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Details here of events we have attended with Club Triumph Norfolk in 2009.
A nice sunny day, warmer than the previous few days, 11 cars left at intervals following a Tulip Map provided by Alan and Chris who had orgnised this event. Easy to follow, we did not lose our way around some of Norfolks lovely lanes. We arrived at Woodbastick for a good meal at the Fur and Feather Inn next to Woodfordes Brewery.
Teds recently restored TR6 on its first outing draws the crowds.
Early arrivals at Caister Hall.
Daves Big Saloon.
Full complement ready for the off.
In the Fur and Feather.
Waiting for Dinner.
More happy CT members.
A big Thanks to Alan and Christine for organising this years run.
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Sunday 29th was the first show outing of the year for Club Triumph Norfolk. 9 Triumphs + Duncans Lotus Elan SE visited Langley Daffodil Show, meeting in Loddon then driving in convoy to the show. It was a cold day, a mixture of sunny spells and clouds, with a brief hail shower. The club all parked together making for a rather nice Triumph line up.
Pauls GT6 in the line up.
Triumph Line Up.
It was also the first outing for the new, much discussed, Club Triumph Norfolk banner, which looks OK flying in the wind.
Flying the Club Triumph flag.
The event, traditionally the earliest classic car event in Norfolk was well attended, with a varied line-up of classics, a few tractions engines, old buses, and a display of old agricultural hit and miss engines, various old tractors. Aware from the cars where displays of dancing, dog training, and a large amount of Art and Craft stalls.
I read recently the Marina was supposed to be one of the most under threat classics, therefore I was surprised to see 3 all together in one location.
Rare sight.
Also met the owner of the TR7 that was a prize in Classics Monthly, he was very pleased with the car, describing it as a "pocket rocket" and being surprised at how good a classic car it realy is. He was also pleased to have received free TRDC membership.
Prize TR7
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A realy good event this, a bit manic as a first timer, but thoroughly enjoyed. The point is to navigate through nominated counties, starting at Southwold at 6-30pm on Saturday Evening in Southwold, Suffolk, halfway point being Chievley Services on the M4 past Reading, Berkshire. Points being given for nominated counties travelled through with photo evidence, and extra points for specific places and questions answered, again providing evidence. We made a big mistake on the first half when we realised we had missed out Essex after blagging a couple of extra counties, then we foolishly drove from Northamptonshire to Essex to get the county and the bonus, unfortunatley this was through a fatal M1 crash, (time lost) and then arriving at Stansted services with little fuel, and the services closed due to fuel dispenser computer failure, so we trawled Bishops Stortford for fuel (more time lost) before getting Essex and the Bonus point for Hatfield Forest. This meant we got to Chievley at 3-30am, very late, but with a good first half points total.
Some of the entrants at Southwold.
My TR7 and a TR7/V8 from Wales.
Chievley Services, M4, 3-30am Sunday Morning.
We tackled the second half of the event with a fast straight run to the finish, during which we managed very few nominated counties and no bonus points in order to finish at 8am in Newport, Pembrokeshire, Wales. The entry into Wales at sunrise was very welcome after a long night.
Early Morning in Wales.
A touch of Early Morning Mist.
Welsh coast at Pembrokeshire in sight.
572miles after leaving Southwold, the finish point at Newport, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
More finishers at Newport.
At Newport we where given a very good Welsh breakfast, before results and finishers plaques where awarded.
Had a fantastic run home in the sun, not exactly direct, but after breakfast we felt quite good so thought we would make a day of it, we left Newport at 10am, and headed up the Welsh coast in glorious weather to Aberystwyth, then took the A44 accross Wales through Llangurid, Rhayader, Llandrindrod Wells, to Leominster and Worcester, then accross the Chilterns to Milton Keynes, some lovely roads and scenery, stopped a few times for coffee and snacks, and then back to within 20 miles of the start at Southwold at 6.30pm. The event was worth doing just for the run home.
Welsh Coast near Aberystwyth.
Coffee stop near Llandrindrod Wells.
The car ran faultlessy throughout the event, allthough we didnt thrash it too much, we filled up with fuel 3 times. Mileage was 572 miles for the event from Southwold to Newport and 950 miles door to door.
Thanks to Dale and Brian from Club Triumph for organisng the event, we will be back next year.
