Club News
July News Review
Posted by Stefan Graham at 07/07/2010 at 06:07 PM under General
Worcester Area July News
Well it was black over Bill’s mother’s, but Sylv and I decided to get the Spitfire out and take it to the meeting. We were both thinking positively and we arrived at The Berkeley Arms to find that the clouds had dispersed and had been replaced by sunshine. Thankfully, as a result, we were able to have our meeting outdoors - the first this year.
Unfortunately, John C, Rich D and Tim were unable to join us this month, but we did have a reasonable turnout and it was nice to see Judith and Phil again. We were also pleased to see Barbara and Brian again in his lovely recently purchased 2000 mk2 saloon. Then, a little later, to our amazement, Martin turned up in his newly purchased TR4, and then to complete the new cars, Peter B came along in his elegant Gentry, after having worked on it for the last 24 years. Barry was already in the car park when we arrived in his recently restored Herald 1200 coupe. (I hope I got it right Barry!). We managed to have 13 club cars parked up which drew some interest from those visiting the pub for meals.
During the meeting I ran through the dates of some future events including the Birlingham Vintage & Classic Car Rally on the evening of July 23rd. There was considerable interest in this and hopefully by the time of publication we will all have had a great evening.
I also mentioned the new Hanbury show, behind the Vernon Arms, on the week end of
13 -15 August - looks like the venue has been changed from the Stratford Armouries.
Whilst I’m writing this I am thinking of those members who are driving off towards the Channel on their way to Le Mans. I hope they have a good time and return safely with plenty of stories to tell.
The number of events and shows are certainly increasing. Sylv and I had a choice of 3 to go to on Sunday but chose a local car show, where we met Jeff Evans with his Austin A35. We also talked with the new owner of a Damson coloured Vitesse convertible ( ring any bells Mike C.?!)
Remember if you have a good photo of your club car, either with or without you in the picture and you‘d like to be included in the calendar, it’s never too early to let me have them. Thanks to Peter and Bev for their contributions.
Dates for your Diary:
Events attended by Worcester Area *
23rd July - Birlingham Vintage & Classic Car Rally
30th July - 1st Aug - Malvern Classic Car, Camping & Caravan Weekend
1st Aug - Sunshine Rally, Leicester Area
2nd Aug - Monthly meeting *
13th - 15th Aug - Hanbury Vintage Show
20th - 22nd Aug - TSSC International, Stafford. *
Stef
Well it was black over Bill’s mother’s, but Sylv and I decided to get the Spitfire out and take it to the meeting. We were both thinking positively and we arrived at The Berkeley Arms to find that the clouds had dispersed and had been replaced by sunshine. Thankfully, as a result, we were able to have our meeting outdoors - the first this year.
Unfortunately, John C, Rich D and Tim were unable to join us this month, but we did have a reasonable turnout and it was nice to see Judith and Phil again. We were also pleased to see Barbara and Brian again in his lovely recently purchased 2000 mk2 saloon. Then, a little later, to our amazement, Martin turned up in his newly purchased TR4, and then to complete the new cars, Peter B came along in his elegant Gentry, after having worked on it for the last 24 years. Barry was already in the car park when we arrived in his recently restored Herald 1200 coupe. (I hope I got it right Barry!). We managed to have 13 club cars parked up which drew some interest from those visiting the pub for meals.
During the meeting I ran through the dates of some future events including the Birlingham Vintage & Classic Car Rally on the evening of July 23rd. There was considerable interest in this and hopefully by the time of publication we will all have had a great evening.
I also mentioned the new Hanbury show, behind the Vernon Arms, on the week end of
13 -15 August - looks like the venue has been changed from the Stratford Armouries.
Whilst I’m writing this I am thinking of those members who are driving off towards the Channel on their way to Le Mans. I hope they have a good time and return safely with plenty of stories to tell.
The number of events and shows are certainly increasing. Sylv and I had a choice of 3 to go to on Sunday but chose a local car show, where we met Jeff Evans with his Austin A35. We also talked with the new owner of a Damson coloured Vitesse convertible ( ring any bells Mike C.?!)
