North Norfolk Railway Vintage Transport Festival, 3rd July 2016

Went to this one last year and really enjoyed it. With the railway and buses operating makes it means there is plenty to do and too good a show to miss. Stayed over in Kings Lynn visiting parents (without caravan, perhaps next year). Got a place on the Pheonix CVC club area. large showing of cars and caravans – the new interest and gave us the opportunity to get some inspiration. Took the train to Sheringham for a wander around. That combined with the weather made for a good day out.

Interesting display of classic caravans
Interesting display of classic caravans
Nice bit of two-toning on this Victor
Nice bit of two-toning on this Victor
...although wasn't quite so sure about this Ford Pop
…although wasn’t quite so sure about this Ford Pop
Pheonix Cherished Car Club
Pheonix Cherished Car Club

First outing with the caravan

Discounting a couple of trips round the block, our first proper ride out with the herald towing our newly acquired Viking Fibreline caravan (aka Bluebell) was to the Cakes and Ales campsite at Theberton. Although only a few miles up the road, it was a journey made with great trepidation over how the old girl would cope with her new task. The fact that it was pouring with rain didn’t help the nerves, but arriving at the campsite to be greeted with “Wow, that is fantastic” by the manager, helped to reassure us that it was a worthwhile thing we are doing! Pitching was easy on a nice level site and the kettle was soon whistling away. The back end of the herald seemed to have dropped slightly, which was worrying and Paul started talking about replacing springs and suspension. After spending some time that evening researching over a pint, we realised that we needed to put a bit more thought into loading the ‘van to get better weight distribution. After spending a comfortable night, we moved some of the heavier items around and hitched up for the journey home. It was a useful first trip, with a few lessons learned and questions that needed answering.

Euston Rural Pastimes, 12th June 2016

It’s been a couple of years since we visited this one. Weather wasn’t looking good for the day but still managed to get the new hood down for the first time. Turnout was good, at least as far as the cars went, although the show didn’t seem that busy. Plenty to see and do with Cossack Riding display, and steam engine parade (always good to see things moving). And of course the usual crafts. Even had a fly past by a Mustang.

Nice looking Chevy pick-up truck
Nice looking Chevy pick-up truck
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and a Dodge Charger amongst the Yankies
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Good to see some Traction engines on the move
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Racing spec TR4

 

The South Suffolk Classic Run 8th May 2016

Third weekend in a row for a run. This one again in glorious sunshine. Starting off in the centre of Sudbury where the main road had been closed off for the classics to congregate, followed by an 85 mile trip around the roads of Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgshire.

First stop was MOD Police Training Centre at Wetherfield to look at a private collection of police vehicles and memorabelia. Then on to Anglesey Abbey for a brief stop and stroll around the grounds.

The run ended up at the South Suffolk Show at Ampton with it’s collection of livestock and craft stalls as well as a small fairground.

A well organised run which with only 40 cars, deserves a lot more entrants.

Fiat 600
Following a ’65 Mustang
Lined up at the MOD Training Centre.
Rare Alfa based Alfetta Milano
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Private collection of Police cars at Wetherfield

Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run,  1st May 2016

Glorious sunshine saw over 500 cars congregate in Christchurch Park, Ipswich before setting off to Felixstowe. Being the first time for me I was amazed at the carnival atmosphere as we left Ipswich. Roads were thronged with cheering and waving crowds. Brought quite a lump to the throat. Of course there was quite a jam down to Felixstowe, don’t thinnk I got out of third gear. Once at the finish we lined up on Felixstowe promenade where the place was bustling with people. Probably one of the best shows/runs in East Anglia.

Fiat 600
Assembling in Christchurch Park, Ipswich
Fiat 600
Very rare Fiat 600

Drive It Day – Audley End House, 24th April 2016

First run of the year and newly fitted with replacement radiator we headed off for the start of the CCVC ‘The Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown Rally’.

