Summer here at last for the Leicestershire Group
26 members attended our June meeting at the Gate Hangs Well with TRs filling the car park, amazing what a bit of sun will do. As Tony was away Andy stood in to chair the meeting. He welcomed new member Jonathan Bennett who has a TR4A.
So where have we been so far this summer?
Triumph Club de France Auvergne meet
Colin and Anne, with Mick and Linda, had a fabulous weekend meet with the TCF club in Clemont Ferrand, France. The journey down was uneventful, but hot and sunny leaving Linda, in particular, with a very red nose and a most becoming car seat belt tan! On the Thursday we had a trip out to the Puy de Dome, a viewpoint over the 80ish old volcanoes which give the area its character. For the main weekend event, as before, the cars were divided into two groups, and on the Saturday our group visited a local chateau, unusual in that it had escaped the French Revolution with it's owners and furniture intact!
After a magnificent outside lunch we visited Thiers, famous for it's knife making industry.
Sunday's route took us to the monument celebrating Vercingetorix's victory over Julius Ceasar, then onto a small historical town where we climbed a tower for a view over the roofs. Lunch was another outside venue, this time high in the Auvergne mountains, before a run back to our hotel for a gala dinner, complete with a live band and dancing.
On Sunday everyone visited the Michelin museum for an excellent guided tour, followed by lunch at a private chateau. Some delay as it was too hot to have our aperitif outside and the tables had to be moved into the shade at the last moment, then another wonderful lunch. As this was not the first time we had attended a TCF weekend we had learnt from previous years, so on Sunday night we stayed in a local B&B, meaning we could stay and enjoy the lunchtime banquet without the worry of a long journey in the afternoon. On Monday we parted company, with Mick and Linda headed back to the UK, while Colin and Anne headed south to continue their holiday.
No problems with our cars, but there was a small panic with Martin Bell's car on the Saturday evening when part of his wiring loom caught fire. Luckily it was quickly extinguished, and he even managed to fix it enough to continue his trip onto the Braunlage event in Germany, though sadly he still ended up on a trailer following a head gasket failure.
Classic Car Meets
Manor House, Quorn
Tony, Phil and Sam went to the Manor House in Quorn, where there were over a hundred vehicles ranging from vintage cars to Lamborghinis. It's a bit like Ashby Folville used to be, but on a smaller scale. They meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month, so it was suggested going on the 6th June, but try to get there around 530 as it gets very busy. Highly recommended by those who went.
Greetham Classic Cars
They meet on the same night as us, but it's possible to go there before our meeting, as Dick does. The meeting starts at 430. There are 80-100 cars, ranging from 1910 models to modern supercars. There is also an excellent BBQ and cakes.
Future Raids
There was some interest in a possible Cotswold Vale raid on the 28th of July, and one to the Trent group on the 5th July. Phil will send details of both of these raids in a separate email.
International weekend
The plan is that Mick and Andy will be going on Thursday to help set up for the weekend, so will rope off our usual camping area. There are about 22 folk booked in the the usual BBQ. Please make sure your name is on the list with Tony. Andy H. will be doing cooked breakfast on Saturday for anyone who wants it (shared cost).
Leicestershire group are doing the Bring and Buy again, but in a different format (Rachael's idea). People with something to sell will buy a card to complete and post on a noticeboard, then anyone interested in buying can contact them direct to view their item, which will be with the seller, not in a central location. This way, all we need to do is man the board. Andy will be running it, please contact him if you can help out at all over the weekend.
Volunteers are also needed to help marshal the Autosolo event. Please contact Tony if you can help. Volunteers are also need to help clear on the Sunday.
Rachael's Show
Greasepaint will be performing Sister Act from 24-28 October at Loughborough Town Hall. See Rachael for tickets.
Stonehurst/Belvoir Brewery 6th August
Tony needs to make bookings and reservations now so please let him know if you are interested.
Pershore Plum Festival
This will be held on Monday 28th August (Bank Holiday). It is a lively festival day in Pershore, with several hundred interesting cars and street entertainment. Cotswold Vale are going, we can join them if we wish to. Parking is from 9.00am, and, once parked, cars would have to stay there all day. More details from Colin if you are interested.
Euromeet 8-10 September, Dijon
So far, there are 5 cars going – Mick and Linda F, Andy and Claire, Tim and Kathryn, Colin and Ann, and Allan and Gail.
Bournemouth weekend 13th to 15th October
Eleven rooms have been booked, at £186.00 for 2 people, including the Saturday evening dinner. There will be a leisurely drive down on the Friday, with a tour round on Saturday including Sandbanks and Poole, finishing with a group dinner at the hotel. On Sunday there is a trip to the Motor Museum at Beaulieu on the way home. However, we may do this on Saturday instead if the weather is bad.
If you want to join us for our monthly meeting or any of the forthcoming events then please contact Tony on leicstrs@gmail.com