Remember if you have a good photo of your club car, either with or without you in the picture and you‘d like to be included in the calendar, it’s never too early to let me have them. Thanks to Peter and Bev for their contributions.
Dates for your Diary:
Events attended by Worcester Area *
23rd July - Birlingham Vintage & Classic Car Rally
30th July - 1st Aug - Malvern Classic Car, Camping & Caravan Weekend
1st Aug - Sunshine Rally, Leicester Area
2nd Aug - Monthly meeting *
13th - 15th Aug - Hanbury Vintage Show
20th - 22nd Aug - TSSC International, Stafford. *
Stef
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May & June News Review
Posted by Stefan Graham at 17/06/2010 at 03:59 PM under General
Worcester Area May/June News
Well, here we are creeping slowly towards Midsummer’s Day and a well known TV personality would be able to say “It’s cracking weather Grommitt!” It does appear that the summer has started to arrive and I must admit travelling to work at 5.30 each morning and seeing the thermometer in the Eurobox registering the mid 40C, makes me wonder why I’m not in the Spitfire (well, the thermometer is broken!) Even so, occasionally I do manage it, and see Malcolm from the West Midlands area in his Vitesse convertible most mornings, although he’s not brave enough to have the hood down!
Our May meeting was relatively short with only a few items which needed mentioning; primarily that WAC has been scheduled for Sunday 26th September at Evesham Country Park. In order for this event to be a success, I would ask members to be supportive and help on the day with some of the tasks that need to be undertaken.
I mentioned the Triumph Marque Day at Prescott on May 22nd & 23rd, although few needed reminding. However, at the time, I had not been able to commit to going as a result of work, but was able to drive down on the Sunday for a most enjoyable day: even if only as a spectator. Unfortunately I didn’t manage to get footage of the 2500 saloon going off at the top of the hill, although I did manage to get the Land Rover pulling it back onto the track. He drove away unscathed to a round of applause from the spectators - strength of a Triumph - hey! Sylv also enjoyed it and was on YouTube the next day watching footage at 9 am.
We had a good turnout for our June meeting, despite the rain, and we even managed some club cars in the car park.
Apologies were received from Barry, Richard & Di, and John C.
Welcome to Phil and his wife (sorry I didn’t catch your name) who have a Spitfire 1500 and also to Roger who has a Sprite and a Vitesse in progress. We hope you enjoyed the evening and will join us again.
Welcome back to Martin and Richard S. who we haven’t seen for a while……doesn’t time fly! It was good to see you both again.
The meeting was generally lively with much chat and banter. Dates were given for upcoming events. However, John B’s Black Mountain run has unfortunately had to be postponed due to clashes with other events. We hope to arrange it for sometime next year.
I reminded members that we’ll need photographs for next year’s calendar. If you have a good photo of your club car, either with or without you in the picture and you‘d like to be included in the calendar, it’s never too early to let me have them.
Dates for your Diary:
Events attended by Worcester Area *
4th July- Bromyard Gala
Hartlebury Museum event
Six Ashes Show
9th - 11th July - Classic Le Mans
5th July - Monthly meeting *
23rd - 25th July - TR International @ Malvern
30th July - 1st Aug - Malvern Classic Car, Camping & Caravan Weekend
Well, here we are creeping slowly towards Midsummer’s Day and a well known TV personality would be able to say “It’s cracking weather Grommitt!” It does appear that the summer has started to arrive and I must admit travelling to work at 5.30 each morning and seeing the thermometer in the Eurobox registering the mid 40C, makes me wonder why I’m not in the Spitfire (well, the thermometer is broken!) Even so, occasionally I do manage it, and see Malcolm from the West Midlands area in his Vitesse convertible most mornings, although he’s not brave enough to have the hood down!
Our May meeting was relatively short with only a few items which needed mentioning; primarily that WAC has been scheduled for Sunday 26th September at Evesham Country Park. In order for this event to be a success, I would ask members to be supportive and help on the day with some of the tasks that need to be undertaken.
