Events (2014) pt 1

New Year Meal - Longlands

Liz Russell arranged for our New Year meal to be held at the Longlands Hotel in Carnforth. The group set off from two directions as usual with the Northern contingent gathering on the route down from Kendal and the Southern contingent gathering at the Grasshoppers Rugby ground in Preston. The southern group were delayed in setting off only to be delayed further to find fuel. These vehicles don't run on air despite our best wishes. A long trip round the Forest of Bowland, picking up Graham on the way, all added up to us arriving a little late and were rushed into the dining room. A great meal followed. A presentation of the Piston Broke award went to Ian Wray, who couldn't be with us for the meal, for the innovative way he dealt with recovering his broken down Jeep. Congratulations Ian. Thanks to Liz for organising the meal.

 

Preston Centre Photo Opportunity - Pre-Normandy

The Lancashire Evening Post had heard about our group's expedition to Normandy later this year. They decided it would make a good feature so they arranged for a group of our stalwarts who are making the journey to Normandy to pose for some photos for the paper. A short video was also compiled. The LEP have given us permission to use the photos and to embed the video in our website. Thanks to the LEP for the following selection of shots, and video. Enjoy.

 

Ye Horns Inn Crank up

A slightly cold April weekend welcomed our 2014 crank-up to Ye Horns Inn at Goosnargh, though the weather did warm up over time. Several members set up camp from the Thursday with others joining on the Friday and Saturday. A run out on the Saturday went ahead in quite bright conditions, taking us through the Trough of Bowland up to Slaidburn where we stopped for refreshments. Our route back took us through Dunsop Bridge and back the Ye Horns. This was a good test for Ian McCormack's Jeep that had received a major engine rebuild over the winter. It held out perfectly. Friday and Saturday nights' meals were had in Ye Horns restaurant. Excellent food served hot and freshly cooked despite there being quite a few of us in the party, 26 on the Saturday to my knowledge. A few members joined us specifically for the meal showing what a sociable lot we are.

Wray Scarecrow Festival

What used to be used to advertise our Hornby Castle event has now turned out to be just a pleasant run out for the day to take part in the annual Scarecrow Festival at Wray just north of Lancaster. 5 Jeeps made the run out with their owners Dave Salisbury, Ian and Esther Wray (how convenient), Graham Prentice, Stuart Reid and Martin Russell.The theme of the Scarecrows this year was Heroes and Villains. There were many examples of Cru and the Minions from the film Despicable Me, great for the kids, and one of Margaret Thatcher for the older generations asking was she a hero or villain. Our members were clearly the heroes as they attracted the attention of many people who wanted to talk about the equipment on display. Despite the slight rain, the day was very enjoyable.

Vintage Metal

Stuart Reid sent the following report and photos of the Vintage Metal event held at Carnforth.

"On Saturday we had four vehicles John Le Page and the staff car, Myself and Phil Russell with the Jeeps and on its inaugural first outing was David Clewes Dodge M37. It ran and sounded  well just a gear box issue to sort out. Lots of eye watering vintage vehicles to look at, stalls and displays in the arena."

East Lancs Railway

Lovers of steam and all things military met in Bury and the surrounding area to join the East Lancs Railway 40s weekend. Camping had been set up at Irwell Vale with a number of displays set up by Tony Lee, Henry Lisowski and Dave Bentley just by the station, and further larger tents set up on the village green. The line this year covered the full length from Heywood through to Rawtenstall with displays and battles going on at various locations along the length. The weather was not as kind as it could have been. I went on the Sunday and got a soaking inbetween fine spells, but I understand it was similar on the other days. Fish and Chips on the Church grounds in Ramsbottom can't be beaten even with a little rain thrown in. I think I heard the chip shop owner admit the 40s weekend was the busiest time of year for him, such is hte popularity of the event.

Vehicles were dotted around the towns on the line with Henry Lisowski proudly displaying his recently acquired Dodge Command car at Ramsbottom station. He parks it up there around 7:45 in the morning and is surprised there is no-one else there but does get the prime spot. I wonder why? I noticed a rare Belgian built series one Land Rover, built by Minerva. It is distinguishable by its squared off wings. The organisers would like to find out what people enjoy at the event, what they don't like and what they want from the event that isn't provided. With this information they can plan next year's event to be even better. Contact Kate at kateATeastlancsrailway.org.uk.

Great Central Railway

A number of us attended this weekend event at Quorn, Leicestershire, including Dave accompanied by Paul in his jeep. Based around a railway and its stations this is a public event which attracts a lot of reenactors from all over the country. It starts on Friday with groups of school children enjoying what life was like during war time. We enjoyed a mixture of stalls, living history displays as well as military and civilian vehicles at Quorn, along with a battle which Martin Russell & the 82nd Airborne were in on Saturday and Sunday. Most of us attended the evening events held in the Marquee on the Friday and Saturday nights. The big band on Saturday night was brilliant and the trumpet solo to the Band of Brothers theme tune was very emotional ! Paul & Dave attended the ceremony at the Cenotaph on Sunday which they also said was quite moving.  A great weekend, good weather definitely helped!