Notes from FABAC Meeting August 2009

Twenty seven FABACians found their way to Ringo's Restaurant last evening for our August meeting. And, a lively meeting it was! Lots of business to take care of mixed in with much chatter and laughter. Before the "serious" portion of the meeting began, David N made presentations of two old editions of Road and Track - one with a 1967 Jag 2+2 on the cover to Joe who is beginning the restoration of the same and the second magazine to Bob L with an interesting article on a Citroen 2CV. Next up was a "What's in the bag?" contest. Everyone got an opportunity to fondle, squeeze, smell, etc. the contents without opening the velvet bag. To the successful contestant, a prize of a lovely golf (aka LBC convertible top) umbrella was donated by Dennis W.

Prez Gary started off by thanking the kind FABAC souls who came to his rescue at a recent Thursday night car show at Home Depot when unexpected car problems occurred. Tools, antifreeze, garden hose and lots and lots of advice all helped get his LBC back on the road.

Gary congratulated the club members who took home 7 of the 24 awards at the recent PEI car show. Great performance indeed! Gary also is encouraging members to provide constructive feedback either to him or directly to the car show organizers.

Congratulations and a big club thank you to the Alders who again hosted a highly successful pot-luck get together at their home. Our BATANS guests who attended passed along their appreciation for the special invitation.

John B gave a brief summary of the recent successful Rexton car show attended by 7 or 8 members. (See a detailed write-up by John elsewhere on this website.)

Proposed tours:
1. John B and Jim B have a tour to Cornhill Nurseries and Gasthof Old Bavarian Restaurant planned for August 30th. Please see the details on the web page. Since reservations at the restaurant are a must, club members are encouraged to contact either organizers if their plans to attend change between now and the 30th.
2. Picnic tour. Barb and Gary are organizing a tour to Nackawic with a follow-up pot-luck dessert gathering at their home on Sunday, September 13th. Details to follow on the website.
3. Garden tour. A garden tour is being proposed by Curry and assisted by Heather and Dianne. See the details elsewhere on our webpage.
4. Botanical Gardens, St. Jacques. Anne C. has suggested an overnight tour for sometime next year.
5. One to keep in mind. Curry has extended an invitation to the Ontario Austin Healey club to visit the Fredericton area next summer on their planned tour of the Maritime Provinces.

Winner of the "What's in the bag?" contest was Rob H who correctly guessed that the content of the bag was a 1/4 inch drive Snap-On Torq-O-Meter . I bet a lot of people would have gotten the correct answer had they had a few more minutes with the bag! Yeah, right! Great 'guess', Rob.

John B reports that 5-6 cars from Fredericton and Saint John areas are planning to attend the very large and successful British Invasion car show in Stowe, Vt on the weekend of September 18-20. John also says that there is still the opportunity to register to attend.

The September meeting is to be held at East Side Mario's in the Corbett Centre.

Bob S

Lots of photos from David N. here.

Everything you ever wanted to know about...

Seasonal/Antique Single Plates

Subsequent to receiving Dwight's information, I investigated further for more details. The following information was obtained from Service NB:

Summary

A bill has been introduced in the Legislature by the Government of New Brunswick that will allow two categories of vehicles to be operated with only a single registration plate on the rear of the vehicle.

Vehicles registered as antiques will be issued only one registration plate. As well, the government of New Brunswick will implement a new type of registration plate, called a single seasonal licence plate, to be displayed on the rear of vehicles and a sticker on the windshield, operated on highways between April 1st and October 31st.

Antique Vehicles

Vehicles registered as antiques are subject to restrictions with respect to operation on a highway. These vehicles may only be operated on a highway for the purpose of taking the vehicle to be repaired or serviced, for displaying it to the public, or for driving in an antique vehicle rally. The owners of these vehicles will now only be required to display a single registration plate.

Vehicles registered as antiques will be issued only one registration plate instead of the two that are currently issued as of August 3^rd, 2009. Any antique vehicles registered before August 3^rd, 2009, will still be required to display two licence plates.

Single Seasonal Registration Plate

The Government of New Brunswick will implement a new type of registration plate, called a seasonal licence plate, to be displayed on the rear of vehicles operated on highways between April 1st and October 31st. Only one licence plate will be issued and a sticker must be displayed on the front-windshield. The single seasonal licence plate can be personalized.

The requirements for a single seasonal registration plate will be:

The period during the year when a vehicle with a single rear registration plate can operate:

April 1^st to October 31^st

Vehicle Criteria:

Passenger and light commercial vehicles weighing 3000 kg or less classes only

Display a front-windshield sticker

Seasonal plate must be attached to the rear of the vehicle

Registered Owner:

Comply with section 70 of the Motor Vehicle Act

Pay fees as provided by Regulation 83-42 under the Motor Vehicle Act

Personalized Seasonal Registration Plates

The owner will have the option to customize a seasonal registration plate by having it personalized. The registration fee prescribed by Regulation 83-42 for the particular class of vehicle will still apply.

