Disclosure about My Conduct: Please Read

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timmus

A2OC Donor
Dear all,

Over the last few months, some past and present members of this club have preferred to discuss the Audi A2 on a Facebook page rather than on this forum. There is, of course, nothing wrong with that. However, comments made on Facebook about some members of this club have become increasingly unpleasant. For instance, forum stalwart Steve Birchall has recently announced that he is backing away from the world of A2s, at least for a while, having been upset by some of the comments made about him. See http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?32372.

I have also been on the receiving end of some questionable claims about my character, conduct and ethics. Whilst I initially chose to ignore these comments, I notice they are becoming more abundant and so have now decided to publicly refute these claims. Below I have posted a conversation that appeared on Facebook recently that makes a series of accusations and assertions that relate to me. Whilst I am not mentioned by name, it is beyond all reasonable doubt that I am the individual being discussed. I would be grateful if all would be willing to read the Facebook conversation and then my refutation of the claims made against me.

Facebook 2b.jpg
1) The accusation that I stole from Paul Boulter.

Back in 2013, during the early days of me working for fellow A2 owners, Paul bought a high-spec A2 for £400 in order to break it for parts. However, he recognised that he didn’t have the skills, knowledge or tools to dismantle it himself, so he approached the forum for assistance. Paul wanted to have the car’s optional extras removed as complete retrofit kits that could then be added to his own car or sold to other club members. A calculation based on values at the time suggested that the kits were worth a total of roughly £2000, so I offered to assemble the appropriate parts into retrofit kits for a 10% share; £200. Paul told me that he did not want to have to pay in cash so wasn't able to accept my offer. I then made him an alternative offer: I’d do the necessary work in return for two of the retrofit kits and a selection of other parts from the car. Paul agreed to this with certain exclusions; the leather Sport seats, the Bose kit, the parking sensor kit and the front fog lights were to be his. The precise details of what I'd get were still undecided as I didn't know which kits were going to be complete or what the condition of the parts would be. However, even with Paul’s explicit exclusions, there was still plenty of choice for me, so the deal was done.

I proceeded to drive to Paul’s house. As I dismantled the car, Paul was forever asking me what the market value was for the parts/kits I was removing. As each retrofit kit was removed, Paul would take them indoors. Towards the end of the job, once the task was nearing completion, he seemingly started to mark every high-value kit as his, leaving me with fewer and fewer kits to choose from. I felt very much that I was being taken advantage of. He had, to all intents and purposes, reneged on the deal we'd agreed. His suggestion now seemed to be that, because I'd originally offered to do the job for £200 in cash, I could select parts of roughly that total value.
If I take car parts as payment for labour, I then need to find people who want those parts and perform the necessary work before I see any money. Thus, accepting car parts in lieu of money results in a significant delay and further effort before I see any capital with which to pay my bills. Given the 380-mile round trip I had driven (all at my expense), the huge effort I’d put in, the large value my skills had generated for Paul and the further effort I’d have to invest before I’d see any monetary reward, I believe the original deal was more than fairly tilted in Paul’s favour.
As kits, I had removed for Paul the leather Sport seats, Bose, rear electric windows, OEM parking sensors, boot-mounted CD changer, driver information system, cruise control, auto-dimming mirror, front fog lights and leather controls, all of which were now off-limits to me. After I pointed out to Paul that the rear electric windows were only suitable for pre-2002 A2s, he let me have them as they weren’t suitable for his car nor would he easily find a buyer. I now had one of the two retrofit kits I'd been promised. When Paul headed indoors to make dinner for his son, I asked whether I could help myself to whatever parts remained on the car, to which Paul agreed. Given that I only had one retrofit kit, my new intention was instead to try to collect components that are known to fail, such that I could use them to help other club members in the future. That way I’d drive home with less than I’d been promised, but at least something to show for my time and expense. In doing so, I spotted a small airbag logo at the top of the B-pillar trim; the only indication that the optional SideGuard curtain airbag system was fitted beneath.

