In This Issue....you'll find a report and pix of our last meeting, GoKart Racing at ProKart;  info on our upcoming schedule of Meetings and Events; another delightful Tinsley Green Mystery -- Mystery at Bamberton Aerodrome by Nuala Galbari profusely illustrated by her hubby Geff; plus the usual this & that and fluff & fill.

 

Our Last Meeting......

    

.....was our Mid-Winter "Beat-The-Mini/MINI-Withdrawel-Blues" event,  GoKart Racing at ProKart in Maple Grove, MN on Saturday, January 21, '06.  We had a small group, but the racing was fast and furious.  Hard on the brakes, powerslide the corners, back on the throttle.....and the occasional spinout.  Fun, fun, fun!!!!  Fastest Time of the Day was set by our Beloved Co-Founder, Karl Jenstad (Kart #21).

 

Our Next Meeting.....will be on Saturday, February 11th, '06 from 9AM until ????...our Annual Valentine's Day Breakfast.....Bring Your Sweetie To The Meeting at The Square Peg Diner.   Bring your Sweetie....your wife, husband, boy or girlfriend, heck, bring the whole family for a delicious breakfast at The Sqare Peg Diner, 2021 East Hennepin Ave,  Minneapolis, MN.  For directions and a map, see: http://www.squarepegdiner.com/

 

 

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Dates in RED are MMPEAPSHA Club Events

Dates in BLUE are other local events (and we're invited)

Dates in GREEN are other events of Mini/MINI interest

 

 

February 11th (Sat.), '06, 9AM - ????.....Valentine's Day Breakfast.....Bring Your Sweetie To The Meeting at The Square Peg Diner.  (see: Our Next Meeting)

 

February 25th (Sat.), '06, 9AM-????.....MiniMeet East Meets West '09 Planning Committee meeting at The Square Peg Diner.

 

March and April....still working on these....

 

May 20th (Sat.), '06.....2nd Annual New London To New Brighton Mini/MINI Run, Rallye & Tour.....more info later....

 

 

Welcome To Our New Members......

 

Greg & Linda Haines                                                                                             '04 MINI Cooper "S"

Alexandria, MN

 

 

 

 

THE TINSLEY MYSTERY SERIES

 

Mystery At Bamberton Aerodrome.......

 

By Nuala Galbari

Illustrated By Geff Galbari

    Postman McCleary was making his early morning rounds.  The air had been unusually cold during the past few days, but this morning it was warm and moist.  Postman McCleary's footsteps were muffled on the cobblestones as he proceeded through thick fog, torch in hand. The swirling fog caressed him as he approached each post box and the only sound in the vicinity was one of post-box hinges squeaking rather eerily in the still-dark morning.  As he turned toward the next house on his route, he thought he heard the faint sound of a motor at high revolutions.  In the murky darkness, he could not determine its direction and the sound quickly faded.

     "It's all in m' head!" he thought to himself.

     As he turned the street corner, he thought he heard it again, except that the sound was a little louder this time. Then, it was gone.

     The sun now cast an orange glow to the east as he was about to cross town at the roundabout.  Suddenly, McCleary was taken aback as he stepped from the curb.  To his right, he saw two pin pricks of light in the fog, followed by the whine of a small engine at top revs.  A grey figure dressed in scarf and goggles whooshed past him in a dark green Mini Cooper.  On its left hand flank was the British Flag and RAF rondell, just discernable in the sunrise' yellow dawn. On its door was the bright white inscription, Tally Ho. This ghostly apparition flew around the traffic circle on nearly two wheels and was at once gone.  McCleary rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

     "What was that?" he said, to no one in particular.

     The Mini Cooper and its shady driver screeched to a halt on the far side of the circle in front of Mrs. Mabe's Tea Shoppe.  McCleary plodded over as much in hope of a hot cup of tea as in the desire to solve the mystery of the early morning apparition.

     "Sorry about the fright!" said the Mini's emerging occupant. "Damn fog always makes landing a bit dodgy. Where can a chap get a cup of tea and some toast?"

     McCleary stood still, weighed down with the Royal Mail and fiddling with his favorite -now damaged - torch.  He didn't know quite what to make of the strange figure from the fog.  The Mini's driver was dressed in flying helmet and goggles, Irwin jacket, jodhpurs and red silk scarf. A fine pair of high leather boots completed the picture. A low bellowing voice emerged from beneath an oversized, handlebar moustache.

     "Blast the old leg - the string's gone out of it!"

     "Good morning, Sir, McCleary the postman.  And you would be...?"

     "Sorry, old chap, Flying Officer Peppercorn at your Service!"

     Conversation was interrupted by the welcoming sound of keys unlocking Mrs.Mabe's Tea Shoppe door.

     "A spot of tea will put you back on your pins." said Peppercorn, cheerfully.

     "Oh, thank you very much, Sir." said McCleary.

     Noticing P.F.O. Peppercorn's rather obvious limp, McClearly asked, "Is that a war injury, Sir?"

