Classic Car Outings 2023

A nice bright sunny start to the day saw a great turn out for the first run of the year with 26 Triumphs and over 50 people attending. This resulted in an impromptu car show in Swaffham Market Place for the start of the run, which took in Castle Acre and a watermill, ending at Whitwell and Reepham Station for brunch and train rides. Unfortunately the rain came down just as folk were heading home. It was really great to see members coming from other TSSC areas including Cambridge, Leicester & Rutland and Nottingham. We were also joined by a few members from the Wensum TRs. Triumphs in attendance were -2 Early Heralds and a 13/60, 3 Vitesses, 2 Spitfires, 3 GT6s, a single Hurricane and Dolomite, 2 TR4s and 2 TR6s and the most popular with 4 were TR7s along with 4 big Triumphs.

 

Following an invite from TR Wensum, two TSSC cars attended their mid-week run from Dereham to Setchy for lunch, a wander around the beer warehouse and antiques centre. Great weather, great run and great company. Many thanks to the TR Wensum lot who made us feel so welcome.

Although it wasn’t official at the start of the weekend, this was our first opportunity to visit another area in our new role as Area Liaison Officers. 

The weekend began on Friday 14th April, when members started to gather at the Holiday Inn, Braintree, with Sue and Mike there to welcome participants. The evening was spent enjoying a carvery at the nearby Toby Inn, before Karl handed out some excellent route booklets and sent us off to do our homework.

After breakfast the next morning, we gathered in the hotel car park ready to set off for a 60 mile run around the Essex countryside. There were several challenges to be undertaken on the way, including taking photographs of ‘45’, spring flowers, post boxes and of course as many other Triumphs as possible. It was interesting to note that Norfolk isn’t the only county with a pothole problem, as many of us spotted one pothole being used as a milk store! A road closure between Bures and Sudbury meant a small detour from the route was required, but it wasn’t too difficult to navigate our way around and get back on track.

The run finished at Blake House Craft Centre, where we were able to browse the craft shops and have a spot of lunch. Brian also took the opportunity to prove that he can still get under his car as a leak in the petrol pipe needed a fix. There was an option to do a further 50 mile route but most seemed happy to relax and chat before heading back to the hotel for celebratory cake.

Saturday evening saw a larger gathering at the Toby, followed by drinks at the hotel with a slide show of the day’s photos, a presentation of prizes and a raffle.  

Unfortunately, we were unable to stay for the Sunday run as we headed up to Lubenham for the TSSC AGM, followed by the trip home. Over 300 miles clocked up over the weekend, the furthest we’ve been in a while without the caravan. 

In spite of the promise of rain it was great to see so many Triumphs on the road. As it turned out the morning was light cloud with sunny spells. Although the afternoon was a tad wetter. We counted 14 Triumphs out and about but weren’t necessarily quick enough to get photos of them all. TR7s and big Triumphs seemed to be the preferred choice of chariot, it was great to have some Stags joining us too. Places visited was Thetford Priory ruins, Godderstone Water Gardens, Meeting Castle and Lynford Arboretum.

The 33rd Isle of Wight Triumph Weekend started officially on Friday 28th April, although a few members had begun to trickle into Waverley Park the day before.  

Thankfully the weather improved dramatically for our Friday arrival after a five hour drive. Once out, the sun shone pretty much all weekend. As always, The terrace and bar was soon buzzing with people meeting and greeting friends old and new. The ‘Triumph Ale’ was very tasty with the first barrel being emptied within 2 hours, and as the sun set over the sea, we drifted off to our bed with eager anticipation of the days ahead.

Saturday’s run saw around 70 Triumphs convoy the 60 scenic miles, including the ever-popular Old Military Road, to Calbourne Mill, to become part of their Vintage Weekend. As well as us Triumphs, there were singers, dancers, ice cream and museum displays for our enjoyment. Back at Waverley Park, the evening’s entertainment was live music and more happy chat. 

Sunday’s run took us to the IoW Bus Museum in Ryde, where we were treated to a burger and a free ride on a vintage bus, as well as the opportunity to have a mooch around the museum. Then it was back to the campsite to await the arrival of the ice-cream van, the queue, and subsequent smiles, proof that this is another popular Triumph Weekend tradition! Sunday evening was bingo night in the bar.

One last run on Monday for those on the later crossings, was to the Folly Inn for a spot of lunch before heading for home. Another Triumphant weekend, amazing venue, fabulous hosts, and perfect weather. 

 

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TSSC SEM Weekend

Another long-term favourite season-starter, run by Mickey and Julie and their band of helpers, is the South of England meet. Traditionally the weekend after the Isle of Wight, it feels like you’ve hardly said goodbye and it’s time to say hello again.

 There’s a slightly different feel to the camping here, with back to basics camping available from the Friday afternoon. With the forecast of showers all day Saturday, plus the big event going on in the capital, there were only a handful of members pitching up on the Friday, followed by a few more on the Saturday. While Mickey did have some suggested drive-outs available, we opted for the short walk to Leatherhead high street to sample the local bar and watch the Coronation.

Saturday evening saw the campers split into two groups, with some continuing to enjoy the local hospitality and the rest congregating around George’s fire pit for a natter.

Sunday arrived and thankfully brought an end to the rain. A steady stream of Triumphs arrived throughout the morning for the ‘show day’ with the weather getting better and better as the day went on.

This is a busy TSSC weekend, second only to the National, with a selection of auto traders as well as the TSSC club shop in attendance. Members were able to book up for club valuations, engine tuning and trunnion oiling. 

As you’d expect there were some amazing Triumphs present, including an immaculate Toledo and Vitesse. Judges (including yours truly) were asked to consider the story behind the car, rather than just the condition, when awarding prizes in the various categories. 

