Somerset - twice in 5 days! 11th to 31st August 2015

We took the Astra on the Tuesday to Somerset to collect Paul’s race car gear box and after discussions with Zane and then Paul we decided to take the engine to be stripped down for a look see. So it was back to Shepton Mallett on Saturday, this time with the Land Rover which proved to be a little challenging partly because the weight of Paul’s small block Chevy made the steering light and the indicator and petrol gauge fuse kept blowing which made the motorway driving interesting especially as it was bumper to bumper coming home. The engine is actually in good shape and extremely well built, it just needs some minor work on it, then it will be dynoed and a new torque converter fitted. It means missing the rest of the racing season but hopefully everything will be in tip top shape for next season. (Should I start the sun dances now to guarantee good weather for next year’s race meetings?)

We did have a nice lunch stop on the way back at Stonehenge sitting on the bonnet of the Land Rover overlooking it and also took the public footpath to get a closer look saving ourselves £17.50 each and a queue for the bus with hordes of other visitors.

 

Sunday was just a quick ride out to AJ’s Diner in Wellingborough. Only a few cars turned up including Andy Sawyer and Pike but the diner and dancing area were very busy.

Monday, Zoe and I sat in the back of the Model A while Paul was in the front for our visit to Barry and Ness’s. It’s actually quite invigorating in the back. You feel like one of those dogs standing up in the back of a pick-up truck or hanging out of the window! We had a lovely evening and once again enjoyed looking at that amazing car collection.

Saturday was a boat trip with OMC on the Ouse on what turned out to be a beautiful, hot sunny day perfect for “messing about on the river” including the moment of high drama when we had a head on collision with a boat coming the other way. Later, we took notice of the incorrect weather forecast and left the car at home instead of taking it to Mick and Karen’s fabulous party.

 

Sunday morning saw us heading off to the Olde Watermill at Barton-le-Clay for a classic car rally in aid of the Pasque Charity there. Shirley and Paul joined us in the Morgan and Pike called in in his Anglia thinking it was a car boot sale and they even clobbered him for a fiver! Then to much excitement the latest acquisition arrived- Paul and Zoe in their little yellow 1981 mini which they bought the day before and drove home from Leeds. It’s a lovely little car and they really “get it” now having been waved at and cheered at by numerous admirers on the way. To see them both in the car on the way home grinning like Cheshire cats was priceless.

The weather wasn't great this week so the car only got one airing. On Saturday Dave took it over to Bletchley where the V8 Owners Club had organised a rolling road. Dave said it was interesting but didn't put the Model A on it as it was only to get a certificate to say how fast it was going not for any adjustments to be made and he finds the screaming of the engines a bit hair raising! When he got home we drove out to Cardington to see the canoe slalom and got home before the rain.

We were supposed to go to the Stars and Stripes event at Rockingham on Bank Holiday Monday but it chucked it down all morning. I felt bad not going when the organisers had gone to so much trouble and expense to put it on but with no side windows or heating it isn't wise to take the car out in the pouring rain especially as there was no respite in sight. Plenty of people did brave the weather though and they are planning to hold the event in july next year to coincide with American Independence Day which does seem a more appropriate date and hopefully the weather will be better.