2017 Club Calendar
Information listed in the club calendar is subject to change without notice. Scheduled events, dates of those events, and meeting programs may be moved or swapped as needed to avoid conflicts or to accommodate our presenters. The calendar is updated regularly so please check often!
Note: “Unofficial Events” are those in which participation does not award points toward the Sargent “Use it or Lose it” trophy. They are listed solely for their interest to TCMG members.
To view photos and information on past TCMG events an meetings, see the archives page.
January 24: General Meeting
“Wheel of Misfortune”The crowd favorite returns with your award-winning (through cheating) host, Gene Olson! Teams will compete for fabulous prizes (or not) by spinning the wheel and answering trivia questions relating to the MG TC and TC Motoring Guild. Look for the TC in the parking lot with one wheel missing and you’ll know you’re in the right place!
February 11: Lame Duk Kup
Join us for the 2017 Lame Duk Rallye! Start the day at TCMG member Ron Spindler’s business, where he has a collection of vintage automobiles on display. From there we depart on a short driving tour / clue rally. Test your powers of perception as you journey across the San Fernando Valley while seeking answers to nefarious easy questions provided by your rally master. Answer wisely and win the coveted Lame Duk Trophy! Please bring a pencil or pen so you can write down your answers as you travel the rallye route.
Our destination is the Spindler home in the Hollywood Hills, where there is yet another vintage car collection to drool over. We finish the day with a gourmet Lasagna Lunch by world-famous (or at least TCMG famous) chef Diane Spindler!
Please note this is an RSVP event (so Diane knows how much food to prepare). Watch for a flyer in the mail with details on starting time, location and RSVP information.
February 28: General Meeting
Enjoy four short film presentations produced by The M.G. Car Company. We begin with rare footage from the pre-war assembly line showing 1930’s cars being assembled and delivered to customers. There are many scenes of cars being moved around the factory and parts being assembled and tested.
Next we will see a short about the all-new MG TD, showing a rigorous journey across Europe. Our third film features MGs racing in the 1950 Alpine Rally, and our final presentation shows the preparation and journey of EX135 to Bonneville Salt Flats for a record-breaking speed run. Total running time is approximately one hour.
March 12: Leonis Adobe Tour
Join us on March 12 for a tour of Leonis Adobe, a 165-year-old historic ranch estate located in Calabasas. We start the day with brunch among the trees in beautiful Topanga Canyon. A scenic drive to the top of the Santa Monica Mountains follows, where you will enjoy vistas spanning from the ocean to the valleys. We then arrive at Leonis Adobe for our tour. The tour cost is $6 per person. Lunch will follow the tour at a nearby restaurant.
Watch for a flyer in the mail with further details on meeting time and location, or see the March newsletter.
March 28: General Meeting
Four Banks, One Club, 59 Years. This will be the topic of our next monthly meeting on March 28. After 59 years, this will be our last meeting in this room. Come celebrate the end of our nearly 6-decade run meeting at this location! Hear stories about the time we’ve spent here, see photos of the olden days, and learn about our new meeting location that will host the April meeting. Don’t miss this very special and historic night!
April 1: Joe Douglass Wildflower Tour
After a few dry years, the flowers are once again blooming with gusto in the California Deserts! This of course means that our traditional Joe Douglass Wildflower Tour returns for 2017! On April 1st, Enjoy a scenic drive to the Antelope Valley for a drive through the famous California Poppy Reserve. Blooms of all types, not just poppies, make this an annual favorite. See the April newsletter for meeting time and location, or watch for a flyer in the mail.
April 23: Queen’s English British Car Show (unofficial event)
Annual British Car Show at Woodley Park. See the event web site for more information at www.queens-english.org.
April 25: General Meeting
“All Things New”
A big night for TC Motoring Guild! We have several items planned for the night including:
NEW MEETING LOCATION: On this very special night, TC Motoring Guild members will gather at our new home for the first time in 59 years! Please be a part of this special night and if possible bring your TC! Our new hosts are excited to have us so lets give them a real show of classic iron. For directions and information on our new meeting room, click here.- PREVIEW MIKE SHERRELL’S NEW BOOK: Steve Simmons will be bringing an advance copy of the long-anticipated sequel to “TC’s Forever!” (the
bible of TC ownership) entitled “TC’s Forever More!”. This book, set for official release in May, is an essential piece of literature for the true TC enthusiast. This is your chance to view the book early and see why you need to order one! - ALL THINGS NEW: For our main program, members are encouraged to bring stories, items for show and tell or anything “new”. This can include projects on your TC or other items of interest but they do not have to be car-related. Vacation stories, birthdays or your fancy new hat would also suffice! See what your fellow club members are up to with their TCs, and lives in general. This is a great chance to learn something new and catch up with old friends!
