Last Updated: 17/07/2008 14:36:11
The Great Welnetham show this year was in recognition of the Land Army Girls (they did manage to find some.) The “girls” were given a reception by the Mayor of Bury St Edmunds, driven around some of the streets of the town and then driven back to the show in a collection of WWII army vehicles, closely followed by a number of classic vehicles.
Two weeks later some of us made the long drive over the border into Essex to meet up with eighteen other members (nice to see Chris Durrant and Mary and Brian Page), family and friends. We made our way to the wonderful showroom and workshops of P & A Woods (Rolls Royce and Bentley Heritage Dealers) of Dunmow. The group was shown around all the different workshops, with explanations all the while on what work was being done to which vehicle and what all the machinery did etc. I didn’t know men could be so clean and tidy. Fantastic vehicles, old and new, including Simon Cowell’s new Rolls Royce Phantom, waiting for its pre-delivery inspection. After a lovely lunch, we made our way to a private airfield, just outside Audley End, to see some old WWII aircraft, including, in theory, a Spitfire. We were out of luck as the Spitfire was not available but we did see some German aircraft – not quite the same. It was a shame our visit coincided with their 1940s Forces Dance, and so nobody was available to show us around. Never mind, a great day was had by all, and thanks to Richard and Hazel and John and Jan (hope you two enjoyed the dance.) for organising it.
Next, the always excellent local Woolpit Steam Rally. While the rest arrived in cars, Paul and Lynne had to be different and came with their old “Fergie” (tractor, that is) together with a recent purchase of a “seed spreader”. There was lots of different farm machinery including the massive traction engines, which I love, but not when they cover your car with sooty smuts when you have washed and polished it the previous day. We were the only ones to bring a non-TR; my Herald Coupe, as vehicles had to be pre-65 and our TRs are not.
Please visit our web site for reports and future events etc. A quick thank you to everyone for making the effort to come along to meetings (it was nice to see newcomers Dave and Julie last month) – I think we might have to take over the restaurant permanently.
Lastly, a sad note; I have just been informed that Chris Gael died in May. Chris, who used to live in Zimbabwe, was a very enthusiastic member for eighteen months, with his dark blue TR. He had previously rebuilt a lot of classic cars and enjoyed rallying and long distance driving. We will all miss him and his fascinationg stories. Our thoughts are with Betty-Ann and his family and friends at this time.
When David and I agreed to go and watch Celia and Ian race at Snetterton on 6th April, little did we realise that snow showers would come into the equation. They were not heavy or persistent, so we took a chance and went, arriving around lunchtime. We eventually caught up with our “dicing duo” (and Peter and Maureen) and watched some great racing before it was their turn to step out into the arena.
It was a forty minute race where drivers change places at half time. Celia led the way, came in and Ian then took over. Unfortunately, on one particular lap he came in to the chicane rather fast, clipped a Jag (which was in the way) came through on to the straight and spun. Not a driving error, said Ian, and on examination it appeared the axle had broken. I suppose lasting fifty years was not bad in the circumstances. Another job to be completed before Mallory. Anyway, all the best to them for the rest of the season, especially Classic Le Mans.
Sunday 13th was our April Showers Run, organised by Bob and Pat, which saw fifteen cars – all but one a TR – enjoy the drive to Ely, Cambridgeshire. Bob had picked a lovely pub, The Cutter Inn, right on the river where we had a very nice room to ourselves. After a lovely lunch we all decided to see the sights. The Antique Warehouse was first on the list for some, which was just as well as the heavens opened and it more or less stayed like that for the rest of the afternoon. Well, I suppose it had to rain on one of our April Showers Runs.
The following Sunday was “Drive It Day”; what a miserable, damp and cold morning it turned out to be, but we did have some fifteen very enthusiastic members wondering where they were going. David and I had organised a couple of stops on the way to our lunch stop (which happened to be The Manger). The first was about three miles away – Granary Carfts – started in 1988. This converted granary houses farming paraphernalia, bygones, a few cars, local photos etc. Too much to see in one stop, so after a cup of coffee it was back on the road to Bridge Farm Barns where there was an abundance of different crafts to enjoy. It was not long before we had to wend our way through the always impressive town of Lavenham before our final destination – lunch. It was a nice surprise to see a number of old and new Bentleys in the car park at The Manger.
I really cannot believe that we are half way through March (while I write this report) and haven’t we had some fantastic weather here in Suffolk? So I hope you have all taken the opportunity of getting out there and enjoying it. We have, which included a trip to Orford (it must be over thirty years since I was last there and I don’t think anything has changed.) and a couple of trips to Woodbridge. It was wonderful to just saunter along the river banks, return to the café for elevenses and a warm-up, followed by another walk, before finally returning home to a well earned hearty Sunday roast. The last weekend in February saw us, and friend Clive, make our way along the A12 for the Ally Pally Classic Car Show, before we were diverted off because of a lorry having rolled over on to the central reservation and the police had kindly closed off the southbound carriageways. Not a good start, especially as the last time we went to the show we were not that impressed and said we would not go again. But, as it was now being organised by Greenwoods, we had decided we would give it another go. Not only that, but the Register were to have the main stand with, amongst other, fellow member Celia and her racing Peerless on show. We also had our other Triumph Club making an appearance after so many years absence and it was nice to see them there – well done CT Eastern. We did think the show had improved with some excellent vehicles and stands, including the Register’s, of course – where David fell in love with the light blue Swallow Doretti. My favourite is still the Bentley Continental. We did catch up with lots of our old Triumph friends, including Alan and John from East Saxons, looking for their usual bargains, before finally catching up with Celia (she was always surrounded by fellas). It was nice to see Celia and Peter (the Peerless) grace the page of Classic Car Weekly. By the time this report is read, Celia and Ian will have put in an appearing round the track of Snetterton (5-6th April). We will hopefully be there to cheer them on. Mallory Park – 26h May – to follow. And Peter and Maureen will be relaxing on their luxurious cruise, soaking up the sun. David and I are really looking forward to our weekend in Ghent. Finally, if for any reason you have not received our Events List and would like to know what we are up to, then please contact me by phone; look at our web site (both details appear at the back of the magazine, under WOHFTB); or better still, come along to The Manger, where a very warm welcome awaits you.