Pre 2009 Outings

Photos from pre-2009 outings the Herald has been on are a bit scarce.

Here is a selection of those that I could find.

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TSSC International Weekend, Stafford July 1989

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TSSC Leicester Sunshine Rally 3, Stanford Hall August 1989

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TSSC International Weekend, Stafford August 1990

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Broadland MG Owners Club Heritage Run, May 2002

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Broadland MG Owners Club Heritage Run, May 2003

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TSSC All Triumph Day at Duxford, September 2003

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Classic Car “Run What Ya Brung” at Santa Pod,
July 2004

Standing 1/4 mile: 19.3 secs

Maximum speed: 67.9mph

I was a bit nervous of pushing her too hard, remembering I had a 100 mile trip home again. As it was the head gasket went a few weeks later while on the Sporting Car Club of Norfolk Mid Summer Classic run. So guess I pushed her a bit harder than I should have…

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Standard Triumph Day, Duxford, May 2009

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TSSC International, Stafford, August 2009

    

Campsite Sunday morning Concours cars on the Sunday

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TSSC Mile of Triumphs, September 2009

 

Drive It Day 2010 – Club Triumph run to Holkham Hall, Norfolk

We were intending on driving up to TSSC headquarters for Drive It Day, but couldn’t really justify the 4 hour round trip, for what would probably be a fairly short visit, so decided to stay in Norfolk. Holkham Hall was chosen as a destination and a quick look on the web showed the local TR club doing a run from Wymondham to Holkham Hall with, even better, a 10.30am start. Even Chris was happy to get up for this one. Got to Wymondham and joined a group of about 12 cars, including Spitfires, TRs and the odd Stag and also a Powder Blue Vitesse with a white stripe.

The rain started just as we set off on route, around half way we stopped off at County School Railway Station for a quick tea break (after navigating along drive with numerous exhaust bashing speed humps). By this time water was coming in and soaking those sitting in the front, leading to Chris wanting to sit in the back for the first time I can remember.

Around 12 we arrived at Holkham Hall just as the sun came out. We were allowed to park in the front of the hall (far better than parking in the car park with the plebs). It was kind of Club Triumph to let us tag along and to make us feel so welcome, it made for a really enjoyable day out.

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South of England Meet (SEM), Leatherhead, Surrey, 9th May 2010

Following the weather all week as I knew I wouldn’t get any passengers if it was raining again. I’ld just finished replacing the core plugs and rebuilding the carbs. It wasn’t until the Sunday morning that we reckoned the weather would probably hold out, so at 9.30 we set off for the SEM show arriving just after 12, first call was the burger van. Followed by a walk around the field and auto jumble. A good cross section of Triumphs on show. Thought we’ld have time to have a look at the Leisure Centre, a promise to Chris to get him in the car, to let him have a work-out in the gym. Getting back to the field by 3pm in plenty of time for the 3.30pm prize giving, was a bit disappointed to find out it was all over, but the weather being as it was could understand the reason!

All was made (a lot) better when we were approached by somebody carrying a trophy – yes the old girl had won best Herald.

Got ourselves the last appointment with the mobile tuning guys (one of the reasons for going) and after half an hour ended up with a much quieter car. No tappet rattle, no pinking on acceleration or back firing when slowing down, making for a much better drive home.

A good day with a nice friendly bunch of people all saying nice things about the car, what more could a man want?

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Standard Triumph Marque Day, Prescott Hill Climb, 23rd May 2010

After much deliberation on whether to go such a distance for a car show, Chris and I left on a very hot and sunny Saturday afternoon. Deciding to take the slow route via the A505. We arrived at the Oxford Travelodge around 7.30pm, hot and sweaty.

It took us another 1 1/2 hours to get to Prescott Hill Climb (nr. Cheltenham) on the Sunday morning, arriving a bit late and ending up in the overflow car park on the side of a steep hill. Having not pre-booked a run up the hill we had to wait until 3.30pm until we got the chance. I was going to go slowly, but couldn’t resist putting my foot down at the start along the nice starting straight and once you start… I did mean to slow down at the corners, but they seemed to come up real quick and ended up with tyres squealing around most of them. Last corner was the worst, think we got a bit worried as it got tighter and tighter. But all great fun, next time I’ll pre-book and get a couple of extra goes.

We finally left the event at 4.45pm and decided to go back the easy but longer M25 route. Arriving back in Norfolk at 9.30pm having stopped at the services for a break. Over 450 miles covered in the two days, taking around 8 hours, averaging over 50mph, not bad going for the ol’ girl?

