Evening all,
I hope this finds you and yours safe and well.
This is a thread I hoped I'd never write but alas here I am. Due to circumstances beyond my control, and in the interests of the welfare of my family and I, my prized A2 has passed through my grasp and tonight has a new owner.
It was a gut wrenching decision and one made with the heaviest of hearts. Anyone that knows me and my (former) A2 will know it was a part of me and me a part of it. I gave my everything, time, love, energy, and investment to make the car as close to a new A2 as I could. It was a pleasure to own and I am very proud of the car that it became and the car that I sold.
The new owner will be along to announce themselves in due course. The new owner is well-known and I know the car has found a custodian that will cherish it as it deserves and as I did. Importantly, she, yes Porscha, now has a warm garage to bed down in, far better than being exposed to the elements on my drive. I wish the new owner every happiness - enjoy, I'm incredibly envious already.
As for me, I joined A2OC in 2005. With the exception of a brief sabbatical, I have been a constant on here. I have spent most of this time in an admin role, helping to steer the good ship A2OC, uphold and strengthen club and community ethics and support/lead in the running of this fine club (software aside, this accolade goes solely to the wonderful and talented
@ben). Often at the cost of personal and family time, this club has been at the centre of my life, a burden, sometimes, but much more often a joy.
With the odd exception, plus some very difficult and unpleasant disputes and challenging members, this familial club consists of some wonderfully warm and genuine people. The uniqueness of the A2 appeals to a diverse membership and the community spirit that is centric to A2OC is a revelation, the support, helpfulness, knowledge and camaraderie all make this club 'the' best there is.
I don't presently know my A2OC future, whether the time is right that I bow out gracefully or whether I will stay on. The hurt of the sale means that the future is just that, I'm not thinking beyond today.
Whether I stay or whether I go, ultimately A2OC has been a large part of my life. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve you and this fine club. I hope that I have managed to fulfil the brief of admin and that my personal style and character has by and large yielded a positive contribution.
For now, let me take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and may health, happiness and prosperity be yours throughout 2023 and beyond.
Keep safe and happy motoring A2OC'ers.
Darren
