2020 Wickham Park Event Offers Normalcy Amid Pandemic
By Janet Thomson
With strict state requirements for outdoor events and uncertainty around the level of interest, the organizers of this year’s event had every reason to cancel CTR’s 40th Annual British Motorcar Gathering and Picnic. However, show coordinators Chris and Christina Wilson took up the challenge and worked closely with Wickham Park and kept abreast of state re-opening guidelines. The result on Sunday, September 13th was a
re-imagined, safe, and successful event. It was helped by a beautiful day and folks itching for a destination drive with their British cars.
Almost 60 cars were parked on the field in a physically distanced fashion. There was a nice mix of British cars. Triumphs edged out MGs in terms of volume followed by Jaguars. Land Rover and Austin Healey vehicles were also represented on the field. Participants and spectators alike were following mask and social distancing
practices. And eyes were smiling! The event offered a good opportunity to view these beautiful cars and learn from owners about what it takes to own and maintain a vintage vehicle.
While the event did not include the usual show activities (classes, judging, raffle), a small group volunteers were needed for greeting and parking. Hats off to the folks who stepped up to help: Jay Jablonski, Bob Gillis, Jeff VanZandt, the Laird Family, Janet and Alex Thomson. Thanks go to park officials and rangers for making it possible for CTR to have a successful event. And finally a BIG THANK YOU to Show Coordinators Chris and
Christina Wilson who were instrumental in making the day go smoothly. See you next year!
Below: The 39th CTR Motorcar Gathering at Wickham Park review, including photos & Show Results by Class
The promise of a beautiful day on Sunday September 8th brought over 80 cars and their drivers and navigators to Wickham Park in Manchester to enjoy Connecticut Triumph Register’s (CTR) 39th Annual British Motorcar Gathering and Picnic. It was a great day for viewing cars, asking technical questions of owners, and catching up with friends. Participants were able to vote for their favorite cars, buy club regalia, participate in raffles, and grab a hamburger or hot dog cooked up by the Boy Scout Troop 28 from Hebron.
This event always brings in distinctive and interesting British cars to look at and this year was no exception. The Best of Show Triumph was awarded to a 1966 TR4A owned by Jim Olson and Best of Show Non-Triumph was a 1966 Jaguar Mk2 owned by George Jones. The Young Exhibitor Award was presented to Coleman Walsh of West Haven. Coleman accompanied his father in their 1974 TR6.
(Click on photo to enlarged image)
This event would not have been possible without the many CTR members who stepped up and volunteered their time on the day of the event as well as the months leading up to the event. This year there were 20 people on hand helping out, working on tasks big and small. If it wasn’t for the team effort of volunteers, the event would not have been a big success. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
(Click on any photo to enlarged images)
It is also important to acknowledge the many British car vendors who support the event by donating items for the goody bag and for the raffles. Those CTR supporters are highlighted on the back page of the newsletter. Please give them your business when you can. Special thanks goes to CTR member Jeff Van Zandt who donated two framed Triumph-related prints for the raffle.
(Click on any photo to enlarged images)
Park looked fabulous! Thanks go to park officials and rangers for making it possible for CTR to have a successful event. And finally a BIG THANK YOU to Show Coordinators Chris and Christina Wilson who were instrumental in making the day go smoothly. See you next year!
Show Results by Class
Class |
Winners |
|
| TR2/3 | 1st | Ron Masters-1961 TR3 |
| 2nd | David Smith-1959 TR3 | |
| TR6 1969-1973 | 1st | Mike Mikkelson-1973 TR6 |
| 2nd | Brian Cunningham-1973 TR6 | |
| 3rd | William Leahy-1969 TR6 | |
| TR6 1974-1976 | 1st | Dean Hall-1974 TR6 |
| 2nd | Jay Jablonski-1974, TR6 | |
| 3rd | Donnie Mathis-1976, TR6 | |
| TR7/8 | 1st | Gary/Karen Daigle-1980 TR8 |
| 2nd | David Blozie-1981 TR8 | |
| 3rd | Anthony Mancini-1981 TR8 | |
| Spitfire/GT6 | 1st | Denise Griffiths-1973 GT6 |
| 2nd | Ronald Green-1978 Spitfire | |
| 3rd | Michael LaRusso-1963 Spitfire | |
| MGT | 1st | Duane Adams-1954 TF |
| MGA | 1st | Al & Cheryl Nosenzo-1957 MGA |
| 2nd | Alan Wiede-1956 MGA | |
| 3rd | Phil Brown-1960 MGA | |
| MGB Early | 1st | Rich Sugalski-1972 MGB |
| 2nd | Bob Snell-1971 MGB | |
| 3rd | Bob & Dawn Belanger-1971 MGB | |
| MGB Late | 1st | John Pandiscia-1980 MGB LE |
| 2nd | Ed Cooke-1977 MGB | |
| 3rd | Mark Edwards-1980 MGB | |
| MG Midget/AH Sprite | 1st | Matt Strus-1973 Spridget |
| 2nd | Doug LaBoda-1974 Midget | |
| 3rd | Jason Dever-1971 Midget | |
| Austin Healey | 1st | Ed Collins-1957 100-6 |
| 2nd | David Berube-1967 3000 | |
| Jaguar | 1st | George Jones-1966 Mk2 |
| 2nd | Alan Stavola-1958 Mk8 | |
| 3rd | Richard & Donna Sabonis-1965 C | |
| Other British | 1st | Dave Icaza-1969 Austin Mini |
| 2nd | Kim Baker-1972 TVR | |
| 3rd | John Reis-1972 Land Rover | |
Best Non-Triumph in Show |
George Jones-1966 Mk2 | |
Best Triumph in Show |
Jim Olson-1966 TR4A | |
39th Annual
British Motorcar Gathering and Picnic
Hosted by the Connecticut Triumph Register
Venue
The Connecticut Triumph Register invites anyone with a British motorcar of any make, model, and condition to join the fun at Wickham Park in Manchester CT. There are 250 acres of gardens, woodlands, ponds, and attractions including an aviary. A beautiful venue for our Autumn even! when in the park, there are signs to direct participants to the registration and field parking areas.
Food and Family Fun
Meet and mingle with other Triumph and British vehicle owners. Bring your own picnic or purchase food and beverage provided by Boy Scout Troop 28 of Hebron. Tennis and volleyball courts are available. Awards and raffles are the afternoon highlights. You must be present to win raffle items.
Regalia
CTR shirts, hats, and other regalia will be available for purchase.
Schedule
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Registration
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Judging (participant’s choice)
Raffles @ 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM — Class Awards @ 1:00 PM
Judging
Judging is by popular vote of participants. Cars must be on the field by 11:00 AM. Classes with 2+ cars will be eligible for awards. A Best Triumph in Show and a Best Non-Triumph in Show will be awarded.
Contact Us
Check here on the ‘2019 CTR Annual Gatheing Page for information, updates, and registration form (below), or send an email to the CTR at ConnTriumph@Gmail.com
Registration Form
Here is the link to the 2019 CTR Gathering Registration Form. Click on the link to access a printable form. Print out the form and bring it with you on the day of the event (Sunday, September 8th, 2019)
