LUNCH MEET AT SOUTHDOWNS HOTEL, TROTTON, NEAR MIDHURST
Sunday 17 March 2002

The weather was not brilliant, but remained dry for this return visit. (The Section met at the Southdowns some years ago). Thirty cars lined up in the Hotel car park. Eighty members and guests sat down to a first-class lunch in a friendly informal atmosphere. A three main course and three pudding course choice seemed to satisfy everyone and, much to my delight, guests actually had what they previously ordered!

There was a fantastic selection of cars. The newspaper photographer had a field day! In his booking note, Peter Parkinson stated 'Not sure which car I will bring!' However, he brought his beautiful 1926 Phantom I Drophead Coupe, coachbuilt by Barker - what a good decision! Other superbly turned out cars, including Derek Johnson's 1926 20hp by Hooper and Paul Capper's elegant 1969 Phantom VI (flying his 'house flag'), caught the eye of the lady newspaper reporter.

If members' comments were anything to go by, it will not be the last time we lunch at the Southdowns Hotel. We do hope that Eric Barrass' wife, Grace, is recovering from her chill and that they will be able to join us on the next occasion. Our grateful thanks to Richard Lion, the hotel owner, and his excellent staff for a memorable occasion.

Dennis Windows - Committee Member