2015 Event Images
EAST MIDLANDS BREAKFAST MEET - 26th DECEMBER 2015
The final 2015 club Breakfast meet took place on Saturday 26th December at Donington. This and all our many other regional breakfast meets became very popular thorughout 2015 so why not come along and join us at any one of them in 2016. We would love to have you there.
SOUTH WEST BREAKFAST MEET - 19th DECEMBER 2015
The final South West Breakfast meet of 2015 took place on Saturday 19th December at the Fleet Air Arm Museum. A great end to the year for this region.Well done to everyone involved.
XKEC CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT THE AV8 CAFE
12th DECEMBER 2015
Members gathered together for the annual christmas celebrations at the AV8 Cafe in Cirencester. With everyone dressed in their Christmas jumpers they all had a great time. Thanks to everyone who attended.
SOUTH EAST CHRISTMAS DINNER
12th DECEMBER 2015
The XKEC Chairman gathered together a number of members to celebrate the festive season and the end of another great year for the club. The dinner was held at THE HILLTOP restaurant in Wrotham, Kent. An enjoyable evening of food and dancing was had by all. Thanks to everyone who attended.
SOUTH WEST CHRISTMAS DINNER AND CHEDDAR GORGE DRIVE
5th-6th DECEMBER 2015
Member Robert Sparey gathered together a large number of members and their partners at the XKEC SW Christmas bash which was held at the Double Tree Cadbury House Hotel & Spa in Bristol. Comprising a country house dating back to 1790, members enjoyed a Black-tie evening with full entertainment and overnight accommodation.
This was followed the next morning by a leisurely drive through the Cheddar Gorge. Well done to Rob and his wife Tina for arranging such a special occassion for our members.
SOUTH EAST BREAKFAST MEET - 5th DECEMBER 2015
The last South East Breakfast meet of the year took place on 5th December at the Toby Carvery in Badgers Mount, Kent.
All the members joined in the Christmas spirit by wearing Christmas jumpers and even Santa turned up in his XK with present sack and "I wish it could be Christmas Every Day" blasting out on his CD.
Prizes were handed out to those with the most extravagant jumpers and breakfast as ever was a joy.
27th SEPTEMBER 2015 - KENT COASTAL DRIVE TOUR
South East members gathered together for a XKEC Kent Coastal Drive Tour. Meeting up at Chatham Dockyard, members then drove through some well know Kent towns, villages and landmarks. These included a picnic at Reculver Towers (Nr Herne Bay), then moved on through Birchington, Westgate, Margate, Broadstairs and a visit to Walmer Castle in Deal. We then went on through Dover before finally finishing up at Biddenden Vineyard for a evening Ploughmans lunch and wine tasting session. A great day was had by all and with some fantastic weather as well.
26th SEPTEMBER 2015 - FLEET AIR ARM MEET
A nice gathering of members at the regular monthly Fleet Air Arm meet.
26th SEPTEMBER 2015 - EAST MIDLANDS BREAKFAST MEET
A gathering of members at our very popular East Midlands Breakfast Meet at Donington Park.
23rd SEPTEMBER 2015 - XKEC FORUM CELEBRATES ITS 250,000th POST
At 20.55pm on Wednesday 23rd September 2015 XKEC member Jim Stuart posted our forums 250,000th message.
Initially created back in November 2004 this is a milestone acheivement so well done to Jim and also to everyone else who has contributed over the years.
13th SEPTEMBER 2015 - HOME COUNTIES LUNCH
Home Counties Regional Officer Ian Pemberton gathered together a few members for his regular monthly meet in Baldock. Well done Ian.
12th SEPTEMBER 2015 - GREAT YARMOUTH WHEELS FESTIVAL
Member Tony Stacey arranged a display of members cars at the Great Yarmouth Wheels Festival. Six cars were on display in a very prominent position on the seafront at this popular seaside location.
5th SEPTEMBER 2015 - WINGS AND WHEELS
Lincolnshire Regional Officer Barry Wood gathered together some members to attend the Wings & Wheels event at Averham, nr Newark in Nottinghamshire. On the way to the event members stopped for tea at Kelham Hall.
5th SEPTEMBER 2015 - SOUTH EAST BREAKFAST MEET
Another great turn out of cars at our latest SE breakfast Meet. This meet takes place every 1st Saturday of each month at the Toby Carvery in Badgers Mount, Kent.
19th AUGUST 2015 - MIDLAND AIR MUSEUM
Member Richard Green invited members along to a visit to the Midland Air Museum. This small museum provided the opportunity for members to sit inside the cockpit of some old fighter planes and even climb inside a Vulcan Bomber.
