B1RMA

Mines in for the big service today interesting to see what it will cost. Although it's the 72K service mine is just over 12K don't seem to get out much these days.

Sounds good why not, I'm up Newbury way shortly so I'll call into the pub I know on that road to see what they think. I'm guessing about 12 cars?

I sent an e-mail to them stating that as far as I was aware everyone had paid. I also mentioned the fact that the our designated area had large towed trailers parked in it wasn't great either. I have not had anything since so I'm guessing it's concluded.

I've been a long term Lotus owner and have had a Lotus on and off since my first a Europa in 1974. Lotus always has, and still have real quality control issues although these days they are a lot better, when I first got my V8 Esprit a fellow owner showed me his example where it had come out of the factory with the speedo about 30 degrees out of line. Anyway the Evora 400 series are really good cars and the facelift models like the 400 look better than most cars on the road. The Evora manages a very comfortable ride with superb roadholding once on the move. A fellow Lotus Anorak has a 400 really likes it, the 430's are a bit more aggressive in the ride due to stiffer suspension so the 400 would be my choice. When one of our Lotus Anoraks brought an Evora he was trying out (when Snows (Lexus) at Hedge End had a Lotus dealership) to our monthly Hampshire meeting we found the little reflectors had fallen off the rear side and bits of trim a bit loose. And we all shook our heads and said no surprise then. Although we have all had Lotus cars for a long time we're not blinkered fan boys like some in the Lotus world. But on a twisty A road you forgot all about such things. A short time ago I sold my very large guitar collection and went and tried a McLaren 720 S fabulous car but I didn't buy it but after I decided if I were to ever buy another car regardless of budget I'd by an Evora 400.

I went to several Japfest events when it was at Castle Coombe and really enjoyed them but that was in the days when I had an RX7. There was always a big Honda NSX group and the young Japanese girls always wearing outrageous attire, I can't remember what the style is but it was cute. Always remember the Police stopping virtually every other car leaving which did put a bit of a downer on a nice day. Just a sign of the times I guess.

Just a thought, I must be a glutton for punishment but. Many years ago I lived in Newbury, there is a fantastic road between Newbury and Wantage. So it got me thinking how about September time we arrange to meet at the Chievley Services just outside Newbury, I'm not sure if this is central enough for everyone who would like to come along. But I know this road would be great for a drive out plus I know a very nice pub on the Newbury to Wantage road that may be car friendly to stop at for a bite of lunch. There is a three hour time limit at the Services but that will give us time to meet-up and go for a drive. Again I find Sunday to be best for me. What do you think?

I think it's fair to say that the payment arrangement I made with the Museum didn't work, we were supposed to pay on entry so invoicing me is out of the question because I signed up for pay on entry. I think if we do arrange another gathering I don't think we will bother with this venue again. I'll post on Pistonheads Midlands forum to find a car friendly pub.

I have no idea where the Pay Van is. Once I establish what and where it is situated I can proceed with the Museum. Thanks for the offers to pay me, let's see how it pans out with the Museum.

No don't, the Museum seem to have got it wrong and like all big disorganisations they'll try it on. I'm sure a few polite but firm e-mails will perhaps give them some food for thought. One thing's for sure if we have another gathering it won't be there. I also ticked 'Pay at Gate' in my signing of this arrangement. If they were so useless that they didn't get that then tough.

I've received this from the Museum, they seem to be a real shambles so if anyone who attended could e-mail her directly it may help. I have replied to her e-mail stating that their organisation of the event was a right sh** show and not to add insult to injury by trying to invoice me. Susan Evans <susan.evans@britishmotormuseum.co.uk> To: DAVID WILTSHIRE david.wiltshire@btopenworld.com; 28/06/23 10:27 1 Hi David Hope you are well. I spoke with my colleague yesterday who was working on the Pay Van on Sunday and he said only 3 members paid at the Pay Van. How many members turned up to the venue - just so I know how many people to invoice you for (less the organiser)? Have a good day With kind regards Susan Susan Evans Bookings Officer dd : 01926 895227 (please note new number) e : susan.evans@britishmotormuseum.co.uk British Motor Museum - Safe Spaces for safe Meetings View our Virtual Tour View our Conference Website British Motor Museum · Banbury Road · Gaydon · Warwickshire · CV35 0BJ w: britishmotormuseum.co.uk t: 01926 895300

You can't beat Savagegeese for reviews on the Lexus brand, in fact they present a very good factual programme. Unlike say Doug the Manure.

