The Maserati Club's social calendar for 2002 kicked off on February 17th in the traditional manner with 'Vera's Lunch'. Vera Cooper, a Club member of long standing, lives in a beautiful house on the banks of the River Thames and every year Vera entertains members for a buffet lunch at her house for a miniminal fee. Vera does all the cooking and preparation herself and is only helped with the final preparation on the day. I don't know how she does it!

This year's event was again blessed with relatively fine weather for the time of year and brought together members, their wives, girl friends and guests, no fewer than 91 in all. They all had to be fed - rather you than me Vera! The usual glass of champagne greeted each visitor on their arrival, i.e. once they had manoevred their way through the ever increasing number of parked Maseratis. Of course I did observe that non-drivers had more than the odd glass. As for myself, I drink only mineral water, and the one glass of champagne, when I'm driving!!

The industrious Roger Epsztajn, the Club supplier of all things Maserati, arrived early in his Ghibli Cup. I didn't realise how much Club regalia one had to pack into his car in order to set up shop and display the many interesting new items for sale.

In no time at all the drive and parking area were full and cars were tailing back up the quiet lane leading up to the house. News of Vera's fine food travels fast!

Just before lunch Club President Alexander Fyshe made a short speech thanking Vera for her efforts and presented her with a lovely pair of silver earrings (with the Maserati motif of course) in recognition of her superb work on behalf of the Club. Members present showed their appreciation with a warm round of applause.

With the presentation ceremony duly completed it was time for lunch, and what a lunch it was! Waiters and waitresses carried round our starter of salmon and prawns on a bed of dressed salad. We then made our way into the dining room where we were presented with a choice of Steak and Kidney Pie, Chicken Leek and Mushroom Casserole, Braised Kidneys in Red Wine, Cold Salmon, Fish Pie and Chicken Curry, all accompanied by a array of vegetables, mashed potatoes, rices, salads and chutneys. On one side of the dining room a selection of cheeses and desserts were laid out ready to be pounced on later. The table of desserts (my favourite course) included Banoffi Pie, Lemon Cheescake, Chocolate Profiteroles, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Trifle, Meringues, Boudoir Delight, Chocolate Brandy Cake and Tarte au Pomme. This was all washed down with red and white wine and for the drivers orange juice and mineral water.

Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention the Maseratis present: Ken and Adam Painter's gorgeous 1935 Tipo 4CS, Steve Baird's Ghibli Cup, one of three present, three Shamals, a trio of Mistral Spyders, a Quattroporte III, an Indy, the new Spyder, an immaculate and 'untouchable' metallic green 3200GT with the 'Officine Alfieri Maserati' program package, four Meraks, a Karif, a few Biturbos and of course, my Ghibli.

Around four in the afternoon, having said my goodbyes, it was time to leave. I got in the car, made myself comfortable and turned the key. Disaster! The moment every proud Maserati owner dreads: the starter turned but the engine didn't! I tried again, nothing, again and again, still nothing. There was but one course of action left, for mingling among the guests was none other than Maserati 'Superman', Andy Heywood. This embarassed owner gingerly made his way over to Andy and asked his advice. At the time he was with Adam Painter who immediately diagnosed simultaneous breakage of the camshaft chains, a job that requires engine removal. Adam, bless him, has a weird sense of humour.

Visitors to my 'Can You Help? Please!' page will know only too well that this was not the first time I have sought Andy's assistance. He disappeared into another room and emerged in a cloud of smoke ready for action donning a red Maserati cape. For the record, no, he wasn't wearing his underpants over a pair of tights!

By now Andy and I were surrounded by several members amazed at having witnessed a Maserati that didn't start, for this rare happening was not to be missed! Andy tried to start her again without success. We opened the bonnet and Andy checked over the fuses and relays. He and I proceeded to clean the terminals of the relays but to no avail. There was one option left to me, the fourth emergency service, the RAC. I was on my mobile phone giving details of my predicament and general directions when all of a sudden the car started. No it didn't start on its own! Andy and Adam had tried to start her again and it roared into life. A hugely relieved Enrico thanked everyone for their help, got in his car and left.

The next day the same thing happened again. This time I removed all the relays in the engine bay, cleaned the contacts and replaced them. She started first time. It apppears that the relay that controls the fuel pump wasn't making good contact! No fuel, no go!