OUR LATEST ACTIVITY
Scotland
On Saturday 10th October following superb planning by host members Tracy and Al Harker, 10 Porsche and 20 people began their eight-day trip to Bonnie Scotland beginning at Strensham Services Northbound M5. Despite the rain being biblical, a measured pace was taken northwards on the motorway to avoid any accidents we reached our lunch stop at The White Lion, Wrightington, without any major dramas. An overnight at the Crown Hotel, Wetheral, Carlise provided excellent food, staff and accommodation and they even reserved some parking spaces for us. On Sunday we travelled on to our main destination via The Kelpies (The Kelpies - the largest equine sculptures in the world), lunch here at the café. After a wander and stretch of legs, we continued onto Dunkeld House Hotel, Dunkeld, Perthshire. An impressive driveway led to the former hunting lodge and our location for the next five nights. With walks along the river into the local town of Dunkeld, swimming pool and gym – there was lots to do besides drive. Here we were joined by our additional 6 participants on the trip and 3 further Porsches. On Day three we drove the scenic route along the Loch Earn, with crystal clear water allowing an amazing reflection of the trees and the hills, providing a great photo opportunity. We carried on towards The Falls of Dochart, stopping at The Falls of Dochart Inn (great coffee and cakes) and we were able to get all our Porsches parked there without too much issue. Our next destination being Dewar’s Distillery in Aberfeldy, where we had a tour booked and some tasting for those non-drivers. We were fortunate that drivers were given a takeaway.
Day four was our trip to Saint Andrews travelling along the Scenic Coastal Route, stopping at Lower Largo for a comfort break and to admire the Firth of Forth. Continuing along the Scenic Coastal route through beautiful towns and villages, arriving in St Andrews – very busy, but everyone scattered and found somewhere to park. An amazing town, with historic Abbey, Castle, beaches, shopping and apparently some relation to golf?! A great drive back to the hotel via the old military road. For day five we Included a circular drive to visit Pitlochry Dam, Visitor Centre and the Salmon Ladder. Beautiful autumn sunshine enabled us to get the roofs down to enjoy an unfiltered view of the scenery (our cars are pretty dirty by now). On arrival at Pitlochry, there was chance for everyone to please themselves in local shops and cafes and for those missing retail therapy the local attraction - House of Bruar.
Our biggest driving day (170 miles), included Balmoral, Ballater and the Snow Road - the highest road in the UK snaking through the Cairngorms National Park - breathtaking scenery. We took a small loop through a small village, which meant we drove the Snow Road the other direction – twice as much fun! Travelling onto lunch and the Romesay Rooms, the Old Royal Station, Ballater. Established by the former HRH The Prince of Wales to drive tourism and employment to the area following flooding and fire in the village in 2015. Food and service was excellent and we were permitted to park all of our cars in front the venue for a photo opportunity.
Day seven was the beginning of our journey home to England, after departing Dunkeld, we eventually picked up the A701 which was recommended as a good driving road , and we weren’t disappointed as this gave us a spirited drive to lunch – Errington’s Barn Farm Shop & Kitchen, Elsrickle. Our final destination is The Appleby Manor Hotel, Appleby-in-Westmorland, where we broke the journey back home. All-in-all a great trip with our wonderful cars and club members, and of course beautiful Britain at its best.
Day four was our trip to Saint Andrews travelling along the Scenic Coastal Route, stopping at Lower Largo for a comfort break and to admire the Firth of Forth. Continuing along the Scenic Coastal route through beautiful towns and villages, arriving in St Andrews – very busy, but everyone scattered and found somewhere to park. An amazing town, with historic Abbey, Castle, beaches, shopping and apparently some relation to golf?! A great drive back to the hotel via the old military road. For day five we Included a circular drive to visit Pitlochry Dam, Visitor Centre and the Salmon Ladder. Beautiful autumn sunshine enabled us to get the roofs down to enjoy an unfiltered view of the scenery (our cars are pretty dirty by now). On arrival at Pitlochry, there was chance for everyone to please themselves in local shops and cafes and for those missing retail therapy the local attraction - House of Bruar.