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Bromley Pageant of Motoring, 13th June 2010

Thought it was about time we took a break from the just Triumph events and went to a multi-marque car show and, being one of the biggest, the Bromley Pageant of Motoring seemed the obvious choice. It must of been at least 20 years since the last time I took the old girl to Bromley. It would of been good to of compared it but things being what they are I couldn’t remember that far back. Anyhow, we decided to drive down on the Saturday afternoon and stay over so we could get there reasonably early on the Sunday morning. This also gave us a chance to meet up with some friends on the Saturday evening.

We ended up being one of only a few Heralds (I think there was only one other 1200) in the one make parking area. Plenty of Stags and Spitfires though. It made a nice change to go to a car show and see such a large selection / variety of cars on display, from Jap imports, custom cars, yanks, supercars and of course classics. Chris (being a bit of an American muscle fan) got to see a set of Mustangs from ’64-’68 and his day was made when a Dodge Charger arrived. Guess it’s time we went to a Mopar show…

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BK Museum Open Day, 11th July 2010

Glorious weather saw me heading to Hepworth, near Diss for a local classic car museums open day and car show. Not the biggest show but a nice day out all the same and made a nice change to go somewhere that only took 20 minutes. Left the family at home this time, I think there’s only so many car shows I can drag them off to. And, with a couple of more shows I still want to go to this year, thought this would be a good one for them to miss. So instead, took a seasoned car show attendee friend on the off-chance I could learn what you’re meant to do at these shows to stop getting too bored. Talk to people apparently, it’s that simple… So amongst others, met a Midget driver eager to get back to Triumphs, and a Clubman couple with a long line of classics under their belt (with the photos to prove it).

As it turned there was a fair bit to do with stalls, model railway, farm machinery and even an appearance by the Stag Owners Club.

 

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Stonham Barns Classic Car Show, 8th August 2010

The first outing with the new hood. Joined other Club Triumph members at Eye for a convoy to Stonham Barns. We also had Emily (niece) joining us for the trip down and had arranged to meet my mum and sister there for a family Pimms ‘n’ picnic. Plenty to see and do, enough to keep everyone happy. East Coast Truckers, hovercraft rides and Robot Wars as well as the cars and of course the shops and garden centre that is Stonham Barns. Chris managed to meet his favourite car “Brum” (at least it was when he was 4). He even managed to blag his way into a ’66 Mustang for a trip around the field.

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Norfolk Gala Day, 5th September 2010

With the sun shining couldn’t resist having the roof down on the way to this one, all I had to do was convince the passengers but with it only being a 20 minute drive to Norwich managed to get away with it. Met and drove up in convoy with a friend and her Hillman Minx. It was good to see a few other classics on the way as well. Even got a beep and a thumbs up from a passing motorcyclist. Managed to blag our way on to the Club Triumph stand when we arrived at the Showground (which happened to be next to the East Coast Truckers where we met up with Mike of Mike Newman Haulage who gave Chris a ride in his truck on the ECT Convoy to Pleasurewood Hills a few years back). Always nice to park amongst a few Triumph friendly faces.

This was the second year of the show after the police pulled out of the Gala Day. Not as many cars as I remember but still a terrific show. There was a lot going on all day, too much to be able to see it all. But we did catch the Monster Trucks squishing cars.

A long day (we arrived before 10 and didn’t leave until 5) but a great day out.

Oh and many thanks to Elliot for the use of his chair.

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TSSC All Triumph Day at Duxford, 19th September 2010

Getting near the end of the show season now. We’ve done this one for a few years, the attractions at Duxford make for an interesting trip out. Spent most of the week beforehand checking the weather forecasts which went from sunny to rain to cloud to cloud with rain. As it turned out we only had a couple of light showers on the way down although Duxford does seem to suffer from lazy winds, they tend to go straight through not around you. Took a while to track down a Spitfire (there had be a pic of that one) most seemed to be in the restoration shed.

In spite of the weather there was a good turn-out of cars, reckon around the 150-200 mark. Not so many 1200s these days although there was two Courier Vans making these almost as common as the convertibles. Interesting red Herald conv. with an extended Coupe roof that worked well.

Prizes won by a Vitesse, Spitfire and TR. Good to see the small chassis Triumphs getting a few prizes. Although reckon the best car was a light blue GT6 that turned up later in the day, looked as if it was on it’s first outing. On the way back we had a mauve Vitesse following us all the way. Didn’t recognise it from Club Triumph so guess it must of been a TSSC member. Perhaps it’s time to try one of their meetings again.

Last show of the season will be the Mile of Triumphs on the 26th September – passenger patience will be running a bit thin…

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TSSC Mile of Triumphs, Great Yarmouth, 26th September 2010

This is it, the last show of the season. Another week of checking the weather with rain forecast. But with the Travelodge booked we decided to go anyway even if it meant starting the trip driving in the rain. Leaving the Travelodge Sunday morning (pre-breakfast) just after a torrential downpour we arrived at the very wet campsite at Broad Farm, Fleggburgh where the usual field had been blocked off due to the rain. The convoy instead wound it’s way around the dirt tracks of the campsite waiting for the off.