I mentioned the Triumph Marque Day at Prescott on May 22nd & 23rd, although few needed reminding. However, at the time, I had not been able to commit to going as a result of work, but was able to drive down on the Sunday for a most enjoyable day: even if only as a spectator. Unfortunately I didn’t manage to get footage of the 2500 saloon going off at the top of the hill, although I did manage to get the Land Rover pulling it back onto the track. He drove away unscathed to a round of applause from the spectators - strength of a Triumph - hey! Sylv also enjoyed it and was on YouTube the next day watching footage at 9 am.
We had a good turnout for our June meeting, despite the rain, and we even managed some club cars in the car park.
Apologies were received from Barry, Richard & Di, and John C.
Welcome to Phil and his wife (sorry I didn’t catch your name) who have a Spitfire 1500 and also to Roger who has a Sprite and a Vitesse in progress. We hope you enjoyed the evening and will join us again.
Welcome back to Martin and Richard S. who we haven’t seen for a while……doesn’t time fly! It was good to see you both again.
The meeting was generally lively with much chat and banter. Dates were given for upcoming events. However, John B’s Black Mountain run has unfortunately had to be postponed due to clashes with other events. We hope to arrange it for sometime next year.
I reminded members that we’ll need photographs for next year’s calendar. If you have a good photo of your club car, either with or without you in the picture and you‘d like to be included in the calendar, it’s never too early to let me have them.
Dates for your Diary:
Events attended by Worcester Area *
4th July- Bromyard Gala
Hartlebury Museum event
Six Ashes Show
9th - 11th July - Classic Le Mans
5th July - Monthly meeting *
23rd - 25th July - TR International @ Malvern
30th July - 1st Aug - Malvern Classic Car, Camping & Caravan Weekend
Comments (0)
April News
Posted by Stefan Graham at 31/05/2010 at 08:41 AM under General
Worcester Area April Meeting News
Unfortunately, we were unable to get the April news into last month’s Courier as a result of the rescheduled meeting because of the Easter weekend. However, on the night of the April meeting several members turned up in their club cars and we were able to start outside. But as it began to get a little chilly some of the more delicate members requested we move indoors. A warm welcome to Lee who came to the meeting in his rather tidy TR6. We hope to see you again soon.
Several of us went along to the Malvern Spring & Lotus Show and had a good time, although many traders had been relegated to the outside area, mainly in order to accommodate the Lotus displays.
We had our Annual Dinner on 24th April at The Berkeley Arms. There was a good turnout which proved to be an enjoyable evening. Thanks to those who were able to attend and make it such a success. It was also good to see Sue and Mike, visiting from Derbyshire for the weekend and we hope to see them again in the future.
Some members also joined the Gloucester area for the ‘Drive It Day’ on April 26th and had a really good drive, apparently even along roads with grass growing down the middle. Thank you to Jane and Andy for inviting Worcester members to join their Drive it Day run.
On May 1st a few members attended the Droitwich Spa Classic & Vintage Car Rally. Luckily the weather remained dry and we had a good day out although the number of classic vehicles had reduced this year.
Obviously the May and June News will also be affected by a later than usual meeting and will be merged into one report in the Courier. Also, those of you who monitor the Area Website may have noticed that we have a problem - and unfortunately our Webmaster is on his honeymoon, and says he will look into the problem upon his return.
Finally, I have confirmed the date for WAC with Evesham Country Park. So please note in your dairies - Sunday 26th September.
Dates for your diary:
Events marked (*) attended by Area
7 June - Monthly meeting*
13 June - Toddington Transport Day
18-20 June - Robin Hood Rally, (Notts)
Please keep checking the Website Calendar for scheduled events for 2010. (www.tssc-Worcester.org.uk)
Stef
Unfortunately, we were unable to get the April news into last month’s Courier as a result of the rescheduled meeting because of the Easter weekend. However, on the night of the April meeting several members turned up in their club cars and we were able to start outside. But as it began to get a little chilly some of the more delicate members requested we move indoors. A warm welcome to Lee who came to the meeting in his rather tidy TR6. We hope to see you again soon.