Conservation Plates

The Government of New Brunswick is introducing three new conservation plate designs which will be added to the existing design featuring a salmon. The new designs will be identical to the existing conservation plate. The new designs will be featured on plates issued on and after August 3, 2009.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Single Seasonal Registration Plate

What is a Seasonal Vehicle?

A seasonal vehicle includes a private passenger vehicle and a light commercial vehicle weighing 3000 kg or less where the vehicle is permitted to display a single seasonal registration plate. The owner has the option to customize a seasonal registration plate by having it personalized.

How is a seasonal plate different from a regular plate?

A single seasonal plate can only be displayed on a vehicle that is operated from April 1^st to October 31^st.

Can a seasonal plate be used year round?

No, a single seasonal plate can only be operated on a vehicle from April 1^st to October 31^st.

Can a seasonal plate be used for any motor vehicle?

No, vehicle criteria for the use of a single seasonal plate are as follows:

Passenger and light commercial vehicle weighing 3000 kg or less classes only

Display a front-windshield sticker as required by the Minister and authorised by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles

The seasonal plate must be attached to the rear of the vehicle

What is the cost for a single seasonal plate?

There will be a cost associated with the application, renewal and issuance of the plate.

How do I obtain a seasonal plate for my vehicle?

A seasonal plate can be issued from any Service New Brunswick office. You will need to fill out a single seasonal plate application form and pay a plate fee of $25.

Effective April 1^st, 2010, an annual fee of $50 will be required in addition to applicable registration renewal fees.

Can I have my single seasonal plate personalized?

Yes. However it will cost more than a non-personalized seasonal plate.

8. How do I obtain my personalized seasonal plate?

Applications for a seasonal personalized plate are available from any Service New Brunswick office and can be found on Service New Brunswick’s website. All applications are processed though the Motor Vehicle Branch, Head Office. There is a $150 fee for a personalized seasonal plate.

Effective April 1^st, 2010, an annual fee of $50 will be required in addition

to applicable registration renewal fees.

9. What does law enforcement think about single seasonal plates?

Law enforcement members rely heavily upon licence plates to identify vehicles used in the commission of a crime and strongly support the use of two registration plates on all motor vehicles other than motor cycles, trailers and semi-trailers.

If I am driving my single plated vehicle, other than during the specific period, can I be fined?

Yes. A person who violates or fails to comply with the requirement for a single seasonal plate commits a Category B offence

Can I operate my Antique vehicle with one plate

Yes. Vehicles registered as an antique vehicle as of August 3^rd, 2009, will be issued a single registration plate. Any antique vehicles registered before August 3^rd, 2009 will still be required to display two licence plates.

12. Can I exchange my personalized plates to seasonal personalized?

Yes. However you will only be issued one plate, display a sticker in the

windshield and there is a fee of $29.00.

13. If I purchase a seasonal plate for the season and I am transferred out

of province in July, can I apply for a refund?

No, you cannot get a refund.

14. Can I purchase a seasonal plate for only a portion of the season?

Yes, but seasonal plates always expire at the end of the month. (i.e. a

plate purchased for 3 months beginning April 10^th will expire June 30^th).

A full report on the PEI trip from Gary

Under the skillful and experienced directions, ten cars lead by Jim and co-pilot Ellie left the Ramada Inn on time and made our way to PEI through some of the most scenic and thoughtful roads that anyone could have lead us. It was obvious to this driver that much time and effort had gone into the planning and execution of this tour plan. While we did experience some new opportunities for new routes, these were all new and more adventurous because of it. Boy do we have a wonderful province! Thanks, Jim, for showing us just how beautiful our province is–second to none!

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After a few stops we arrived at Fred's Restaurant in Cap Pelé with anxious anticipation and we were all well rewarded with a wonderful meal! While I cannot speak for all the others I can tell you that my meal was fantastic–the fish was fresh and delicious and well worthy of a follow up trip. Any ideas for another visit and tour on this side of the province would be, I'm sure, welcomed by anyone participating.

Once we finished this great lunch our tour directors stewarded us across the Straights via Murray Corner where our next stop was "Anne's Island" at the Confederation Village for a quick stop. What a great welcoming spot–Islanders really do know how to impress and welcome visitors and Jim and Ellie certainly did a great job in getting us there.

