Over 70 members from as far afield as Stockton-on Tees, Loughborough, South Wales and even Devon brought 35 TR's and Peerless's together for an unforgettable weekend in the Lakes.

"Just wanted you to know how much we enjoyed the Autumn Ball weekend. It was clear that a lot of hard work was undertaken by Cumbria Group to make the event such a success. We are fairly new to the TR club scene and it was for us a fantastic introduction to the enthusiasm and professionalism of the people involved. The accommodation, food, the runs out and, not least, the way in which other members made us feel so welcome was beyond expectations. A hearty well done".

This email from Cliff and Margaret Verrill from Cambs Followers in the East Midlands, was just one of the many e-mails, cards and compliments we received following the inaugural TR Register Autumn Ball held at the Windermere Hydro. The sun shone all weekend making the views over Lake Windermere quite breathtaking and a good time was had by everyone.

Friday evening started with a fabulous hot and cold buffet at the Windermere Hydro and everyone mixed with plenty of friendly conversation. Moving through to an adjoining suite, we were treated to a tutored wine tasting by Guy and Linda Pugh from Garstang in Lancashire. Guy had chosen some excellent wines, including an excellent Reisling with an oily, petrolly bouquet and a stunning Italian Amarone to finish.

The run out on Saturday took us through Ambleside then the A593 through Coniston village and Torver to briefly join the A595 at Broughton in Furness. After crossing Duddon Bridge we turned right to ascend the unfenced, single track road over Corney Fell with a wonderful view to the sea over Ravenglass and Seascale. We then rejoined the A595 and drove past Muncaster Castle then a right through Gubbergill to Stanton Bridge and Nether Wasdale and the hidden gem of Wast Water. A welcoming buffet lunch at the Strands Inn was excellent. The village was lined with TR's of every colour, quite a sight! After lunch, still bathed in Autumn sunshine with the tops down, we retraced our steps to Stanton Bridge where we bore left towards Eskdale while some of our more adventurous members turned off to tackle the Hardknott and Wrynose passes, while the rest of us chose to come over Birker Fell (only a 1 in 4 Descent)to rejoin the A595 and then the A5092 and the A590 to Newby Bridge and back to Bowness on Windermere, with time to rest before the TR Ball in the evening.

The ladies wore their posh frocks, the men resplendent in black tie and dinner suits and Jim wore his fabulous McLean tartan kilt and sporran!

The tables were suitably named as Pistons, Overdrives, Carburettors, Crankshafts, Headlights, Tappets, Camshafts and Differentials.

The Menu was, of course, TR Inspired:

TR2 Motoring Melon Fantasia
TR3 TR Tomato and Basil Soup
TR4 Wheelie Lovely Lemon Sorbet
TR4a Peerless Roast Beef served with
Radiator Roasted Potatoes
Triumphant Seasonal Vegetables
TR5 Six Cylinder Cranrachan
TR6 Classic Chassis Cheese and Braking Biscuits
TR7 Castrol Coffee and Molyslip Mints

While dinner was being served the Hotel's in house magician moved from table to table keeping the guests amused at his sleight of hand tricks with cards, ropes and real money.

After dinner we danced till 1am, with a brilliant selection of music. Many kicked off their shoes and let their hair down. A few were still in the bar till nearly 2am - quite a night!

After a hearty breakfast on Sunday there was a short run down the Lake to the Lakeland Motor Museum and everyone had a free pass to get in. The displays included Early Motoring in the English Lake District. a 1920's garage, Back to the Future, an Isle of Man TT Tribute and some Vincent Motorcycles. The Museum also houses the not to be missed Donald Campbell Bluebird Exhibition which includes a full sized replica of the famous Bluebird K7 (1967).

After many fond farewells everyone made their way home with lots of requests to " Don't forget to invite us to the next one!"

Lakeland Motor Museum

Words and pictures by Anne Whitehead and Jim McVey