hi all again due to the lack of events i am looking at organizing  a camping weekend at the same place as last year their have been some major changes to the site over the last year . so if there is any interest i will start organizing it obviously when lockdown ends so if you are up for it say yeaaaaah  

I have received the following email from the organiser of the Stilton Run......

The board has decided that it will not be possible to run the event on the usual date this year (last Sunday in April) due to Covid-19 restrictions and will therefore offer the event at the usual time in 2022. However, if there is sufficient interest,  it is proposed to offer an extra event in September this year, on a Sunday morning, which will involve a navigation around the villages of Rutland, returning to Uppingham for a choice of lunch/afternoon tea venues and music in the market square.

We would appreciate knowing if you would  be interested, in principle, in attending such an event. It would probably be limited to 200 cars. If a sufficient numbers of car owners say yes, we will forward full details in about a month and accept bookings giving priority to those already registered with us for the Stilton Run. 

If you are interested in the event in September please PM me and I will send you the email address of the organiser.

Im just gauging interest for a visit to this place that I didnt even knew existed (Hmm maybe thats because it`s a secret)

Come the end of lockdown, and the arrival of good weather, and god knows I need something to look forward to next year, Im going to visit the Drakelow Tunnels near Kiddiminster which is an old nuclear bunker with 3 miles of tunnels which they open up to the public every now and then. It was also used by Rover after Coventry got bombed.

Obviously I cannot give a date yet. 

Has anyone visited this place?

The day would include a proper run out and lunch (maybe even breakfast for the early risers) They take 180 people at a time which does sell out and it`s a tenner each.

If you go on their website please enable "flash player" as there are some great photos.

Andi

https://www.drakelow-tunnels.co.uk/index.php

https://www.facebook.com/SaveDrakelow

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Drakelow+Tunnels/@52.4287278,-2.2740658,3145m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x48708ea7a919e9e5:0x4857d78401a3f6b2!8m2!3d52.4271213!4d-2.2654546?hl=en

PS I see some have got permission to take their cars in there for photographs

Drakelow Tunnels are a former Top Secret underground military complex beneath Kingsford Country Park north of Kidderminster, Worcestershire. The tunnels were built between 1941-1942 as a Shadow Factory for the Rover car company. Parts for aircraft engines were machined in the 3.5 miles of tunnels throughout WWII. After WWII the tunnels began producing parts for tank engines until 1958 when the tunnels were handed over to the Ministry of Supply, and later Ministry of Works.

In 1961 the British Government converted half of the tunnels into a top secret facility, designated: Regional Seat of Goverment 9 (R.S.G. 9). Drakelow, along with 12 other facilities scattered across the U.K. formed a national network of highly classified Nuclear Bunkers, that the British Goverment would operate the country from, in the event of Nuclear War.

In 1980, Drakelow was re-designated: Regional Government Headquarters 9.2 (R.G.H.Q. 9.2). The tunnels were also upgraded and Blast Doors and Air Locks installed to bring the complex upto full Nuclear Bunker status. Through out the 1980's Drakelow operated under complete secracy until the end of the Cold War in 1990. In 1993, the Ministry of Defence deemed the facility surplus to requirements, and the entire complex was decommissioned and sold.

Since 1993, the Drakelow Tunnels Preservation Trust, have been restoring the entire complex to its original condition to become the largest Cold War Museum in the UK. It also the largest underground space in the UK open to the general public.

Open days and private tours are conducted of the WWII Rover Shadow Factory tunnels, 1960's RSG and 1980's RGHQ Nuclear Bunker through out the year. The complex is also available for filming, training and private functions. Please see the Filming & Training page and Visit Us page for more details

Last year, my son who lives/works in London expressed an interest in participating in the London to Brighton Run.

My father, who passed away many years back, was brought up in London and then his family moved down to Brighton where he became a member of 'Brighton Shiverers'  ... back in the day, and where he was schooled. It seemed an appropriate opportunity to mark the fact that that 'history' led to our existence ... so to speak.

Not the most exciting of drives for a hoodie but we had a great time, I drove down, my son drove back and we spent the evening in London celebrating.

Will the event ever be the same again? With London's Emissions Zone expanding , Brighton's frontage being (temporarily?) pedestrianised and Covid ???? I am pleased that we chose to enter last year. Value for money .... well, questionable. Good day ... yes. Do it again .. unlikely to be honest - but nice to have experienced it.

Evidence of the event ( acquired the photos without the need to pay the extortionate fee asked for them!)

Hi

is Anyone taking their kit cars to display at stickney auto jumble this Sunday?

Sorry, but due to the current Covid-19 situation unfortunately the area meeting must be cancelled.

It is unlikely we will be able to hold a meeting for some time, but I will continue to monitor the situation and post each month with an update.  

I don't have a copy myself, but I have seen a post on Facebook showing the end of season bash event with lots of photos

Brill

There will be no October meet, which would have been this coming Thursday.

But alas the whole covid thing has put a stop to that. It has taken ages to get this thing finally moving and with decent numbers attending too.

Anyway, that`s that for now and watch this space for news of the next meeting.

Andi

Harborough at War Drive Out for Charity Treasure Hunt.

Sunday 27th September from 9am

All vehicles welcome - Vintage, Modern, Military, Civilian, 2 wheels, 4 wheels etc.

We will set out a course, around the surrounding area, and you will follow a route & answer as many of the questions as possible to score points.

The winner will be the one with the most points, (plus a tie breaker if required).

Route will take approx. 1.5 hours, leaving from the showground at timed intervals, then finish back at the showground where we can all enjoy a socially distanced picnic. Barbeques welcome.

Cost will be £10 per vehicle, and all profits (after costs) will go to charity.

Please put your name down on the list below, and how many vehicles if possible, to help us gauge how many will be attending etc.

^^ more information at Harborough at War