How did THAT happen? December has come roaring around again, and as usual caught me short. No Christmas decorations up yet despite the plethora of houses in the vicinity clearly getting into the spirit, a long to-do list of presents to buy and a hyperactive puppy waiting to destroy the tinsel…

On the upside, I’m managing to avoid the smoke of Sydney by being in Melbourne at the moment!

Last weekend we had the CLA Christmas Party and AGM. The AGM was dispatched fairly promptly and minutes will be circulated shortly. The essence is that you are lumped with me for another year, the committee has agreed to stand again (and my eternal thanks to them all for their continued great efforts), and we’re in a strong financial position.

Following the AGM, we tucked into the excellent picnic Tom had so kindly organised, and before we knew it it was home-time, having shared some lovely conversations.

My key objective for 2020 is to get some more social events organised. So, if anyone fancies hosting us in their shed or joining a run somewhere, let me have your ideas.

Next year promises to be fun on the motorsport front. After a successful couple of shakedown sessions with the Elite (at the Wakefield 25th and the HSRCA Summer Festival), I think we know what needs doing before Phillip Island in March. And with a following wind I’ll get the Eleven back all shiny and new.

Of course the Elan continues to be the most delightful weekend car (particularly now that I’ve sorted out the suspension and cured an oil leak or two!) and I really need to bring the Elise out of hibernation more often in 2020. And who knows, Gidget might get an airing once I cure the oil leak on the rear axle!

Right, better let Tom have this. May I take the chance to thank you all for another fun year, and to wish you all a wonderful, fun and family-filled Christmas, and a happy and successful New Year.

Until we meet in 2020, keep it safe, upright and (generally) on the black stuff.

Pip pip,
Ashton