Social Scene 316
Thames Valley Group – Social Scene Traction 316
David Goswell writes:It rains a lot, up North, said the ticket office lady at The Beamish Museum, as water dripped off my hat onto her credit card machine. Rain!
It started in Buxton, early June, where 6 cars from TVG joined the annual gathering of the Derbyshire Dales group. The drive up was through torrential rain which proved that I need to upgrade my front disc brakes; anything that can reject water would be good! The trip across the Dales was well organised by Alan Jones team with a drive over many a hill and dale, through some stunning scenery, we were told! The low cloud and the driving rain meant the wipers, and roofs, had a serious workout. Luckily the pub was dry with a great buffet lunch. As the clouds cleared Alan lead us through a Ford so that we could experience part of the trip that was cancelled. The trip culminated in a dinner for a hundred people. A big thank you to Alan and his team for a great time.
Of course the following day the sun came out which made our drive to Northumberland, via a tour of the Yorkshire Dales, very pleasant. Up over Buttertubs and a quick pint in Tan Hill, this is what TR driving is all about. Carpets and roofs dried out, just ready for some more downpours. Arrived at our hotel, near to Hexham where we were met by 2 more TVG's.
We decided to base ourselves near to Hexham so that we could tour Northumberland as the TVG annual European Tour. Yes Northumberland is in Europe.
Our first trip out, organised by Caroline, mentioned hats were required when going to the Farne Islands, as one always receives the Northumberland "Kiss" from the Sandwich Terns who attack your head. What fun! Luckily the sun stayed out. Geoff Keeble, in his immaculate TR4, was running in his recent engine build. Alas the front oil seal decided to squeal very loudly, so Geoff went under the bonnet with PTFE spray.
Trip to Lindisfarne also came with some hot sun, which gave my TR6 radiator the opportunity to spring a leak!Geoff used more spray.
Wednesday turned out wet, so we all did our things with me looking for some Radweld, and Geoff looking for more PTFE.
For the rest of the week we visited Alnwick Castle, Cragside and or course the Beamish Museum, which was excellent and would have been even better had it not rained a lot. Alas Gill Hirchfield slipped on a wet stone, at Beamish, and cracked her Pelvis. A lot of paracetamol and Bryan borrowing wheel chairs helped get her through the week.
Alas Geoff's oil seal wouldn't calm down, so with a risk of damage the AA was called, and the car, along with Geoff & Gay, went home to Surrey.
The week finished on Sunday with an invite to the Northumberland's Group annual BBQ held at Bryan Archer's house. Not only did the group provide the food and coffee's, Bryan drove us through the lanes so that we didn't get lost. What a service, thanks Bryan and your team.
Finally a big thank you to Roger & Caroline for bringing this trip together, along with everyone for organising the trips out.
Our regular meetings are: The Abinger Hatch (RH5 6HZ) on the second Wednesday of each month from 20:00, with the main meeting from 12:00 at The Surrey Oaks (RH5 5DZ) on the last Sunday of the month.This seems to be attracting more people (particularly if it's warm and dry) and we've got a reserved area at the back of the pub car park for our TRs.We're a friendly bunch and new members are always welcome – do come along whether you've got a TR or not!Please see the TR Register website for more information: www.tr-register.co.uk/thamesvalley.