June 2016 BBQ & West Cumbria run

Coniston lake shore

    To say the June meeting was well attended would be an understatement……we nearly ran out of chairs! I can only think it was the promise of details for our 2017 holiday that had drawn interest. We have decided to drive the coast of Northern Ireland from Larne to Killybeg.

     Having had a successful BBQ last year we decided to have another one on the 22nd. Martin and Brenda lead us on a short drive in the beautiful evening sunshine before arriving at the usual place on Coniston Water where Brian and Sue were preparing the BBQ. It wasn’t long before we were tucking into our burgers and sausages swiftly followed by Christine’s sticky toffee pudding and Kate’s lemon drizzle cake. As the sun set behind the mountains we all reflected on how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place.

     Four days later we were back on the road. Colin and Carol once again were to take us on a tour of West Cumbria. Nine cars left Broughton in Furness for Muncaster Castle for a coffee stop. From here we had a choice, we could continue to follow Colin or follow tulip instructions. There were some takers for the tulips whilst the rest took the easy option and followed Colin. As usual main roads were avoided as much as possible as we headed for Wasdale, Gosforth, Ennerdale, past Loweswater and Crummock Water through Newlands Valley before finally arriving at The Castle Inn, Bassenthwaite for lunch. We returned home via the recently reopened A591 to Ambleside where we went our separate ways.

                                                                           Sue

Wasdale

Wasdale with Yewbarrow in the background

May 2016 Trough of Bowland run

Sizergh Castle

Trough of Bowland ahead

Puddleduck's Tea room, Dunsop Bridge

    May began with our 4 day holiday in Northumberland. Eleven cars were booked into the Tankerville Arms at Wooler on the edge of the Cheviot Hills. We left Sizergh Cafe with some trepidation as there was snow forecast on high ground and it doesn’t get much higher than Hartside which was on our route. We followed the A6 to Penrith then the A686 to Alston via Hartside Summit. We did encounter some snow and there were blizzard conditions on the summit but this only added to the fun of driving our MGs in snow for the first time. After lunch at Alston it was onto Otterburn Mill for coffee and a bit of retail therapy. We arrived at Wooler in time for pre dinner drinks.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

By contrast Saturday was a glorious day. We split into small groups and set off to explore Northumberland. Favourites were Alnwick, Cragside House and gardens, Berwick and St. Abbs Head. We regrouped in the evening over a meal and a birthday drink supplied by Alistair which I’m sure was the main contributor to a very merry evening.  Sunday was a much greyer day and once again we split into groups. A popular choice was Chillingham Castle.On Monday we headed home via the Kielder Forest Drivel stopping at the Old School Tearooms at Falstone before joining the B3618 military road along Hadrians Wall then home.Thanks to John B for organising another successful holiday.

      On the 20th May two cars represented the club in the parade of historic vehicles to mark the reopening of the A591 between Grasmere and Keswick. 

      There was also a run on the 22nd to the Trough of Bowland . Coffee was at the Bridge House Tea Rooms, Wray then onto Dunsop Bridge via Slaidburn for lunch at Puddleducks Cafe. The journey home was via Quernmore.           Sue

2016 Club holiday weekend

Hartside!

Seahouses

St Abbs

The road to North Berwick

Kielder forest drive

April 2016

A very well attended meeting was held on Tuesday 5th April with a warm welcome to three new members. The club has gone from strength to strength since it’s re-invention 5 years ago. It’s also pleasant to see increased female interest, in fact several lady members have taken the “ if you can’t beat them join them “ attitude and are now proud owners of their own MGTF’s. So we could see ladies only drives this summer. I’ll keep you posted.

A first for the club was a Tulip run on the 10th April, which was a huge success. A big thank you to Roger and Sue for taking the time to organise it and also for arranging the perfect weather!!!  So under blue skies eleven cars, which is a club record, left Sizergh armed with our tulip directions for Kitridding Farm at Old Town for a coffee stop.We counted everyone in and settled down to enjoy our coffee break where we were joined by Les and Christine. It was now time for stage two so with speedo trips reset we meandered through some beautiful scenery especially  Barbondale which runs between  Barbon and  Gawthrop. Arriving at Dent we parked up and after a visit to the Heritage Centre  had lunch at the George and Dragon. Roger and Sue led us home via Sedbergh, Killington and Oxenholme where we went our separate ways. A good time was had by all and no one got lost!!!

Approaching Barbon

Barbondale in perfect weather

Dent village

Dent village

Dent village