December 2024 | Issue 773 | Page(s) 3 | Gaynor Cauter
As we wind up our activities for another year and sign off the final Jaguar Driver of 2024, we are digesting JLR’s new take on Jaguar’s identity and wait – with a mixture of anticipation and a certain amount of anxiety – for the big reveal.
As I write this, the date being touted is Monday 2 December, however, it has slipped in the past so we will have to wait and see. Will we like what we see when the Jaguar of the future is finally unveiled? I am keeping an open mind although judging by the traffic on social media regarding the new logos and promotional video, a lot of people have already decided. For those of you who have not yet seen the new-look logos, they are on the Factory Floor pages, but there is a lot more in this Christmas issue besides, including a choice of reading for the festive season from me and from Letitia at Xclusively Jaguar, plus some gift ideas from our partner, Motul.
Still on a cheery note, our Areas are busier than ever. Our new Area 47 Anglesey & North Wales seems to be taking off, with a committee set up, a venue found (for the time being, at least) and an events calendar already in hand for next year. If you live or travel in that part of the country, then please drop Stephen Knight or David Gosling an email at jdcarea47@gmail.com – they would love to hear from you or, better still, drop in on Tuesday 21 January, at 7:30pm, at The Four Crosses Inn, Menai Bridge, LL59 5RP.
Another Area undergoing a noticeable revival is Area 62 Yorkshire Coast. Since Eric Uttley returned, he has really got the Area buzzing, as you will see from his report in Area News. Our Areas are the beating heart of the JDC and I would urge every member with a meeting nearby to show their face and support them. On a sad note, I have just heard that Nigel Butterworth, who won Champion of Champions with his white XJS, has died. I hope to bring you more about Nigel and his devotion to our JDC concours in the next issue. In the meantime, I would like to send condolences to his family on behalf of everyone in the JDC who knew him.
We also lost another well-known and, to some, notorious, Jaguar owner in former Labour Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, who died on 20 November at the age of 86. While not everyone shared John Prescott’s politics or the manner in which he delivered them, most of his colleagues, and even some members of the opposing parties, acknowledge his dedication to the cause and the unwavering belief he had in the Labour movement. Whether he improved the image of the Jaguar owner is another question altogether!
Before I sign off for 2024, I have a welcome bit of breaking news – Jaguar Spares Day is booked for Sunday 13 April at Stoneleigh – see Bryan’s Vice- Chairman’s report in Club News. It only leaves me to thank all our members and contributors for keeping the magazine afloat for another year and wish you all a very happy Christmas – I look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Gaynor
