Finding Carla (Dave and Lesley's UK Road Trips): Awkward August

It has to be said that for such a marvellous summer most of the NSRA and Santa Pod events were rained on and this year was no exception. Nevertheless it was another cracking month. The 2nd of August was an historic day as the Astra clocked 100 000 miles and is still going strong. Other than the usual tyres and servicing the only thing that doesn't work is the air conditioning which hadn't been a problem until this summer!

Stotfold Saturday 5th August

A small car show held at the village green, it didn't seem so well supported as in previous years but there were a lot of cars that came for a few hours and then moved on. There are so many car shows now that I think this is becoming the norm and we are not too keen on just sitting either, we'd rather be driving. Looking back on previous posts it used to start late in the afternoon so maybe they need to review the hours again.

Helmingham Hall Garden near Stowmarket Sunday 5th August

This is on my 60 list because it won the 2017 Historic Housing Association Best Garden of the Year. With the amazing summer we had we didn't get to see the garden at it's best but it was still lovely. As an added bonus there was a classic car show there on the day we visited with Shirley and Paul in her Hot Rod.

NSRA Supernationals 9th - 12th August 2018

Thursday - Members only day. Dave went over in the Hot Rod and I followed later in the Beetle. They said I couldn't come in with it until I reminded them who was helping to organise the cruise! I still have the sticker on my windscreen to prove it. The weather wasn't great so I didn't hang around for too long.

Deb Crockett enjoying starting the Enzo


We were spoilt with food and drink.

Paul on the Benz

The forecast for Friday wasn't much better and a few of the "chosen ones" bottled out of coming on our special cruise which was a shame as we could only take limited numbers. The weather turned out fine and they had a good cruise via Woburn Abbey over to a private collection and hospitality in Buckinghamshire. Those that did come really enjoyed it as did we. Paul and Zoe came over later and got to ride on/in a replica of the first Benz motor vehicle.

Dunstable Downs

Saturday - I didn't come as I was looking after Mum so Dave was left to sort the cruise out on his own. He roped in some willing volunteers to help out at the Downs. We had planned it beforehand and had organised another new venue for people to see in Bedfordshire - Dunstable Downs which proved to be a big hit. The weather was good, the visibility too and everyone took the opportunity to sit and enjoy the view along with the free food and drinks which was paid for out of NSRA club funds. We were allocated our own car park overlooking the Downs and once again we had surprised people with yet another beautiful destination that Bedfordshire has to offer.

The show field

Sunday- The show and shine was down on numbers both show cars and public due to the weather forecast but the rain held off. Paul's Tot Rod was lent to the Air Ambulance as an attraction for the day and they managed to take a lot of money in exchange for photos of children in the car.

The guest of honour for the weekend was 91 year old Gene Winfield who chopped a car roof and had boundless energy. He proved to be a very popular choice.