President Larry Richardson welcomed everyone to the Reno Jaguar
Club Christmas party and 25th anniversary celebration. He noted that this last
year's dinner meetings were very successful, with a great variety. He also
thanked those members who have volunteered to arrange next year's dinners.
Larry reminded everyone to contact Iain Buxton who still has some RJC 25th
anniversary badges for sale.
A letter from the National Automobile Museum was received asking Club members
for additional donations. Harry Keast was instrumental in responding to this,
and to date donations are now at $250. He was thanked for his efforts.
President Richardson recognized this dinner as a special party, celebrating the
Club's 25th anniversary. Over the years it has provided social, informational,
and charitable contributions.
He called upon several charter and early members and asked them to express their
thoughts about the early years of the Club. These members were:
Randy Wright
Jack & Pat Campbell
Charlie & Carolyn Manchester
Jeff & Sherron Egner
Randy Wright, who was the founder of the Club, noted he had a 1966 Jaguar which
needed work. At that time, there was a Jag dealer in Reno, and he formed the
Club to find out more information about the car. He sent flyers to purchasers of
1986 Jags, and the first meeting was held at the Board of Trade. JCNA required
25 people to start a club, and they had 25 the very first night. The first "A
Day on the Village Green" was born, with the name borrowed from the musical
group “the Kinks.” It was held in Mills Park in Carson City, and after that at
Rancho San Rafael.
Jack Campbell joined 24 years ago, when he had a full head of hair! He said that
it's a great group, and everyone had a blast during the early growing period of
the Club.
Charlie Manchester bought a 63 or 64 XKE and went out for a drive to Wally's one
day, where he encountered 60 Jags – 14 red XKEs, like the one he and Carolyn
had. They joined the club that very minute!
Carolyn was the editor of "Cat Talk", the club newsletter during 1990-91. It was
a cut and paste task, that she would take to a copy center for printing. She has
all the original newsletters.
Jeff Egner joked that Charlie had to have a two-day, "A Day on the Village
Green", event, so there would be enough room for all of his cars! The Egner's
XK120 won Best of Show at the second Village Green. He expressed that the most
important part of the Club is all the great people.
President Larry Richardson made a presentation by awarding special badges to
each charter member. A round of applause was given for all of them.
As Larry is leaving his presidency, he wanted to acknowledge those who have
helped him out. Patti Wilder and Mike Glass were given bottles of Chilean wines,
donated by Larry, as appreciation for all of their help over the past year. He
passed the rotating trophy between presidents to Mike Glass who will take over
in 2009.
A special thanks and congratulations were given to Mina Dibitonto for arranging
such a wonderful dinner and entertainment. Patti gave Mina a jaguar scarf as a
small token from the RJC for all her hard work.
A special plaque was given to Iain Buxton as recognition for designing and
purchasing the pins and badges. Iain noted that he and Wendy joined the Club in
1985. He also gave special recognition to Patti Wilder, who he said she was the
“heart and soul of this Club.”
The meeting adjourned as members left to dance to and enjoy the band.
Minutes by Sunny Minedew. Videos and photos by Patti
Wilder.
Click on a YouTube video to view.
Scroll down for the photo gallery.