16th AUGUST 2015: SOUTH WEST BREAKFAST MEET
16 XK's turned up for the latest South West Breakfast Meet. Well done to all those who attended.
8th-11th AUGUST 2015: NEW FOREST TOUR
Regional Officer Peter Simpson very kindly arranged a New Forest Tour for members which ran straight on from the Show & Shine event at Beaulieu. Members convoyed along some delightful roads with enchanting views throughout the forest and its surrounding heathland.
Members visited Breamore House on the Sunday and then on the Monday they enjoyed another morning drive before arriving at Buckler's Hard. As you can see from the picture below members were given privileged parking at the top end of the village street itself. Well done Peter and all those who attended.
8th AUGUST 2015: SUMMER SHOW & SHINE
What a great day we had at our annual national Summer, Show & Shine event at Beaulieu Motor Museum.
A record attendance of 106 XKs were displayed at this show which was a great achievement along with some wonderful weather as well.
A huge congratulations go to the following trophy winners...
Best X100 - Peter Simpson
Best X150 - Alan West
Best F-TYPE - Terry and Natalie-Anne
Best of Show - Paul Aldridge (X100)
2nd AUGUST 2015: HELMINGHAM FESTIVAL
A great turn out of 22 cars proudly displayed on our club stand at this popular annual event. With hundreds of cars on display throughout the day along with trade stands and other attractions this event is not one to be missed. Thanks to everyone who joined us on the day.
1st AUGUST 2015: SOUTH EAST BREAKFAST MEET
The XKEC South East members once again met up for another very enjoyable Breakfast Meet, this time at the Toby Carvery in Badgers Mount, Kent. A very hearty breakfast along with some superb company made the meet all the more welcome. Come along to our next one on 5th September, same place at 09:30.
24th-26th JULY 2015: SILVERSTONE CLASSIC
The XKEC once again had a great turnout of cars despite some uneasy weather over the weekend. The 25th anniversary Silverstone Classic raced and rocked from dawn ‘til dusk with legendary
Formula One machinery, iconic Group C cars, a plethora of touring car heroes and Status Quo providing flat-out entertainment for a record-breaking crowd.
The on-track thrills ‘n’ spills were enjoyed by a record single-day crowd, putting the event well on-track to break through the 100,000 barrier over the weekend for the first time in its
quarter-century history.
25th JULY 2015: SOUTH WEST BREAKFAST MEET
Another great turn out of XK's for this ever growing popular monthly meet. This time members were also given permission to take the XKs on the runway to have a photoshoot next to the venue's Harriers.
5th JULY 2015: BASTON CAR SHOW
Lincolnshire Regional Officer Barry Wood gathered together some members for the Baston Car Show in Lincolnshire. The weather was kind and the mix of vehicles and stands was excellent - a good turn out for a village fare. Everyone had a great day out and will be one to put on the calendar for 2016.
3rd JULY 2015: LONDON CRUISE NIGHT III
Member Nigel Tyrell once again organised a superb evening cruise tour around the streets of London at this popular annual XKEC event. Taking in numerous London landmarks along the way members ended the evening with some well earned refreshments. Thank you to all those who attended.
27th JUNE 2015: JAGUAR SUPER SATURDAY
80 iconic Jaguar cars were on display on Saturday outside the Coventry Transport Museum. This annual event had a superb display of Jaguar Heritage cars that spanned over 86 years. £1,225 was raised during the day for Air Ambulance so well done to organisers and members Malcolm and Annie Humphries.
20th JUNE 2015: SOUTH WEST BREAKFAST MEET
A good gathering of members at the South Breakfast Meet at the weekend which took place at The Arundell Arms in Lifton, Devon. Great turn out - well done everyone.
17th JUNE 2015 : XKEC WALES TOUR VIDEO RELEASED
Member Peter Braybrooke has put together this superb video of our clubs recent North Wales Tour - thank you Peter.
7th JUNE 2015: UPDATE - XKECs FIRST EVER HONORARY MEMBER IS ANNOUNCED
Further to our earlier annoucement below Tony was awarded his XKEC Honorary Membership today (see photo) in front of his South East fellow members at our club display at Bromley Pageant. Congratulations Tony.
"It is with great pleasure that we announce long term member Tony Morley as our first ever club Honorary Member. Tony has been a FULL member of the XKEC since 2005 and his endless support and commitment to the club has been second to none. Awarded the XKEC "Clubman of the Year" award back in 2009 Tony is still very much a very popular and respected member of the club having attended many events over the years and becoming one of the major contributers to the forum. I am sure i speak on behalf of everyone when i say a big congratulations to Tony, there is no better deserving individual." MARK GREGORY
6th JUNE 2015 : INAUGURAL SOUTH EAST BREAKFAST MEET
Our first ever South East Breakfast meet went off very well indeed with 19 cars attending. Members enjoyed a full english breakfast with teas/coffees in our own private conservatory at the Grasshopper Inn in Westerham, Kent. We was also blessed with good weather as well. Below are a few photographs.