This presented me with an uncomfortable dilemma. I considered telling Paul that I'd discovered another optional extra fitted to the car, but, based on precedent, strongly suspected that action would result in another kit being made unavailable to me. Instead, given that I had been given explicit permission to help myself to anything that remained on the car, I removed the airbags as the second of my two promised kits. I drove away that evening with nothing more than I'd been promised. When I left home that morning, I thought I'd have lots of choice, but left with the only two retrofit kits that hadn’t been made off-limits to me. However, Paul was unaware that his breaker had ever had one of those options.
If I had my time again, I know I should have been firmer with Paul. As he manoeuvred and stamped his name on an increasing number of the kits, I should have had the courage to say something. I ought to have let him know that I felt he was disregarding our original agreement. Had I done so, I may not have found myself in a position of having to conceal something from him in order to get what I was due. I'll be the first to admit that I made an error of judgement. Whilst this may be an explanation for my actions, it does not excuse them. I was cowardly and wished to avoid conflict with someone I felt had shown an exploitative attitude towards me.

Well over a year later, Paul found out that his breaker had had SideGuard. How he found out isn't of immediate relevance. Paul and I then had a lengthy exchange in which I put to him my reasons for doing what I did. He understood and accepted his part in creating the situation in which I had found myself. Our exchange was perfectly civil and he, having heard my side, didn't believe I owed him anything. He expressed his gratitude for what I did for him and stated that he simply wanted us to move on without hard feelings.

2) The accusation that I unapologetically broke a Votex spoiler.

In the time that followed, Paul and I enjoyed a perfectly good-natured relationship. We chatted at socials, I carried out diagnostic scans on his car and continued to answer his technical queries both on the forum and via private messages. The SideGuard saga seemed well behind us.
Unfortunately, when a roof tile from Paul's house fell onto the roof of his A2, the car was written off by his insurance company. Paul bought a replacement and wished to transfer the interior from his written-off A2 into his new A2. However, without the necessary tools, he was unable to transfer the steering wheel. Paul posted on the forum asking for help, and I agreed to stop at Paul's house on my way to Cambridge and do the transfer, free of charge. After I'd fitted his steering wheel, he asked whether I was also able to transfer the Votex spoiler from his written-off A2. I told Paul that the spoiler was bonded into place and that it would probably break if I tried to remove it. Paul said that he was going to lose the Votex spoiler one way or another because his written-off A2 was due to leave his ownership in the near future. In essence, he gave me to understand that if I tried to remove it and broke it in the process, it would be no real loss. So, despite not having any suitable tools with me, I carefully set about trying to separate the Votex spoiler. Unfortunately, it broke. I apologised profusely, but Paul insisted that he'd taken the risk and that I had nothing to be sorry about.

What I have written is a thorough and honest account of all my dealings with Paul Boulter.

3) The assertion that I’m untrustworthy and “prey” on the members of this club.

When I first bought my A2 and joined this club, I looked upon the A2s of some other members and wished I could also own such a high-spec' example. I made it my mission to research how to fit each and every optional extra. As well as enabling me to get closer to what I would have ordered had I been able to buy an A2 from new, it allowed me to give other members of this club that same possibility. My services have proven hugely popular and have allowed countless people to purchase their A2 based on condition and history rather than on the number of options fitted at factory. As such, I have met and continue to meet many members of this club.
I believe that it is unrealistic to suppose that an individual is carrying out a long campaign of deceit and exploitation when there is virtually no evidence of any suffering as a result. Were I to possess such a degree of psychopathology to conceive and carry out a long-term scheme of exploitation, one would surely expect it to be easy to find persuasive examples of people who had been hurt by my actions. I would submit that, on the contrary, the high regard in which I am held by virtually all members with whom I have had any dealings indicates that there has been no such campaign and no such actions. The feedback that I get privately and on the forum is universally complementary of my skills, the quality of my work, the excellent value of my services, and my kind, polite, honest and helpful conduct. If I were indeed preying on the members of this club, where are the individuals who have been victimised? If I am in fact systematically taking advantage of all who come upon me, where are the complaints that ought to be expected?

4) The implication that A2OC is somehow supporting/protecting me.