With a start off time of 10am we managed to get ourselves a very nice bacon sandwich before the convoy started. A dry drive to a cold and windy Great Yarmouth seafront in convoy for the mile. Think we were a bit short with only 78 cars though, probably nearer 1/4 mile? Still good to see all those Triumphs along the seafront. After a brief walk along the promenade and a cuppa, we returned to the campsite for the afternoon show. I think the weather must have put a few people off because the number of Triumphs had dropped down to around 30, but we did manage to get some lunch and closer look at some the cars including the very nice Herald Courier van of Chris Gunby which won Car of the Show.

Luckily the rain stayed off foe the day and leaving mid afternoon we managed to get home just before the rain re-started.

So after nine car shows reckon that will be it for this year (big sigh of relief from Kath and Chris) ’til next year…

 

Stag Owners Club (SOC) Frostbite Run, 2nd January 2011

An invite from the SOC to Club Triumph to join in with their New Year Frostbite Run led to me putting our name down for this one in November hoping that the snow and ice would of departed by the time it came around to it, and luckily it had although I really should get my heater fixed…

Their was a good turn out of cars from Club Triumph as well as a good splattering of Stags starting from Tescos at Harford Bridge, Norwich. Directions received, we started off and immediately went the wrong way. Out came and atlas and we rejoined the proper route. Luckily catching up with a couple of Stags that seemed to know where they were going. Tea break at Pulham Market Garden Centre with what was turning out to be a very dirty Herald. On leaving the garden centre we again tagged onto the back of a couple of Stags. With the first car taking a wrong turn we ended up 2nd in line praying that the lead car wouldn’t go the wrong way putting us in the lead. Luckily our prayers were answered and we arrived at the Dove pub, Poringland for lunch. Covering around 100 miles over the course of the day, the poor old girl looked decidedly dirty and was now in a desperate need of a wash, but it was a great way to start the years outings. Thanks go to the Stag Owners for organising and making us feel welcome, they all seemed quite normal in spite of their rather strange choice of Triumph…

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Crich Valley Tramway Standard Triumph Day, 17th April 2011

We combined this show with a weekend away setting off on the Thursday before and spending a couple of nights at Branston Hall in Lincoln before staying at a hotel in Chesterfield so we could get up at a reasonable hour and still get there on time. Weather was glorious all weekend, especially on the Sunday which seemed to bring the cars out – more so that I think they were expecting as every corner was filled with a great selection of models. Also on show was the Ford Anglia Club, I sense a lot more customising on Fords as opposed to Triumphs.

We also took a couple of tramrides while we were there. On the way home the poor old girl started to chug a bit followed by clouds of smoke, all very embarrassing! On getting her home I now know the head gasket has gone, could of been worse… But a bit of work to do before the next outing.

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Henham Wings and Wheels, 8th May 2011

With the new head gasket in place (probably isn’t what Royal weddings are for but it served it’s purpose) we made it to the Henham Wings and Wheels show (near Beccles in Suffolk). We were thinking of returning to the SEM Triumph show which was on the same day, but was a bit nervous going that far when the head was just bedding in. Meeting up with a few Club Triumph members on the way we arrived and were then joined by a few Stags as well. Poor old girl was surrounded by Stags and TRs. With the promise of thunder storms the boot was full of waterproofs and umbrellas. All completely unnecessary as the sun shone the whole day. Good turn out of classics in all shapes, sizes and condition. While we didn’t spend a lot of time watching the arena events, the air show included acrobatic displays and a Mustang fly past. Oh yes, and the old girl ran fine.

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Enfield Pageant of Motoring, 29th May 2011

Putting the car away after a wash caused a bit of a scare when white smoke came out of the exhaust. I had fears that the head gasket had gone again. Then it struck me that some water might have gone down the tailpipes and thankfully that was the cause. So Enfield Pageant of Motoring was on! 7am saw us leave Banham with a breakfast stop on the way down Chris and I arrived at Enfield around 9.30. We met up with my old mate Eric and his mate Alan half way down the massive autojumble, but soon lost them again having arranged to meet at the car for lunch. Watched the jet bike going around like a caged animal in a very small arena and a look at the Yank machines of which there were plenty including a really nice Dodge Charger. Picnic by the car followed just as the sun went in. I was surprised that I was the only Herald in the classic parking, the only other one was on the TSSC stand and I thought they were two a’ penny. Returned to the Yank tent to watch the Humdingers perform a set which rounded the day off nicely. On coming out of the Little Chef after our dinner stop there was a chap taking photos of my panel gaps, combined with the chap looking under my car at the show meant I got chatting to two Herald fans during the day which was nice. Great show with good smooth grass, ideal for wheelchairs. Probably not as big as the Bromley show though.

