As the slightly damp members who had persevered through the morning’s rain turned up for lunch at the designated pub prior to the scatter rally, the rain clouds started to part and this turned out to be the end of the rain and set the tone for what would be a great Lea Francis weekend.
Sarah had organised a brilliant scatter rally that proved a real challenge with some serious head scratching, not only from the members taking part but also the public in the villages who couldn’t work out why, and I quote ‘’All these people in beautiful cars are driving around the area and keep stopping counting stuff on signs!’’. That said, huge fun was had by all. On behalf of myself and the members, thank you Sarah.
It was then back to the Holt Hotel for our AGM, which was done and dusted in the promised time so we could spruce up for our annual club dinner. The hotel had really stepped up their game and the food was delightful, with great service. With over 50 members enjoying the evening, the banqueting suit was abuzz with much laugher and motoring tales.
On the Sunday, members gathered at Broughton for our annual rally where our secretary, Rod, informed me that this was the best turnout in several years. We even had Phillip Rogers join us all the way from Australia! I assume this was the lure of the tea and cake in the marquee. Thank you to everyone who bought a cake with them, however, a special mention must go to Peter Cork and his cake (see picture) to celebrate having owned his 14 Sports for 50 years that month.
With all our members’ vehicles on display, it was a stunning sight; this coupled with the enthusiastic driving tests, band and tea and cake made for a great day (which became the envy of the Aston Martin club who had also visited Broughton that day).
Judging commenced and was made difficult by the quality of vehicles on display- I say vehicles as it wasn’t just cars that won awards (note 1st Vintage Concours d'Elegance). A full list of winners is below.
Thank you to all of you that came along and made the weekend a success.
Finally, the proposed date of next year’s weekend will be 13th/14th June 2020. Add it to your diaries now.
Enjoy a happy summer of motoring.
Tom
Tom Baston (Competition Secretary)
The Awards
Driving (Gymkhana) Test:
Derrington Trophy (overall winner) - Barny Creaser- 1948 14 Sports
1st Vintage - Nigel Wadlow -1928 P Type
1st 'Post Vintage' - Ian Pawson - 1950 2½L sports
Salad Servers - John Blundell - 1948 -14 Sports
Concours d'Elegance:
Directors' Trophy (overall winner) - Peter Whitestone—1951 14hp estate
1st Vintage - Peter Whitestone 1909—Pedal Cycle
1st 'Post Vintage' - Ian Pawson - 1950 2½l sports
George Andrews Memorial Trophy. (Best restoration) – Rod Holt - 1932 Ace of Spades
Long-haul Award
1st Vintage - Richard Houlgate – 1930 W type Hyper replica
1st 'Post Vintage' – Peter Baston – 1949 14 Sports
Best period dress
Joint winners – Bill and Jo Harrision - Andy Baston and Jane Symcox
Annual Awards
L.T. Delaney (Promotion of the Lea-Francis using a Lower Ford Street built car) - Jeremy Brewster
Ken Rose (promotion of the post-war sports cars) - Barney & Gillian Creaser
Albert Ludgate (Services to the Club awarded for organising of Autumn Tour) - Nigel & Sue Fowler
Harry Spence (Best aggregate performance in competitive events throughout the year in a Lower Ford Street built car) - Colin Poynter
Cliff Wright (Promotion of the 14hp) - Peter Whitestone
Bill Boddy (Best Article in the Leaflet over the year) – Jack Leonard