Our biggest driving day (170 miles), included Balmoral, Ballater and the Snow Road - the highest road in the UK snaking through the Cairngorms National Park - breathtaking scenery. We took a small loop through a small village, which meant we drove the Snow Road the other direction – twice as much fun! Travelling onto lunch and the Romesay Rooms, the Old Royal Station, Ballater. Established by the former HRH The Prince of Wales to drive tourism and employment to the area following flooding and fire in the village in 2015. Food and service was excellent and we were permitted to park all of our cars in front the venue for a photo opportunity.
Day seven was the beginning of our journey home to England, after departing Dunkeld, we eventually picked up the A701 which was recommended as a good driving road , and we weren’t disappointed as this gave us a spirited drive to lunch – Errington’s Barn Farm Shop & Kitchen, Elsrickle. Our final destination is The Appleby Manor Hotel, Appleby-in-Westmorland, where we broke the journey back home. All-in-all a great trip with our wonderful cars and club members, and of course beautiful Britain at its best.
November Drive - The Ups and Downs of Wiltshire
Although not one of the sunniest days, Ian and Anni's "The Ups and Downs of Wiltshire" drive proved to be another great day out for our club members. The wonderful hostelry that is the Pear Tree Inn at Whitley, near Melksham was our start and finish for our drive, providing coffee in the morning and scrumptious food on our return. The drive which took us through the heart of Wiltshire included some lovely villages such as Lacock and Compton Bassett and views of the White Horse on Hackpen Hill. Thanks again to the leaders of the groups and to Ian and Anni for their detailed information and splendid organisation.
PHOTOS BY PHIL JOHNSON UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
Exmoor Weekend
Epic! Is the only word to describe our penultimate weekend for this year around Exmoor and Devon. Our fun started on Friday with a lunchtime meeting point at the very accommodating Kitchen Restaurant, Quantock Lakes followed by a scenic drive into the Exmoor National park and onwards to the cosy Northfield Hotel in Minehead which was our base for two nights of the usual TIPEC socialising before, during and of course after dinner! Tony and Linda Sherring had kindly volunteered to organise the drives over the two days and Saturday's drive eclipsed Friday's with a drive across moorlands, through forests and and quaint villages, along beautiful coastal roads, and stops at wonderful view points including the stunning Valley of Rocks, truly featuring the best of our English countryside. The warm and sunny weather also played its part ensuring our 36 members in their 21 cars could make the most of this very enjoyable mini break.
Porsches
Photo's by Steve unless otherwise stated
People
Photo's by Steve unless otherwise stated
Places
Photo's by Steve unless otherwise stated
September Drive
This month's drive created and hosted by Dave and Christine Bastin was entitled "Cymru ydy hi eto" .... "It's Wales Again", and despite the torrential rain, thunder and lighting that greeted us at our Aust Services start point, nothing could dampen the spirits of our intrepid Porsche Peeps as we headed across the bridge. 11 cars and their 19 occupants were taken on a wonderful route through the Wye Valley and across the border into Monmouthshire travelling some of the best roads in the County including the wonderful B4560 Llangynidr Rd which we had the pleasure of driving in both directions. With a well planned comfort stop and the very popular Greyhound near Usk as our lunch destination, even the sun decided to make a brief appearance offering a short spell of top-down driving for those wishing to brave it. All in all, a great day, excellently organised in true TIPEC Bristol, South West and South Wales fashion.
Drive to Fish 'n Chips
Whilst the recent sunny hot spell had made way for a more cloudy and cool August afternoon, at least it was dry, and there was plenty of excitement for our Porsche Peeps in 21 cars who gathered at Gordano Services ready for the drive to Salt and Malt at Chew Valley lake for a fish 'n chip supper. The scenic route through some lovely Somerset roads including the stunning Cheddar Gorge which is always a delight to drive through. This event two years ago attracted 34 members, this year 56 peckish Porsche folks taking over the entire restaurant tucked into traditional British grub provided and superbly organised by the staff at Salt and Malt. Another great event in the company of our wonderful and supportive members.
Summer Sojourn In Sidmouth
Following our successful Sunday to Monday format of last year when we visited Aberystwyth, this year's summer sojourn was to the charming and picturesque town of Sidmouth, nestled on Devon’s Jurassic Coast with its stunning red cliffs and golden beaches.
The weather forecast for the two days was looking a little iffy, and indeed we started off in pouring rain, but thanks to Viv's now regular 'sun dance' it wasn't long before the 'roof down' buttons were being deployed on the cabriolets in the group.