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Euston Park Rural Pastimes and Classic Car Show, June 12th 2011

Lovely bright start to the day, although the weather men had guaranteed rain by lunchtime. Undeterred we took the short ride to the other side of Thetford, picking up my niece Alex on the way, for our first outing to Euston Park. Pulling out at one junction we seemed to end up in the middle of a Stag convoy, ruddy Triumphs get everywhere! This must be one of the most popular shows in Norfolk, amazed at the amount of people turned up. With a large selection of stalls, over 250 classic cars, steam engines and tractors on display. Organisation was very good and ended up parked with the rest of the Club Triumph lot. Also met up with my sister who brought Chris along and even decided to show off the old girl by going around the ring with niece number 2, Emily. Got a pic of a red Consul I’ve seen a few times now along with a friends nice ‘n’ shiny Hillman Minx and a tractor with a pearlescent paint job.

Unfortunately the weather broke at lunchtime and the rain got gradually heavier during the course of the afternoon so we ended up leaving around 3. After Enfield it was good to do a show that wasn’t too far away.

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Easton Farm Park Car Show, July 24th 2011

Not so much a car show, more of a car rally. Easton Farm Park is very much aimed at those that haven’t left primary school yet, so not a lot to keep adults occupied. That being said the day went quick enough, must of been talking to those nice Club Triumph crowd that made the time go. We met up with the CT lot at Framlingham where I was told one of my exhausts was dangling. This was one of my new straps replaced only a the other month. Reckoned we’ld make it the rest of the way so decided to fix it when we arrived at the show and joined the convoy of six cars. Managed to replace the strap on the exhaust with one of my old ones that was 15 years old that looks a bit tatty but still works fine. Good splattering of cars including yanks and vintage. Thought I’ld take this opportunity to show a couple of the CT cars – Eddie’s 1300FWD and Andy’s TR7.

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Stag Owners Club (SOC) National Weekend 2011, 14th August 2011

I’d pre-booked my Herald in to the Triumph Timeline that the SOC were organising as part of their National Weekend show back in December and have been looking forward to this one since. A few weeks before I’ld been having a beer with my mate Trevor and we thought it’ld be a good idea to go camping the night before. So with the car loaded up with beer, burgers, BBQ and bucket (which I won’t go into here) we set off for the Norfolk Showground on Saturday afternoon. Got our place in the campsite along with the usual Club Triumph lot and set up the tent. Followed by a very relaxing few beers, a very nice BBQ from Julie from Club Triumph who was cooking up next to us (guess she could tell cooking wasn’t our forte) and then back to our tent for a few more beers followed by what can only be described as the most uncomfortable night I’ve had in ages. Would have been better if my blow up bed hadn’t deflated by 2am.

Arose on Sunday to a nice sunny day. Put the car in position for the Timeline alongside a complete collection of TRs, Vitesses and a two-tone Herald 12/50. Then a walk round the hall and the Stag car park with around 200 Stags. There was a few other classics there including a MG club but it was definitely a day for the Stags. Cooked up our own BBQ for lunch (one of the advantages of camping is you have somewhere to go for a rest). Which I don’t think was quite as good as the one the night before. Close of show at 4.30 saw us putting the tent away and overloading the car again and off home with the roof down.

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TSSC International Family Weekend 2011, 20th August 2011

Bit of a surprise visit this one. It wasn’t until the Wednesday before that we decided to go. I couldn’t resist the special Saturday display of modified and specials. Driving up to Stafford on the Friday evening we met plenty of traffic jams but finally made it to our Premier Inn (couldn’t quite face the camping, memories from the previous weekend were a bit too fresh). Leaving the hotel without breakfast to get to the showground at a reasonable time we parked up in the hall amongst the other modified cars with lots of webers around and also a very nice supercharged coupe. Although it wasn’t the “show day” which was the Sunday it was still a good chance to see most of the concours cars being prepped, amazing the time and effort being spent.

Breakfast was followed by a walk around the stalls, this must be the best selection of Triumph spares of the year, I even got a dial to fill my hole in the dash which has been there since I bought her many years ago. Nice to see the old girl caused a bit of interest with the odd huddle of people gathering around every now and then. Probably due to the “spot the difference” card I’ld put in the window.

Managed to leave a bit early for the journey home, just under 400 miles covered in the two days.

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Norfolk Gala Day, 11th September 2011

Another week of watching the weather reports which varied from heavy rain to cloud depending on what day you were looking. The morning turned out to be pretty good though. We met up with some friends to convoy the short distance to the Norfolk Showground with Chris getting a ride in his friends MGB. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) his parents led the way in their Hillman Minx which put an end to any idea of finding out which was the fastest (see chat on message board at TSSC.org.uk) although we did manage a bit of revving at a set of traffic lights.

