|
Early October saw
our Crank Down run from the Farming Museum, Murton (just off A64),
where the gang enjoyed free tea/coffee/biscuits to Thorpe Arch and
the Pax Inn for lunch - some 33 miles.
|
| The
1940’s weekend at Pickering, also in October, seems to get bigger
each year. Huge crowds occupied the town and lined the streets for
the parade. As you would expect our region’s members were there in
large numbers, and the weather was unseasonably warm which allowed
everyone to show off their uniforms or period dress to best
advantage.
This is quite some event and I highly recommend it. It
was about time that one of the iconic lorries of the war was in the
parade – the Bedford OY- and this year Graham’s new acquisition
did the business. I am biased though! The most impressive both in
scale and restoration had to be Melvyn’s AEC Matador towing his
5.5” gun which just managed to squeeze through the crowds at the
top of the High Street.
|
 |
|
Waiting for the off
were the Fenton’s beautiful Austin K2 in brown which stood behind
a RAF Humber Box; Phil’s GMC 353 provided the US equivalent of the
OY; and Denis had brought ‘Ugly’ along in it’s new colour
scheme. ‘Ugly’ backfired spectacularly during the parade which
added to the excitement. I photographed a smart gathering of mature
Despatch Riders with Matchless, BSA and a Velocette ready to do
parade escort duty. Dave, Anita, and Becky Goodwin flanked by Hugo
Hunter and Jack with Dave’s Shore Patrol Jeep in the background
added a smart splash of different colour to the parade.
For something
completely different Simon reports on a glamour photo-shoot with the
Till’s Halftrack and Chaffee Tank for his business’s calendar.
Contact Simon if you want a different screen saver!
|
| The
well attended meeting on the 3rd December was very successful, and
was combined with a Christmas party. We had a busy night starting
off with our usual meeting with background Christmas music. Whilst
the free pie and peas were being served, there was a quiz as well as
a big raffle.
This was very well supported by donated gifts,
including a case of 12 bottles of wine donated by Maurice Clarke
(thanks very much Maurice). We ended the evening with Brian Fox and
his game of higher/lower cards, which highlighted just how difficult
it was to get even 3 cards in a row. The night was a great success,
and will be repeated next year with the consent of the regulars.
|
 |
 |
 |
|
I am pleased to
record that Brian was re elected Secretary and Treasurer again so we
can look forward to another successful year under his guidance,
enthusiasm, charm and organising ability. Well done Brian, and on
behalf of all our members a very grateful thanks for all your hard
work in 2008.
|
A
small group of 24 went on a more up market Christmas evening at the
Crown Inn, Roecliffe, and this too was an excellent evening, and I'm
sure everybody enjoyed it. Good food and venue and, of course, good
company (you should try it next year). Thanks to Ivor and Sue for
coming up with the suggestion. |
Finally Brian
reports “The Christmas Cracker run from Lotherton Hall, was
reasonably well supported with 13 vehicles, ranging from my Dodge
Command car to Jeeps and Land Rovers and big Dave BD in his Swedish
Volvo, with Brian Fox in his Austin A40.
|
Just
over 30 bodies made it over the 35 miles to Wetherby Sports
Association for a lunch of baked potatoes and chilli - just right
after our cold run round. The route took us over a mixture of minor
local roads, crossing both the A65 and A1 a couple of times. The
weather was kind to us, being cold but dry. All in all, a very
enjoyable day out for those that made the effort”.
Mike Humphreys |
