Looking back at 2024 and looking forward to 2025
I don’t know about you but at the start of new year I usually find myself reflecting on the achievements of the previous year and at the same time thinking about what the coming year might bring.
For SOCTFL 2024 was a very successful year. We had a very well attended Annual General Meeting in April where SOCTFL parts were on display and generated considerable interest. Especially the trial example of the plastic air intake grill.
You may wish to make note that the next AGM takes place on 17th May at the Motor Museum, Gaydon starting at 10:30. All SOC members are eligible to attend if they wish to do so.
Other notable achievements were the launch of two new products bearing the SOCTFL logo that clearly identifies that the product is high quality and made to original specifications. I am of course referring to the air intake grill and the flocked window channel. Both of which are available to SOC members at a discounted price.
Talking of discounted prices SOCTFL has managed to negotiated a discounted price for members for the chromed plastic door handle bowls which come as a kit consisting of a pair of bowls, gaskets, fixing bolts and fitting instructions. To date over 500 kits have been sold. They really do enhance the look of the car.
We were informed by the manufacturers of the door handles bowls that a fire on their premises prevented them from making a further batch when we tried to place an order. However, we do anticipate delivery of another 100 sets in the very near future.
The discount details for these products are:
Door Handle Bowls 25% available from E J Wards
Flocked Window Channel 20% available from Robsport International
Air Intake Grill 25% available from Robsport International
These discounts represent a very real benefit to SOC members and it is hoped that this feature will be applied to future products as they become available in the future.
As you may know over the years SOCTFL has developed a library of parts that are available and bear the SOCTFL tick logo. They were stored by an SOC member at a facility he had at his home. However, he decided that it was time for him to move to a smaller house and therefore was unable to continue storing the library parts. This represented a significant problem. Fortunately, having heard about this difficulty, a member from the Warwickshire area came forward with an offer to store them at his secure premises free of charge. An offer that was too good to refuse and for which we are very grateful.
SOCTFL also had a presence at a number of event in conjunction with the club. Most notably the Triumph and MG Spares Day, The Classic Car Show and the Malvern Classic Festival.
So all in all 2024 proved to be an interesting and productive year and one that met the objective of helping to keep the Stags on the road. Well done to all involved.
So enough reminiscing, what about the future? Well there are some very interesting projects at various stages of progression which will no doubt become the subjects of articles later in the year. However having raised your curiosity here is an indication of what we are working on.
Tooling for boot lid panels
‘A’ post corner repair panel
Hard top locking plate
Some preparation work for a plastic version of the horseshoe light surround was undertaken in 2024 but as Rimmers have decided to produce these in Masak this project has been shelved.
SOCTFL is also planning to attend the Triumph and MG Spares Day and The Classic Car Show.
In other news Paul Smith the SOCTFL Chairman has been co-opted not the SOC National Committee. An appointment that will no doubt be of benefit to both organisations.
So there we have it. A trip down memory lane and a look into the immediate future.
On a final note if anyone has a suggestion for future projects relating to hard to find or unavailable parts please contact SOCTFL for consideration. In a similar vein if you are interested in getting involved with the work of SOCTFL contact Paul Smith to let him know.
In the meantime happy new year to one and all.
Noel Sargent
