STERLING BRITISH MOTORING SOCIETY -- September 15, 2002

Strange that your editor has little or no problem in meeting the British Marque deadlines during the snowy, cold weather, but cannot seem to find the time to do so during the driving season. Perhaps it is that during the summer we can actually do the things we can only dream of during the cold weather months.

In any event, Summer is plunging toward its bittersweet conclusion, although judging from the current heat and aridity one would think that it will last forever. In any event, the sunshine and rain-free skies has encouraged the frequent use of our British cars. Although the landscape is largely brown instead of green, we are nevertheless favored with plenty of sunshine and country roads. I have personally terrorized grazing livestock, sleeping dogs, and birds ignorant of my passage. My engine has deposited quantities of valuable oil on Kentucky's roads, and the over-rich exhaust emissions have caused paroxysms of coughing amongst those who have been foolish enough to observe my passage.

Aside from my personal raving, the Sterling British bunch has been busy. A good collection of vehicles (and drivers) attended the Louisville show in early June, ate a fine lunch, and made it back home without incident. Then, the Browning's hosted us for our June meeting with an outstanding outdoor cookout; the crowd was sizeable, the food excellent as always, the weather terrific, and the company convivial. It's hard to imagine a better way to spend an evening.

In July, a number of members attended the big event in Cincinnati. Although your editor is too senile to recall the number involved, we managed a group picnic under the trees, and took a good deal of time to observe and admire the many cars around us. Regrettably, we were not able to muster a crowd for the Dayton event, but our group has traveled here and there for various other events.

On Saturday, September 7, Debby and Danny Morton hosted what we fervently hope will turn out to an annual affair -- a fish fry at their house. Danny welcomed us with frozen marguerites and other drinks, and then proceeded to fry up enormous quantities of fish and hushpuppies. All of this, accompanied by contributions from other members, made for a truly memorable meal for the sizeable group in attendance. We talked late into the night beneath a large tent, with torches burning to keep away the mosquitoes. By the time we staggered home, we had consumed far too much food and drink, but all had a wonderful time. Many thanks to the Morton's for going to all of this trouble.

The Club also took in a baseball game in Lexington, which involved special parking and food. Although your editor had foolishly booked something else that weekend, all involved reported a great evening. Thanks to Susan Wills for putting this event together for us.

Otherwise, we have all paid attention to our British cars in one sense or another -- and I hope that I've got it all correctly -- Jimmy and Irene Browning are rebuilding a Spitfire from the frame up; Del White has put a good coat of paint on his MGB; the Dahlstrom's have purchased a new/old Mini (and Ross Melton has joined the group with a new Cooper S; and Susan and Gene Wills have added a TR-7 to their stable. The rest of us just mop the oil off the floor and try to explain to our spouses why our clothing smells like gasoline.

Thank goodness we have a couple of months before winter sets in. Plans include attendance at the Indianapolis Show on the part of at least two or three couples; a road rally to be hosted by Paul Dolloff; perhaps an autumn run into the mountains; and meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM at various eateries in this part of the country.

Our group continues to grow, and we are grateful for all the new members. Remember that we will meet all year, and that there is no reason for us to ignore our British interests merely because of cold weather.

Catesby Woodford, Editor

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