Derbyshire Dales (June 2024): Sunshine, Smiles, and Scenic Drives at the Peaks Weekend

Chris Thirtle writes (abridged from TR Action #352): The sunshine coincided perfectly with the annual Peaks Weekend event over the 21-23 June. Plenty of TR’s, plus an E-Type, BMW 2002, Stag, GT6 and a couple of ‘moderns’, gathered at Makeney Hall, near Belper, for this annual event. Participants came from as far as Devon and Wales to take part.

The weekend kicked off Friday night with an informal gathering in the hotel bar which was soon buzzing with conversation; the smiles underlining what a great time people were having. Saturday morning, after a hearty breakfast, cars and crews were organised into small groups and set off, time separated, on a run of around 70 miles. The route took them cross country to the Yeaveley Arms for a coffee stop, before going on to skirt the southern edge of the Peak District and take in the incredible views across the Shropshire plain from the Weaver Hills; views which extended all the way to the Wrekin and Malvern Hills over 60 miles away. A fine buffet lunch was taken at The Royal Oak, Mayfield, and from there the cars went their separate ways to visit local attractions such as Carsington Water. Everyone made it back to the hotel in time to freshen up, change, and re-group for a glass of fizz before enjoying a three-course dinner, quiz and raffle. 

With the dishes cleared, the DJ spun the discs and the party spirit was soon in full flow. There certainly seemed to be a few years being cast off, along with jackets, as the dance floor filled up. The 10:30 start for the Sunday run was certainly appreciated by the late-night revellers. Sun shining, the crews set off with wide smiles and tops down (on the cars) on a circuitous route to Matlock for lunch where the event officially ended. It was fantastic to see so many new faces this year and on behalf of all who attended, a massive thank you to Dave W, Gwen W, and David and Linda S for organising the weekend, but also to the other volunteers who helped to ensure the event was such a success.