I have to start with the sad news that Roy Smalldridge, the Register Chairman, died unexpectedly on 17 July. He was 76.

Roy and his wife Gwen owned a ZA Magnette when they had a young family in the early '60s, this being the successor to a Jowett Javelin - Roy was clearly an admirer of Gerald Palmer's designs. He fulfilled a long term ambition to return to Magnette ownership by restoring his ZB Varitone (345 TMK) in the early '90s and ever since then got the very most out of it - typical of a man who lived life to the full. A regular contestant on rallies from the Scottish Highlands to the Prix des Alpes, he and Gwen also faithfully attended all the Register's main events, where their company always added something special to the occasion.

Ever willing to offer something back, Roy joined the Register committee in 1997 and was elected Chairman in July 2000. Since then the Register has gone from strength to strength, numbers have risen significantly and we have a web site that is admired by all. Roy's leadership was instrumental in making these things happen. his last contribution was, together with fellow-Bristolian Warren Marsh, to plan and organise the highly successful 50th anniversary event in Somerset, which occurred just two weeks after he died. It was a fitting tribute.

Roy worked for many years for a printing company in Bristol and travelled widely installing equipment around the world. His skills as an engineer, especially on matters electrical, were willingly applied to help magnette owners to keep their cars on the road. And his packed funeral service demonstrated that his interests extended well beyond the MG circle, encompassing (amounts other things) hockey, golf and of course his close devoted family.

Anthony Smalldridge and Gwen bravely appeared and took part in the Sunday events at the end of the Hambridge celebrations. It was wonderful to see them, and to learn that Anthony is to take over 345 TMK from his dad. We are lucky that our contact with such a remarkable family will be continued, and that, through them, Roy's memory will be kept alive.