With no little trepidation did the trio of self, spouse and
Lady Jane (Huw Lloyd’s Silver Spirit) set off for the Welsh Weekend rally in
Llandrindod Wells.
Had only driven the beautiful Deep Ocean Blue car on three
occasions, but felt confident enough, having spent the previous weekend on a
deserted Welshpool Trading Estate, practising reverse and other manoeuvres,
which left the Lady unmarked and the estate still intact.
Fully fuelled with petrol, LPG, and sandwiches we drove
through beautiful sunshine and Mid Wales via Kerry, LlanbadarnFynedd and
Crossgates to Llandod and the fortunately wide open spaces of the Metropole car
park, where several splendid cars were already in evidence. Herself,
acknowledged with the regal wave, the occasional Powys inhabitant as we passed in stately fashion. Such was the
chauffeur’s skill that Madame rarely clutched the car door, but we were happy
to reach our hub of Powys destination unscathed. .
We receive as ‘newbies’ a warm welcome from the other fifty
car owners duly assembled .The food, pool and rooms were fine and a few
libations with friends dispelled the rigours of the day. Hospitable people
these car enthusiasts; they even know where the bonnet catch is, of which more
anon!
Others will describe the Saturday route, a little less
enjoyable due to a lack of sunshine, but although I have travelled the
Mach(ynlleth) to Llanidloes mountain road several times, the reverse route is a
little steep, but one naturally felt
the brakes more than adequate. Some of
the older cars may have sensed their advancing years, but all arrived in the
ancient capital of Wales the stronghold of Owen Glyndwr, in good heart and in
search of lunch- well done Robin and his Merry Men (and ladies!).
Sunday was glorious- the weather, the cars, the stately
home, Berrington Hall, near Tenbury Wells made the best
weather day this year so enjoyable .The display of costumes in the hall
including the fiery wig which Kiera
Knightly wore in the film The Duchess were matched, by the finery
of the fifty or so cars in the front of the great house ..a splendid sight…see
photos.
A little mishap back at base saw a minor Lawson panic, when
a window jammed down, but one kind and
knowledgeable Northern guest and Tony from Leicestershire’s combined experience
saved the day, and they showed the ‘newbies’ wherein lay the bonnet catch and
all was well.
Happily, we were able to return the favour when Tony’s
hub-cab went missing and my encyclopaedic
knowledge of Powys cattle grids enabled us to retrieve the wayward item from the roadside, and return
the splendid yellow hubcap, to its grateful owner .see photo.
All in all, a pretty good do ..and spring/summer may be here at last .