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Sunday was FBHVC National Drive It Day when classic car owners are expected out in force. For Club Triumph chose and organised a route from Caistor St Edmunds, down to Filby Broad, then to Caister on Sea and along the old coast road, through Hemsby, Sea Palling, Waxham, and Happisburgh, lovely winding roads, through pretty villages to the Lighthouse Inn at Walcott for drinks.
Line up at Caistor Hall Hotel.
Triumph Convoy near Caister.
Less the TR6 at Walcott.
3 nice Early Rovers.
We then carried on through Bacton, Trimingham, Mundesley, Sidestrand and Overstrand with nice views over the coast, passed through Cromer, then on to Sheringham. Here we parked up and strolled into town for very welcome Fish and Chips and later ice creams.
Through the mirror shot of Triumph Convoy.
11 Triumphs turned out on the day, however we lost a TR6 with ignition problems early on. The weather was perfect, sun all day with a slight breeze, perfect for the convertibles. Thanks to all who turned up.
Along the coast road we saw a convoy of Moggy Minors, a group of MG's and a small group of early Rover's, then whilst heading home spotted various other classic cars in 1's and 2's making the most of Drive it Day.
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Not a Club triumph or TRDc event, however on Bank Holiday Monday we entered the Broadland MG owners club Heritage run.
This is one of the best organised runs in Norfolk with an entry of 170 cars, the majority been MG's, but loads of other classics where entered, this event never seems to attract a large number of Triumphs which is a shame, in fact with 4 TR7,s attending the wedge was the most popular of the Triumph Marque, others there where 3 Spitfires, 3 TR6, 1 Dolly 1500, 1 Herald, 1 TR2, 1 TR5, 1 Stag, 1 GT6.
The start was at Caister Life Boat Station with coffee and bacon rolls for all. A good route book was given out with Tulip diagrams, descriptions of interesting places en route, a rally plaque, and vouchers for tea and coffee at the halfway stop.
80 miles later after a little run along the coast, some criss crossing of the Broads, along excellent minor roads in dull overcast conditions we finished at Blickling Hall where all finishers received a rally plaque.
We had no wrong turns, plenty of time to stop and view interesting places, and had a few convoy situations as we considered it rude to overtake except when a slow vintage car was in front (or a traction engine)
MG Display at Caister.
Start Point at Caister.
Lone Herald amongst MG's
More Starters at Caister.
Convoy.
Dolly 1500 at Halfway Stop.
TR7 V8 and MGV8.
Finish at Blickling Hall.
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Club Tiumph Norfolk took 10 cars to Henham wings and wheels day on a hot, sunny, Sunday. meeting at Bungay we drove in convoy in order to enter and park together. The day was very good, a large variety of classics to view, and plenty of amusements, stalls, and events to see.
There was a lot of light aircraft flying in and out all day, and also an unusual display featuring a Glider and tow plane on the wire.
There was also a display by Sturman Biplanes in formation.
Club Triumph Norfolk Display.
Nice Mk11 RS 1800 rally car.
Some of the varied classics on show.
Sturman Bi-plane.
A good example of an early Spitfire.
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Sunday 24th May was Triumph Marque Day at Duxford Imperial War Museum. Over 500 Triumphs ranging from an Atlas Van, Vintage Triumph Mayflowers, through to 2000 saloons, Dolomites and Toledos, all the TR versions, through to the Acclaim where represented.
It was a boiling hot day, sunburn all round, Club Triumph Norfolk met at Fourways service station near Mildenhall for a convoy to Duxford which turned into a very quick run with 4 or 4 cars tearing off.
There was plenty to see and do at Duxford, I liked the Land Museum, which is set out as trenches and battle zones from various eras.
Also liked the American Air Museum, my faves been the SR71 Blackbird and the A10 Thunderbolt.
Also interesting to see the various aircraft being restored, a voluntary fitter showed me a Spitfire Merlin engine being worked on, quite impressive.
Coca Cola TR7, a prize in a competion by Coca Cola and Levi's in the early 80's
Le Mans GT6.
General view of the cars on show, Atlas van on left.
Some of the Norfolk entrants on the left.
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Sunday 21st June was the Club Triumph Norfolk Treasure Hunt organised by Gill and I. 18 assorted Triumphs left Caistor Hall Hotel for a journey around the Norfolk/Suffolk border in the "Saints" area between Diss and Bungay for some challenging clues in the time allowed. Eventual winner in his Triumph Spitfire turned out to be a postman from this area, so local knowledge won through.
