VISIT TO AMBERLEY WORKING MUSEUM, AMBERLEY
Sunday 3 October 2004

Twenty-four cars braved the weather on our first visit for four years and what changes have taken place since our last meeting! The Duke of Richmond was responsible for the appearance of the latest Phantom from the Goodwood manufacturing facility and driven by Martin Hildred, Specialist Parts Manager for the plant. It was parked next to Martin Coomber's Phantom some 68 years older (the car not Martin).

The Museum is celebrating its 25th Jubilee year and has added to its facilities a large Railway Exhibition Hall and a fine Restaurant. Fortunately for our Secretary the Restaurant is (presently) unlicensed so he saved some considerable expense, as it was his birthday. I would certainly have accepted a drink from him whilst consuming a delicious 'tiddy oggy' the like of which any mariner stranded in a west country port would have been thrilled to enjoy. The roast beef also received plaudits from members.

Meanwhile outside the dust was well and truly laid by a gentle but persistent rain. It was noted that some ladies wore sandals whilst country folk wore more appropriate Wellington boots. Some had the right size umbrellas whilst others had not. The Chairman and his wife caught the Southdown bus to and from the Electricity Hall thereby keeping dry. We caught the 15.15 non-stop train from Amberley to Brockham (with a workman's return) and found the seating much more comfortable when the train finally reached its destination.

The undercover exhibitions were well worth visiting and on a fine day any members with children or grandchildren would have a most enjoyable day out. My thanks go to Charles Thomas and his volunteers for making it all so worthwhile.

Michael Marriage - Section Treasurer