December 2020
Dear All British Day Entrant,
Since I last wrote to you back in September the ABD committee has been looking at ideas and options for celebrating our day and to fill the void left in the calendar by the postponement of the 2021 event. As COVID-19 is still very much with us, and we are still upholding our decision not to hold a physical event in 2021, you may wish to consider getting involved in one or both of the suggestions below.
Your Committee is already planning for the 2022 All British Day at Echunga along the lines of the Club-based picnic day event, and these suggestions are simply put forward as alternatives for 2021 until we resume our usual format.
We are grateful to Tony Heard, the SA Registrar of the Morgan Owners Club of Australia for his suggestion of a VIRTUAL ALL BRITISH DAY which celebrates the continuity of the event. The basic concept is that you, as British vehicle owners, take up to three photos of your pride and joy at your choice of location, with an option of penning up to 100 words and submitting them electronically to us by Friday 26 February. The entries will be presented on our website and available for all to see and will be subject to judging in one of several categories.
We are aware that a couple of clubs with British marques are already planning a run to the hills on that day for a low-key morning tea or brunch event based on the ‘park, snack and chat’ model, to acknowledge the second Sunday in February as ‘ABD day’. If you or your club decides to follow suit then such an outing could provide the ideal photo opportunity, or perhaps you might prefer a specific backdrop, it is up to you.
Entrants will need to send us an email which includes the basic information according to the rules of entry, details and categories. The photos will be judged, and we will offer prizes. The premise of the virtual day is that every entrant will have at least one of their images included as part of the website gallery, not just randomly selected vehicles as is the usual procedure for the ABD. We are not charging any fees and being totally electronic we feel it is a safe option. To the best of my knowledge this has not been tried before but we are keen to give it a go. Prizes will be in 6 categories for vehicles and 6 categories for bikes. Winners will be notified by 28 March.
If you are you are looking for something different, and more dynamic, there is another option available to you, which I would like to acknowledge our committee member, Paul Venables, for steering this option. ‘The Bend’ Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend is hosting an event called “British at the Bend” on 14 February. This is an event that will be sympathetic to British vehicles and bikes. The Bend have the appropriate Covid Management plan to allow cars and bikes to be put on display and allow public access in accordance with the current health regulations. Indoor dining or even overnight accommodation are options you may also wish to explore. The Bend organizers will make it possible for cars and bikes to do cruise laps and other track options are also possible. Even if you do not have a track-type vehicle you might like to take a run through the hills ending up at Tailem Bend and have a look around at the complex!
For more information contact enquiries@thebend.com.au or visit thebend.com.au
You may even elect to take part in both opportunities and give your car/bike a good run and take photos.
Please keep an eye on our website for new information on both of these great opportunities and stay safe! We fully expect that our postponement of the 2021 Club picnic event is a one-off, and that we will be back at Echunga with a bigger and better All British Day in February 2022.
Kind Regards
Jamie Sandford -Morgan
President All British Day