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A few of the Kent lot this morning for breaky blat

There isn’t a section for returning users, so thought Startline was probably the best place to put this. For those of you who don’t know/remember me, I’m Mat and was a member here 3-4 years ago - used to have a green 1.8 Zetec before Covid job loss forced me to sell. For those of you I have met up with previously - hello again, can’t wait to see you all. My partner will confirm I’ve been a right miserable and grumpy sod since selling up, and so delighted to report that I’ve finally managed to rectify the situation. Introducing the Jaffa Cake. A 2.0 Duratec SEiW Deal agreed today and will be collected this coming week at some point. I’m based South Lincs, towards Peterborough. Looking forward to one of your run outs to some cake at some point @Julie Hall - WSCC AO Representative and @AndrewBClarke. Will be in touch with you too@Martin Bell - (Bellyboy) East Anglia AO as I think you’re my closest AO? Thanks Mat

None of this fancy European stuff for me unfortunately, just a mundane visit to B&Q. Any excuse to get out!

You’ve got rid of your partner? Welcome back to the fold! 👍

Previous Alps trips have been 4 cars- this number works well with train & ferry cabins being for 4 people. We were joined by an Italian WSCC member @mTT97 for the day on Friday. Hence it’s just @Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman & @Stu Faulkner and I this time

Starting the journey home from the Dolomites

130 miles last night. That cleared the cobwebs

East Anglias array of colour choices. 4 yellow perils and thats only scratching the surface in our area.

WOW what a great trip !!!!! Many thanks to all the guys and gals that make these trips an unbelievable experience , it makes the WSCC the greatest club in the world. Here’s a few pics from our travels ……. Compulsory McDonald’s muffin to start the day then we met @ianaliand @Andy Westwood at Ashbourne to follow last years Long way North tour up to the A65 and then head into the lakes but Andy’s car was having other ideas !!!!!! he decide to quit and make a run for home to swap to the SLK and meet us later , we carried on getting lost a couple of times and finding road closures 🙄 but still found some nice roads but then the rain turned up after a couple of diversions and re routes ( this was one of them) we decided to quit the nice roads and make a run for the hotel via the M6, the view from Ian and Ali’s car Well we got there and parked up with the others and started to dry out, Mr Westwood’s SLK was sat all alone but he did look rather dry sat in the pub 🤔 Look some blue sky 😎 some lovely roads and scenery from the day A lake somewhere (we know why there’s so many 🤣) quiet roads top of a mountain somewhere ( @Julie Hall - WSCC AO Representative will tell me which one 😜) we stopped for a drink and I parked in the charging bay so I thought I’d give it ago , Westfield do electric cars … but mine isn’t back to chasing the sunshine and a big shout out to the crazy gang who we’ve met through the mighty WSCC next year can we go away from GREEN we need a nice bright colour like ORANGE 🤪 Thanks again @Marcus Barlow - Show and Events Co-ordinator and @Julie Hall - WSCC AO Representative and the others for making this tour happen, love to you all Andy & Becky

Great drive on the empty minor roads from Vannes to Port de Trèvignon in Brittany today

It's our Area Meet this Thursday, at the Golden Pheasant, plumber. 7.30pm start, 7pm if eating!

I am already in love with Jaffa, it looks awesome and we can't wait to meet you again @MattV, and Paula too if she's still around 😁 We are on holiday next week so hope to see you very soon after that x

Welcome back Matt! May see you around soon.

Thanks Martin. Hopefully collecting this week, so give me a few days to get acquainted with it and I’ll definitely come and say hello

Lovely car 👍

Welcome back. Orange is definitely the fastest & BEST colour…. 😎

Will be in Norway so not this time, despite Westie taxed and ready to go! 😝

We meet on the Wirral on the Saturday morning, and drive thru North Wales, aiming to get to Llandrindod Wells about tea time. Nice meal in the guest house, and a few scoops. Sunday morning, the Elan Valley calls, then home for tea time. Hope that suits. We can arrange a rendezvous on the Saturday, let me know if you’re up for this. Will be a great weekend. John.

Have you lost a car @Ian Kinder (Bagpuss) - Joint Peak District AO? Weren't there 4 of you previously?

Galleria Passo San Boldo with @mTT97 @Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman @Stu Faulkner

MOT day today, needless to say zero advisories 😎 Not the best photo 🫣

Prom ready!

Time for bed

Here is what ChatGPT said : replacing a lead-acid (or gel/AGM) leisure battery with a lithium (LiFePO₄) battery in a campervan is more complex than it first appears. In regular cars, the switch seems straightforward because their systems are simpler and don't typically have multiple charging sources like a campervan does. Here's why you need to be careful when upgrading: Alternator Charging: Older alternators try to charge lithium batteries like they would charge lead-acid ones. This can be inefficient or even harmful to both the alternator and the battery. Lithium batteries require a consistent charging voltage (typically ~14.4V). That's why a DC-DC charger is recommended — it regulates and optimizes the voltage coming from the alternator specifically for lithium. Solar Charge Controller: Your current solar charge controller may be set up for AGM or gel batteries. Lithium batteries need a different charging profile. You’ll need to check whether your controller has a LiFePO₄ charging mode — if not, it may need upgrading. Zigg 12 (Mains Charger): This unit was likely designed with lead-acid chemistry in mind as well. It might not reach the right final voltage or provide the correct charging behavior for lithium. You’ll want to check the specs carefully — a dedicated LiFePO₄-compatible 230V charger might be needed. BMS (Battery Management System): Most lithium batteries have a built-in BMS, which protects against overcharging, deep discharge, etc. However, this doesn’t replace proper charging hardware — it’s a safety net, not a substitute for correct voltages and profiles. In summary: Yes, it's totally possible — but you do need to pair the lithium battery with the right components: especially a DC-DC charger and a suitable solar controller. If everything is set up correctly, lithium is a great upgrade: lighter, more usable capacity, faster charging, and longer lifespan. Would you like help selecting specific gear or checking if your current setup supports lithium? I can show you how a DC-DC charger works, the key differences in lithium charging profiles, or whether your Zigg 12 is compatible with LiFePO₄.

Top of Gardena pass , Dolomites

Thanks to all you members who came along, hope you enjoyed the tour. We got wet, we got lost and we had lots of fun 😎 and somewhere there is a sign with a WSCC tour sticker on it 🤭

I've been going through my GoPro footage, so here's a couple of videos and some stills. Andrew chatting up Margaret Leaving the Hotel Ullswater Hills and Bends

Great few days in the Lakes and Dales. I didn't take too many photos, but here's a few. Ribblehead Viaduct, Honister pass, And some traffic lights.

Friend used his termal camera on my car after a driving session as I kept on complaining about the temperatures.... turns out I'm slowly being cooked like a lobster

Dolomites with @Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman & @Stu Faulkner

Driving holiday in france, stayed at a chataeu on the banks of the Loire yesterday before driving west into Brittany today

Started off as a little run out to drop some parts off at a mates in Dudley & ended 6 hrs later after 2 x patrol visits before arguing with AA to get a recovery home. Finally saw my point of view back home at 2:30am this morning. More details of my continued pain in Tech Talk under SEight major oil leek.