A2OC is no single entity that's able to offer support. That said, I am fortunate to receive the support of many members of A2OC who recommend my work or defer to my knowledge. I am also grateful to the administrators and moderators of A2OC who allow me to offer my services through this platform. I doubt this would be the case if I did not continuously contribute, though. A forum is a place for people to pool their collective experience, understanding and skills. I have gained from the contributions of others, so it's only right that I should share what I have to offer. At the time of writing, I have composed just over 4600 posts on this forum, a vast majority of which are intended to offer help and advice. I spend so much of my time answering questions and contributing to publicly available knowledge of the cars we love. If A2OC are indeed supporting me, it's most likely because I support A2OC.

It has also been alleged that A2OC is somehow protecting me. This assertion is frankly ridiculous because it presupposes that I have something to be protected against. If A2OC are indeed assisting in my protection, it is only in allowing me to refute the malicious and defamatory allegations made about me by a select few individuals both on this forum and on other sites.

5) The accusation that I don’t pay income tax.

This is utter nonsense and is just another untruth contrived to discredit me. I have been self-employed for years and have an account with HMRC. I work primarily as an audio engineer but also offer specialist A2 services. All my earnings from both lines of work are paid into the same business account. My accountant then calculates how much tax I owe.
When one is self-employed, mortgage lenders calculate your annual income based on how much tax you have paid. As such, if you don't declare your earnings, you cannot get a mortgage. The very fact that I'm a homeowner with a mortgage confirms that I pay into the public purse.

6) The claim that my standard of work is poor.

There are countless photographs of my work to be found throughout this forum. I am always happy for photos to be posted and I always allow customers to watch me work because I take pride in the standard of my work. People so often comment that, once I'm done, they cannot tell the difference between what I have done and what Audi did at factory. In all the hundreds of optional extras I have added to A2s over the years, I don't know of a single failure that was due to my work.

Outside upgrading A2s, I design and build complex audio systems for professional recording studios and live concert use. I have made wiring looms with in excess of 1000 solder connections. My looms have been buried under the Glastonbury mud and continued to perform faultlessly. I made the stage cabling for the Scissor Sisters and Kaiser Chiefs world tours, which were moved from one venue to another having beer tipped over them by drunken fans night after night. People are happy to pay a lot for my systems knowing that what I create will withstand rough treatment in some of the harshest environments. By comparison, the wiring in A2s is very simple and has an easy life. Given that the individual claiming to have repaired my work has previously demonstrated a desire to discredit me, I'd take no notice.




Further to my accounts above, I would like to personally address the individuals involved in the discussion on facebook...

Paul Boulter (A2OC member redbull_a2)

Paul, I had thought that all our misapprehensions were behind us. It's been years since we both acknowledged our mistakes, offered mutual apologies and proceeded to get on well. Neither of us thought it was in anyone's interests to publicly discuss the matter, but my hand has been forced by repeated barbed remarks and distorted accounts. I don't fully understand why you've decided to make an issue of this after so many years. You have never paid me a penny for anything I have ever done for you and my efforts earned you a considerable sum of money, but yet you've stated that you "got done twice" by me.

James Abbott Blackmore

James, you and I have met many times and had many good conversations. I like you and enjoy your company. We were planning on rewiring my house together. Do you really believe that I prey on owners and abuse trust? Can you reconcile your first-hand experience of my personality with what you've since been told about me? You've met my exceptionally gentle girlfriend and have chatted for hours to my kind and inquisitive sister. These people choose to spend their time with me and are thus witnesses to my good character. I remember an occasion not so long ago when you wanted me to swap your steering wheel. It was a job of minutes, so I did it free. The occasion before that, I fixed your central locking, charging you only for the parts needed. Why do I deserve to be so publicly maligned and vilified on an internationally accessible page?

Tony Foscolos of A2 Cars Ltd (‘A-Two Cars’ in all screenshots)

Tony, I know you have sworn that you will never speak to me, but I nevertheless must ask the question to which I'd so dearly like an answer: what have I done to you? You used to be so complimentary of my work, commenting on how thorough I was and what an eye for detail I possessed. But now you seek only to discredit me. You seem so ripe and ready to diminish and deride anything associated with me. You've referred to me as "sh*t on your shoe". What was it that I did to you that created such feelings of hostility and vindictiveness?
Has the time not come to keep your ill-conceived invectives to yourself and instead focus your efforts on the continued success of your business?