     Peppercorn exploded into a rather long and complex diatribe on the nature of his RAF heroism -- with which we won't bother the reader.  Peppercorn demolished his tea, toast and marmalade with the speed of one summoned to a squadron scramble. McCleary had barely added the sugar and milk to his tea.  Peppercorn was off in a shot.

     "Must dash, old chap, chocks away and all that!" As quickly as he had entered town, Peppercorn was gone in a flash.

     Early that evening, P.F.O. Peppercorn found himself surrounded by new faces in the village pub.  Farmer McDermot, Lady Westroppe-Smythe and other locals joined the usual clamorous crowd, the din being only briefly interrupted by loud outbursts and clinking of glasses and tankards as Peppercorn swung his arms about dissolutely, recreating great air battles of the past.  Nearby, Reverend Dunn and his housekeeper, Mrs. McCann enjoyed a pot of tea while discussing the imminent need for new wallpaper in the vestry lavatory and the possibility of holding a Church Fete to raise funds.

     The creaky pub door suddenly swung open and off-duty police constables Angus, Pinkerton and Leyland entered for their evening lager.  As the subject of the Church Fete spread to other groups, it was suggested that the old R.A.F. Aerodrome at Bamberton be utilized for this purpose.  Upon hearing the word aerodrome, Peppercorn's head rotated 90 degrees and his ears focused like radar, locating an old squadron chum, Wing Commander Featherton, in a corner of the pub.

     "Peps old chap!" exclaimed Featherton, "How are you?" 

     Brandishing a cigar in one hand, and a snifter of Cognac in the other, Peppercorn responded, "I say, Feathers, how about a Bombers' Moon Sorte?"

     Featherton replied, "Think my MGB can't smoke your Mini anytime?"

     At this point, all gathered erupted into laughter and it was suggested by the locals that a Bombers' Moon car rally was just the thing to settle this long-running rivalry.

     P.C. Leyland piped up, "Now lads, there will be no late-night motoring on Tinsley roads!  Not while I am Chief Constable at this station. Now, although I do not condone this type of thing, might I suggest, Sir, that you remove your motoring plans to the abandoned aerodrome?"

     Following a brief silence, Reverend Dunn inquired, "P.C. Leyland, do you think we could raise a few coins for the Church necessaries by expanding upon this idea?"

     With that, glasses and tankards were raised in great cheer, and the pub burbled all night in anticipation of the forthcoming Fete.

     Lady Westroppe-Smythe and her Ladies Guild swung into action, and with Peppercorn and Feathers on the Committee, final arrangements were soon in place.

     It was duly agreed that a Bombers' Moon rally would be held at midnight, two weeks hence, and would be open to all contestants.  Half of the proceeds would go to the Church lavatory project.  At the old squadron club, a large room was decorated for the occasion and a generous punch bowl, surrounded by scrumptious comestibles, greeted the visitors.  1940s Big Band music played on the old grammophone.  Most of the village residents had turned up for the festivities; five cars had entered the rally: Peppercorn's Mini Cooper, Featherton's MGB, P.C. Leyland's Mini Cooper, P.C. Angus' Austin A30, and P.C. Pinkerton's Morris Minor.  Farmer McDermott provided bales of straw for the course obstacles and he laid out a very tight course after receiving a few bob from Peppercorn.  Reverend Dunn was chosen to officiate.

     Each car would make three one-mile laps and the best time overall would be declared winner.  Numbers would be randomly chosen for starting orders.

     All plans were set and the evening was eagerly anticipated.

     The Church Fete was now underway and the funds were pouring in.  Mrs. Dunn was quite beside herself with excitement.  At 10:00 p.m., the old aerodrome lights once again decorated the long disused runway, and revealed the course where the rally would commence at midnight. The evening was as clear as a fortune-teller's crystal ball, and the full moon cast a silver-spun glow over the rally course.

     P.C. Pinkerton and his Morris Minor were first off and Pinky found himself slowing to a crawl on the very narrow turns and switchbanks in avoidance of the numerous straw bales. Next out was Featherton in his MGB who also found himself crawling to tackle the narrow corners with few straits to take advantage of.  Peppercorn was off third, goggles on, silk scarf surfing the wind. His Mini flew around the course, cleverly manoeuvering the turns at breakneck speed.  P.C. Leyland's Cooper mastered the course, negotiating the tight bends on three wheels and purring the straits. P.C. Angus had a miserably slow start in his A30, but the little car managed to consume the straits at a remarkable rate and thus kept a lively time.

 

     On his third lap, Peppercorn shot down the straights, his little motor working to its maximum capacity.  A 90 degree turn loomed ahead.  Peppercorn hit the brakes, jammed the wheel hard over and auspiciously brushed the straw bale.  Once through the corner, Peppers mashed the throttle as he flew through a long sweeping turn.  He suddenly found himself on a poorly lit portion of the course and following another 180 degree turn, burst through the straw bales and landed on the abandoned runway.