Setting off from Gordano services on the M5 we had plotted a route through Somerset for our group of ten cars to our refreshment stop at Forde Abbey near Chard. The format provides those who were unable to travel on to Sidmouth for our one night stay to still enjoy a drive out returning home via an alternative scenic route. After our short break at Forde Abbey and customary photo shoot we continued our drive into delightful Devon to our hotel right on the esplanade in Sidmouth. After check-in, a walk along the sea front was the order of the day with of course the obligatory ice cream. The Kingswood hotel proved to be a great choice with pleasant and helpful staff and a very enjoyable Sunday evening dinner. Following breakfast and a quick briefing on Monday morning our route back was to provide us with a walk around Lyme Regis, however the effects of Viv's dance had worn off and the rain unfortunately caused a change of plan. It didn't dampen our spirits though and we continued with our scenic drive back via West Bay and Dorset to our lunch stop at Middlewick Farm Shop near Glastonbury. All in all another great social activity of Porsche's, people and places.
The weather forecast for the two days was looking a little iffy, and indeed we started off in pouring rain, but thanks to Viv's now regular 'sun dance' it wasn't long before the 'roof down' buttons were being deployed on the cabriolets in the group.
Setting off from Gordano services on the M5 we had plotted a route through Somerset for our group of ten cars to our refreshment stop at Forde Abbey near Chard. The format provides those who were unable to travel on to Sidmouth for our one night stay to still enjoy a drive out returning home via an alternative scenic route. After our short break at Forde Abbey and customary photo shoot we continued our drive into delightful Devon to our hotel right on the esplanade in Sidmouth. After check-in, a walk along the sea front was the order of the day with of course the obligatory ice cream. The Kingswood hotel proved to be a great choice with pleasant and helpful staff and a very enjoyable Sunday evening dinner. Following breakfast and a quick briefing on Monday morning our route back was to provide us with a walk around Lyme Regis, however the effects of Viv's dance had worn off and the rain unfortunately caused a change of plan. It didn't dampen our spirits though and we continued with our scenic drive back via West Bay and Dorset to our lunch stop at Middlewick Farm Shop near Glastonbury. All in all another great social activity of Porsche's, people and places.
Sunday Spin In The Shires
Our July drive was true to its title taking 13 cars a lovely scenic route through the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire; and the blazing sunshine of the 'second heatwave' only helped warm the hearts of our enthusiastic TIPEC members which included Dan and Martin on their first drive since recently joining. Martin and Donna Harris did a great job providing printed instructions to support the Google link for our sat nav's and the journey provided a combination of twisting roads with lovely views and some wonderful straights to 'stretch the legs' of our roaring flat sixes. Refreshment stops had been carefully planned culminating in a lovely lunch in a private dining area at Ye Olde Hobnails Inn - Little Washbourne near Tewkesbury.
Crossing Borders Drive
Ringing the changes slightly, 18 cars and 25 people met at Chepstow Garden Centre and headed off in three groups to enjoy the fine, late afternoon sunshine, quiet country roads and stunning views on our “Crossing the Borders” drive through the Welsh and English countryside with the promise of an early supper in a pub on the banks of the river Monnow which creates the border between Wales and England. The outbound route took us through the Welsh counties of Gwent and Monmouthshire with the return journey crossing the border into Herefordshire, then on through Gloucestershire. Our destination pub had kindly cordoned off the car park for our exclusive use and our cars made a colourful sight against the verdant and picturesque backdrop. Another highly enjoyable few hours of Porsches, people and places.
Drive to Studio 250
A fun, relaxed morning with like-minded car enthusiasts hosted by Carburettor Coffee who provide coffee and snacks from their Airstream van. The venue is owned by a local businessman who has a passion for music and cars and incorporates a recording studio with a state-of-the-art mixing desk and a car showroom featuring a small selection of the owners special cars.
Sixteen cars took a scenic drive from Chepstow, over the English Bridge and via a 'figure-of-eight' route through the Forest of Dean to the studio where we were provided with our own dedicated parking area. A big thank you to Steve's friend Pete who provided the drive and video images. A memorable morning as a "one gig only!" band was formed especially for us on the day.
Sixteen cars took a scenic drive from Chepstow, over the English Bridge and via a 'figure-of-eight' route through the Forest of Dean to the studio where we were provided with our own dedicated parking area. A big thank you to Steve's friend Pete who provided the drive and video images. A memorable morning as a "one gig only!" band was formed especially for us on the day.