Tom
 
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You forgot to mention that behind my back you called me a naive simpleton for not noticing the airbags went missing ??
 
I am so glad that you posted this today, since I will be ceasing to post after today.

I have personally had more work done by you than any other member (I believe). I am an honest person and hopefully people will believe me when I say that I am absolutely amazed at the quality of your work. OI often call it "borderline OCD" you take such care that everything is in its place and exactly as it should be.

You located the car I used for the "project" and even though you had not yet received a penny from me (for the car or for the work) you carried out an extensive list of mods and improvements. I explained my financial position and you trusted me and did all of the work. To me that shows that you are not "money hungry" or taking advantage of members.

The bill I ended up with from you was large but less than the value of the work you did.

The car was in amazing condition and extremely good value for money, the number of mods and the standard of your work was exceptional.

Since that time you have visited me on a couple of occasions to carry out work for me often in freezing cold conditions and you would not leave until you had completed the job and made sure that everything was tested and perfect.

At no stage have I been exploited, you have been a friendly and professional genuinely nice guy.

I too am baffled by the way that Tony acts with me (blanking constant requests for a quote for a disc brake conversion for example, for TWO YEARS!!!) I could not figure out why he was suddenly acting like I was not to be spoken to. Then it finally dawned on me. He almost certainly hated the way that I gave open and honest feedback on the extremely high standard of your work, I honestly cannot think of anything else it could be and I would welcome any such explanation.

Because of my "A2 addiction" I speak to MANY A2 owners and I have never heard anyone have a bad word to say about you (other than the people you mention of course) on the contrary they always comment on the exceptional quality and how friendly and caring you are. On the other hand I have had at least 4 people tell me of serious problems they have had with work carried out by A2 cars. Yes there are a lot of happy customers of theirs but it always seems like there is no negative feedback, but the people that told me of the problems they experienced all said that they didn't feel that they could speak up because they felt so badly that they might say something that could be classed as libel or similar. They also mention that the feedback on A2OC is so completely favourable they felt as if they would be seen as causing problems.

So I had to respond to this post because Tom is such a fantastic guy both as a human and as a professional offering amazing services to the A2 community.

It is also obvious to many on here that Tom will always post help on the forum when he can (he is obviously very busy). Tony on the other hand did not contribute that kind of help, I believe (I may be wrong because this is hearsay) this may be because he classed it as giving away professional information. This means that he would rather not do it because he would rather charge people to do it instead.

So if Tony does not like me because I support or praise Tom, then that is sad.

It is also very telling that my project was classed by some (not me) as one of the best A2s that someone has put together, how strange is it then that I had the work done by someone in Lancaster (at the time I didn't know Tom at all) and of the many thousands of pounds I spent on the project not one penny was spent with A2cars and it wasn't because of any bias, as I say I was asking A2Cars for a quote for the brake disc conversion for TWO YEARS, including several face to face requests at socials.

So am I biased? NO, do I support Tom over others? NO. But quite simply I use a person that I trust and not one that tries to squash competition in any way they can. Including unfair criticism of the efforts I put in to try and provide a way for members to get the Votex style kits they wanted (and at cost)

I am so glad that Tom has managed to open up and tell his side of the story, he has not felt that it would be beneficial to do this in the past, but now he has done it to defend himself against unfair treatment.

Thank you TOM.

Steve B
 
Wow what a read tom I can see why you and Steve have had such a harsh time from these people, I have only been a2 cars once and thought they where really friendly, I can't see how some one can change from that to what they are now,

And as for the work u done for Paul after he put his stamp on alot that stuff I would have helped him no more that takes the piss!!! U do the work then he slates it over fb to his buddies, that's wrong on so many levels, and to have helped after his car was written off!!! **** that do it ur self and see how far u get or take it to a over priced garage and see them ****ing do it!!! And pay the price !! With all the stuff they sold .....

I do all my own work aswell and I love to help out but to get that in return is wrong, with all the info from this forum I done a coolent pipe change on our 1.6 fsi with success and saved aloud of money and used oem parts and cause I have worked on it I'm happy with the results, and I would help or pass my help on to other users, but people like that no way let them beg even better see if there buddies do it cheaper ....hell ****ing NO they will soon find out the hard way one way or another, I have seen people in a different light now thank you Steve and Tom for showing us who we have to deal with...