Parked up in the Club Triumph area next to a couple of Vitesses both with a white strip down the side. Don’t think there was as many cars as previous years, but still a great selection. Interesting mini Aston Martin, which must of been based on something but not sure what (possibly Mazda MX-5 judging by the doors). Also a club full of modified rust buckets which I seem to get drawn to. Car crushing in the main arena is always worth a look. Rain finally appeared just as we were leaving making for a soggy journey home.

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TSSC Mile of Triumphs, 25th September 2011

Up at the crack of dawn to get to Broad Farm, Fleggburgh for the convoy to Great Yarmouth (made more difficult as we had been to Aylesbury for Chris’ first basketball match of the season followed by a Who tribute band in the evening meant we hadn’t got home until after midnight the night before). But to make it easier the weather was nice and sunny. Ended up being one of the first to arrive and decided to get the roof down for the run to the sea front. Spent the morning in Great Yarmouth, doing the pier etc. There was around 75 cars in the lineup which made the traffic wardens eyes light up until he was told we had permission to park up without paying.

Arrived back at the site lunchtime for the show. Great pity more cars didn’t return it would of been more of an event, but it still made for a very pleasant and relaxing afternoon looking around the cars and having a natter. It also gave me my first real chance to take a look at Chris Gunby’s amazing Herald hatchback prototype, which must surely rank as one of the best Heralds about (possibly only beaten by his Herald Courier). Then of course came the People’s Choice awards – and to my amazement KJJ 178D got the best Herald award (and I’m still pinching myself), a great way to end the show season.

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RMHC Charity Race Day Experience, Snetterton 26th November 2011

What an incredibly amazing day! A reprisal of the British Heart Foundation Race Day, this event was in aid of Ronald MacDonald House Charities. With a 7am check in time the day started pretty early and amidst some confusion managed to get the car through scrutineering, decibal check and drivers briefing by 9am. Returned to the car to find Trevor patiently waiting for his lift around the track. Out on to the track for the warm up laps and I realised I wasn’t going to be able to drive around the track slowly! After Trevor’s outing, off he went with my camera to take a few photos while I carried on driving around on my own. Then leaving car lined up we took a stroll around the supercars and race cars. Returning an hour later to find somebody waiting for a lift in the old girl. This was followed by sister Jackie, Chris and Kath and a couple more with Trevor. All in all I reckon it was around 30 laps – not bad for a fiver. Would imagine this show will be much bigger next year. Big question is how much further will the old girl go before the head gasket goes again…

 

Stag Owners Club (SOC) Frostbite Run, 2nd January 2011

An invite from the SOC to Club Triumph to join in with their New Year Frostbite Run led to me putting our name down for this one in November hoping that the snow and ice would of departed by the time it came around to it, and luckily it had although I really should get my heater fixed…

Their was a good turn out of cars from Club Triumph as well as a good splattering of Stags starting from Tescos at Harford Bridge, Norwich. Directions received, we started off and immediately went the wrong way. Out came and atlas and we rejoined the proper route. Luckily catching up with a couple of Stags that seemed to know where they were going. Tea break at Pulham Market Garden Centre with what was turning out to be a very dirty Herald. On leaving the garden centre we again tagged onto the back of a couple of Stags. With the first car taking a wrong turn we ended up 2nd in line praying that the lead car wouldn’t go the wrong way putting us in the lead. Luckily our prayers were answered and we arrived at the Dove pub, Poringland for lunch. Covering around 100 miles over the course of the day, the poor old girl looked decidedly dirty and was now in a desperate need of a wash, but it was a great way to start the years outings. Thanks go to the Stag Owners for organising and making us feel welcome, they all seemed quite normal in spite of their rather strange choice of Triumph…

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Crich Valley Tramway Standard Triumph Day, 17th April 2011

We combined this show with a weekend away setting off on the Thursday before and spending a couple of nights at Branston Hall in Lincoln before staying at a hotel in Chesterfield so we could get up at a reasonable hour and still get there on time. Weather was glorious all weekend, especially on the Sunday which seemed to bring the cars out – more so that I think they were expecting as every corner was filled with a great selection of models. Also on show was the Ford Anglia Club, I sense a lot more customising on Fords as opposed to Triumphs.

We also took a couple of tramrides while we were there. On the way home the poor old girl started to chug a bit followed by clouds of smoke, all very embarrassing! On getting her home I now know the head gasket has gone, could of been worse… But a bit of work to do before the next outing.

