Figgys and Chat at the Ace Cafe London – Saturday 3rd May 2025

Sun, Rabbits, Chocolate and Figgies!

After a spring heatwave leading up to the event, we crossed our fingers that it would hold until Saturday, and it did! Sue and I left home at 8:45 and turned up at 9:30 to the usual warm welcome from the staff at the cafe. I had pre-ordered some table tops, which allowed us to attend in Belle, and the staff bought them out within minutes! We had to place all the prizes of chocolate eggs out of the shade, but this was a problem we wanted, as it meant the sun was shining.

Adam and Lucas had managed to squeeze the Gazebo into Sparky and turned with Anne and Stewart, having spent the night at the Tower Bridge hotel, all dressed in fancy dress outfits. John Catling, who is one of the members who has turned his hand to repairing the Figaro seats bought some before and after examples which were on display.

The boys from The Figaro Shop turned up to carry out the 18 Figaro Health Checks that had been pre-ordered by our members before the event.  After months of planning, it’s always so heartwarming to see the cars starting to arrive. The Ace always provides a person to make sure the cars are parked correctly, with a good gap that we all need to make sure there’s room for our wide doors. Sue had remembered to take £10 cash as a tip, which we always do as they are so helpful and accommodating. We had had a couple of cancellations the day before, but were delighted that 28 cars attended on the day.

TALK ON RUST
In addition to chilling out and chatting to everyone, part of the event was about educating members about rust. Members gathered around Belle for a talk and question-and-answer session, which lasted about 30 minutes. It is our most important item to keep an eye on. Christian Brooks, the Managing Director of The Figaro Shop, did an excellent job and brought along some samples of how and where rust can take hold. We videoed the whole session and will be broadcasting it on our YouTube channel soon.

Part of the day was about soaking up the atmosphere of the cafe. We were so lucky with the weather as it meant many sat outside to natter and have a bite to eat. Sue and I love to see members catching up with each other and making new friends. We had several members who had never been to an event with their car, and like many, took the opportunity to ask our experts lots of questions.

Time flies when you’re enjoying yourself, and soon it was time for our awards and to say thanks to everyone for their support. I love nothing more than taking pictures of members standing so proudly in front of their pride and joy!

FURTHEST DISTANCE TRAVELLED

3rd Place – Mark Storer (130 Miles)
2nd Place – Barry Thompson (140 Miles)
1st Place – Anne Wrigley (146 Miles)

SHORTEST DISTANCED
3rd Place Jackie Gill (9 Miles)
2nd Place Helen Paszyn (7.1 Miles)
1st Place Amer Nahouli (3.8 Miles)

LONGEST/OLDEST MEMBERSHIP
3rd Place – Anne Wringley (164)
2nd Place – Heather Buttle (128)
1ST Place – Simon Smith (2)

SHORTEST/LATEST MEMBERSHIP
3rd Place – Amer Nahouli (4960)
2nd Place – Carol Murdoch (4975)
1st Place – Alica Murphy (4990)

BEST DECORATED FIGARO
3rd Place – Adam and Lucas
2nd Place – Mandy Forder
1st Place – Pate/Sandra

THANKS TO
All our fantastic Members
Sponsor Classicline Insurance
The Figaro Shop
John Catling

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