Devon Social Scene Report 364

Thank you to Sarah Lovell who stepped in whilst I was away on Holiday. Sarah reports that 

Drive It-Day this year was organised by Derek Hurford, who sadly passed away before the 

event. We met at Exeter Services, where 14 cars assembled and were waved off by Roger 

Stone. From there we drove in convoy along the B3052 to Seaton Tramway, where we were 

joined by another 3 TRs and allowed to park in the quadrangle at the front. Much to the 

delight of many people passing by. A group of 28 enjoyed the tram ride which took us along 

the River Axe Estuary to Colyford and back. Afterwards we returned to our cars and made 

our way to the Hare and Hounds Pub at Sidbury, where we had a delicious carvery lunch. A 

heavenly heartfelt thanks go to Derek for organising a perfect day, he was sadly missed.

The May Sunday Lunch was organised by Nick and Les Jewell at the London Inn, Morchard 

Bishop, meeting first at Homeleigh Garden Centre, Crediton. This was our second visit to the 

London Inn and it certainly did not disappoint. Everyone agreed that the meal was delicious 

and that the venue provided an excellent setting for the occasion. Unfortunately, I was 

unable to attend this time, but from all accounts it was a thoroughly enjoyable gathering and 

one that we look forward to repeating in the future. Many thanks to Nick and Les for 

organising another successful Sunday Lunch.

Our final event of May was attending the South Molton Vintage Rally, a popular annual 

occasion that raises funds for a wide range of charities. The event has become a regular 

fixture in our calendar, thanks to the efforts of our member, Ian Kennedy, who organises our 

participation each year. We were invited to display our TRs and take part in a convoy drive 

around the arena, giving visitors an excellent opportunity to see a lineup of TRs. Blessed with 

beautiful sunshine throughout the weekend, the rally was very well attended and featured 

an impressive variety of vintage exhibits, trade stands, and food stalls, creating a vibrant and 

enjoyable atmosphere for all.

In June, we arranged to meet at Knightshayes National Trust to begin our day. We were 

kindly given permission to park in front of the historic house, much to the delight of the 

visitors that morning. A line of 14 cars stood proudly, all looking spectacular, colourful and 

gleaming in the sunshine. From there, we drove in convoy to enjoy a fabulous Sunday lunch 

at The Anchor Inn, a beautiful riverside setting within Exmoor National Park.

Report by John Blake, Track day @ Castle Combe.

Kay and I went up the night before. We enjoyed a meal with Len Olds and Bently Orchard 

from Cornwall. The weather at Castle Combe for the track day this time was spot on, a dry 

warm track. Andrew was unable to accompany me on the day so Kay stood in at the last 

minute and really enjoyed the experience of driving fast and competitively in a nice safe 

controlled environment around the track on the day. I sat in beside her and she really 

impressed me with how quickly she adapted to the track car that she had never driven 

before. Overall, she had a very spirited session on the track and became very confident in 

the car's handling very quickly.

There was a great turn out of cars of all different standards from very basic road going to full 

out race prepared monsters. It was very well organised and all the groups had 15 minutes 

track time every hour so the cars and the drivers had time to cool down between sessions. 

In the afternoon it moved to an open pit lane which enabled cars from the different groups 

to be on track at the same time.

Well organised track days such as this are some of the best value motor sport events you can 

be involved in and I would fully recommend them to anyone wanting to enjoy their car 

beyond the boundaries of what is permissible on public roads.