Sunday April 22^nd - Darrel & Audrey's Haynes Museum Visit

Haynes Take 3

This months run was organised by Darrel & Audrey, who had arranged something a little different for us.
A trip “over the border” to visit the Haynes Motor Museum at Sparkford just outside Yeovil.
We had made two trips previously but not for many years.
Previous Haynes visits were 10/02/02 and 20/10/02

Once we had all received our route maps and instructions it was off in convoy along the M4. The weather was fine so most people had their tops down. The motorway was fairly quiet so it was a fast trip over the bridge and we soon reached the turn off for Bath after which we were able to enjoy the Somerset countryside.

A Wrong Turn?

A stop had been arranged at Bradford-on-Avon. After driving through the picturesque town we turned into what was definitely a very modern housing estate. Anticipating this to be one of those “MX-5 moments” we were expecting a u-turn at any time.
Not so ! At the end of the houses we were surprised to see a nice wooded car park belonging to British Waterways.

We parked up and made the short stroll down the slope to the Bradford on Avon lock, part of the The Kennet and Avon Canal.
There were a couple of nice tea rooms for us to have a break, one of which was "Nanny Mo's" and Mo is sitting to Mike's right in the picture, and spend a while watching the canal boats going through the lock.
Obviously they cater for water-travellers, note the sign on the bank.

Where to Look First?

From here we continued to the motor museum where we were greeted by Steve and Anouska who had made their own way there.
At the museum it was “go as you please” with some people having lunch first and others after viewing the displays.
The museum boasts over 350 cars, which is more than enough to keep you occupied for a couple of days or more.
Apparently, they aim to drive nearly every car at least once a year - no mean feat!

What a State!

Sadly the "5" in the Red Room was in no better condition that when we last saw it 5 years ago.
The red wheels look awful, it was generally shabby and not helped by being covered in soot from a heating vent. There was even talk of getting together a group of volunteers, from the club, to clean it for the museum.
Most agreed that it was not a particularly good example and one member was overheard saying that she intended to write to Mazda about it. (I wonder if she ever got round to it) ?

That said all the staff and volunteers were very pleasant and helpful, and we must remember that the Eunos / MX-5 is not their only concern.

Homeward Bound

Finally after saying our goodbyes in the car park several small groups set off for home along various routes in glorious sunshine. Led by Mike and Michelle our group went across country to cut down on motorway driving. Travelling around the outskirts of Bristol and underneath Clifton suspension bridge before joining the motorway and splitting up for the remaining drive home.
On the drive back thoughts turned to the excellent food that day and wondering how Michelle and Mike were in the queue before anyone else.

It was a super day out and if you have not been to the museum it’s well worth a visit.
Thanks to Darrel and Audrey for a great day out.

Sunday April 22nd - Darrel & Audrey's Haynes Museum Visit