News from the Palace – February 2026
Good evening, everyone!
February 2026 brings a milestone to British Cars of New Hampshire – we’re 35 years old!
It only seems like yesterday we had our first meeting at the Red Blazer in Concord, NH on that cold winter’s night with six couples. Many miles have passed under our wheels, and like any old British car there have been many upgrades over the years to make it a finely tuned classic.
We started with a printed newsletter produced on a borrowed Macintosh II from a member who had a computer business, and now with the internet and social media – which didn’t exist in 1991 – our newsletter, The Boot, Hood, and Bonnet is now digital only. We have a great website that has gone through numerous revamps since the late nineties and a presence on Facebook, both of which have a worldwide reach. People can follow us if they choose from places such as California to Australia.
1997 saw the very first Show of Dreams, held in Milford, and the last in Hudson in 2024. The Show of Dreams has always been a fundraiser for charity, starting with the High Hopes Foundation, and ultimately ending with the NH Food Bank. Though the 2025 show was abruptly canceled, thanks to the generosity of vendors and pre-registered guests BCNH was still able to present a check for $21,000 to the NH Food Bank.
The creation of Councils in 2009/10 brought British Cars of New Hampshire to all corners of the state making it easier for like minded enthusiasts to meet. Each one has its own distinct personality, located in Manchester (Southern), Jaffery (Monadnock), Bristol (Northern), and Dover (Seacoast).
The club demographics have changed considerably over the last 35 years, and in general the average age of members is now 70+. Of course, as the club was growing, we were all a lot younger. My son, born shortly after BCNH began, is now 33 with a family of his own. How time flies!
That segues into the next subject: who will be interested in our cars as many of us consider downsizing, or leaving the hobby? My son has no interest in the cars here at the Palace though he grew up with them, and a look at some of the cars we’re familiar with on a popular site like Hemmings shows prices are stagnant. There are some great deals for those wanting to get their feet wet (literally and figuratively) in the British car hobby, though. As an example, the person I bought my NG Ascot from just purchased a one owner, 33,000 original miles 1953 MG TD – for $9,500. It’s beautiful, but the owner’s son had no interest in it.
Even with that issue, British Cars of New Hampshire consistently maintains an average membership of about 300. Some years it’s higher, some lower. It’s not about size though – quality will surpass quantity every time, and that’s my goal. I personally hope that the club exceeds your expectations and encourage you to attend a meeting, write a story for the newsletter, or help plan an event. You make this club what it is.
The Palace doors are always open to you, the membership, and I’d love to hear from you.
Just give Yoshi, our remaining Palace guard at 17, a little treat beforehand. He still acts like a puppy, but has a curmudgeonly streak on occasion.
As always, thanks for your support and being part of British Cars of New Hampshire!
Mike
Crackerbox Palace
No Weare-In-Particular
Think Spring!
BCNH Name Tags
If you’re a new member, or even an older one, be sure to get the fashion accessory that shows your incredibly good taste.
New badges are still in the design stage. In the meantime, old style badges are still available.
These are NO CHARGE for BCNH club members. Get yours now!
Contact John Giese: johgie@tds.net
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE THE NAME(S) TO BE PRINTED ON THE NAME TAG AND THE ADDRESS YOU WANT THEM MAILED TO.
FEBRUARY BCNH Events
Please check the online calendar at BCNH.org often for updates and other events that may be added.
Newsletter
Consider submitting a story, photos, or things of interest to our newsletter, The Boot, Hood, and Bonnet. Please send your submissions to Dave Swartz at newsletterbcnh@gmail.com
Calendar
If you wish to add an event or see something that needs to be corrected, contact Calendar Coordinator Sue MacDuff at lucymac603@gmail.com
Council Meetings
Meetings start at 7pm unless otherwise noted; you are urged to arrive by 6pm to enjoy dinner and social time beforehand. Non-members are always welcome.
Please note any changes to your Council meetings below
FEBRUARY MEETINGS
SOUTHERN COUNCIL FEBRUARY 2
Southern Council Meeting @ 7pm.
Meeting starts at 7:00 pm. Arrive at 6:00 pm if you wish to eat and socialize. Non-members are always welcome. Moe Joe’s Family Restaurant, 2175 Candia Road, Manchester, NH.
Contact Mike Sweet: coventrycat71@gmail.com
NORTHERN COUNCIL FEBRUARY 19
The meeting starts at 7:00 pm. Arrive around 6:00 pm if you plan to eat and socialize. Non-members are always welcome to attend.
The Homestead Restaurant. 1567 Summer Street , Bristol, NH.
Please remember to RSVP to Kellie if you plan to attend. We must give an accurate headcount to the Homestead.
Contact Kellie Braconier: kabraconier5@gmail.com
SEACOAST COUNCIL FEBRUARY 11
February 11 @ 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
The Office Lounge Dovah, 21 Third St, Dover, N.H.
There’s a metered lot right behind the restaurant and Dale Dean has arranged for us to park for free in the Ross Furniture lot on Second Street.
The meeting time is 6 p.m. for food and drinks, The official meeting begins at 7. Non-members are always welcome.
Contact Norm Michaels: NHMichaels@aol.com
MONADNOCK COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17
Monadnock Council Meeting @ 6pm.
Meet upstairs at 5pm if you want to eat and socialize. The meeting will be downstairs at 6pm.
Non-members are welcome. Dublin Road Taproom and Eatery, Shattuck Golf Course, 53 Dublin Rd, Jaffrey NH.
Contact David Scott: Scottdj1979@gmail.com
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Cars and Coffee, Deerfield, NH
February 21, 2026 @ 9:00am – 11am
The owner of Precision Machine and Balance will be on site for any engine/machining questions, as well as a local paint shop owner.
British Car Repairs
58 Church Street
Deerfield, NH
Tech Session, Bedford, NH
February 28, 2026 @ 9:00 am
Jaguar E-Type electrical system
Zimmlitt Motoring Co.
86 Bedford Center Road
Bedford, NH