S-type Newsletter 3                           10th October 2000

A world record was achieved at Jells Park in Glen Waverley on 8^th October 2000, when the largest collection ever of Jaguar '63-'68 'S'-types gathered together at one place. This has been ratified by David Reilly, the registrar of the International 'S'-type Register, who reported that a total of nineteen 'S'-types at the Australian event has smashed the previous record.

Planning for the event started in mid June, when '67 'S'-type owner Peter Bland, contacted '68 'S'-type owners Andrew & Irina Henshall, to see if we were willing to help locate owners of 'S'-types in Victoria. After months of research, names and addresses of fifty-nine 'S'-type owners were collected, and we had determined that there was a great deal of enthusiasm amongst owners for the original, but largely overlooked 'S'-type. After writing to all owners inviting them to a picnic at Jells Park, and advertising in the JCCV CatALog, we anxiously awaited the start time to see if anyone else would turn up!

It was very heartening to see all the 'S'-types arriving, with the number growing steadily until a total of nineteen were present. Sixty people enjoyed a BBQ & picnic amongst the gums in bright sunshine (mostly). The atmosphere was buoyant, with all present thrilled at the turnout, and determined to make sure this success is repeated. There were examples of every specification of 'S'-type present, John Isaacs even brought two of his seven 'S'-types along! There are many cars undergoing full restorations at present, so some owners were forced to attend in Series 3 XJs, or even a very nice MkII! Seeing so many 'S'-types together should provide these owners with the incentive to ensure their restoration projects are finished for the next outing. Many new friends were made, and some old ones caught up with again.

Formalities were kept to a minimum with an introduction by Peter Bland followed by a presentation by Andrew Henshall of the alternatives for forming a group dedicated to the 'S'-type. Many suggestions were put forward by the group, including joining an existing car club which accepts all vehicles.

The main discussion that followed centered on the issues some owners had with joining the JCCV, and the need to be able to control our own destiny. A show of hands indicated that there was significant support for running the group as part of the JCCV.

There was also much support for maintaining affiliations with the International 'S'-type Register and copies of the latest International Register newsletter were handed to all owners present. Andrew Henshall took an assignment to investigate the possibility of forming an 'S'-type Register within the JCCV, and committed to report back to all the owners via this newsletter and include a postal vote on the alternatives.

'S'-type owners present were: John Fowler (1B53177DN), Alan Riddell (231099?), John Young, Robert Clark (1B5955BW), Rod Barry (1B1654BW), Keith Mortimer, Austin Bartolo, Bill Lee (1B52609BW), Kevin Johnston (P1B58698BW), Legh Hall (1B3600BW), Don Watt (P1B58827BW), Ross Kemp (1B51288DN), Geoff Stafford (1B4954DN), John Isaacs, Gerry Howell (1B54410DN), Melville Edwards (1B51996BW), Geoff Talbot (1B6042BW), Derek Dawkins (P1B7972DN), Graham Brookes, John Howard-Jones (1B53138BW, P1B58417BW, 1B3425DN), Tim Dean (1B4532790?), David Cervetto (P1B7845DN), Brian King, Brian Daly (1B50829DN), Chris Weir (1B51236DN), Paul Weller, Peter Bland (1B55272DN), and Andrew Henshall (P1B7530DN). Apologies for not listing partners and if we have inadvertently left anyone out.

Many 'S'-type owners have not yet returned the questionnaire we mailed out recently, and hence our records are incomplete - please get your car's details back to us! A reminder about our outing for the Teddy Bear's Picnic on November 19^th organised by the Bundoora Rotary Club to support under-privileged children. Refer to the notice handed out at Jells Park or included with this newsletter.

Our next major event is a short run to the north east of Melbourne to attend "The 14^th Annual Picnic at Hanging Rock" at Hanging Rock Reserve (6 km west of Woodend). This is a very popular event attracting more than 1000 Veteran, Vintage, Classic Cars, Street Rods, Customs, Special Interest Cars, Bikes, Commercial, and Pedal Power Vehicles. It is run by the Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club, and it is essential that we all arrive at the same time in order to be parked together. We can depart in convoy from Melbourne without using CityLink, and meet more 'S'-types at Gisborne. There is free entertainment available, with activities and displays for the whole family, but only limited food services are provided. Picnic facilities are available but are very popular. Entry is $10 per vehicle.

Time: TBA Details in the next Newsletter.

Or Meet in Gisborne: TBA Details in the next Newsletter.

Attached is a postal vote form to complete and return to us by 24^th November in the envelope provided. (Please put a stamp on the envelope to help us with costs.) We will advise the outcome of the vote in the next Newsletter. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the Festive Season, and a safe New Year touring in your 'S'-types.