THAMES VALLEY HOODS
An area group of the RHOCaR club - all things Robin Hood Kit Cars
Event Reports 2007
Christmas 2007 @ Millets Farm.
Thatcham Arts & Leisure Festival - Oct 2007
Duxford Multi-Area meet - Sept 2007
Donington Kit Car Show - Sept 2007
Turweston Aerodrome event - Sept '07
The Bull - last meeting there pub closing - Sept 2007
West London Aero Club - September 2007
Monthly meeting report - August 2007
Wheels - Aldershot - Good Friday '07
The Mince Pie Run
29th December 2007 saw, like last year, a tour of some wonderful houses around the Hook homeland of Tim and Alan Saunders. A great opportunity to take up large parts of the RHOCaR calendar once more! Grateful to Chris Brown for the photos here.
The organisation put in by Alan is considerable and much appreciated by all those that attend. Many thanks.
No doubt we'll hear more about their journeys as the thread on ROHCaR forum gather pace ..........Forum thread here.
And pictures from Graham Bowden ........
Xmas 2007 - Millets Farm.
Once again Thames Valley Hoods headed off to Millets Farm (nr. Abindon) for a sumptuous meal and good company. Considering the temperatures, more than might be expected made the journey in their Hoods - including Duncan and Dad who had travelled from Stoke-On-Trent.
There were 38 to enjoy the event and many ladies amongst us too - great news! John and Christine had toiled to build a great raffle which meant many of us left holding something unexpected and that the Air Ambulance was richer too (I think it was £38 - but I might have that confused with the attendance!).
It was my first chance to hear of Tim's mis-fortune in his GTM - best wishes for a speedy recovery for the motor Tim - all were pleased to note that your bruising is improving.
Chris and Becki presented John Peach with a collage of the year in recognition of his stirling work as our Area Secretary - our thanks to Chris and Becki for that - and repeat that with bells 
on for John's work over the year - we continue to go from strength to strength.
Happy Christmas to one and all, have a lucky 2008.
Thatcham Arts & Leisure Festival - Oct '07
A good size gathering of Hoods formed up in the 70 or so total who formed lined ranks in th ecorner of a playing field in Thatcham.
Sadly this year there was to be no parade through the town. But Graham, Graham, Dave, Dave, Steve, Pete & Danny enjoyed a good run out.
Of course we couldn't have a run out without some repairs ....... Peter, on his first Hood run out following his illness, found the reason for no side light ............... there's a lot of water running out of that light lens Pete! And I completed the run back to Northants by topping up water at Brackley with what remained of my Orange Squash! That lasted about 800 yds - got to 110degs ...... luckily the A43 has a number of water drainage pools along the new stretched by Silverstone, so a scramble over the wire and a slither down the grassy banks had me hanging over the very stagnant water filling the bottle. The colour of what came out was worrying, and the miniature wildlife in it looked very active ......... I think the 90degs on the way home will have cooked them nicely! New pipe - all sorted.
Duxford - Oct 2007
Graham Bowden was the only TVH that went along this year. He reported :-The only member of the TV Hoods to make the trip to Duxford this year. Great to meet East Hood, Northern Hood and SG7 crowd. New British hanger is a wow . Concorde is just a small exhibit on the ground floor, Helicopters and others hang from the ceilings.
Donington - Sept '07
Donington. ….. The show has been slipping in popularity and today was more evidence of why. The weather was OK if not wall to wall sunshine - but the setting was again a bit drab, given we were at a motor racing curcuit! The manufacturers put on a good show in the main hall and the stands had all the usual things sought after by the Kit Car public (I found a halogen H4 conversion kit for £19 - well happy), but outside it felt like we were fenced in by 6 foot metal rails on all sides ……..it felt that because we were.
The Westflied £10 for 2 laps was entertaining though and Spencer took a film (click here) which we’ve put on Photobucket along with photos of the day (thanks Spence!). The Zero7 does look very good and GBS are clearly trying hard to turn things around. I was smitten by the GT40 kits once again and Spencer waxed lyrical on sight of any Ultima’s!
The Hoods were in good numbers once more and were well placed in the "compound". Still surprises me that you can find no two the same. I didn't see any other TVH's there at all.
Turweston Areodrome - Sept '07
The Bull for the last time - Sep '07
After having had a chat with my mate Martin about going up to the
Donington kit car show we decided to give it a miss this year,
after we both had heard the mixed reports on the show good &
bad. I know that some of the TVH guys were going to go up &
I hope they had a good day. with the weather being so nice,
would be a shame to waste the day, we decided to make the
most of it and take Spanky and Redsumo to the last Classic
car day at the Bull Inn at Stanford Dingley, near Reading. 
The landlord of the Bull Inn has been having these classic car days
for some time, as well as being a Jaguar enthusiast. Today was his
last one as the pub is closing down soon. During the course of the
event, about 120 cars were congregated in the field at the back of
the pub, and had to overspill into the car park. there was all makes
of cars there, from a Merlin to a Aston Martin DB6, as well as
some classic motorbikes and scooters - you name it, it was there.