Several of us went along to the Malvern Spring & Lotus Show and had a good time, although many traders had been relegated to the outside area, mainly in order to accommodate the Lotus displays.
We had our Annual Dinner on 24th April at The Berkeley Arms. There was a good turnout which proved to be an enjoyable evening. Thanks to those who were able to attend and make it such a success. It was also good to see Sue and Mike, visiting from Derbyshire for the weekend and we hope to see them again in the future.
Some members also joined the Gloucester area for the ‘Drive It Day’ on April 26th and had a really good drive, apparently even along roads with grass growing down the middle. Thank you to Jane and Andy for inviting Worcester members to join their Drive it Day run.
On May 1st a few members attended the Droitwich Spa Classic & Vintage Car Rally. Luckily the weather remained dry and we had a good day out although the number of classic vehicles had reduced this year.
Obviously the May and June News will also be affected by a later than usual meeting and will be merged into one report in the Courier. Also, those of you who monitor the Area Website may have noticed that we have a problem - and unfortunately our Webmaster is on his honeymoon, and says he will look into the problem upon his return.
Finally, I have confirmed the date for WAC with Evesham Country Park. So please note in your dairies - Sunday 26th September.
Dates for your diary:
Events marked (*) attended by Area
7 June - Monthly meeting*
13 June - Toddington Transport Day
18-20 June - Robin Hood Rally, (Notts)
Please keep checking the Website Calendar for scheduled events for 2010. (www.tssc-Worcester.org.uk)
Stef
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February News
Posted by Stefan Graham at 31/05/2010 at 08:40 AM under General
Worcester Area February Meeting News
The morning of February 1st saw nose to tail chaos on the roads due to snow, ice and a lack of salt. Thankfully after a quick thaw the roads were clear enabling members to attend the February meeting, some using their club cars.
Apologies were received from John B. who was having to endure the heat and sunshine of NZ at the time.
It was good to see the return of Mike D in his GT6. Mike attended the Worcester meetings many years ago. It was also good to see Chris at the meeting for the first time. Here’s hoping it won’t be the last time we see them.
Talking of the last time……I think the good turn out of members had something to do with the fact that the February meeting was the last one for Mike Carter, before he goes to live in Derbyshire. Mike has done a lot for the Area both as a member and during his time as AO. Hopefully we will still see Mike at events in the future, but members wanted to show their appreciation for all his hard work. During the evening Mike was given a collage of photographs to help him remember his time in the Worcester Area and he was presented with the Member of the Year Award.
The 2010 club calendars which had been ordered were handed out.
I was able to reassure members that I haven’t forgotten about the Annual Dinner. I am having to think again about the original venue of our choice, as the situation there is uncertain. As soon as I can organise something I will be in touch with the details.
Those members who attended Droitwich Spa Classic & Vintage Car Rally last year will have received information about this year’s event from the organisers. If anyone is interested in going along on May 1st I can supply the organiser’s contact details.
Here’s hoping for an early Spring and a chance to use our classic motors!
Please keep checking the Website Calendar for scheduled events for 2010. (www.tssc-Worcester.org.uk)
Stef
The morning of February 1st saw nose to tail chaos on the roads due to snow, ice and a lack of salt. Thankfully after a quick thaw the roads were clear enabling members to attend the February meeting, some using their club cars.
Apologies were received from John B. who was having to endure the heat and sunshine of NZ at the time.
It was good to see the return of Mike D in his GT6. Mike attended the Worcester meetings many years ago. It was also good to see Chris at the meeting for the first time. Here’s hoping it won’t be the last time we see them.
Talking of the last time……I think the good turn out of members had something to do with the fact that the February meeting was the last one for Mike Carter, before he goes to live in Derbyshire. Mike has done a lot for the Area both as a member and during his time as AO. Hopefully we will still see Mike at events in the future, but members wanted to show their appreciation for all his hard work. During the evening Mike was given a collage of photographs to help him remember his time in the Worcester Area and he was presented with the Member of the Year Award.
