President's Page
July 20, 2025
Another Year of VBAC Reflection
Having taken on the VBAC presidency from my more than worthy, and sorely missed predecessor Warren, in July of 2023, it’s been a year now since my last message bringing you a Club update. The second half of 2024 and on into 2025, VBAC saw an incredible array of car show events and outings available to attend and enjoy.
In July, VBAC members attended a cozy car show at Fresno’s California Armenian Home, where a wide variety of hotrods and muscle cars, American classics and our British iron were on display. It was such a great opportunity for residents to get out and enjoy all the cars and the fantastic food that was provided.
August brought us the Clovis Hot August Daze car show and the Little Car Show, during Monterey Car Week. Our Steering Committee (VBAC Board) held its quarterly meeting and, amongst other things, established a Charitable Donations Committee. Its sole purpose is to consider additional charitable organizations which may be in need of support through a minimal monetary donation.
As we rolled into September, our monthly dinner meeting took us back to our roots at the Roundtable Pizza, located at First and Bullard, in Fresno. 34 of our members joined in the festive 33 Year celebration event, at the (newly relocated) place where the Club first originated. A week later, VBAC members joined with a dozen local community groups to post 400 American flags at the California 9/11 Memorial, in Clovis. Later on in the month, a dozen VBAC members once again participated in Fresno’s Scottish Gathering & Games. Whisky tasting, all the festivities, and our British cars on display made for a great outing. A few folks also made it down to the CCBCC car show in Oxnard, as well as the Ironstone Concours de Elegance and the Reno British show, respectively.
October provided a couple of fantastic car show opportunities, as members participated in Fresno’s Salute to Heroes event, as well as the MOASF All British Motor Show at the Blackhawk Museum, in Danville.
The Holiday Season came and went rather quickly. Our December meeting at the Old Spaghetti Factory, in Fresno, provided everyone with a great gift exchange opportunity and a shot at a couple of randomly placed gift cards. Always take look under your chair when you’re anywhere around the VBAC bunch!
Also, our Facebook page came back to life, as the wife of one of our Trustee’s graciously agreed to be the new page keeper. Keep up the great work Dawn! January brought us the typical bone chilling cold Central Valley weather. However, that didn’t discourage several members from joining in on the local Cars and Coffee events, brought to us by the local BMWCCA chapter. As we progressed into February, plans for our 2025 Clovis British Auto Roundup were in their final stages. Membership in VBAC had steadily increased throughout the year and we were now enjoying nearly 80 members.
March dawned and we put the final touches on our Roundup plans. Another fantastic collection of charity raffle items were in place and all that was left, was to pray for sunny Clovis skies. As one would guess, the weather for our Saturday’s foothill drive was picture perfect. And, as anticipated, Sunday brought us the morning rain (though not all that much) we’d hoped would stay away. The 2025 rains were no where near as impressive as those of 2024. We enjoyed a great Roundup car show turnout, with 88 cars registered for an 80 car venue. While the weather discouraged a few, we still fielded one of the larger numbers in our show history, with a 50-50 turnout of members to non-members. Many thanks to ALL who came out and enjoyed the 2-day event with us. As a result of the success of our charity raffle, we were able to donate $1600 to the Central Valley Veterans organization. They still, put .94 of every dollar they receive, towards caring for the needs of our local Veterans.
Throughout the year, a regular few of our members put together some great runs, encompassing the many roads interlacing the Sierra foothills. We were able to enjoy going up to the Tollhouse market for their great home cooked breakfasts and lunches, the Madera Autocross, Cars and Coffee, Ducey’s on Bass Lake and so many places in between. Every member is encouraged to participate and offer suggestions for outings, large or small, near or far. Bring your ideas forward at our monthly dinner gatherings, or contact any one of our Board members directly. We’re looking forward to bringing a few new outings to you, and to revisit many of your favorite locations in the coming months.
Stay tuned in to our Website, and our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates to our calendar. Many thanks to ALL of our members AND to the VBAC Board for your continued, dedicated support of our Club. We are a blend of great folks who share in the love of owning and preserving these fine British automobiles. Together, we enjoyed another great year, while overcoming a bit of unforeseen tragedy along the way.
In memory of our great friend, Peter Patriquin… Your passing came all too suddenly and unexpectedly. Your love of the Club, your friendship, your kindness, your selflessness, your input and your presence (and your love for great desserts) is terribly missed by everyone. You will live in our hearts and our memories, forever. May you Rest In Peace.
All my best to you and yours as you Motor On… Jon.