After Easter Monday’s heroic drive into Scotland it is hoped this shorter special event will appeal to all members but especially new members; we hope you will get your classics out and join us next Saturday for a few hours with other Triumph Owners. This will be a joint event with the Stag Owners Club..

A visit to Otterburn Castle for a coffee stop is way overdue and has been attempted for many years without success. However, the Castle is now under new ownership; the new owners got in touch and indicated they would very much like to host us for a visit. There is good parking in front of the castle (but please be directed for efficient parking and daily drivers please park round the corner). We will arrive Otterburn Castle at 11.00hrs.

Otterburn Castle lies on the edge of the MoD Ranges which are part of the Northumberland National Park. The military training area is the second largest live firing range in the UK covering 90 square miles and takes in some of the most breathtaking scenery in Northumberland. When the red flags are not flying it is possible to access the controlled area with permission. After discussions with the Army Range Officer, and after a recce, we have been given permission to cross the Ranges in a convoy of classics on Saturday 18th April when there will be no live firing. Daily drivers please tag along at the back (or just drive to Elsdon).

Plan for the Club event:

Various RV points are listed below and all are timed to have us arriving at Otterburn Castle at 11:00; for aerial photos, heritage talk by the owner then coffee and scones; after 90 minutes of friendly banter we then have authority to drive in convoy onto the military training area (we must stay in convoy when on MoD property) and on Roman roads rarely seen. It is easy to get lost on the training area as there are few useful road signs or recognisable landmarks so we must stay together. We will be able to contact Range Control at all times in case of any breakdowns whilst on MoD land. The drive around the ranges will be circa 25 miles and will take about an hour given the terrain so if you join please respect convoy discipline, but importantly enjoy the stunning, unspoilt Northumbrian countryside.

We did plan to exit the military ranges at the north west corner and pick up a single track road to Alwinton but due to severe damage to this single track public road, we will re-join the A68 in Redesdale and drive south to Elsdon where we can stop at the Bird In Bush for refreshments.

Schedule: (RV1-RV3 have been selected by SOC. Attend these RV's if you wish. If you want more details for RV3 let me know.)

·       RV1 Northumberlandia car park 09.50hrs, depart prompt 10.05hrs timed to arrive just before 11.00hrs

·       RV2 Aldi, West Denton Retail Park (Westerhope) 09.55hrs, depart prompt 10.15hrs timed to arrive at 11.00hrs     

·       RV3 from south – meet West Auckland Green from 09.30hrs; depart prompt 09.45hrs (contact Ian Robertson for further details or to meet up along A68)

·       RV4 TR Register - Meet at usual lay-by at the NW end of Belsay village, just off the A696 on the Bolam Lake road at 10:15, depart prompt 10:40 to arrive Otterburn Castle 11:00

·       Please park efficiently at castle as directed by marshals (wearing Hi Viz)

·       Depart Otterburn Castle 12.30hrs in convoy to enter MoD Ranges; this section will require convoy discipline and we will stop on the ranges for the view; continue then…

·       Hit the A68 in Redesdale then drive south to Elsdon; assemble around village square by 13.30hrs outside the Bird in Bush Inn in Elsdon; they have a nice café and are expecting us. From there feel free to head for home whenever it suits you.

  So – chat with members, make new friends over coffee and learn about a fabulous Northumberland castle which took part in the fierce Battle of Otterburn in 1388; drive with permission over the Otterburn MoD military ranges in a convoy of classic Triumphs; then enjoy refreshents at a lovely pub / cafe in Elsdon. Surely an opportunity for a photo or two.

Price for this event is £15 per person to include coffee and scone and a talk by castle management about it's heritage. I will collect payment on the day and hand it to Roland who will settle payment with the castle directly via BACS.

Please note parking in front of the castle is planned for the best photo opportunity. However if there is a large turnout parking will need to be precise to accommodate everyone. Please follow the instruction of marshals.Those members not attending in a Triumph please use public parking.

Contact:-

email: tonycameron@ymail.com

Tel: 07905211757