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Henham Wings and Wheels, 8th May 2011

With the new head gasket in place (probably isn’t what Royal weddings are for but it served it’s purpose) we made it to the Henham Wings and Wheels show (near Beccles in Suffolk). We were thinking of returning to the SEM Triumph show which was on the same day, but was a bit nervous going that far when the head was just bedding in. Meeting up with a few Club Triumph members on the way we arrived and were then joined by a few Stags as well. Poor old girl was surrounded by Stags and TRs. With the promise of thunder storms the boot was full of waterproofs and umbrellas. All completely unnecessary as the sun shone the whole day. Good turn out of classics in all shapes, sizes and condition. While we didn’t spend a lot of time watching the arena events, the air show included acrobatic displays and a Mustang fly past. Oh yes, and the old girl ran fine.

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Enfield Pageant of Motoring, 29th May 2011

Putting the car away after a wash caused a bit of a scare when white smoke came out of the exhaust. I had fears that the head gasket had gone again. Then it struck me that some water might have gone down the tailpipes and thankfully that was the cause. So Enfield Pageant of Motoring was on! 7am saw us leave Banham with a breakfast stop on the way down Chris and I arrived at Enfield around 9.30. We met up with my old mate Eric and his mate Alan half way down the massive autojumble, but soon lost them again having arranged to meet at the car for lunch. Watched the jet bike going around like a caged animal in a very small arena and a look at the Yank machines of which there were plenty including a really nice Dodge Charger. Picnic by the car followed just as the sun went in. I was surprised that I was the only Herald in the classic parking, the only other one was on the TSSC stand and I thought they were two a’ penny. Returned to the Yank tent to watch the Humdingers perform a set which rounded the day off nicely. On coming out of the Little Chef after our dinner stop there was a chap taking photos of my panel gaps, combined with the chap looking under my car at the show meant I got chatting to two Herald fans during the day which was nice. Great show with good smooth grass, ideal for wheelchairs. Probably not as big as the Bromley show though.

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Euston Park Rural Pastimes and Classic Car Show, June 12th 2011

Lovely bright start to the day, although the weather men had guaranteed rain by lunchtime. Undeterred we took the short ride to the other side of Thetford, picking up my niece Alex on the way, for our first outing to Euston Park. Pulling out at one junction we seemed to end up in the middle of a Stag convoy, ruddy Triumphs get everywhere! This must be one of the most popular shows in Norfolk, amazed at the amount of people turned up. With a large selection of stalls, over 250 classic cars, steam engines and tractors on display. Organisation was very good and ended up parked with the rest of the Club Triumph lot. Also met up with my sister who brought Chris along and even decided to show off the old girl by going around the ring with niece number 2, Emily. Got a pic of a red Consul I’ve seen a few times now along with a friends nice ‘n’ shiny Hillman Minx and a tractor with a pearlescent paint job.

Unfortunately the weather broke at lunchtime and the rain got gradually heavier during the course of the afternoon so we ended up leaving around 3. After Enfield it was good to do a show that wasn’t too far away.

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Easton Farm Park Car Show, July 24th 2011

Not so much a car show, more of a car rally. Easton Farm Park is very much aimed at those that haven’t left primary school yet, so not a lot to keep adults occupied. That being said the day went quick enough, must of been talking to those nice Club Triumph crowd that made the time go. We met up with the CT lot at Framlingham where I was told one of my exhausts was dangling. This was one of my new straps replaced only a the other month. Reckoned we’ld make it the rest of the way so decided to fix it when we arrived at the show and joined the convoy of six cars. Managed to replace the strap on the exhaust with one of my old ones that was 15 years old that looks a bit tatty but still works fine. Good splattering of cars including yanks and vintage. Thought I’ld take this opportunity to show a couple of the CT cars – Eddie’s 1300FWD and Andy’s TR7.

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Stag Owners Club (SOC) National Weekend 2011, 14th August 2011

I’d pre-booked my Herald in to the Triumph Timeline that the SOC were organising as part of their National Weekend show back in December and have been looking forward to this one since. A few weeks before I’ld been having a beer with my mate Trevor and we thought it’ld be a good idea to go camping the night before. So with the car loaded up with beer, burgers, BBQ and bucket (which I won’t go into here) we set off for the Norfolk Showground on Saturday afternoon. Got our place in the campsite along with the usual Club Triumph lot and set up the tent. Followed by a very relaxing few beers, a very nice BBQ from Julie from Club Triumph who was cooking up next to us (guess she could tell cooking wasn’t our forte) and then back to our tent for a few more beers followed by what can only be described as the most uncomfortable night I’ve had in ages. Would have been better if my blow up bed hadn’t deflated by 2am.

Arose on Sunday to a nice sunny day. Put the car in position for the Timeline alongside a complete collection of TRs, Vitesses and a two-tone Herald 12/50. Then a walk round the hall and the Stag car park with around 200 Stags. There was a few other classics there including a MG club but it was definitely a day for the Stags. Cooked up our own BBQ for lunch (one of the advantages of camping is you have somewhere to go for a rest). Which I don’t think was quite as good as the one the night before. Close of show at 4.30 saw us putting the tent away and overloading the car again and off home with the roof down.