Watch for a flyer in the mail with further details. Contact Steve Simmons or Curt Sorensen with any questions or special needs.
May 26-28: Big Bear Weekend
58 Years after our last weekend outing to Big Bear, TC Motoring Guild returns to this beautiful lake for a fun-filled 3-day adventure! This May, join us for a special weekend event at Big Bear Lake. For the adventurous, a tour is being planned through the San Gabriel Mountains to reach Big Bear, with a lunch stop in Wrightwood. Friday night is an “on your own” dinner as you explore Big Bear Village’s shops and restaurants. Afternoon activities are being planned for Saturday including a driving tour of the area. Saturday night will feature a group dinner, and after a lineup photo on Sunday morning we depart for home. Additional details about the various activities for the weekend will be announced as soon as they are available. Don’t miss this event!
To reserve your room at our host hotel, The Lodge at Big Bear Lake, you can go through their web site or you may call directly. Rooms are available at a special discounted rate of only $129 per night for one King or two Queen beds with fireplace or balcony. Once you register, please notify our events coordinator Steve Simmons by phone or email so we can put you on the list for caravan details, as well as plan our group dinners.
To register by phone, call (909) 866-3121. Tell them you are with TC Motoring Guild to receive the discounted rate.
To reserve online, CLICK HERE (nla) and select your dates (Check in May 26 / Check out May 28).
To read about the last time the club vacationed at Big Bear Lake, click here!
May 23: General Meeting
“Decorating Gourds”
Join us on May 23rd at our new location in Studio City. Our evening program will be a special presentation by TCMG member Sandra Loe on a form of artistry you may not have seen before!
“Gourds – the who, what, where, why, when, how, and how much in 30 minutes or less. I will fill you in on the history, types, uses, and techniques for decorating gourds. Don’t miss learning everything you need to know about this plant that has been around since prehistoric time. If you are a doodler then you have the creative ability for this craft and there may be a new hobby in your future.”
June 17: Tech Session
A tech session will be held on Saturday, June 17 at Steve and Linda Simmons’ garage. The topic of this session will be “TC King Pin Replacement”. We will go through the process of replacing king pins and bushings, reaming, shimming and everything else involved to complete the process. Those planning to attend should contact Steve by either email or phone, for details on meeting time, etc. Tech sessions are for all levels of hobbyist mechanics from beginner to expert. If you’re already an expert, please attend and share your knowledge!
June 25: Somis Safari
Where the heck is Somis?!? Find out by joining us on a Somis Safari! Visit the Nut House! Journey back to the early 1900’s! Have a Berry Good Time!
Our June tour will take us to the small farming town of Somis for a variety of activities. Our first stop is a small farm store, family owned and run for 58 years! Here you will find all kinds of nuts and nut-related foods in a charming old wood building.
Next we cruise by a hardware store opened in 1912 and now on its third generation in the same family. In fact it’s the oldest continuously operating hardware store, owned by the same family, in the county. It was rebuilt in 1926 after a fire, and parts of the store and inventory haven’t changed much since then!
Our last stop on the tour is at a roadside fruit stand where you can not only buy all kinds of farm fresh fruits and berries, but you can pick your own by grabbing a basket and walking the berry trail! This is a great event for young and old alike so bring the kids! And don’t forget to bring your TC to fully enjoy the old back roads we will take to get there.
Watch for a flyer in the mail (or see the July newsletter) for details on meeting time and location.
June 27: General Meeting
“Henkels Picnic”
The much anticipated Summer Picnic Meeting at the Henkels home returns on June 27! Bring a picnic dinner and dine under the stars at this annual favorite. Dessert will be provided by our hostess. Those driving TCs or equally interesting classics (tall order) get preferred parking in the driveway. Note the earlier start time of 7:00 PM. Watch for a flyer in the mail with further information, or contact Cindy Henkels.
July 10-14: Gof West 2017
GoF West 2017 in Santa Maria, California. Several TC Motoring Guild members have signed up to help run this year’s event! For information on volunteering, contact David Edgar.
For event info, visit the GoF West website.
July 16: Channel Islands British Car Show (unofficial event)
One of the better British car shows in Southern California. All makes welcome. 3600 Harbor Blvd in Oxnard. Show runs 9AM – 3PM. For more information, click here.
July 25: General Meeting
“TC Maintenance”
TCMG member Malcolm Buckeridge will be giving a talk detailing maintenance procedures and techniques for the MG TC. Malcolm is a BMC-trained mechanic with many decades of experience working on British cars of all types. Questions will be taken from the audience as part of a group discussion on various topics.
August 5: Driving Tour and Chicago Hot Dog Party
Don’t miss this crowd favorite! 