The 2010 club calendars which had been ordered were handed out.
I was able to reassure members that I haven’t forgotten about the Annual Dinner. I am having to think again about the original venue of our choice, as the situation there is uncertain. As soon as I can organise something I will be in touch with the details.
Those members who attended Droitwich Spa Classic & Vintage Car Rally last year will have received information about this year’s event from the organisers. If anyone is interested in going along on May 1st I can supply the organiser’s contact details.
Here’s hoping for an early Spring and a chance to use our classic motors!
Please keep checking the Website Calendar for scheduled events for 2010. (www.tssc-Worcester.org.uk)
Stef
Comments (0)
March News
Posted by Stefan Graham at 31/05/2010 at 08:39 AM under General
Worcester Area March Meeting News
Well, we’re hoping the weather is starting to improve. We had a good turnout with several club cars being brought out despite the salt and grit spreaders out again. Di and Rich and Rich D were unable to attend tonight.
It’s 6 years since Richard Stowe, Sylvia and myself first came along to the meetings and I remember what a lovely evening it was and how welcome the three of us were made by the then AO, Mike Carter. The first person we met was Peter Williams who was trying to get support from members for the Annual Dinner, which, funnily enough is exactly what I was doing this evening! We have arranged for our meal on 24th April at The Berkeley Arms (7.30 for 8 pm). You should have had either an e-mail or snail mail by now, so I’m probably waiting for some of you to let me know - please be quick!
During the meeting John C. told members that he had been in contact with the Air Ambulance. Last year when John and Barry presented the charity with the proceeds of the WAC raffle, a publicity photo was taken. John was told that the photo appears to have been lost and so a new photo opportunity is going to be arranged.
Those members who attended Droitwich Spa Classic & Vintage Car Rally last year will have received information about this year’s event from the organisers. If anyone is interested in going along on May 1st I can supply the organiser’s contact details.
At the meeting I gave out a Calendar of Events for the Area which is not final and includes some suggestions for extra events. If you wish for us as an area to participate in or organise other events, please let me know. John B .has offered to organise a Black & White run and any other offers/help would be greatly appreciated.
Drive It Day this year is on Sunday 25th April. Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend as I am needed in work on that day. However, the Gloucester Area have kindly invited our members to join them on their run. This will be discussed further at our next meeting on April 12th.
Here’s hoping for some Spring sunshine and a chance to get out in our classics!
Please keep checking the Website Calendar for scheduled events for 2010. (www.tssc-Worcester.org.uk)
Stef
Well, we’re hoping the weather is starting to improve. We had a good turnout with several club cars being brought out despite the salt and grit spreaders out again. Di and Rich and Rich D were unable to attend tonight.
It’s 6 years since Richard Stowe, Sylvia and myself first came along to the meetings and I remember what a lovely evening it was and how welcome the three of us were made by the then AO, Mike Carter. The first person we met was Peter Williams who was trying to get support from members for the Annual Dinner, which, funnily enough is exactly what I was doing this evening! We have arranged for our meal on 24th April at The Berkeley Arms (7.30 for 8 pm). You should have had either an e-mail or snail mail by now, so I’m probably waiting for some of you to let me know - please be quick!
During the meeting John C. told members that he had been in contact with the Air Ambulance. Last year when John and Barry presented the charity with the proceeds of the WAC raffle, a publicity photo was taken. John was told that the photo appears to have been lost and so a new photo opportunity is going to be arranged.
Those members who attended Droitwich Spa Classic & Vintage Car Rally last year will have received information about this year’s event from the organisers. If anyone is interested in going along on May 1st I can supply the organiser’s contact details.
At the meeting I gave out a Calendar of Events for the Area which is not final and includes some suggestions for extra events. If you wish for us as an area to participate in or organise other events, please let me know. John B .has offered to organise a Black & White run and any other offers/help would be greatly appreciated.
Drive It Day this year is on Sunday 25th April. Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend as I am needed in work on that day. However, the Gloucester Area have kindly invited our members to join them on their run. This will be discussed further at our next meeting on April 12th.
