They say the years go faster the more grey you get, but hold on June already. This is getting to the point of contemplating the "Yul Bryner" look - or is that "Buster Bloodvessel" in my case in an attempt to slow things down.  No seriously, as this years show season is about to kick into top gear over the next few months and the weather men forecasting proper BBQ weather, any hint of sun coming out would be a very welcomed thought on both our account and the exhibitors of fine American iron.

The promoters as you know put up their own money to give us the best venues and entertainment in the hope of Joe public coming out to appreciate our love of polishing our rat rods. All to the sound of the sound track of V8's and live bands giving it their all, in the hope of getting some sort of return on the capital outlay. After all, none of us can keep paying out with no return of any kind.

In our case, we may complain over the price of petrol - especially if your pride and joy is only doing single figure mpg but the return is smiles per mile every time we turn the key or the reaction of the Ford Mondeo driver at the lights. Even the kids in the back realise that you are driving something special.

One of the great indications of you getting something for your money outlay is when you enjoy the spring sunshine at the regular meets such as the ever increasing in numbers at Krispy Kreme. This month's mag reports on May's Krispy Kreme meet and describes that just under 100 vehicles turned out. This only tells half the story as I walked around and had the crack with the usual faces. I came across a dark blue 1965 Thunderbird, complete with roadster kit. I'd not seen it for a couple of years and then it was down in Llandudno driven by "Jan" (I think). Dutch in origin, now residing over here... yes it was Jan and his little dog. They'd driven up from where they live just outside of Port Madog. I'd have thought a good two hour drive with a 390 burbling away the miles would have been a pleasurable journey.

Then I found myself in front of a rather outstanding, extremely low mileage Ford station wagon that I saw at Americana last year. Martin had driven this beauty all the way down from his home town of Settle. Now that's just two members that are getting smiles per mile and judging by all  the other new cars and rods turning up each month, word is certainly getting around. Hopefully it is wetting the public's appetite for the organised shows or encouraging them to take the plunge and join this great hobby of ours.

As Captain Kirk would say, "To boldly go..."

Take it easy my good friends and enjoy the sunshine.

Graeme Swindley.