However, we pressed on to Sidmouth with thoughts of shoes and ice-cream - not in the same glass.
The designated car park being full, and the town being exceptionally busy, we eventually managed to
find five parking spaces in three different car parks.
Marilyn, Penny and Ros set off for Feathers in search of shoes while the rest of us took a short
stroll along the front and enjoyed the customary ice cream, to be rejoined by the ladies with
another ice cream. Although what this woman was doing to the litter bin we will probably never
know, the guy on the right of the picture isn't sure either, maybe we should start a caption
competition for it?
Shortly after leaving Sidmouth the lead car, Ray and Marilyn, suddenly veered off the route, on the
instructions of the navigator who shall remain nameless. Ray then pulled into a lay-by to consult the
map and allow Marilyn to drive while he navigated. Unfortunately there is no photographic evidence of
Clive's expression as he walked towards the lead car, to check on the situation, only to see it rapidly
exit the lay-by, but Bob had an excellent view! Something else to be discussed later that evening in the
New Forest Inn.
Following the B3157 between Bridport and Weymouth provided some spectacular views of the sunny South Coast
on this glorious afternoon.
Clive and Penny left the main group to head for their accommodation at Corfe as we continued to ours
on the edge of the New Forest. On the recommendation of the receptionist at the lodge we ventured
forth to find the New Forest Inn, just outside Lyndhurst, to enjoy an evening meal and discuss the events
of the day.
The discussion turned to our earlier exit from a lay-by along with Marilyn's expertise at entering a
roundabout in front of a line of traffic leaving the rest of the group stranded. Mark J, tact and
kindness personified, commented on the difficulties of leading, especially for the first time.
However, matrimonial discord may have been the main factor!
Whilst discussing cards Ray produced the ones that he had printed out along with one of the originals,
Mark J tried to wind Ray up by saying that he'd put the wrong telephone number on it. Of course,
Ray has known Mark long enough to realise that this wasn't true, until he was shown the proof!
Oh dear, visions of a little old lady somewhere saying for the 19th time "NO, this is not the MX-5
Owners Club"
Leaving the inn we were skilfully lead through a maze of lanes for a second look at the New Forest Inn and then back to the lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Another beautiful morning when nobody, other than MGF and Z3 drivers, would even consider leaving the top up - yes we saw them. After a brief appraisal of Mark's legs, and with cars and occupants refuelled, we set out to Lulworth Castle with Mark J leading, thanks Mark divorce is an expensive business these days.
On arrival at Lulworth Castle we were directed, by colour, to our appointed areas. Mark S and Marilyn were pleased, I think, to find that they were not the sole representative for their colour, with Ros and Mark J joining the majority (common as muck these red ones) and Clive seeking the safety of a healthy number of greens, including our friends Patrick and Ruth from the South West with possibly one of the best 5 plates ever? Somebody was obviously up early this morning to collect this little beauty - shame they only had red ones left. The opportunity to take a photograph, or ten, from the top of the castle was not missed and although there was some disappointment that we were split up it has to be said that the view of all the cars arranged by colour is quite spectacular.
Entries for the "Best Kept 5" drew quite a bit of attention from the crowds, although the feeling was
"If Paul had been here there wouldn't be a competition".
One entry in particular needed a little more
than a casual glance simply to confirm that it was indeed a 5. Also spotted was one that most certainly
wasn't!
The day continued with a Gymkhana for those wishing to test their skill at how well they can manoeuvre. Ray declined to participate in this event having, unsuccessfully, demonstrated his skill at garage parking the Friday before.
A flying visit (sorry couldn't resist that one) by the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was one not
to be missed, except by those of us having a cream tea in the Stables Cafe.
On then to the South Wales triumph of the afternoon when our Penny won a prize in the Grand Draw, and
posed quite accidentally by an appropriate sign.
Apart from the events there were plenty of shiny bits and bolt-ons to attract attention from the exhibiting
suppliers. Clive purchased a neat little handbrake lever and gear knob in wood, and here we can see Mark J
lending him a hand. For wheel cleaning enthusiasts what about a set of these as a full-time job?
With the "official" day drawing to a close it was time to reposition ours cars for a group shot, affording Mark J the opportunity to unfurl the banner at least metaphorically, as it's Clive battling with it here.
Shortly after leaving Lulworth we were joined by another 5, sporting a Belgian plate, that was determined
to keep up with us and in fact did for many miles until we stopped at a service area for the final break of
the day. As he pulled into the service area alongside us Ray offered a greeting, expecting a response
in broken English, well how was he to know that the gentleman was from Bath?
It turns out that he bought the car in Belgium and hasn't yet re-registered it!
Coming up past Bath and onto the motorway gave a glimpse of someone enjoying an alternative, and a little
more sedate, method of transport.
The tollbooths on the M4 proved too much for group cohesion and before any effort could be made at
regrouping the warning signs displayed "M4 CLOSED AFTER Jct 28" leaving each of us taking a variety
of routes through and around Newport we brought another pleasurable club event to a close.
Pictures by Ros and Ray
Report by Ray
Last updated 03/09/2002