A fitting tribute to a great car day and the pub landlord.
Chris Newlands.
West London Aero Club
An overcast Saturday saw 11 Hoods head into the White Waltham field otherwise known as 560 acres of prime London patch - the West London Aero Club. With a typical "Douglas Barder could walk out at any moment" Clubhouse - it was a very pleasant way to spend a day. We were there in support of the Air Ambulance fund raiser and the annaul Club get together for members only - thanks to Steve for our invite to display!
The cars really looked a treat and were part of a small (50 or so) car / bike contribution for the day - the focus was of course on the aircraft - vintage, new and peculiar. There was also a gathering of model plane flyers - some of which got up to 200 mph!
The flying displays (which were frequent) were really excellent and yet were only a support role once the Spitfire and Hurricane of the British Memorial flight came into view - the commentator wisely became silent as the evocative duo passed close by overhead a number of times - thought provoking time.
The RAC made it's 
pressence felt in the shape of Jeff. "the Hurdler", who, able to make a "flying"(!) visit only , was keen to avoid the entry fee!
For more pictures - click here or here. We met Chris Round at the show - a new Hood owner.
I was really happy to be able to take Peter Ray along to the event so soon after his stroke. He's unable to drive the Hood right now - but is confident of being able to soon. Good Luck Pete!
Once more Colin brought along his Ultima to join us, it's good to have him along - it guarantees a crowd around our area! It's been a few months now and he has yet to fire up the NOS on the public road ......... only has to be a matter of time now.....
Newbury - August 2007
Graham Bowden reports from Newbury (horses only below bonnets!), "Snap of Dave Davies and I at Newbury raccourse event.
Dave James Locust in the background".
August 2007 - Montly meet.
Great display of cars ..........
What a superb evening was had at the Lambert for our August monthly get together.At last the weather played along in our favour and we a had a display of Robinhoods more worthy of a show event, than just a clubnight. The numbers of cars getting to the Lambert these days means the shift of venue was a good move and well justified.
We welcomed some new members and one revived build.- Andy ,Dave, and Darren Sewell from Long Crendon who have a 2b sliding pillar in build,
- Simon Thomas whose build has been on ice for a while but is now back on track again,
- Chris Clark and Tessa, he just bought his robinhood that very day, and we hope to see it along to the Sept meet.
- And Jon and his Dad Steve from Reading, with a 2b wishbone in build.
- Welcome to all of you, I hope you liked the meeting.
( I feel some more homecalls coming on !!! )
Uxbridge - July 2007
The Round Table of Uxbridge organise a very large AutoShow each year
in aid of charities - and Thames Valley Hoods are proud attendees. This
year armed with BBQ's and Gazeebos a plenty - most formed a convoy in
High Wycombe for the drive into the show ground. We were accompanied
by a very plush ( NOS too no less) Ultima GTR, thankfully he kept to the rear
- if we'd been asked to follow him - I think our convoy might have
dis-intergrated quickly!
Chris Newland reported :-
A great showing of TVH Robin Hoods for the Uxbridge Autoshow 07 
The heavy rain that was forecast didn't turn up 
Well just a short shower which
was all over by the time some of us had got our weather gear on 
A good day out.
(Thanks for the pictures Chris).
Terry Barry reports :-
Terry We set off on a dry road after a dry day and found ourselves on the hard shoulder of the
Excellent day out....... memo to self ....... must get round to building that Ultima with
Minty.
The Uxbridge Autoshow is one of our regular shows and is run by the Rotary Club of Uxbridge. Always a great event on our TVH Calendar. The only thing that was going to put the dampers on it (sorry!! lol) was the weather!!! Once again the Met office was up to its normal tricks of one minute its going to be a dry day the next we were in for heavy rain which never turned up apart from one odd shower This year we had three gazebos set up with bbq and a gas camping stove to cook our lunch on and make tea. We had a dozen Hoods on show covering many models from the range andmade an impressive display for an area group. During the day we were joined by several visiting hoods and were approached by a number of potential new builders and members, keen to ask questions about kit building and Robinhoods. We also had invited
Colin along with his recently completed Ultima GTR, and it certainly proved a crowd magnet to our stand, sometimes there were so much papparazzi around it you could have been excused for thinking the Beckhams had showed up.!Our allocated area was across the alley from the Lotus club,and I think we rather overshadowed them . We were also close to the Thames Valley Cobra Club with their very nice collection of cars, and that V8 burble to savour. The Show was up to its usual high standard with something for everyone and to suit all tastes. Vintage, classics, kits,American, commercial,and bikes, it was all there. There were loads of club stands with all makes and models as well as the large area of trade stands and auto jumble to look at and spend your hard earned
readies. The main arena featured displays including club parades and motorcycle stunts which drew the spectators. After a dry day, the clouds began to loom and a few spots fell,with a thundery horizon, so by mid afternoon many exhibitors were beginning to drift off. Likewise ourselves, but there was no warning of the deluge that some experienced on their way home along the M40.I hope those affected have now dried out!! Many thanks to all who came.All in all a great day out.And more pictures........
