July 2022

Despite rain being forecast we still went ahead with our west coast run on the 26th June. Eight cars met at the Lakeland Motor Museum at Backbarrow and this time lead by Chris and Angela we headed west to Duddon Bridge where we turned right and followed the Ulpha Valley to Ulpha then left over Birker Fell to Dalegarth. Unfortunately views were limited due to low cloud and mist. The highlight of the day was a ride on “La’al Ratty’ a narrow gauge railway which runs between Ravenglass and Dalegarth through the Eskdale Valley. Fortunately, some carriages are covered as it had just stated to rain!! we boarded the train at Dalegarth and travelled the seven miles to Ravenglass. The plan was to have a short walk to the beach but as it was raining heavy we took the next train back to Dalegarth. We then had a very nice lunch at the Brook House Inn at Dalegarth. The return journey was via Corney Fell. Thanks to Chris and Angela for a lovely, if wet, day out.

We started our meeting on the 5th July by wishing our ‘Chairman’ John a very Happy 80th Birthday and presented him with a card and a bottle of Lakes Distillery single malt whisky. The rest of the evening was spent working on next years calendar.

On the 21st July 5 cars attended the classic car event at the Bridge House Farm tea rooms at Wray. We combined it with a scenic drive beforehand. It is a very popular event and well worth a visit. We finished off the evening with a nightcap at John & Alex’s.    

 

June 2022

We ended May with a Jubilee picnic which was organised by Roger and Sue. Unfortunately I was unable to attend so Roger has kindly written an account of where they went. So in Roger’s words…"8 cars travelled to coffee at Wray from Sizergh via Borwick and Capernwray in bright sunshine. After coffee we  headed through Low and High Bentham to Clapham.  Then back to Ingleton, turned off to go through Kingsdale and onto Dent where the weather took a turn for the worse. However showers cleared off and an enjoyable picnic was taken in Dent. Travelled back via Barbondale and Kirby Lonsdale and said goodbyes at Crooklands.” 

Our June meeting was quite productive. We are planning a two night stay, in September, to visit the Locomotion Museum at Shildon and the Beamish Living Museum. Meanwhile for this months run Chris and Angela have planned a drive for the end of the month which includes a ride on a miniature railway. More on that next month.   

   

May 2022

 

Sadly, we had to say “farewell” to one of our members and friend Bob Mayers who passed away earlier this month. He and his wife Sheila were looking forward to our trip to the Isle of Man as Bob both competed in and marshalled for the TT races and this was to be a trip down memory lane - but it was not to be. We send our condolences to Sheila and their family. 

On the 16th May six cars finally set sail on the Ben My Chree for the IOM which was previously booked for September 2020. After a very smooth crossing we arrived in Douglas and headed for our hotel in Ramsey via part of the TT course which unfortunately was shrouded in fog.  We had 4 days to explore the island and I think between us we covered most of it. We broke off into small groups as some wanted to explore on foot whilst the rest were happy to stick to the cars, although a small group of us had a car-free day and took the electric train from Ramsey to Laxey and then the Snaefell train to the summit. Everyone visited the summit on different days, some deciding to walk down! We were hoping to visit the Laxey Wheel but due to renovations it was still under cover and not open to the public. Preparations for the TT were well underway, which Bob would have loved. Our evenings were spent sharing events of the day over a meal and a glass or two then all too soon it was time to return home landing in Heysham at midnight. The weather was mixed and the cars behaved, so all in all it was a very successful and enjoyable holiday.