 

     "Blast it! Got to get the little blighter back on course!" he said to himself.

      While ruminating on the old RAF days and accelerating down the runway at full speed, Peppercorn suddenly noticed a large object in his rearview mirror.

     "What the blazes is that?"

     He applied the handbrake in a sudden turn and came to a dead stop.  At that moment, the object behind him lifted off the ground and skimmed the Mini's roof. He could detect four engines and a fuselage shining in sinister black as its wings lifted to the dark sky.

 

     He jumped out of the Mini and followed the object with his eyes until it disappeared into the darkness.  It was completely calm, but the wind sock had lifted and was pointing toward him.  In the moonlight, he saw the grass leaning over at each side of the runway.  Then, it was calm again.

     Peppercorn shuddered, closed his jacket against the night's chill and completed the course. When he stopped the little engine, there were loud cheers from the gathered crowd.  Peppercorn alighted, looking rather pale and headed for the ready room, where the celebrations had now continued.  He poured a large Cognac.

     Reverend Dunn declared P.C. Leyland and his Mini Cooper the winner.  Featherton came in second and, as he had suggested, smoked Peppercorn's Mini into third place. 

     "Tough run, old chap!" he said to Peppercorn.

     Peppers, now warmed by the snifter, replied, "Just wait until next year, Feathers!  I hear Mini will introduce a Cooper S, and I will leave your old banger in the straw!"

Glasses were raised and the festivities continued.

     It was almost 2:00 a.m. before the villagers headed back to their nearby cottages - on foot or in Farmer McDermots Pony-and-Trap.  The cars were left at the old squadron HQ.

     The next morning, everyone met at Mrs. Mabe's Tea Shoppe and it was announced that the Fete had garnered 'excellent funds' for the lavatory project.  There was a round of applause. Prizes were awarded to the rally winners.

     While slicing his buttermilk scone, Featherton recounted stories from his RAF days.

"Do you remember," he said to Peppercorn, "they never did find that missing Lancaster.  I recall it took off around midnight, October, 1943, and it just disappeared.  Probably went into the drink."

     Just then, Postman McCleary entered the tea shoppe and joined the post-rally breakfast.  Peppercorn, still a little wobbly from the previous night, inquired, "By the way, chaps, did anyone see any RAF activity at the aerodrome last night?  I thought this base was closed?"

     Featherton, raising his cup of tea, and with clotted cream on his moustache, responded, "Too much cognac, Peppers, old chap?"

     Postman McCleary then put in, "Well, Sir, I 'ave heard of the legend of "P for Popsy", an old Lancaster that is said to appear each October during the Bombers' Moon. 

     Of course, I've not seen anything myself, Sir, but then I'm not one to get involved in that type of thing.  Not really in the line of duty, Sir.  Well - I must be off on my rounds, then. I do hope your leg's feeling better today, Sir.  I'm sure we're all proud of your bravery in the RAF."

     "Bravery in the RAF?" Exclaimed Featherton with a shriek! "Crikey, Peppers! You're not still rambling on about the time old Shackleton knocked you off the pub stool at the Nag's Head?"

     At which juncture, PFO Peppercorn arose quickly from the table.  Clearing his throat loudly, he said, "Well, Chaps, must dash, Tally Ho, Chocks away and all that!..."

     Postman McCleary was once again blown back from the pavement by the prop wash of Peppercorn's Mini Cooper as Peppercorn flew out of town, and the rondell faded into view.

 

 

WANTED & FOR SALE

Please Note!  The Wanted & For Sale pages have been getting a bit too long as a result of old ads.  Our new policy will be to list "For Sale" items three months.  Ads will run for three months, and will then have to be renewed or will be deleted....to renew your ad or list new ones, you can contact me at: cbaumann@lkdllink.net or call me at 1-320-963-5681.  The Service Offered ads will be continued indefinitel

Mini For Sale.....Great winter car!

WANTED:  Hosts for MMPEAPSHA meetings.  If you'd like to volunteer your home or place of business to host a club meeting, contact Karl Jenstad at: jenstad@pro-ns.net  or call: (612) 869-7611.

WANTED:  Original Equipment Tachometer for 1985 Mini Mayfair....new or used will do.  Please contact Aaron Schultz at:  irgr8one@yahoo.com.

WANTED:  Any Mini, decent condition, preferably running, if not all parts to make it do so, low cost (<3000), basically I am getting sick of looking at them and would love to have one of my own. Please call Nick Brogren at (651) 407-9579.

WANTED: Minis wanted, prefer '59 - '67, but will consider all models. I'm looking for pristine, or daily drivers, or even project Minis. We also accept Consignments, and the Mini can even stay with you until we bring you a buyer! Please call for details. We invite you to visit our web site at: www.miniguy.com or visit our Ventura, California showroom. References gladly provided. Michael "MiniGuy" Lewis (805) 641-1970 or miniguy@miniguy.com