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AT THE STUDIO
PHOTO'S BY STEVE UNLESS STATED |
ON THE ROAD
PHOTO'S BY PETE DOVEY UNLESS STATED |
VIDEO BY PETE DOVEY
THE BAND
Harkers May Meander
Though the skies may have been overcast and grey, a brightness fell upon the faces of our members who in 16 cars set off in three groups on a delightful drive impeccably organised as always by Tracy and Al Harker. Whilst we often tour the beautiful Cotswolds, it was no surprise that many previously un-driven roads were part of the well planned route with instructions provided in both analogue and digital formats. A new venue, The Trouble House near Tetbury was our start and finish point and both the service and food was excellent.
Isle of Man Tour
31 people in 19 Porsches crossed the Irish Sea from Liverpool on the anniversary of VE Day full of excitement and anticipation for this Isle of Man tour. Staying at the wonderful Comis Hotel Spa and Golf Resort near Douglas, we spent five days in glorious sunshine taking in the delights of this charming island. A welcome pack with itinerary, maps and a commemorative car window sticker was provided for the trip.
Friday's excursion around the Northern half of the island preceded by a line up of our cars at The Grandstand, and Saturday's drive covering the South, were excellently organised by Brian & Janice and Tony & Linda respectively, including a wonderful boat trip for some around the Sound of Man in the afternoon. The historic TT circuit tested the skills of those who elected to rise at dawn for a spirited drive along the derestricted stretches. Porsche IoM availed us of their hospitality including a reveal of a 50 year Special Edition Turbo S and there was also a visit to the Motor Museum and of course a dinner at the famous Creg Ny Baa. With plenty of free time available there was something for all our members to enjoy.
Friday's excursion around the Northern half of the island preceded by a line up of our cars at The Grandstand, and Saturday's drive covering the South, were excellently organised by Brian & Janice and Tony & Linda respectively, including a wonderful boat trip for some around the Sound of Man in the afternoon. The historic TT circuit tested the skills of those who elected to rise at dawn for a spirited drive along the derestricted stretches. Porsche IoM availed us of their hospitality including a reveal of a 50 year Special Edition Turbo S and there was also a visit to the Motor Museum and of course a dinner at the famous Creg Ny Baa. With plenty of free time available there was something for all our members to enjoy.
Porsches
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People
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Places
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Visit to GWAA, Almondsbury
This was our second visit to this fantastic facility when last year we presented a cheque for £1165 donated by our car club members via raffles and other activities throughout 2022. On that visit we learned that it costs £2000 just to get the helicopter airborne and it inspired us to attempt to raise at least that amount last year, so we were very proud to present the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity with a cheque this time around for £2750, again donated by our amazing and generous members. The presentation and tour of the facility was conducted by the lovely Eloise, supported by Jane and the rest of the fabulous GWAA team. As drivers we realise how important this remarkable service is and the fact that it can only exist through donations and sponsorship is the reason we will always support it. As with last year, the operational team were on hand to organise a photo shoot of us presenting the cheque with our cars carefully parked around the helicopter; a very useful cherry picker was on hand for the elevated shots. There was also a very nice touch when Eloise presented us with a lovely thank-you card and a certificate showing how much we had raised.
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Photo's by Phil
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Photo's by Steve
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Compass to Barn Drive
The weather Gods were in our favour this morning as we set out from the Best Western Compass Hotel, Tormarton for Jim and Liz's drive to the very popular for car clubs, the Cotswold Barn near Moreton-in-Marsh. With excellent 'Tulip-style' instructions and following a briefing by Jim, 18 cars set off in three groups for a spectacular drive through wonderful Cotswold villages such as Grittleton, Hullavington and Chedworth, and the lovely town of Cirencester to our coffee stop at the Old Prison, Northleach. After a welcome refreshment break we resumed our drive via The Guitings and the picturesque villages of Snowshill and Broadway. Despite a couple of unplanned detours by a few of our drivers who apparently had 'untrained' navigators we all reached our final destination in time for our scheduled lunch. Sat out in the sunshine our beautiful display of Porsches were graced with the occasional Ferrari and some lovely classic cars. A great day out, and once again a big thank you to Jim and Liz.
