Cold, wet and miserable this afternoon … just the opportunity to have a pint of Arkell’s 3B which we learned about last week as we visited the Arkell’s Brewery in Swindon. Read all about it at Area 22 and Arkells Brewery - Aston Martin Owners Club.
But that is not want you want to hear. At the team meeting last week, once again held in a pub, we discussed the Calendar for 2026. Whilst a few meetings and events are filled in, there are gaps. At the Area 22 AGM to be held on Thursday 5 February I hope all will become clear as the new management team takes over. But who are they? Would you want to be one of them? You know what Ray, Mike, Nicky and I have been doing for the past 12 months … do you want to try your hand? Let Nicky know at area22admin@amoc.org before 5 January 2026 when she will be sending out official notice of the meeting.
So what do we know?
The Winter Gathering, the final event of 2025, will take place on Thursday 11 December.at the Frogmill when the tuxedos will be given an airing and the girls will get the party dress out (dare I say that?). We are all looking forward to a great night in good company.
Then Santa will come along, it will be 2026 and time for the New Year Buffet originally planned to be held at the Ragged Cot. For several reasons beyond our control, we had to move it to the Greyhound. A couple of weeks later we were on the move again, this time to the Horse and Groom at Charlton but we have had to move the date to Saturday 17 January. This is not what we wanted but needs must. The next option could be beans on toast in my back garden! We will have our traditional hot buffet accompanied by “refreshments”. Please register for the event at: Area 22 New Year Buffet - Events - Aston Martin Owners Club.
Events which are confirmed are two three-night, four day expeditions in the UK. These replace the longer September event we have held over the past few years. The first is the Whitby Endeavour in May: a trip to my hometown to enjoy what it, and the surrounding area, have to offer. Details are at Area 22 "The Whitby Endeavour" - Events - Aston Martin Owners Club. Originally planned for 6 cars, we now have 8 and there is the possibility of a couple more. Let me know if you are interested.
The second event is the Salop Gallop, a few days in Shropshire in early October. Details are at: Area 22 "The Salop Gallop" - Events - Aston Martin Owners Club. There is one room available on this event, again, let me know if you are interested,
We have other meetings and events on the horizon, but I will leave the new team to fill you in.
The last bit of news from me is that I have been asked to Chair the new UK Membership Committee under the direction of Mike Bradly Russell, the incoming Membership Director. I have no real knowledge of what this entails but I am sure it will keep me off the streets.
With it being December, Nicky, Mike and Ray join me in wishing you all a great Christmas when it comes around and a healthy 2026. Thank you to all who have supported Area 22 in 2025.