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TSSC International Family Weekend 2011, 20th August 2011

Bit of a surprise visit this one. It wasn’t until the Wednesday before that we decided to go. I couldn’t resist the special Saturday display of modified and specials. Driving up to Stafford on the Friday evening we met plenty of traffic jams but finally made it to our Premier Inn (couldn’t quite face the camping, memories from the previous weekend were a bit too fresh). Leaving the hotel without breakfast to get to the showground at a reasonable time we parked up in the hall amongst the other modified cars with lots of webers around and also a very nice supercharged coupe. Although it wasn’t the “show day” which was the Sunday it was still a good chance to see most of the concours cars being prepped, amazing the time and effort being spent.

Breakfast was followed by a walk around the stalls, this must be the best selection of Triumph spares of the year, I even got a dial to fill my hole in the dash which has been there since I bought her many years ago. Nice to see the old girl caused a bit of interest with the odd huddle of people gathering around every now and then. Probably due to the “spot the difference” card I’ld put in the window.

Managed to leave a bit early for the journey home, just under 400 miles covered in the two days.

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Norfolk Gala Day, 11th September 2011

Another week of watching the weather reports which varied from heavy rain to cloud depending on what day you were looking. The morning turned out to be pretty good though. We met up with some friends to convoy the short distance to the Norfolk Showground with Chris getting a ride in his friends MGB. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) his parents led the way in their Hillman Minx which put an end to any idea of finding out which was the fastest (see chat on message board at TSSC.org.uk) although we did manage a bit of revving at a set of traffic lights.

Parked up in the Club Triumph area next to a couple of Vitesses both with a white strip down the side. Don’t think there was as many cars as previous years, but still a great selection. Interesting mini Aston Martin, which must of been based on something but not sure what (possibly Mazda MX-5 judging by the doors). Also a club full of modified rust buckets which I seem to get drawn to. Car crushing in the main arena is always worth a look. Rain finally appeared just as we were leaving making for a soggy journey home.

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TSSC Mile of Triumphs, 25th September 2011

Up at the crack of dawn to get to Broad Farm, Fleggburgh for the convoy to Great Yarmouth (made more difficult as we had been to Aylesbury for Chris’ first basketball match of the season followed by a Who tribute band in the evening meant we hadn’t got home until after midnight the night before). But to make it easier the weather was nice and sunny. Ended up being one of the first to arrive and decided to get the roof down for the run to the sea front. Spent the morning in Great Yarmouth, doing the pier etc. There was around 75 cars in the lineup which made the traffic wardens eyes light up until he was told we had permission to park up without paying.

Arrived back at the site lunchtime for the show. Great pity more cars didn’t return it would of been more of an event, but it still made for a very pleasant and relaxing afternoon looking around the cars and having a natter. It also gave me my first real chance to take a look at Chris Gunby’s amazing Herald hatchback prototype, which must surely rank as one of the best Heralds about (possibly only beaten by his Herald Courier). Then of course came the People’s Choice awards – and to my amazement KJJ 178D got the best Herald award (and I’m still pinching myself), a great way to end the show season.

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RMHC Charity Race Day Experience, Snetterton 26th November 2011

What an incredibly amazing day! A reprisal of the British Heart Foundation Race Day, this event was in aid of Ronald MacDonald House Charities. With a 7am check in time the day started pretty early and amidst some confusion managed to get the car through scrutineering, decibal check and drivers briefing by 9am. Returned to the car to find Trevor patiently waiting for his lift around the track. Out on to the track for the warm up laps and I realised I wasn’t going to be able to drive around the track slowly! After Trevor’s outing, off he went with my camera to take a few photos while I carried on driving around on my own. Then leaving car lined up we took a stroll around the supercars and race cars. Returning an hour later to find somebody waiting for a lift in the old girl. This was followed by sister Jackie, Chris and Kath and a couple more with Trevor. All in all I reckon it was around 30 laps – not bad for a fiver. Would imagine this show will be much bigger next year. Big question is how much further will the old girl go before the head gasket goes again…

Langley School Daffodil Craft & Country Fayre, 25th March 2012

Exceptionally early start for this one due to the clocks going forward made me wonder whether it was a good idea or not. Met up with other Club Triumph members at Loddon car park before driving in.

Plenty of classics there including three other Heralds (two being light blue) and a couple of Vitesses. Other classics included a line-up of Corvettes and a Kitt replica. Large selection of stalls and exhibits along with the Daffodil walk. A good day out and I even followed one of the blue Heralds home on the A11, not something that I get to experience very often.

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Skeyton Goat, 13th May 2012

With the cancellation of the Henham Wings and Wheels event due to a soggy field but, with the Sunday being sunny, thought it would be a good idea to try somethng new. Quick call to Trevor to see if he fancied it and we were on our way. Although we did have to take his “new” Mazda instead of the Herald.