Mat-D-Rat's Homecall
What a Homecall this turned out to be! Mr Peach set us a big challenge ...... install the loom and engine/gearbox and get it working! Well on arrival Matt had installed a gazeebo due to the very heavy rain and was very welcoming - however the car looked very unfinished. Complete Kit Car reporter Ian was there to see the day unfold and indeed he was with us for many hours - so hats off to that magazine and we'll be in the September edition (available in August !).
There were about 10 of us daft enough to accept the challenge - and I know Matt plans to write a report for the RHOCaR magazine so I'll not steal his thunder here until it is published (as I'm sure it will be).
Enough for now to say a big thank you for the hospitality and the warm welcome. Next time arrange some better weather ......... fancy arranging an outdoor event in June!
Update :
......... the September issue of Complete Kit Car CKC , is in the shops next friday (17th August). I am told to expect a good article about our visit to Matts on June 30 where we did a few little ( ! ) jobs on his car to help things along. If there are any complementary copies available I will let you know...............
We did of course meet the challenge and had Matt's motor running (rather noisily) - but running - check out the second thumbnail along the front of the magazine cover.
Le Mans - June '07
Thames Valley sent four of its finest to France for the fabled 24 hour race - and week long camp! The car trouble listing includes at least most of your worse nightmares ..................
However - "the cars were all counted out of Blighty and all counted back in". The weather was not as hot as 2006 - the sun cream in use only on the journey home, and the sun brolly became just a brolly! The racing was however cracking - just as good as the company we shared. Our intinary included :-
BBQ at Dial Daves house
Dinner at Derek Bell's "local" - complete with all the photos of the stars over the years.
The Parade through the City of Le Mans by the drivers and assorted "totty".
Plus of course lots of racing ...........
And chilling out ..........
More pictures to follow - best regards Graham Mintram, Peter Ray, Tim Sauunders and Graham Bowden.
There's a problem in here somewhere...........
The Pits............
We got ourselves a Convoy, Rubber Duck ........or something like that
Waiting for Dial Dave ...............
The Encampment ..........
The Classic Le Mans Paddock
The Pits up close ............
Nightime falls ...........
We must try the Big Wheel next year ..............
Derek Bell's local ...........
Looking out over the Somme ...........thought provoking ...
Nearly found the shutter in time ! They're bloomin' quick!
Karting Battle - Thames vs South West - May 07
At last the TVH take the honours at Swindon Karting - both the TEAM prize and a clean sweep over the podium to top it all!
A big thank you to the 21 drivers who made this a great event yesterday.
The trophy changed hands at last, after two years in the hands of SWH, this time by a convincing margin of points ( 378 to 300 ) in favour of the TVH, who claimed all three podium places in what has to be one of the best finals so far. A very sporting and entertaining day out enjoyed by everyone.
Pics and more words later
Thanks again for all the fun and good banter between the two Area Groups
John.
Wheels Event Good Friday
Today was the frist event of 2007 for the TVH Hoods at the Surrey Street Rodders Wheels Day at Rushmoor arena near Aldershot Hants.
This event has been held on a Good Friday for the last 33 years.
The TVH area met at the Ely pub on the A30 at 9.15 am, seven Hoods, one Locost, one Jester and one Sumo. With me as lead car we set off on our way to the event, now was it luck or just good timing the convoy all stayed in line and together all the way from the pub to rushmoor where we had to arrive as a group to park up and display together. Once again Martin took on the role of tail gunner in the convey in his sumo just in case the snake of cars got split up (may let you up the shape end one day mate lol) When we got to the main gate of the arena I was told by one of the marshalls to hold our train of cars up for a bit while he let the PT Cruisers in from the opposite direction. Me thinking ok there may be 4 or 5 of them, turns out there were 22 of the things!!!!!
Once we were in and parked up as a group and we set about having a look around the show, meeting back at our cars at 1pm for a spot of lunch. Well what a turn out for a one day show, you name it, it was there - Hot Rods, Street Rods, Classic cars, kitcars and bikes to name but a few. Loads of trade stalls selling all sorts of things.
Towards the end of the day the TVH crew was invaded by a nice looking Morris Minor with matching trailer The weather was spot on too with a great sunny day, lets hope the rest of the TVH events for this year are like this.
Chris Newlands
Stoneleigh 07 - 5th May
The Kit Car Show of the year lived up to it's reputation again! 120 Robin Hoods on the Sunday was slightly down on last year but a great turn out and we made a proud convoy of around 12 Hoods from the Thames Valley Area. Great shame that John Peach's car was not ready for the run - fitting a 4-2-1 caused more injuries and disruption than planned!
Tim and Alan Saunders stayed overnight on Saturday and Sunday so they get the "Damp Hoody award", and GBS (Great British Sports Cars) were exhibiting some unusual ideas all based around the various Robin Hood platforms - but Tricky Dickie had the Nu-Snake - a Cobra variant showing off some of that strange titanium yellow steel - an aquired taste then.
