STERLING BRITISH MOTORING SOCIETY -- May 19, 2004

Another Bash has come and gone, sadly, but what a terrific time we had!

Once again, we were threatened by weather on both Friday and Saturday, and once again, we managed to dodge the bullet. Despite forecasts for a rainy Saturday which would have made our ride miserable, the elements held off and we were afforded a splendid view of the Bluegrass Countryside, from horse farms, to the historic Cane Ridge shrine, to an enormous commercial greenhouse, and finishing with the Kentucky Horse Park, Headley-Whitney Museum, and the aviation museum. A good trek, indeed. Thanks as always to Ollie McCormick, Jimmy Browning, and Howard Gregory for putting together another fine tour of this beautiful region.

Otherwise, we were once again greeted by what I truly believe is the best hospitality room of any event in recorded history — automotive or otherwise: sumptuous food, complimentary drinks, and a registration table manned attended by the Dahlstrom's, Kevin Terry and others forgotten by your senile editor.

The Springs Hotel remains the place of choice for this gathering, not only because of the free hospitality room, but because of the very close proximity of rooms to our cars and the segregated area available to our group. Some even reported remodeled rooms — an unexpected and welcome bonus. This venue offered a unique chance to mingle with aficionados from throughout the region, and swap stories, tales, and even occasional advice.

Saturday night once offered the traditional Derby party and auction. Although yours truly was not able to attend, reports are that this event went swimmingly as always, thanks to the assistance of the Razors and, doubtless, others as well.

Our new club rules place responsibility for the Bash on our vice-president, Kevin Terry. Despite the challenges presented by a newborn, Kevin rose magnificently to the occasion — many thanks to him for his leadership. Although his duties were countless, Paul Dolloff notes that Kevin dealt with the database of mailing addresses, secured handout bags and materials, designed the flyer, updated the website, made name badges, secured trophies, coordinated with the hotel, signed up new club members, took pictures, oversaw the car show, and did many other things which we have taken for granted. A big job, performed magnificently.

There are others as well. Given my proclivity for forgetting the time of day if not reminded, I am grateful to President Paul Dolloff for his email thanking Del White for supplying the mailing list, Carryl and Ed Howell for mailing the flyer and attending to the hospitality room, the Razors for obtaining dash plaques and goodie bags and, more importantly, for their guidance in this our first year without them at the helm; Karen and William Rowe for supplying the chase/break-down vehicle (which we apparently did not need!) and auction item; Jimmy Browning for his good stewardship of our funds; Peggy and Bill Dahlstrom's for their work at the registration and general presence throughout the event; Debbie and Danny Morton for their hospitality room help and for Danny’s outstanding liquid concoctions; the many who contributed to the wonderful food; to Tammy and Vernie from the Springs Inn, and the multitude whose names have, regrettably, been forgotten.

A census of car events is difficult because of their fluid nature: cars come and go, folks wander it without a British vehicle in tow, some register and some do not, and some attend for one day rather than both. Despite this difficulty, Kevin Terry advises that there were 49 registered cars (with at least a half dozen not registered) and 90 registered attendees — not bad for our little group. The Bash is our Club’s only principal fund-raising activity, and the revenues generated are used throughout the year to meet various expenses as they arise. Since we are a non-profit group, the more important mission is to acquaint others Britophiles (?) with our club and what it does. As a direct or indirect result of the Bash, we welcome new members Aaron Greenberg and Jill and Van Kirk; and we note with appreciation the others who chose this occasion to renew their membership.

The great thing about the Bash is that it is merely a kickoff for other fine events throughout the year. Be reminded that we continue to meet on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM at Graham’s Grill (Old Silo golf course), in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. During the warm weather months, we also embark on a trek every third weekend. The most recent such journey was to Blue Licks Battlefield and State Park, a journey sponsored by Mike Rowe and Howard Gregory.

Fire up the old car, drive about the countryside, and participate in all our activities.