This meet will take place every 1st Saturday of each month at The Grasshopper Inn, so why not come along next month and join us.
31st MAY 2015: LE TOUQUET GATHERING
Some members gathered together on 31st May for a lunch and drive around Le Touquet in France. Many thanks goes to member Cyrille Pillett for all his organisation in arranging this gathering of XKEC and French XK owners. See video of event below.
31st MAY 2015: BOMBAY SAPPHIRE DISTILLERY VISIT
South Central Regional Officers Kevin and Soraya took members on a visit to the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery in Whitchurch, Hampshire. Members got to see the renovated old Mill and went behind-the-scenes of the unique Vapour Infusion distillation process before enjoying a drink in the Mill Bar.
24th MAY 2015: DEAL CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW
Lovely weather and a great array of cars were on display at this event. Our club stand brought in much attention at this superb beachside location Picnics, music and much laughter were the call of the day.
24th MAY 2015: GAYDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Members enjoyed a visit to the Gaydon Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire on 24th May 2015. Despite the occasional drizzle, there was still much to see in the museum.The XKEC secured the finest pitch in the show, right outside the museum entrance.
23rd MAY 2015: SOUTH WEST BREAKFAST MEET
The latest breakfast meet for our South West members took place on Saturday 23rd May 2015 at Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton. Another great day was had by all.
16th MAY 2015: XKEC 2014/15 "CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR" ANNOUNCED
As usual at our annual national GROWLER event we announce the winner of our clubs prestigious "Clubman of the Year" award.
I am pleased to announce that this year the award went to member and West Midlands Regional Officer Peter Simpson for his endless commitment and support in promoting the club and bringing members much enjoyment through both the forum and arranging many local regional events. His efforts in also writing many articles for the club magazine, especially his book reviews as well as his continuous effort to tag and spot other XKs whilst out and about on his journeys were very much appreciated. Well done Peter.
16th MAY 2015: 153 XKS ON DISPLAY AT A VERY SUNNY GROWLER XII
We had a fantastic turnout of 153 XKs at our GROWLER XII event at Warwick Castle. Shown below are just some of the photos taken at the show. Trophies were awarded for a number of categories and many congratulations to all those who won. A big thank you goes out to all those who attended including the car owners, company stands, and anyone else who simply came along to view our cars.
We now look forward to seeing many more of you next year at our very special XK 20th Anniversary celebration GROWLER XIII event. Keep your eyes peeled for that one!
XK CONVOY TO GROWLER XII
This picture was taken on Saturday 16th May by those who met up to convoy into our GROWLER XII event. The 26 car convoy were members travelling from the Western Shires/SouthWest Midlands/Somerset/Wilts and M5 areas.
The convoy met up at the Market Square at Moreton-in-Marsh before taking on the 23 mile run in to Warwick Castle. Well done guys.
9th MAY 2015 : AV8 MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEET
This ever growing and popular monthly meet gathered together a number of attendees today including two F-TYPEs amongst all the XKs.
6th MAY 2015 : MEMBER TOURING UK IN HIS XK8 - UPDATE
Further to my earlier article below John has has now completed his round the UK tour. Since leaving Penryn in Cornwall on 16th April:
- Total distance covered 3353 miles
- Average fuel consumption 24.0 m.p.g.
- Total fuel cost £736.
- Average Speed 35.0 m.p.h.
APRIL 2015 : MEMBER TOURING UK IN HIS XK8
Member John Balkwill has recently retired and thought there was no better time for him to undertake a mammoth tour of the UK in his 2002 XK8 convertible.
Having left Cornwall on the 16th April he has already driven up to Bristol across the Seven Estuary to Chepstow then on through the Wye Valley to Monmouth. He then followed this with a visit to Wales and scenic drive through the Brecon Beacons.
He left Wales on the 20th and headed through the Midlands and Peak District to Leeds and Harrogate, then through the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Lake District National Park. He has
already joined up with member Ter Ironside in Stirling and gone up to the Island of Skye, where he met up with another member Richard Dorrell.
After that he's going right up to the top of Scotland along the Durness to John O'Groats road before heading back down south again via Ardgay, Banff, Aberdeen, Balmoral, Dundee, Durham, Hull, and on
down to London before heading west again for Cornwall in early May.
His whole route will cover more than 3000 miles. The whole tour will be reported on in more detail in the club magazine. Have a great tour John, exactly what the XK was made for, grand
touring.