Everyone enjoyed the event, a few complaints about time allowed, and we raised £190 for East Anglia Air Ambulance.
Heres a few photos.
Cars gathering at the start.
Clues given, route planning in progress by entrants.
TR7 V8 and Spitfire leave the start.
Stag spotted on the Treasure Hunt.
Pi on route negotiating slower road users.
Finishers entering South Elmham Hall.
Another happy finisher.
Line up of Finishers.
Flying the Club Triumph Flag.
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Always on the calender for TR7 enthusiasts is the TR Drivers Club National Weekend at Billing Aquadrome, Northampton. This was the first outing for the tent this year, so we had atrial run in the Garden to check all was OK.
Trial run of erecting the tent.
We arrived on the Friday night, set up camp and enjoyed a "camp chilli" and a bottle of rose watching the sunset before turning in, I dont normally sleep well on campsites, last year Billing was particulary noisy, with loads of noisy young campers, but they seem to have it sorted this year.
Camp chilli being prepared.
View of the River Nene from the tent.
Saturday dawned nice and sunny, we helped set up the marquee and directed cars to their places, before the road run in the afternoon.
TR7's lining uo for the road run.
Line up from another angle.
We had a good 40 mile run through the lanes of Northapton, stopping at a pub for welcome drink, weather had now turned cloudy, with some sunny intervals.
Impressive line up at the Tollemache Arms.
TR7's galore.
We lost a couple of TR7's on the run, they took a wrong turn, so we waited for them for a while, they eventually found the rest of us and we carried on. The run finishing in a blast down the A45, with TR7 V8s storming to the front.
Waiting for the lost cars.
Sunday was also quite sunny, best weather for a few years, a nice selection of TR7's was displayed, by my reckoning around 70 cars arrived. The displays where of "special" cars, the usual genuine TR8's, some Grinnal conversions, ex press cars, special editions, some TR6's for the Anniversary of the TR6, a rally car, etc. Personaly I could see nothing special about some of them, apart from the fact that some never seem to be driven! apart from attending Billing.
Per Eklunds Rally TR7 V6.
Some genuine TR8's.
A couple of Grinnal Conversions.
Ex press cars from Launch day.
TR6 with Chevy V8 engine and sequential gearbox.
Interior of Chevy TR6.
Left - TR7 Victory edition, Right - Genuine TR7 Sprint.
Our 2 7's on display.
One of which could end up with a Sprint engine like this.
After packing up the tent and gear on Sunday afternoon we had a good, quick 150 mile drive home to Norfolk, as usual the cars behaved well, with no problems. Reflecting on the event it was a good turnout, despite the recession which I know has affected a few owners by keeping their cars of the road. The road run was good, the entertainment was good, and it was good to catch up with like minded owners from the Club and the Forum. Thanks to all those who helped organise, especially Simon.
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A windy Sunday the 19th July saw 8 Club Triumph members attending the LCVC Ditchingham Rally at Bungay. This is a purely static event, apart from the 2 classic buses running backwards and forward to Bungay.
We went prepared with the club gazebo, however this would not stand the wind, so had to come down, we knew the Gazebo was in danger when Jim, whose GT6 was parked next to the gazebo, moved his car to the far end of the line. Some nice cars where on show, a fair number of Triumphs where about, the car I found most interesting was the Bond Microcar, looked quite dishevelled though.
Bond Micro Car.
Villiers bike engine, chain driven to front wheel, showing centre pivot for steering. the whole engine, exhaust, etc pivots around the engine bay.
Usual Club Triumph line up.
Military vehicles on show.
I have often thought about owning a classic truck or military vehicle, and was once offered a part share in a Leyland National bus by a colleague, but I suspect they would be bigger moneypits than cars, and where would you keep it?
Some of the LCVC vehicles on Display. Always a fair amount of Yank Tanks at Ditchingham.
Norwich CVC cars, the Rover Vitesse on the right was immaculate.
Jason absconded to the NCVC stand with his 2000 saloon.
As usual for Ditchingham, the rain was not too far away.
When it rained at Lunch time, most dashed to their cars, not Jim, he had his own assistant look after him!