I have seen your work and I think it's fantastic to say the least I would love to be able do the stuff that you do, and one day would like the help to do parking sensors and fog lights and I know I would be 100% happy with it like all the members on here have been with your help, don't let this get you down fella as a forum we are strong and everyone loves the info and the help on here...

All in all I know how u feel I have helped and been fobbed off, and the breaking the spoiler thing **** suck just repair it then refit it how stupid u have to be if ur bumper breaks ur fill and repair it and re paint it, **** I have broken loads being a panel beater spray painter but they don't ****ing cry u get it done then the finished result looks good,

Can't belive people chin up fella
Light end of tunnel



Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
 
Well it's obvious you lot believe Tom over me . So there's no point carrying this on .

PS Birchall. Was that spoiler you sent me a prototype?
 
All I can say, in one of my last posts is that I find it strange that Tom is accused of being a thief and so he explains his side of the story in full.
,
and the comeback? he is now only accused of calling someone names (and even that sounds like it might be someone feeding Redbull with exaggerations)

I find that strange.

Steve B
 
2 sides to every story, it's such a shame it's lingered in private messaging, gossiping.
Transparency at the earliest would of had this matter done and dusted and possible things would have moved on and have been forgotten about, unfortunately now all members no this isn't the case, the whole affair has put a giant nail through the forums community.
Businesses being bad mouthed, members ignoring members when advice seeked ect.
A2OC this whole situation which has manifested to 1. Health issues, 2. Members leaving and finally 3. The community spirit that attracted many members and made this forum so different from others.

As a member who has tried to sit on the fence on this matter I'm getting bored of seeing this.

Now Tom has opened up and told his side can the thread now be locked and all posts except the disclosure be removed.

I can only see this manifestering and exploding. Not fixing.

Thanks an A2 enthusiast who logs in to read about the car we all love.



Sent from my E6553 using Tapatalk
 
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Well it's obvious you lot believe Tom over me . So there's no point carrying this on .

PS Birchall. Was that spoiler you sent me a prototype?

Not strictly a prototype but it was one of the first off the production line, but you could call it a prototype, certainly it was one that could be fitted and smoothed. Hence ther reduction in price, to help you.

Steve B
 
Wow after all that, and all that hard work, just think what a proper tech would have charged to remove all that stuff, and that an hour by hour labour charge!!

I'm on my hands and knees sir ur a more patient man than me

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
 
Thank you Tom, at last a coherent chronological report of the events surrounding this unfortunate episode.
To me the fatal flaws in the story from the accuser are:
1. If he was so unhappy with Tom's prior performance why did he approach him to remove the spoiler. AFAIK There has been NO explanation from him.
2. If he really thought Tom had stolen the side curtains why did he not go to the Police. Again AFAIK there has been no explanation.
What he has done, possibly being primed and encouraged by others is resort to making accusations of theft and damage on various sites and allegations that the A2OC has been protecting Tom.

I can honestly say that I,as a moderator, have never done anything to protect Tom and nor have I ever been asked by another person to do anything underhand with regard to the A2OC. Why would I?

Nontheless if any of the A2OC membership are unhappy with my performace I will of course stand down with immediate effect.

A propos of what Tom has posted, despite saying that the FB forum was open to all I regret to say that following a discussion last evening I was summarily banned and the thread removed. Earlier I had had two interventions from James Blackmore saying I was being agressive! All I was doing was using John Major's message of "Put up or shut up" to the trio.
Sadly this was misunderstood. The last straw came when it was suggested that I had my head turned by other members of the moderation team and so Tony said he had doubts as to my honesty and integrity. I was in the middle of a reply when I was banned.

How childish.

I have previously had a good rapport with A2 Cars and although I was aware the was "problem" between Tony and Tom, I never let it get in the way of good relations with both parties. After my summary dismissal by the team of Tony, Paul and James I will never darken their door again.
 
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I wouldn't have done that for anyone, certainly not someone with the attitude he displayed on the day, I would have packed up my tools and left.

I drove all the way to Brum from Manchester to meet a guy for some upgrades, didn't like his attitude, I left 5 mins after I arrived.