2nd MAY 2015 : XKEC/VIEZU OPEN DAY
Members recently visited Viezu's new 6000sft workshop in Bidford on Avon in Warwickshire. Members tried out their cars on the 3000bhp rolling road, diagnostics and emission testing machines, as well as getting their XKs inspected. Thank you to Paul Busby and his Viezu team.
24th-28th APRIL 2015 : AMSTERDAM TOUR
Yet another tour over and one very well planned by Regional Officer Ken May. Well done Ken and to all those who attended.
25th APRIL 2015 : EAST MIDLANDS MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEET
Members of the East Midlands region gathered together for their latest breakfast meet at Donington.
25th APRIL 2015 : SOUTH WEST MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEET
South/South West members got together for yet another breakfast meet at the Fleet Air Arm museum in Somerset. All attendees got to finally see the "Yellow Peril "(see below).
APRIL 2015 : YELLOW PERIL GROWLS
Member Robert Sparey has just had his X100 coupe fully modified. Well known within the club as "Yellow Peril " his XKR has been an ongoing project but one that he is now looking forward to enjoying. See more pictures HERE of Rob's car and other modified XK's.
APRIL 2015 : NORTH WALES TOUR
Members of the XKEC recently attended their 2015 North Wales Tour kindly organised by Regional Officer Peter Simpson. Everyone had a great time and what's more, they even encounted some lovely weather along the way.
XKEC AV8 BREAKFAST MEET - 11th April 2015
Our latest monthly AV8 breakfast meet was once again a huge success with lots of members turning up for a very hearty breakfast.
SOUTH/SOUTH WEST BREAKFAST MEET - 28th MARCH 2015
Another great turnout of members at this ever growing monthly meet at Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton.
EAST MIDLANDS BREAKFAST MEET - 28th MARCH 2015
Another great turnout of members at this ever growing monthly meet at Donington.
XKEC INAUGURAL SCOTTISH MEET - 22nd MARCH 2015
XKEC Member Ter Ironside gathered together a number of XK Owners for the first ever Scottish Meet. It took place on 22nd March 2015 at The Gyle in Edinburgh. Strangely enough all the XKs attending were blue? Well done Ter, let's hope you have many more.
XKEC LINCOLNSHIRE MEET - 21st MARCH 2015
Regional Officer Barry Wood rallied up some members for a get together at the Aviation Heritage Centre at Spilsby in Lincolnshire on Saturday 21st March 2015. A good turn out of members. Well done Barry and all those who attended.
AV8 BREAKFAST MEET - 14th MARCH 2015
Another great turnout of members at this very popular monthly meet.
SHELSLEY WALSH BREAKFAST MEET - 8th MARCH 2015
A few XKEC members attended the Shelsley Walsh Breakfast meet on Sunday 8th March where a number of other cars were on display.
EAST MIDLANDS BREAKFAST MEET - 28th FEBRUARY 2015
Members got together at Donington again on Saturday 28th Feb for the monthly East Midlands Breakfast meet.
SOUTH WEST BREAKFAST MEET - 28th FEBRUARY 2015
A gathering of some South West XKEC members took place at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton on 28th February 2015. Another good turnout.
INAUGURAL WESTERN SHIRES BREAKFAST MEET - 28th FEBRUARY 2015
Member Alan Jan-Janin organised a 'trial' Saturday morning Breakfast Meeting on Saturday 28th February 2015 and it went down very well indeed. The meet took place at The Beckford Inn, east of Tewkesbury where members enjoyed a typical buffet style menu.
INAUGURAL LINCOLNSHIRE BREAKFAST MEET - 21st FEBRUARY 2015
New Lincolnshire Regional Officer Barry Wood held his first ever meet on 21st Feb at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre in Spilsby, Lincolnshire. Well done Barry, its at least got the ball rolling for members in and around that area.
Another good turn out of members, this time on Valentine's Day at the AV8 Cafe in Cirencester in Gloucestershire for another one of our ever popular breakfast meets.
Members from both the South East and Home Counties region of the XKEC joined up with members of the Suffolk region on Saturday 7th February to enjoy a joint breakfast meet at the Orwell Crossing Lorry Park near Felixstowe. A great morning was had by all, especially the full english breakfasts that were very welcome on what was a cold day.
The first East MIdlands breakfast meet of 2015 took place on Saturday 24th January at Donington. Here are a few pictures.
Some XKEC members recently attended Bicester Heritage, one of Britain’s least altered RAF bases, on which is being created a park for the restoration, storage and enjoyment of vintage and classic cars, motorcycles and aeroplanes. A “Sunday Brunch Scramble” was arranged to bring together car enthusiasts to “immerse themselves in a classic age”.
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