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In consultation with Peter, encouraged by the positive feedback from the recent Gaydon meet, I'm putting this idea forward to see what reaction it evokes :D The idea is for a "Hands on" gathering where we work on each other's cars. I'm basing my suggestion on the Rover 75 / MGZT West Midlands Nanomeets of which I'm a founding member. These began in a very small way and progressed to be what they are today. Please can I ask that you have a look at their website to see what I'm on about and the visualise whether it would work for the Jaguar Owners Club. http://www.midlandsnanomeets.co.uk/ If, after having looked at the Nanomeet website, you have any ideas or would like to make known your interest, please do so in this thread. I will say that it won't be happening this year. Rather too late now as these events are at the mercy of the weather to a large extent (unless somebody knows of a covered area where the event can take place). As well as enthusiasm, what will be needed is a core of knowledge, skill and ability which can be built upon. So anybody with knowledge and skills to do with the maintenance of our cars plus modification, retro-fits etc please don't hide your light :) One area wherein I am specifically interested is the use of the SDD diagnostic / setup software. The Rover / MG equivalent is a major attraction at the Nanomeets. I have the software as do several other members but what I'd like to do is find somebody who knows it well to give us a tutorial, or even a "group muddle through". I'm sure the basic impetus behind the concept will strike a chord with some of you. That is, you find yourself with a task to do on the car and you have the research and almost the confidence to carry out the task but you're not quite sure and would value the input of a knowledgeable mate who will pop round and make sure you don't do anything drastic. You know the scenario? You'd be amazed at what gets done on a regular basis at the Nanomeets and I feel sure this could be extended to our community, starting in a small way with a few cars, possibly at a club member's house, and then expanding as interest (and ability) grows. Anybody interested?

Well, at last the deed is done... and it works superbly well. I'm a happy bunny :D I first of all need to express my sincere thanks to Denis (X Type Den) and his lovely lady for spending all day with me doing the job AND providing lunch. In theory, it was as simple as I had thought. That is to say. The wiring for the extra high pressure pump was there, complete with protected connector, relay, fuse and appropriate logic control from the car's system. In addition, the bumper certainly DOES have the template for cutting the slots marked out on the rear. You can buy the bits from fleabay or a dismantler's for less than £50 and I'd recommend this retro-fit. That's all in theory. In practice, at times the job was a pig and without Denis' help I would have been up the proverbial creek without a paddle. I was certainly pleased that it was Denis and not me who was cutting the slots out of the bumper. The fitment of the parts is NOT obvious and without Denis I wouldn't have had a clue. Having said that of course, and with hindsight, I'll be happy to assist if anybody else wants to do a similar job :D PLEASE, when you re-fit nuts bolts and screws, take a second or two to apply some copper grease. It will pay dividends if they ever need to be taken apart in the future. I must have depleted Denis's stock of bolts screws and clips but now my front bumper is secured as it should be. Also discovered why my fuel burning heater produced so much smoke and fumes such that I removed the fuse earlier this year. With the bumper off the exhaust pipe from the Webasto to the silencer was seen to be torn to shreds. SO, a replacement pipe and I'll have the benefit of the Webasto heater for the Winter. Also, I can now go ahead and work out the details to make it turn on remotely and heat the engine coolant AND warm the interior of the car . Thanks again Denis. I'm now confident to say that the retro-fit is worthwhile. The parts required are not totally obvious and I'm happy to list them for anybody who is contemplating the retro-fit.

Certainly Roger :) High pressure pump, (I'd get the whole washer bottle if you can because the HP Pump seal is next to impossible to obtain, plus it'll give you spare screen wash pump and level sensor.) High pressure pipework. (including supporting brackets). Two jets Two jet support brackets (if available) If not, the original items can be used with the addition of some foam insulation - double sided foam tape would be ideal and only a couple of square inches. Two jet covers - HAVE to match the bumper's contours so in your case the later version. Possibly you can get them second hand but I bought new items from local dealer and sprayed them using aerosol. The fuse and relay will already be in situ. I got all the bits I needed from fleabay for less than £50, including a complete washer bottle. Also, I recommend investing in a pair of the aluminium cruciforms which connect the covers to the jets. The original items are made of a plastic which has all the strength of wet tissue paper and as new covers cost £25 ish, something you don't want to lose when the plastic ones give up the ghost. Let me know if I can help further.

So, on the day there will now be three industry reps available at the event to answer all your questions about sales, servicing, lubricants, and transmission! This is in addition to your discounts, freebies, samples, info, showroom car(s) to check out, free prize draw entry for some great prizes, a fixed price big breakfast, photo shoots, banner signing and everything Brighton seafront has to offer us! So much going on - so go on treat yourself, your Jaguar, and your family to a great Jaguar day out and sign up now :-)

OK guys, Very latest info hot off the press - Kevin from The Automatic Gearbox Centre ( http://www.automaticgearboxcentre.co.uk/ ) will be onsite on the day, to answer all your transmission queries. Please join me in welcoming him to our event.

Concur with you regarding F-Type Peter. Oddly enough XKR-S might tempt me as well

Great question, Liz. I am still a fan of the XK, although I do like the F Type.. There is a Red one that can be seen around here -- rather nice. We need something with good rear seating for the grandchildren, though, and the s type fits the bill! Maybe an s type Mk IV before I go to that great racetrack in the sky! Peter.

That car is dazzling Andrew. You wanna do mine? :)