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.
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.
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 organsed run which with only 40 cars, deserves a lot more entrants.