Spring Drive
Well Spring was certainly sprung as 30 Porsche Peeps in 18 cars crossed the border into Wonderful Wales for a truly fantastic day of sunshine, driving and beautiful scenery, the colours of nature only matched by the variety in our cars. Brilliantly organised by Pete and Wendy Mack in their now signature analogue style, we took in the best of the valleys with stops at the breathtakingly beautiful Llandegfedd Reservoir and Llangors Lake and most importantly one of the best driving roads in the area, the B4560 Llangynidr Road and then on to our late afternoon lunch stop at the Anchor, Tintern. A great day out!
Fanfare For The Common Man - February Drive
Our first drive of the new year was expertly created and organised by members Brian and Janice Lyall. Starting with coffee and pastries at Leaf and Ground, Dursley, fourteen 'not quite clean' Porsche's in three groups, set off at five minute intervals on a tour of popular Cotswolds scenic roads to include the commons of Rodborough and Minchinhampton. Whilst not the sunniest of days, the weather was kind enough for us to be able take in the wonderful views along the route and collect some lovely photographs courtesy of Phil and Ted. It was the members decision whether to listen to the classical work of Aaron Copland, have a blast of Emerson, Lake and Palmer or just take in what was great drive. We also had the pleasure of an Alpine and Polestar.
Bristol Golf Club Breakfast Meet
Our first activity of 2025 saw us return to the Bristol Golf Club for another enjoyable breakfast. Most people came in their Porsches (a few of them were even clean), and we were delighted to see new member Rob's 52 year old 914 which has only 19000 on the clock. 36 hungry members tucked into either a Full English or a Bap of their choosing and as always there was plenty of coffee, chatter and good cheer.
Bristol Golf Club's location is such that there is a wonderful view across to the Severn Estuary and this was not wasted as we arranged a photo shoot on leaving. Here's a selection of photos mostly by Phil J who we have to thank for the idea.
Bristol Golf Club's location is such that there is a wonderful view across to the Severn Estuary and this was not wasted as we arranged a photo shoot on leaving. Here's a selection of photos mostly by Phil J who we have to thank for the idea.
Post Christmas Blues drive
After an enjoyable Christmas it was time to shake off the hangovers, rev up those wonderful engines and pull in the tummies ready for our final event of 2024, the Post Christmas Blues Drive. Sixteen cars in two groups met at The Best Western, Tormarton for a pre-drive coffee before setting off on a scenic route to our lunch venue The Rest, Kings Stanley. Despite Mr. Google doing his best to throw us off track, we all made it safely and in perfect timing for lunch and a very enjoyable chat. Thanks again to Brian & Janice and Tony & Linda for leading the groups and to Ted and Phil who went ahead to capture the cars en route.
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Festive Weekend
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Our Festive Weekend in the lovely Worcestershire town of Malvern was a roaring success. The weekend began on Friday with a group drive for some of the attendees from Ross-on-Wye via a scenic route to our venue the Abbey Hotel, which is located right next to the beautiful Priory. Despite the best efforts of Storm Darragh, our traditional Saturday Christmas Jumper Drive went ahead taking our intrepid drivers via Upton-on Severn, Pershore and the wonderful counties of Worcestershire and Herefordshire including a lunch stop at the Malvern Hills hotel. Both evenings were filled with fun and frolics assisted by the always entertaining Sharon and Lawrence's quiz and Singo, Bingo! The food was great and the drinks flowed as everyone waited excitedly for our traditional raffle which helps raise funds for the fantastic Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. Last year we raised over £1100 and our aim this year was to reach £2000, which is what it costs just to get the helicopter airborne. With extreme generosity from our members and donations from OPC's, and other sources, we were thrilled to announce that this year we have raised £2500. The weekend reinforces the support we have been given for our many activities throughout the year and incapsulates the great friendships that have developed in this wonderful group of Porsche people. Wishing all our members a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. Viv and Steve.
The Cars
The Stars
Pop Up Drive
Our second Pop Up drive of the year finally took place having been rescheduled due to snow the previous week and despite Storm Bert doing his best to disrupt proceedings. Thirteen cars and eighteen Porsche Peeps plus new member Tom and our enthusiastic member Will in his Audi TTs, departed in two groups after banter and coffee in the Cross Hands, Old Sodbury via both familiar and unfamiliar (and very damp), Cotswolds roads to a new venue for us, The Rest in Kings Stanley. The route plan with way points and a Google link worked well for the first group who arrived at our destination in the expected time. Unfortunately things didn't go quite as well for the second group who's intrepid leaders Andy and Keith having lost a few of their team, found an impassable road resulting in reversing practice of allegedly 300 metres for themselves and the two remaining cars; a huge cheer welcomed them when they finally arrived.