I've sent an e-mail to the Museum regarding the rather disappointing arrangements. In fact if we do another gathering we might as well meet up in that carpark where we were parked, that way we can decide whether to have a drive out to a local pub or whatever we like. As it is a more central location for most members. I'm glad most enjoyed the day, I arrived home to a worn out/burst valve on the ball-***** to the cold water tank in my loft (typical timing eh)

Just as I turned up I got a call from my wife saying our neighbour at the back of our house reported water pouring down our roof. So I told her her to turn the water off and call British Gas emergency service. It would appear that my efforts to book us into the Museum have gone pear shaped. I will call them Monday to find out how this happened. Hope you all had a good time.

Just to confirm the details of this gathering, here is the e-mail from the Museum. Looking forward to meeting forum members and of course those invited through social media. Just to confirm it's £10 per person if you want to visit the Museum and get access to the room they have provided. Please note the error in the e-mail it's Sunday 25th at around 11 o'clock for us. There is a big Ford meeting that I wasn't aware of so we will see if it is a pain for us this time. If it is, the next gathering we organise a meeting at this venue I'll be sure to check if any other marques have the date we would like. But I suspect as we won't be a big crowd we'll probably have little say in the matter. Dear David Thank you for your booking and I have placed your meeting in the Boardroom. On Sunday 26 June we have the Ford National Show taking place so it will be very busy onsite so you may have to queue to get onsite, if you can ask your delegates to park to the rear of the venue on the Western Arena marked 6 on the site map attached. You will be able to receive 20% off any refreshments in the cafe using your 20% discount car club stickers which will be given to you on arrival which will also give everyone complimentary access into the Museum. Alternatively I can arrange to have catering/refreshmetns served to the room although this will be more expensive and you will not receive the discount - please let me know. Have a good evening

The plan is to start turning up at 11, there is a big Ford Meeting at the week-end so I guess by 11 most of the queue to get in will have diminished.

No problem it's just over 2 hours from where I live. One of the reasons it was decided to hold it at this venue was because the last one was very South of England in it's location and a lot of potential attendees may have been put off. Hopefully after the event we can have a poll to decide if this more central location suits a wider group.

I've quoted the name of Lexus F owners so I guess that will be good enough. We have the use of a room too if it gets too hot or rains, I guess they will identify/label it for us to find.

When I filled out the booking form there were various options, one was they would invoice me after the event or pay as you arrive. So I chose the pay on entry option as I didn't want to be chasing people for the money after the event. It eliminates the 'that event was crap mate I'm not paying for it' scenario.

No I think you have covered it all, I don't have a problem with non RCF owners turning up if they make the effort to come along. I had arranged for payment at the gate but that included entry to the Museum and the use of a room if we want it. If you just want to hang around our cars I guess it's free.

Please do, it's getting near the date so I guess we need to firm up who's coming.

Have we any idea of the numbers coming to this? Did it get posted on Facebook etc. Just asking.

I'd have thought by around 11 most of the people attending would already be there, I could be wrong but it's a bit late to change now. Next time we'll have the benefit of knowing what the place is like and perhaps know what's what with the place. I know when we all went to the Beaulieu event so many years ago we queued for ages. It's what we are good at in this country.

Perhaps if the first person who turns up could find a quiet section of the area they could 'stake' it out for us, that would be great.

I just filled out the form for when I thought maybe some early arrivals may get there. I'm leaving home at 9 which hopefully should get me there just after 11 provided I can get a clear journey and keep a leisurely pace.

Hope not, I guess compared to the Ford numbers we may find ourselves squeezed into no mans land somewhere out the back but I guess it doesn't matter.