Really good show, great selection of cars including quite a few Triumphs. Not the biggest show (being held in a field behind the Goat pub). It had a very friendly atmosphere and with me not driving meant I could have a couple of pints.

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Manchester and Northants Triumph Rally, Wickstead Park,
24-27th May 2012

The biggest journey in the Triunph for a long time, up to Manchester for three days of basketball at the Paralympic World Cup followed by a visit to the Northants Standard Triumph Rally. Journey up to Manchester in glorious sunshine on the Thursday leaving home at 7.30 and arriving just in time for the first game at 12.30 (this did include a break for breakfast). Then three days watching basketball (with GB having a somewhat lacklustre time – hopefully they’ll get it together in time for the Paralympics). By the end of the three days the poor old girl was covered in dust, but car show it was, being on the way home it made for a welcome break. Just a shame there wasn’t more cars there (around 35). Great pity, the venue was good with lots to do, weather was hot ‘n’ sunny and the folks friendly. Over 450 miles covered and the old girl behaved exceptionally well.

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Euston Park Rural Pastimes, 10th June 2012

Glorious sunny day, family had a day off, so took Trevor along for a day out. Arrived bright and early with the roof down (in fact we were one of the first). Very similar to the previous year with plenty to see and do. Somewhere in the region of 200 cars and loads of tractors and steam engines. Afternoon came over cloudy and just managed to get home before the rain came down. Must be one of the biggest shows in East Anglia.

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TR Wensum Club All Triumph Meet, 11th June 2012

Not really an outing as such as it was only down the road, but a very nice evening all the same. Joint meeting with the TR, TSSC, Stag Owners and Club Triumph at the Bird in Hand, Wrenningham. 14 cars in total (mainly TRs it must be said), it was a good turnout on a cold and cloudy Monday night.

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1st Hoveton and Wroxham Sea Scout Group
9th Classic, Custom Car & Motorbike Show, 22nd July 2012

What was promised to be a sunny day with clear blue skys started off somewhat overcast. But we had the roof down, as Chris and I picked up Trevor on the way. Arrived around 10.30 and by 11.30 the roof was back up when it started to drizzle. Very varied selection of cars turned up to this (what appeared to be) informal car show, some of which we had seen at the Skeyton Goat show earlier in the year. By far the most popular make was Triumph, with 3 or 4 Heralds including one that came in behind us. Cars seemed to be coming and going all day. As there wasn’t much to do once you’ld been around the cars and auto-jumble, where I managed to buy myself a new set of spark plugs, we spent most of the afternoon sitting and chatting.

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Worstead Festival Classic Car Show, 29th July 2012

Another last minute booking thanks to Eddie, had Trevor and me joining the North Norfolk Classic Vehicle Club at a show I’ve wanted to attend for some time. Ended up being somewhat disappointed when we were jammed into a very small area stuck out of the way from the rest of the show. Felt sorry for some of the other owners who’s cars were so close together people had trouble walking betwen them, when you’ve got a Jaguar E-tpe worth upwards of £50,000 you don’t really want people with pushchairs sqeezing between you and another car!

Rest of the festival was good though with main arena events all day and beer festival with bands in the local pub. Day ended when the promised rain arrived mid-afternoon with a very wt drive home.

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A few days in Wales followed by the TSSC International at Stafford, 16th -19th August 2012

A combination of car show and a visit to friends in Wales, the idea being to take the Herald to Wales and then pop into Stafford for the TSSC International on the way back. Good plan apart from leaving Norfolk in glorious sunshine for a couple of days in a very wet Wales put a bit of a damper on it. Took the scenic route back where the SatNav decided to get lost and took us in the wrong direction. Once turned off we managed to navigate our way back to civilisation. Driving time on the way back – 7 hours, a very bum sore trip! Mileage for the round trip was over 600 miles. Yes and the old girl performed exceedingly well.

Very wet trip, but some truly glorious scenery.

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TSSC International at Stafford 19th August 2012

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Charity Race Day Experience, Snetterton 19th November 2012

The event I’ld been looking forward to for the past six months. Had an amazing day last year and was hoping this would be as good – and it was!

Arrived at the venue around 7.15am, everything was covered in heavy dew, but the sun was out. Got the car scrutinised, noise tested and registered myself. By the time I’d had a couple of practice laps the hood was dry and was ready to come down. The event was much busier than last year and ended up with 7 or 8 paying passengers (£10 donated to charity) who seemed to enjoy it (don’t think they quite new how close to the edge I was driving, the back end came out a couple of times). Again I must of got around 30 laps on the 100 track. Didn’t get much time to have a look around during the day but did check out the car clubs and the lunchtime air display. Good to see a few of the Club Triumph lot parked up in the club area.

Can’t wait until next years…

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