A great day out, full of the usual fun and friendship that we experience with our wonderful members, and Adam and his team at The Rest can be highly recommended for their warm welcome and as a car club friendly venue.
A great day out, full of the usual fun and friendship that we experience with our wonderful members, and Adam and his team at The Rest can be highly recommended for their warm welcome and as a car club friendly venue.
Tracy & Al's Halloween Haunt
Today was Tracy and Al's 'Halloween Haunt' drive on a day with a spookily misty start turning into wonderful Autumn sunshine for a great drive which took us through Wiltshire and the Cotswolds to lunch at Burford Garden Centre and back to our starting point in Malmesbury for a well deserved coffee. With suitable Halloween regalia, our 16 Porsche drivers and passengers encountered both tricks and treats on an enjoyable and scenic route. Thanks again to T & A for your usual excellent organisation.
Weekend Away in Shropshire
Despite the recent rain the weather proved to be kind to us for our weekend in Shropshire. On Friday our drive started at Over Farm Shop with the route taking us over Clee Hill to our overnight stay at Ironbridge, the heart of the Industrial Revolution. Our Saturday morning drive proved to be epic as we negotiated some 'interesting' lanes through Frogs Gutter and The Bog before ascending the single track road over the Long Mynd. Whilst there were some 'squeaky bum' moments, the truly breathtaking views were our reward as we arrived at our 'pit stop' at the Midland Gliding Club who provided a truly warm welcome along with the much needed coffee, cake and loo! Saturday afternoon and the Sunday return journey provided opportunities to visit some local attractions such as Wenlock Priory and the lovely hamlet of Arley, famous for its heritage railway station which as been used for many period films and TV dramas.
Andy & Keith's Wednesday Drive
Andy & Keith's Wednesday drive took us into wonderful Wales around Abergavenny and Crickhowell to our lunch destination Tretower, known for its massive circular tower and medieval court. The warm September sunshine allowed us to sit in the garden and soak up the rays before taking a light lunch in the reserved dining area. After lunch the drive continued through the beautiful Brecons and along the Pontsticill and Talybont reservoirs to Usk for afternoon tea and cake. A great day out, well planned, good choice of venues, lovely weather, good fun. Thanks Andy & Keith.
Broadway Car Show - Supercar Saturday
On Saturday 17 August we visited the bi-annual Broadway Car Show, a two day event which features supercars on Saturday and classics on Sunday. Meeting at our popular rendezvous location, Seven Springs we took a scenic drive through lovely Cotswold villages to Broadway, arriving early so that our group of eleven cars could parade along the High Street to the event car park. The Broadway Car Show show is a great event with lots of amazing cars from the iconic Testarossa and Countach to the very modern Aston Valour. There was even an electric replica 356.
Clevedon Cars and Coffee
American born local resident Mark Reber creates an amazing event in this lovely seaside town by inviting people to bring along their interesting cars. Locals and visitors alike flock to check out the wonderful array of vehicles on display, soak up the atmosphere which buzzes with interest and excitement. We made a special arrangement with Mark to bring 18 cars where we had been given pride of place in one of the feature parking lots, Tickton Lodge. The event is well worth a visit if you're in the area on the second Saturday of the month.
Aberystwyth Adventure
It's the first weekend in July and 21 members in 13 cars departed Chepstow Garden Centre for the 66 mile journey along some of Wales' most entertaining roads and narrow bridges to our lunch stop at the famous Owls Nest cafe near Llandovery. Popular with motor cyclists the cafe serves up some 'very hearty' sandwiches where the cheese could be used for building up the foundations of your house! Duly fed and watered, we said goodbye to those having to return home (work commitments), whilst the rest headed to our overnight accommodation, the aptly named Plas Nanteo Mansion just outside Aberystwyth. The planned route took us around the Llyn Brianne reservoir and although Mr Google did manage to split up the group, and despite the not so kind weather, the views were breathtaking and the drive exhilarating. The hotel is located in a beautiful setting with very friendly staff, and a well earned dinner was enjoyed by all. Typical of our British weather, our return journey home on Monday allowed top-down motoring in glorious sunshine, via Aberystwyth, the little coastal resort of Borth and once again some fantastic driving roads to our coffee stop just outside Newtown. We experienced the quaint and very rickety toll bridge on or way towards Hay-on-Wye, then on to our final destination, the Old Rectory, Crickhowell for our pre- arranged afternoon tea. As always, great fun, in great cars with great people.