The Herald even cane away with a prize. Runner up Best Herald, 13 years after winning Best Herald at the show in 2010.

This Norfolk run was kindly organised by Andy and Gill. It’s always nice to be able to just enjoy a run instead of organising! 11 cars left Tesco Harford in overcast conditions, only 10 made it to Fairhaven Water Gardens with Steve having Alternator issues and having to be recovered. Another ford to cross, but still no photo at Salhouse Railway Bridge after the recent downpours. There was even a couple for Germany, Gaby and Knut, in their Vitesse. The sun finally came out when we where at the Fairhaven cafe. A great run with a great end point. A most enjoyable day.

We had had our fingers crossed that the weather would be better than the cold and wet day it was last year at this show. And it was! The sun shone most of the day. 

We had invited the Stag Owners Club to join us on the stand which they did with eight cars, giving us 23 Triumphs in total. The organisers had given us the biggest stand at the show, a whopping 50 x 50m. To help try and fill it we took along a mini camping display with tent, kitchen tent and the Carry On themed sign and shower which went down well with the punters. I’m not sure what the other members thought when we emptied the caravan out of all the bits of wood etc…

By the time we had packed away, we were one of the last to leave, but we still had time for fish and chips in Swaffham on the way home. A tiring, we didn’t seem to stop talking all day, but a great time.  

We hadn’t been to this weekend for a number of years. To be honest sharing a field with a load of MGs never really appealed. But on the basis that you couldn’t pass judgement on something until you’d tried it I thought it time to give it a go. It being the main 100 years celebration also meant that it should be a great show. 

We drove down to Silverstone on the Thursday to camp up in the driveway of a friend who we hadn’t seen for a long time. While a bed was offered we declined and spent the night in the caravan. But, we did take up the offer of a very nice lasagna and breakfast in the morning. 

A little bit of sightseeing and shopping, then the five minute drive to the racetrack. We were given the job of marshalling for the weekend. This started with a meeting at 5pm, where we found out it was going to be a long weekend. 

On return to the caravan, some friends from the RCC days had camped up next to us in their Sprite Musketeer turning our area into a retro camping spot. 

We had a wander up to the bar to say hello to a few folk before getting our heads down early. 

Saturday arrived and after putting the Herald on the TSSC parking area headed off to do our duties marshalling cars into the arena. By the time we were off duty mid afternoon we had both had enough standing and walking about. We did however make it up to the bar area for a few cans with Trevor and Claire, regulars at our Norfolk gatherings.

 

Sunday was very similar to Saturday, marshalling again. Although I did have an invite to go around the track in Johns Spitfire, which I accepted if only to get me off duties for a bit. It would have been better to have taken the Herald but it was still a great experience.  

Then back to marshalling again until mid afternoon as things started to get put away. 

We then had a bit of a rest at the caravan, watching storm cloud slowly appear. When it looked like the rain was imminent we got into panic mode and rushed to get everything packed away. Luckily making it away before the storms arrived with only the occasional shower on the way home, stopping in the High Street for a take away Chinese. 

So my thoughts on the weekend? We really enjoyed it and didn’t find that the MGs detracted from it too much. It obviously wouldn’t have been the size it was without them. The best bits for me was seeing Triumphs in the 100 years lineup and catching up with people we knew. Our circle off TSSC friends is gradually expanding. Glad we went and would do it again. Perhaps we’ll get a break from stewarding next time…

Another long standing TSSC camping weekend, the Peak Run is now in its 33rd Year.

This was the first year for new AO Bryan who has only just taken over from stalwart AO Colin. However all the usual gang were on hand to help make it as good a weekend as it has always been, although the usual ‘shenanigans’ in the bar were replaced with fun and games on the campsite.

We arrived and set up camp on the Thursday afternoon and were joined by our lad James who lives in Manchester and was joining us for the weekend. Thursday evening saw a small gathering of the early arrivals, catching up over a drink or two.

On Friday we were left to our own devices, with a few taking the opportunity for a wander around Ashbourne followed by a speedy bus ride back to camp. We also had a tube of Smarties to be filled with as many items as we could fit in (after eating the Smarties of course).

Saturday consisted of a wander down to the local village for a Treasure Hunt. A day without any driving was most welcome after our four hour drive to the campsite on the Thursday – as a bonus it went past the pub, with most people stopping off for refreshments. The evening was spent having fun and games at the marquee, with an Ashbourne charity shop Space Hopper purchase giving some an opportunity to relive their youth.

Sunday dawned with more sunshine, great weather for the 70 mile tour around the Peaks. After a bacon cob, and with our tulip route instructions in hand, we were ready for the off. For those that haven’t driven around the Peaks, this is a great way to do it. It’s an amazing place and having local members picking the route means you get to travel on roads you wouldn’t normally experience. We weren’t disappointed, it was a great drive. The ice cream stop was pretty good too.

The drive ended back at the campsite for the show ‘n shine. Competitions were judged and prizes handed out. For the first time ever we managed to win the treasure hunt! Having never got even close before we can only assume it was James’ influence. There was just the raffle to be held and all too soon it was time to pack up and start the long drive home.

The next one – the Sunshine Rally in August.

Always one of our favourite shows this one, partly because we tend to make a weekend if it by camping in the show field on the Saturday night. 

This year there were six caravans, three in our group, camping over. The first job was to get some fish and chips from Holt which we had in Martins caravan. It wasn’t long before the sloe gin came out and very nice it was too. 

There’s always something nice about getting up on show day and not having to drive anywhere. Just sitting there watching the cars come in. We didn’t take the free train up to Sheringham this year but decided to spend the day catching up with old friends and meet new ones.