TCMG members Kay and Larry Einhorn will be hosting one of their world-famous Chicago-themed hot dog parties at their home in Encino. A driving tour will precede the party.
This is an RSVP event! Please RSVP to the Einhorns if you plan to attend. See flyer (in the mail) for RSVP information as well as meeting time and location.
August 22: General Meeting
“The Lost Race Tracks of L.A.”
Enjoy a one-hour video presentation about the lost and forgotten race tracks of Los Angeles. This video explores several decades of motor racing within the city, starting with the earliest days when there were “motordromes” in places you might not expect, like Santa Monica, Culver City, Playa Del Rey and Beverly Hills. See surviving cars that were actually there and hear stories from their owners. Don’t miss it!
September 3: Old Town Music Hall
Join us on Sunday, September 3 for a trip into the past when we visit Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo. We’ll see a demonstration of their 1925 Wurlitzer organ, followed by a showing of the 1936 version of Show Boat. This is the original black and white version which includes Paul Robeson’s performance of “Old Man River”. A real classic presented in a historic theater. Lunch will precede the event at a nearby restaurant. See the September newsletter for further details.
September 26: General Meeting
“Movie Night at Simon Museum”
NOTE REMOTE LOCATION! Our September meeting will be held at the Simon Auto Museum in Gardena. Meeting begins at 7:00 PM. Sit among the amazing cars and automobilia of TCMG members Ron and Dave Simon’s auto museum while enjoying our annual movie night! Popcorn and refreshments will be provided. Watch for a flyer in the mail with details on our feature presentation.
October 7-9: 61st Annual TCMG / ARR Conclave
The 61st Annual Conclave of the TC Motoring Guild and Abingdon Rough Riders will be held Saturday through Monday, October 7-9, 2017 in Morro Bay. Our host hotel is the recently renovated Inn at Morro Bay. Click here for the latest information!
To see photos from previous years and learn about this event’s 60+ year history, visit the Conclave Pages.
October 24: General Meeting
“Halloween Meeting & Pizza Party”
Our annual Halloween Party will be held at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, October 24 at our usual spot in Studio City. There will be entertainment, prizes and refreshments. Win fabulous prizes while competing in Halloween-themed games! Also partake in nominations for the 2018 TCMG Board.
There will be an informal dinner beforehand at Granville Café, located at 12345 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA. We will arrive at the restaurant at 6:00 PM. In order to assure the availability of group seating at the Granville Café, please RSVP to Jan Sorensen by Monday evening (10/23). RSVP by phone at (818) 991-6152 or by email to janwlv@aol.com
Validated parking is available at the intersection of Laurelgrove & Ventura Ct., or park on the street (metered). Please do not park in the meeting parking lot (at the church) until after 7:30 PM.
November 12: Rancho Los Encinos Tour
Join us for a tour of Rancho Los Encinos, an adobe rancho built in 1849 on the site of an ancient Native American village. The rancho is located on the original El Camino Real route (now Ventura Blvd) in the city of Encino (spanish for “Oak”), which is named for the rancho. We will learn the rich history of the rancho and tour the various buildings constructed on the site in the mid to late 1800’s, plus the stone-lined pond, in the shape of a Spanish guitar built on a spring by the Garnier brothers in the early 1870’s. A driving tour will precede the event, circumnavigating the original border of the 4,460 acre property. Afterward we will gather for lunch at a restaurant adjacent to the pond.
November 14: General Meeting
NOTE DATE CHANGE (Not our usual 4th Tuesday). Program TBA.
December 3: Annual Meeting and Holiday Party
Our much anticipated holiday party and annual meeting! This year’s event will be held at Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City. In addition to great company and lots of food, you will also enjoy the following entertainment and activities:
- A live auction consisting of MG-related and other items of interest. Item donations for the auction are greatly appreciated and funds raised are used to help run our club!
- Awards ceremonies for our three prestigious trophies – Earl Sargent Memorial “Use it or lose it” Trophy, Frank Mason Award, Breakdown Award.
- Announcement of the 2018 TC Motoring Guild Executive Council.
- Bring a new, unwrapped toy for our toy drive!
This year, toys will go to the Foster Children’s Resource Center. FCRC is staffed entirely by volunteers and supported entirely by donations from individuals and groups like ours. Each child referred to us by the Dept. of Children’s Services is not only given an assortment of new clothing, school supplies and toiletries but also the hope that they are going to be okay. As they leave the Center they stop by the “Toy Shelf” and may pick out a toy or book. Right now they need toys for babies 6 mo. To 2 yrs and for toddler 2 yrs. To 4 yrs. And Legos for all ages are really loved. Please bring toy donations UNWRAPPED.