events, as well. Again, the 2003 travel schedule will be available through one of the above means.

Our members have been generous in opening their homes for special meetings and parties. The Browning's entertained us late in the year with a fine poolside picnic, which gave us all a chance to admire his restorative work on a newly-acquired Spitfire. Of course, the Morton's held their "we sure hope it will be an annual" fish fry. A huge effort was obviously required to erect a tent and prepare the site. As we arrived, Danny met us with home-made marguerites. Those still conscious then enjoyed a magnificent fish fry, and plenty of side items and desserts contributed by attendees. Late in the year, Howard Gregory served cocktails and planned a scenic drive through their part of the state. Finally, Sallie and Mike Razor offered a fine Christmas party. Although your editor was unable to attend, word was that the food and drink was fantastic, and that the gift exchange was fun as always.

We also took trips to Natural Bridge and Moyers Winery for lunch and, doubtless, other places which your senile editor has managed to forget.

The year has also brought sadness, and we continue to remember Mike Razor upon the death of his mother, and Sallie Razor upon the loss of her mother. Notwithstanding these losses, we are all thankful that Gene Wills and Jimmy Browning recovered well from illnesses over the past months. It bears mentioning that both gentlemen acquired new cars over the past twelve months -- Jimmy a Spitfire to restore, and Gene a pristine TR-7. It would thus seem obvious that the purchases played a large part in the restoration of their health.

Of course, the most significant event in our club year was the Bash, traditionally held on the first weekend in May at the Springs Motel in Lexington. This gathering has grown each year, and is both enormous fun and a lot of work. Thanks go to Sallie and Mike Razor for their leadership and organization, Susan and Gene Wills for soliciting auction and other gifts, Del White for advertising and registration, Ollie McCormick and Jimmy Browning for another scenic route, and the many others who contributed food errand-running, and other work to make this event another success. We look forward to another big success in 2003. Stay tuned for details.

Sterling British has experienced an exciting year. We have been afforded many chances to fire up our cars and tour the countryside, to ogle the vehicles of others at shows, to eat many fine meals, and share information about the upkeep of our cars. More importantly, we have seen the formation of a club which has been transformed from a mere interest group into an association of persons who truly enjoy spending time with one another. Viewed from this perspective, 2001 and earlier years have been real successes, and we look forward to the future with great anticipation.

Catesby Woodford, Editor

(This article is also published in The British Marque Car Club News)