| This year the viewing of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run was from a new venue - The Oak Barn Restaurant near Burgess Hill. This 250 year old barn has been sympathetically restored from a derelict building into a charming restaurant and bar area featuring old wooden beams some of which were salvaged from ships that plied the seas in Nelson's day.
Due to the restaurant opening early for us, some members were able to enjoy morning coffee in comfortable armchairs in front of a roaring fire.
The large car park provided an excellent vantage point from which the sixty or so members, who had brought thirty Club cars, were able to enjoy a ringside viewing of the assorted veteran cars that chuffed their way merrily past on this fine, dry autumnal day (a welcome far cry from last year's monsoon conditions).
Spotted amongst the various costumed drivers of the veteran cars were Section members Sue Norwood, Mark Tidy, Geoffrey Allo and Bill Bradford - such brave souls on this arduous journey from London to Brighton.
After a couple of hours viewing, we all entered the restaurant and enjoyed a delicious two course roast lunch with coffee, served by the friendly manager and staff, before departing for home.
Out of the 505 veteran cars that departed Hyde Park in the morning at least 433 arrived in Brighton - well done to all of them.
We hope to return to the venue again next year to repeat the enjoyable day had this year.
Simon Buck - Section Committee Member |