Here’s hoping for some Spring sunshine and a chance to get out in our classics!
Please keep checking the Website Calendar for scheduled events for 2010. (www.tssc-Worcester.org.uk)
Stef
Comments (0)
Worcester Area January News
Posted by Stefan Graham at 05/01/2010 at 06:28 PM under General
Worcester Area January Meeting News
Our first meeting of 2010 and the brave souls of the Worcester Area turned up despite clear skies and the hint of a sharp frost - some even venturing out in their Triumphs and risking the salt and gravel. Some members only came in the hope of collecting the 2010 TSSC Area calendar which they had ordered, but as these haven’t yet arrived they are going to have to attend next month too!
Unfortunately, several members were unable to attend, apologies were received from Richard & Di, Tim, Mel and Richard D.
Not a lot of business to discuss so members had a good chat and were in good spirits. Voting slips were given out for Member of the Year so give it some thought. A brief discussion took place regarding the Annual Dinner which has not yet been finalised but hopefully further details will be given at the next meeting.
Some members attended the Malvern Bits & Pieces Autojumble on 3 Jan and managed to get a lot of bits they needed, including shiny parts!
Keeping it brief this month!
Dates for your diary:
Events marked (*) attended by Area
1 Feb - Monthly meeting *
20 Feb - SVR Transport Event
7 Mar - Triumph Spares Day @ Stoneleigh
Please keep checking the Website Calendar for scheduled events for 2010. (www.tssc-Worcester.org.uk)
Stef
Our first meeting of 2010 and the brave souls of the Worcester Area turned up despite clear skies and the hint of a sharp frost - some even venturing out in their Triumphs and risking the salt and gravel. Some members only came in the hope of collecting the 2010 TSSC Area calendar which they had ordered, but as these haven’t yet arrived they are going to have to attend next month too!
Unfortunately, several members were unable to attend, apologies were received from Richard & Di, Tim, Mel and Richard D.
Not a lot of business to discuss so members had a good chat and were in good spirits. Voting slips were given out for Member of the Year so give it some thought. A brief discussion took place regarding the Annual Dinner which has not yet been finalised but hopefully further details will be given at the next meeting.
Some members attended the Malvern Bits & Pieces Autojumble on 3 Jan and managed to get a lot of bits they needed, including shiny parts!
Keeping it brief this month!
Dates for your diary:
Events marked (*) attended by Area
1 Feb - Monthly meeting *
20 Feb - SVR Transport Event
7 Mar - Triumph Spares Day @ Stoneleigh
Please keep checking the Website Calendar for scheduled events for 2010. (www.tssc-Worcester.org.uk)
Stef
Comments (0)
Laon report
Posted by Stefan Graham at 07/06/2009 at 08:15 PM under General
As a number of our Area was going to Laon it was decided to postpone our June meeting until June 8th. By doing so, I will miss the cut off date for submitting the news report. Therefore I have written about our trip to Laon instead.
LAON HISTORIQUE 2009
As I look out of the window at the pouring rain and pull on a sweater against the chill, I find it hard to believe that this time last week I was driving around the beautiful French countryside, enjoying the warm sunshine, with the top down on the Spit.
But yes, it was only last week end that a combined group of 38 people and 18 cars from the Gloucester & Worcester Areas attended this year’s Laon Historique.
Most people travelled down to the Dover area on Thursday and found overnight accommodation, to be ready for the 10am ferry to Dunkirk on the Friday morning. Our group was joined by a Plymouth Prowler which attracted a lot of attention and Andy & Paul took their little red creation again. When we arrived in Dunkirk we found ourselves split into groups, each one taking a different route to the hotel in Laon. (Some routes were longer than others!) At Laon we were joined by Barry & Nora who were staying in the area in their camper van.
Saturday was the regional tour road run which, this year, took us to La Fere for the lunch stop and then on to Laon Hippodrome for the champagne reception. According to the list of participants there were 596 vehicles taking part. Andy & Paul entered into the spirit by dressing in white overalls and rather large moustaches. Thankfully our group completed the run without any real problems, except for some loose nuts which were tightened later! Thanks again Paul!