I can say I've never heard a bad word about you or your work Timmus since you started doing A2 upgrades.
 
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I can’t really say much else on this matter as it speaks for itself. What is more sad is that this is Steve’s last post :(

Personally, I see no way forward on this and as much as Tom and Steve has a right to defend their reputations, I would also ask the questions that Tom has already stated. Will Tony, James and Paul come forward and explain their accusations, I suspect not.

If Tony had any sense he would address the situation professionally being a member of this forum and tell his side of the story. I’m sure a lot of his customers whom some might be members on here wish to see a response too before they commit to having their car serviced or modded by Tony. To defame Tom and Steve’s reputation on Facebook by telling lies is a cowardly act and you guys should be ashamed of yourselves.

Steve, I wish you well on whatever you decide to do but hope that you will continue to support all of us NOOBS on A2’s :)

Mr Angry :(
 
I am going to add this further statement and re-open the thread. Any silly comments and I will close the thread.

I want to address the issue about the accusation how the club has protected Tom (Timmus). After Tom admitted his indiscretion with Paul (RedBull) to the forum Tom received a 12 month suspended ban on the forum by Murdo. Again let me reiterate that point, Tom was banned from the forums for the indiscretion. So the accusation that we are protecting users is ludicrous.
The club has in no way acted with favouritism to any one user and have been impartial with any decision taken, these are the facts.

Again let me reiterate, we are happy to be open and for people to converse in an adult like manner but if the thread descends into something which isn't befitting then it will be locked.

Hass
 
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Wow quickly overruled, thanks for the chance to state my reasons, if they weren't obvious enough.

I have no affiliation to any of the party's, contrary to others beliefs.

Car forum or bitching forum?



Sent from my E6553 using Tapatalk
 
Vespa it is only fair that the parties involved had right to rebuttal of the accusations which have been in the public domain on another platform. You call it bitching, we say it gives the parties an opportunity to be open about what has happened in the past and the reason why we are where we are.

I agree that you shouldn't wash your dirty linen in public but this has reached to the point where enough is enough. By being transparent everyone gets the opportunity to address the accusations and counter-accusations.

This has literally been the last resort, the fact that we have lost in my opinion a fantastic forum member due to issues relating to this and it has affected his health demonstrates a stand needed to be taken.

Personally i'd like to get back to discussing all things great about the A2 but this thread needed to be addressed.

Regards
 
Again while none of this in anyway affects me I really do feel compelled to add my two penneth. I cannot vouch for the credibility of any specific claims made against Tom (Timmus) relating to the breaker or spoiler incident but I must defend him when it comes to allegations of members basically being "done" as the accuser feels they have been.

I urge anybody who is interested to read my glowing account of my only experience of Tom's services:

http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthrea...oad-Trip-Requests-Welcome&p=252039#post252039

I doubt many offerers of services would bend over backwards to please the customer gone 4pm on a Saturday as Tom did.

Again none of this affects me but quite frankly (and I know this will be moderated out) all this bull**** boils my piss. And that's a Yorkshireman calling a spade a spade.

Apologies for my use of choice words but quite frankly I could have ranted on for many paragraphs about all this rollocks.

It's about time people stopped hiding their blushes and spoke out to stop this disgusting rot.
 
Which is why I recommended in earlier post, leave Toms disclosure but lock and delete all replys.

None of this is helpful to new or old members.

Hopefully other concerned parties can be forthcoming and disclose there side, again locked and comment free, then the whole issue is public and members can decide for themselves if they wish to communicate, use services provided ect.

Sad times and I certainly feel for Steve in this whole facade, and certainly a big loss for all A2OC.

Tom, I have never used your services as never required, but even after all this mud slinging I would not hesitate if the situation ever arises.

After all I'm an A2 enthusiast who wants the best so happy to sit on the fence keeping all options open.

No alliances, just a member who cares.

Sent from my E6553 using Tapatalk
 
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Tom has twice done work on my car: on both occasions I have been totally happy with his work; and remarkedly, have been invited to join his family for lunch! Thank you again Tom's family.

I have a (short, but growing) list of jobs I have been planning to ask Tom to do to my car,

Andrew
 
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