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When safely landed we all went our separate ways to our various lodgings. For those of us with British cars we met up at the much anticipated "Bentley Get Together"–even the rain did not thwart our spirit and efforts. There we met up with our Saint John contingent Barry and Sue, Terry and Kim, and David and Susan as well as a host of other people. Yes, that bloody rain continued but did not prevent us from meeting our past friends, acquaintances and of course our wonderful hosts the Bentleys and many members of the PEI car club who were the genesis of this remarkable and most wonderful event starting this whole thing ten years ago! Without their foresight and hard work this now well established event would have been but a mere dream. All those attending FABACians, were very appreciative of the event and recognize the hard work that went into this. While the rain finally did us in, it did not dampen our spirit nor our appreciation for this much anticipated event. Thank you Bob, Sandy and participating PEI members. We really do appreciate all your work. It did make the difference!

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With spirits riding high the undoubted rain, irrespective of the weather report, continued to fall into Saturday morning and could very easily have had a major impact on the PEI International Motoring Festival but through dogged determination on both the part of the organizers and participants we made our way through it though not without its casualties. By later that morning once the weather decided it could NOT deter the commitment to stand our ground finally relented and gave us a break for the afternoon. Many of us headed over to the Merchantman Pub where we had a great lunch. There is no doubt having this event down town Charlottetown has some significant advantages, especially in the numbers of spectators and availability to walk to some great restaurants.

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Sunday, the weather forecast was more positive and many of us arrived at site with tops down, spirits and anticipation high. Finally the weather accommodated us and with that too did the recognitions of judges–the participating public. FABAC took no fewer than seven awards:

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Karen Johnson ............... Best in Class TR3A

Jim Woodford ................. Best in Class Morgan

David Russell ................. Best in Class German

Robert Laroche ............... Best in Class Other European

...................................... Best Restoration 1960-85

...................................... Artisans award

Gary Arsenault ............... Grand draw award

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Note, that while hat tricks are most notably attributed to hockey goals by one player, Bob and Rita, accomplished a hat trick with three awards for their most remarkable Citroën. That's a first for us. Congratulations Bob and Rita and to all the other FABAC winners, well done!

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All in all, even with the unsavoury weather, we prevailed and won the day. Not just in awards, but in the fact that we re-established old acquaintances, made new friends, and made a good time of it all irrespective of this foul weather–that's what happens when you're amongst friends.

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The organizers of the PEI International Motoring Festival (IMF) are very much interested in maintaining and growing this event. They too realize there are some issues that need to be addressed and are interested in hearing from us as to what worked and what did not. Over the next while I'd like your individual comments so I can put together an overall report that I'd like to discuss with the IMF event folks . Please send these to me directly at funcars@nb.sympatico.ca I'll collate the comments and bring them forward.

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- Gary

Two Separate Events in PEI

You should check here regularly for any and all updated information on the two events that we have been discussing at FABAC meetings:

The PEI International Motoring Festival July 25, 26. You can register here. Make sure you indicate that you are a FABAC member as space for our club has been reserved on site.

The Friday evening event at the Bentley's home.

It is very important that you realize that these are separate events. If you wish to participate in them, they require registering for each separately.

Important Information About Friday Night Event in PEI

Read this letter forwarded to us from Ralph H.

June 21, 2009

British Car Owners & Enthusiasts

By now I am sure that you are aware that Confederation Bridge as the major sponsor of British Car Days has moved away from its exclusive support of an all British Car Show for something slightly different - an inclusive motoring festival which would include many makes and models. The format of the show and the activities will vary from what we have been used to and have developed over the last 10 years. We have to recognize that the goal of SCBL is to bring traffic across the Bridge. These challenging times demand a level of creativity.

We believe that the International Motoring Festival could turn out to be an exciting event in which we play a major part. We encourage all to visit the website for this event at http://www.peiimf.com and register for the show.

Now what remains of British Car Days across the Bridge? We have been able to secure that ever-popular Friday night location for our all-British car group, the Bentley homestead in New Glasgow PEI, the epi center of MG’s in PEI.

This is what we propose to do:

1. A light meal will be provided including refreshments. The menu is still under some discussion but when we ran this in the past (the first 9 years) I don’t think we ever let you down?

2. There will be participant’s choice judging sheets handed out and the top car will be awarded the Village Green Participants choice award (Tankard).

3. Prizes will be solicited from British parts suppliers and handed out during the course of the evening.

4. The event will be on Friday July 24 starting at 6:00 PM until dusk or later if your lights are working!

5. There will be no charge for this event but we may ask for donations from the clubs attending to offset the costs. At this time we are estimating 100 people will attend but will reserve a decision on donations until we know the final numbers.

6. Registration for this event is entirely separate from the registration process for the International Motoring show. You must register by July 19, 2009. Names will be kept and tickets provided upon entry. No exceptions will be permitted. Registration must be done by email by contacting Bob Bentley at rbentley@pei.sympatico.ca.

British Car Days and the journey of British Car Events on PEI have provided us with many memorable moments. We invite you to join us and to continue the journey.

Sincerely,Daniel Tweel,

Bob & Sandy Bentley