Drive It Day - Sunday 26th April 2009 |
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"Drive it Day" is the Historic Vehicle Movements annual Showcase event to encourage Classic car owners to get in their cars and "Drive it" and join in events organized by clubs and individuals around each county. It happens each year on the Sunday nearest the 23rd of April the anniversary of the start of the 1,000 mile tour of 1900. There are many organised events up and down the country to encourage enthusiasts and the general public to join in. Phil Parkinson proposed that we take an afternoon run down to Avebury returning to Marlborough for a cream tea and leisurely drive back to Newbury. |
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The starting point was arranged for the car park at Waitrose for 2.0 p.m. Bathed in bright sunshine with only the promise only a light shower sometime during the afternoon, we revelled in our good weather such that tops down / sunroofs and / or windows open was the order of the afternoon. The start was delayed somewhat when Tony Eades E-type decided that it didn't need clutch fluid any more. The trail of fluid determined that it was likely to be terminal before the end of the run so Tony escorted by Mick Resteghini in his E-Type set off for home to fetch the XJ8.
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Gathering at Waitrose Car Park (right & above) |
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Great Fun for the Children (left) |
Whilst Tony and Mick were away we were entertained by a family who proceeded to unload a D-Type replica out of the back of their estate car. Powered by a lawn mower engine. We were going to be treated to a demonstration but the gremlins struck again and the engine refused to start. Tony and Mick were soon back the clutch having just about lasted till they get home. A convoy of 11 cars we set off on a straight run down the A4 via Hungerford and on towards Marlborough. |
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The Gremlins always seem to operate in three's. About half way between Hungerford and Marllborough I realised Joss Davenport wasn't behind me in his XK120. Ooops! Phil Parkinson's words sprang immediately to mind. "YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PERSON BEHIND YOU" In my defence, there was a "tin top" between us, obscuring, my view and I stopped as soon as I realised Joss wasn't there. The rest of the convoy ahead, blithely carried on regardless. I waited a few minutes and decided to head back to find Joss. About a mile back we met going in opposite directions, flashing lights and waving hands indicated that all was now well. Another "U" turn and we were playing catch up. |
Polly put the kettle on (right) |
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Waiting made it taste all the better. (left) | Past the West Kennet long barrow and Silbury Hill, down to Beckhampton then north towards Avebury. An unscheduled tour of the National Trust car park enabled me to gain a few places in the "snake" with Joss still leading the way. Trying to lead a convoy from the back is difficult. Eventually at the turning for the "White Horse" I ,assisted by my companions, took the lead over the Marlborough downs and back to Marlborough itself. Hunting down parking spaces, is never easy on a fine Sunday in Marlborough, however we all met up outside "The Polly Tearooms" for our Cream or Afternoon Tea. Polly's is always busy and we had to wait a while and we have James Phillips to thank for organizing the staff to set up a room and other tables for us as a group. |
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The tea and scones, the conversation and the company was superb. Then it was time to resume our run back to Newbury. This time uneventful, we travelled along the mainly unclassified roads via Ramsbury and back to the A4 east of Hungerford. all the time our convoy was getting smaller as cars headed off home at convenient exit points, until eventually Phil & Sue Parkinson, Robin & Lynn Davis, Tony & Sue Eades, Mick & Jean Resteghini, David & Mary East arrived at Joss and Judith Davenport's House for a cup of tea and chat. It was interesting to note the girls disappeared inside whilst the boys sat in the conservatory and swapped tales and talked of Jaguars and other car related matters. Nothing changes.... A very pleasant end to a very pleasant run. The weather, true to forecast, with a light shower as we headed towards Avebury but over all very good. Our thanks to Phil and Sue Parkinson for organising and leading the event, to Joss and Judith Davenport for there hospitality to round off a great day. Oh! in case you were wondering? The problem with Joss's XK120 was the HT lead from the coil to the distributor had become disconnected.
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D.E. April 2009 |
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