The circuit of Laon was on Sunday which was another warm, sunny day. The route, as usual, took us around the streets of Laon giving those of us with noisy exhausts a chance to let the locals know we had arrived…..just in case they hadn’t noticed! This year there was a parade by Alfa Romeo which, by making so many laps, caused a bit of a hold up for the rest of us. Temperature gauges were watched with caution but, thankfully, there were no problems that a little rest to cool down didn’t cure.
On Monday we divided into groups again, each going a different way back to the ferry at Dunkirk. The group I was in consisted of 8 cars and we took a very pleasant route. We even managed to find places open for morning coffee and lunch, which for a public holiday was very lucky. We also helped to make a little bit of family history for Bev & Anne, by visiting the place where Bev’s father was after being injured in the First World War.
When we arrived at Dunkirk we were disappointed to find that our 6pm ferry had been cancelled and we had to wait until 8pm. However, the rest of the group had managed to get on the delayed 4pm ferry and ‘phoned to tell us they had arrived before we had left!
All in all we had a fab weekend. Who needs a pick me up when you can drive around sunny France in your Triumph and have laughs galore with such a great crowd? We definitely owe our thanks to Jane Rowley for booking the trip for us…….. So, many thanks Jane!! I must say though Jane, you should get that horn seen to…..you can’t go around tooting at strange men......you know what I mean!!!
Stef
LAON HISTORIQUE 2009
As I look out of the window at the pouring rain and pull on a sweater against the chill, I find it hard to believe that this time last week I was driving around the beautiful French countryside, enjoying the warm sunshine, with the top down on the Spit.
But yes, it was only last week end that a combined group of 38 people and 18 cars from the Gloucester & Worcester Areas attended this year’s Laon Historique.
Most people travelled down to the Dover area on Thursday and found overnight accommodation, to be ready for the 10am ferry to Dunkirk on the Friday morning. Our group was joined by a Plymouth Prowler which attracted a lot of attention and Andy & Paul took their little red creation again. When we arrived in Dunkirk we found ourselves split into groups, each one taking a different route to the hotel in Laon. (Some routes were longer than others!) At Laon we were joined by Barry & Nora who were staying in the area in their camper van.
Saturday was the regional tour road run which, this year, took us to La Fere for the lunch stop and then on to Laon Hippodrome for the champagne reception. According to the list of participants there were 596 vehicles taking part. Andy & Paul entered into the spirit by dressing in white overalls and rather large moustaches. Thankfully our group completed the run without any real problems, except for some loose nuts which were tightened later! Thanks again Paul!
The circuit of Laon was on Sunday which was another warm, sunny day. The route, as usual, took us around the streets of Laon giving those of us with noisy exhausts a chance to let the locals know we had arrived…..just in case they hadn’t noticed! This year there was a parade by Alfa Romeo which, by making so many laps, caused a bit of a hold up for the rest of us. Temperature gauges were watched with caution but, thankfully, there were no problems that a little rest to cool down didn’t cure.
On Monday we divided into groups again, each going a different way back to the ferry at Dunkirk. The group I was in consisted of 8 cars and we took a very pleasant route. We even managed to find places open for morning coffee and lunch, which for a public holiday was very lucky. We also helped to make a little bit of family history for Bev & Anne, by visiting the place where Bev’s father was after being injured in the First World War.
When we arrived at Dunkirk we were disappointed to find that our 6pm ferry had been cancelled and we had to wait until 8pm. However, the rest of the group had managed to get on the delayed 4pm ferry and ‘phoned to tell us they had arrived before we had left!
All in all we had a fab weekend. Who needs a pick me up when you can drive around sunny France in your Triumph and have laughs galore with such a great crowd? We definitely owe our thanks to Jane Rowley for booking the trip for us…….. So, many thanks Jane!! I must say though Jane, you should get that horn seen to…..you can’t go around tooting at strange men......you know what I mean!!!
Stef