Events (2013) pt 3

Grassington 1940s weekend

Dave Salisbury suggested we go on a trip to Grassington on the 21st September. No indication was given as to what was to come, as I had convinced myself there was nothing on and we had missed a 40s weekend the weekend before. Dave and myself set off from Preston and picked up Jim and Ken in their Jeeps and headed over to Yorkshire. Bacon Butties on the way at Dick Turpin's, arriving at Grassington mid morning where thankfully, I was wrong. The 40s weekend was in full swing. We were directed to parking places within the village directly opposite Jane Francis, a 40s era singer; plenty of people to view the Jeeps then. The organisers had the main road that runs downhill, or uphill depending on where you start, closed. Vehicles were parked alonsgside the road, and a replica Spitfire placed in the main square. The road reminded me of Haworth but the prices in the local shops and pubs were not extravagant. We met up with Pete who arrived on a period bus, part of the park and ride scheme. We also met up with Phil Russell who was there with Sharon dancing the day away, and his Jeep. An Interesting Plymouth was spotted that apparently had a Ford Mustang engine fitted, and TransAm rear axle. You couldn't tell looking at it, but I bet it gives people a shock when it sets off from the lights. I'm not quite sure what Tony was doing with the underwear, but at one point was about to dry his hands and face on them having washed them in the tap alongside.

Onto the car park and field at the bottom of the village where there were displays of all sorts from the UK, US, Germany and Russia and space for tents and motorhomes. The range of vehicles here incuded the larger vehicles that would not fit in the village centre. The alrger vehicles included a couple of very nice half tracks. Henry was there with his medical display and his repainted Jeep which is now back in Olive drab havinmg been a bright yellow and black aircraft lead Jeep. The British Army were there with a couple of displays and a shooting range. Stalls were selling a range of clothing and militaria but noting took our fancy. On the way back, we passed a tea house set up overlooking the bowling green. It only seemed right that tea and scones were taken to break up the day, at least Jim and Dave thought so. The planned flyover by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight did not take place probably due to the low cloud. The day was spent wandering around the village, sampling the food and hospitality of the local businesses.

This is an event not to miss in the future. We must ensure this is on our to do list for 2014.

Ye Horn's Inn Wind Down

Ken Marle and Jim Ashcroft contacted the landlord of Ye Horn's Inn at Goosnargh to see if we could have a Wind down event there. He agreed and let us have a field behind the Inn for our use. A few stalwarts stayed from Friday for the full weekend, while others visited on Friday night, or arrived on Saturday to pitch camp. A road run out to Slaidburn on the Yorkshire border was the order of the day for Saturday. Around 6 vehicles set out comprising mainly Jeeps but also included Norman's Lightweight. The run was roughly an 80 miles round trip. Lunch was taken in Slaidburn in what must have been one of the smallest cafes I have ever encountered but the service was quick and friendly. Most of us spent Saturday night in the Inn for food, drink and the usual banter. The food was superb and the ales excellent, from the brewery at the back of the Inn. Sunday was wet, very wet, so inbetween showers we decided to pack up early while we could. Norman's Lightweight came into its own tugging some of the vehicles off the field as by the time we left the entrance was completely waterlogged. An enjoyable weekend, so thanks to Ken and Jim for organising it. Sorry no photos, I forgot my camera.

However Norman has come to the rescue with the following shots.

Preston Museum

Just a short note to say Dave Salisbury and Tanker Dave met up at Preston Museum and had a good chinwag at the event. Where were the rest of you?

Remembrance Sunday - Kirkland & Catterall Community Centre

Sunday the 10th November at K&C Community Centre saw a good turnout of vehicles for Remembrance Sunday. A chat, a short memorial service at 11:00, and hot pot for lunch made this regular haunt a popular destination for quite a few of our members. The vehicles had to be parked up early around the hall. Thankfully it was a bright and sunny day so made a pleasant day out, apart from the somber respectful 2 minute silence triggered by a short service read out by Jon Newbould. We will remember them.