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This is one of the better events of the year, as the title suggests, not only are there hundreds of classics, but there are a lot of modern sportscars with Pistonheads members attending, also Porsche owners club, Lotus owners club, MX5, Corvettes, Vipers owners clubs, and a lot of private entries with modern muscle power.
We took along our usual contingent, meeting in Eye for a convoy to Helmingham and all parking together, setting up the Gazebo with picnic tables, for lunch time.
Norfolk Club Triumph.
Had a chat with this bloke, did'nt get much out of him! though at one point he was shaking with laughter.
Part of the classics parking area.
And the other part.
At 11-00 there was a run down the drive to Helmingham Hall, drivers can pay a fee, in aid of East Anglia Childrens Hospice to do a quick run up and down the 1/4 mile long drive in front of the public.
Early Porsche.
Ultima doing a rather quick run, until he bottomed out a few times.
Early E-Type.
Very Quick Delta Integrale.
My car of the Show, Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, owner said he had been offered 20k and declined.
Gill took a liking to this TVR in a stunning switch paint, shes is not having one!
KTM track day car.
Spotted a NG TF kit car similar to the one I made around 10 years ago.
The new Lotus Evora.
This Triumph saloon had a fantastic paint job.
TR7 V8 left, genuine TR8 on the right.
Later there was another run of cars down the drive, this time mainly classics.
Triumph Stag.
A rather more sedate run.
Some of the more prestige cars parked in front of Helmingham Hall.
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Spent all of August Bank Holiday on Transport related things, First with a trip in the TR7 to the East Anglia Transport Museum at Carlton Colville. Had a few rides on Trams and Buses and a look round this small museum with my father.
Trams and Trolley bus at Terminus.
Narrow gauge train.
Blackpool Tram.
Supply Ship off Lowestoft.
The following day my father and I had a run out to Southwold in the seven, last time we had been was winter, we wanted to see some of the tankers of the coast waiting for fuel prices to rise before off loading. We counted around 27 tankers, mainly large ones offshore, but too distant to photograph, so we wandered round Southwold, a favourite resort.
Southwold Lighthouse, set in between houses.
The famous Pier.
Only other classic around was this VW Camper.
Next day we visited a small preserved railway, the Mid Suffolk Light Railway, very quaint and picterusque. There was a real ale coach and a barbque so we sampled some ale and burgers.
Station on the Mid Suffolk Railway.
Steam train entering station.
Nicely preserved vintage carriages and industrial tank engine.
We then visited a local air museum at Flixton, near Bungay on the way home, a small but interesting museum, free entry so worth a look if passing.
Selection of Jet Aircraft on display.
Bloodhound Missile.
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We had a trip to a small real ale brewery for on eof our monthly meeting nights, this was the Grain Brewery at Alburgh, Suffolk. We where shown the brewing process, then sampled various beers. We where joined by the TR Register, i think about 12 cars in total turned up. We had some beer made and bottled for ourselves, which we christened Best Wedge.
Best Wedge.
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We took a trip to Henham Park Steam Rally in September, first event we have had to pay for this year as we had not organised a club stand, so we had to park with the public. Was a nice warm day, quite a lot to see and do apart from classics, steam engines, and tractors.
Best for me was a lot of "boys toys" such as Model Aircraft, radio controlled cars and helicopters, model boughts, etc.
Log sawing by steam power.
A Triumph Dove in the classic display.
Sentinel Steam Lorry.
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This, the last ever TSSC Mile of Triumphs over the weekend of 26th/27th of September will be missed. It is a well organised event, loads of triumphs on show, and a run to Yarmouth Sea Front on the Sunday, followed by a scenic run through the Broads.
Club Triumph scooped 2 awards, Ted for best TR and Jim for best GT6.
Ted, with trophy for Best TR.
Jim, with trophy for Best GT6.
CT Norfolk line up.
My 7 at the end of the large display of Triumphs.
Sunday was the day of the run to Yarmouth and a large contingent turned up.
A lot of Triumphs lined up for the convoy.
Neat rows of Triumphs.
Theres always a plonker!
Impressive line up of Triumphs along the promenade, nearly a Mile of Triumphs.
We then followed the route given for the scenic run, which headed out into the Broads, then along the Norfolk coast towards Happisburgh, then back to the campsite.
CT Norfolk at Waxham Barns.
Waxham Barns.
CT Norfolk in convoy.
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