Starting point was the Museum of Power in Maldon, a museum I had driven past a number of times so was interested in having a wander round. Interesting collection of steam and petrol machinery. With seven acres it was probably worth more than the ten minutes we gave it.

Tulip route to Audley End House, with only one mistake (and that was before we’d left the museum driveway). We would have got away with it if we hadn’t been at the front of our ‘batch’ reminding me of the Obi-Wan quote ‘Who’s more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows him’.

What followed was a very pleasant trip through the Essex countryside ending at Audley End House with free entrance to the house and gardens. Another place well worth a visit on it’s own. Altogether a great trip out.

Lotus race car Parked up at Audley End House
Start off point at the Museum of Power

Audley End House Classic Car

Totally Triumph, 18-20th September 2015

Three day event organised by a number of Triumph Clubs – Stag Owners, TR, TSSC and Club Triumph. Missed out on the Friday night meet and greet but made it up there on a nice sunny Saturday morning for a wander around the show field. Some really nice cars including a couple of Vitesses – one won best tin top and the other was runner-up best rag top. Good to see a couple of small chassis Triumphs doing so well with the number of Stags and TRs in attendance.

Staying over on the Saturday night meant we could go to the meal and dance at the Hermanus holiday park both of which were great.  

Sunday morning saw us waiting in the field in the sun for a run through the Norfolk/Suffolk countryside. With only a couple of wrong turns we ended up at Flixton Aviation Museum for a classic car show which included a fly-past be a Dakota. Amazing the feelings you get from seeing and hearing these old aircraft close up, very evocative.

Great time had, hopefully the turnout was enough to make it worthwhile organising again next year.

Good turn out for TRs
Good turn out for TRs

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Stock car triumph Vitesse
Stock car triumph Vitesse
Posh tea break at the Tally Ho Tearoom
Posh tea break at the Tally Ho Tearoom

TSSC Duxford, 13th September 2015

Been a few years since I’d been to this one. Met up with a couple of Stags and a TR for the trip along the A14. Roof down on a chilly Sunday morning. Thankfully the day got warmer as the day went on. Managed to fill the parking area with some really nice Triumphs. Spotted a Vitesse with a tow bar that might just work with my twin exhaust, so will we be caravanning next year?

Spitfire mk2 showing the same heritage as the Herald
Spitfire mk2 showing the same heritage as the Herald
Parking area filled up
Parking area filled up
Don't often see them but there was two hardtops the same as mine
Don’t often see them but there was two hardtops the same as mine
Nice looking Vitesse with some very shiny spokes
Nice looking Vitesse with some very shiny spokes

Classic and Sports Cars by the Lake, 6th September 2015

A cold morning meant a chilly trip to the show with the roof down. Rest of the day turned out to be nice and sunny. With over 600 cars there was some really nice examples including a very nice Sunbeam parked next to me and a nice Herald Coupe I hadn’t seen before. Second year for this one and I’m beginning to realise I need more to do than just look at cars. There was a few amusements for kids but not much else although judging by the crowds it has become a very popular event. Good to catch up the a number of friends, all in all a good day.

Very nice Herald Coupe with nice subtle body mods
Very nice Herald Coupe with nice subtle body mods
cscsunbeam
Amazing rare Sunbeam
cscspecials
Lotus 7 look-a-like specials
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Three wheeler Morgan

Stonham Barns Classic Car Show, 16th August 2015

Third year in a row for this one. Got there in time to walk around the bootsale and then a wander around the cars with around 300 on display. Main ring display included dog agility, birds of prey and a procession of cars. Live band were good and helped while away the time. Good showing of Herald 1200s with four counted.

Classic 60's British fronts
Classic 60’s British fronts
Classic Yankee rear ends
Classic Yankee rear ends
Nice set of flames on this Yankee Chevy
Nice set of flames on this Yankee Chevy
Rear end of modified Capri spotted at Heveningham
Rear end of modified Capri spotted at Heveningham