Photo's by Steve unless stated in caption
Wye River Cruise
Visit to Air Salvage International
Our first Regional event in June was a visit to Cotswold Airport, Kemble and the ASI facility. Air Salvage International (ASI) is one of the world’s largest privately owned providers of aircraft disassembly and recovery services. Operating since 1997, the company was the first facility in Europe to offer this. Customers include component providers, banks, lessors, insurers, airlines, and UK Government Agencies
Following a presentation by CEO Mark Gregory which provided a fascinating insight into the Aerospace industry and how ASI salvage, resell and recycle the extremely valuable components, we were given a tour of the facility followed by lunch at the very popular AV8 café and a photo shoot of our cars in front of the resident British Airways Jumbo jet. Thanks to Lawrence Youlden and Brian Lyall for helping to organise a very interesting and informative event.
Following a presentation by CEO Mark Gregory which provided a fascinating insight into the Aerospace industry and how ASI salvage, resell and recycle the extremely valuable components, we were given a tour of the facility followed by lunch at the very popular AV8 café and a photo shoot of our cars in front of the resident British Airways Jumbo jet. Thanks to Lawrence Youlden and Brian Lyall for helping to organise a very interesting and informative event.
Drive to The Piston Club
Our final activity of May was our drive to The Piston Club hosted at The Stag Inn near Alcester. Twenty nine members and 15 cars meandered through the beautiful Cotswold villages of Snowshill, Broadway, Honeybourne and Bidford-on-Avon where it was great to meet up with fellow members from our Central and South Central regions who had joined us for the event. The Piston Club has an automotive theme and is therefore popular with both car and motorcycle groups, having plenty of parking space and great facilities. Following a very enjoyable lunch the obligatory walk and talk of Porsches, people and places continued around our cars in the beautiful Warwickshire sunshine.
Dartmoor and Dartmouth Weekend
Porsches
Places
People
Visit to Tuthill Porsche
The eagerly waited and over-subscribed visit to the Tuthill Porsche near Banbury took place in April where 24 of our members were given a guided tour of the facility. Most of the group rendezvoused at Severn springs for a lovely drive through the Cotswolds led by Pete Mack and Graham Peake, it was Graham who arranged the visit through his Godson who works for Tuthill and who also gave us the guided tour. Tuthill will create a bespoke Porsche for you from donor cars or repair and restore your pride and joy. Tuthill is also synonymous with the most successful historic Porsche rally cars and historic 911 racing cars.
March 'Pop-Up' Drive
Who could have predicted such gorgeous weather with glorious sunshine for top-down driving on our first Pop-UP drive? Meeting at Chepstow Garden Centre for coffee and comfort break and along with Andrew and Dawn's 'Porsche Pooches' we set off through the wonderful Welsh countryside via Shirehampton towards Usk, then heading back to pick up the Wye Valley through Tintern and into the Forest of Dean. Mr Google typically played tricks causing a minor diversion which fortunately allowed us a stop for a photo opportunity opposite Chepstow racecourse. Symonds Yat Rock with its never tiring stunning views was our destination.
Visit to GWAA, Almondsbury
Photo by Jim Gorton
We had the great pleasure of formally presenting our cheque for £1165 donated by our very generous car club members via raffles and other activities throughout last year to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. A fabulous organisation who help save countless lives and can only exist by raising funds. They gave us a great insight into how they operate plus a tour of the facilities and helicopter. We learned that it costs £2000 just to get the helli in the air and that has inspired us to attempt to raise at least that amount this year.
THANKS TO DICK LOVETT PORSCHE, BRISTOL WHO KINDLY DONATED RAFFLE PRIZES TO SUPPORT OUR FUND RAISING
BELOW ARE A SELECTION OF IMAGES FROM PREVIOUS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
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"The Hills Are Alive" drive, Malvern
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University of Bath TBR e Racing
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Post Christmas Drive 2023
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Festive Weekend 2023
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If you fancy a free* photo shoot of your Porsche pride and joy, please click below for details.
