2015 at The Phoenix

After a complete washout last year things weren't looking good on route to the A30. Grey and overcast with rain in the air it cleared as I arrived. Parking up on the pavement behind a pair of muscle cars there were already more cars parked up than turned out last year.









Heading over the road I bumped into fellow car nut Nick and his wife and wandered along for a bit. The 1965 Monte Carlo Rally Reliant Sabre 6 the pick of the front carpark. One of six factory prepped cars that took on the snowy roads.







Back out on the main road every available piece of pavement was taken as were the central sections of the dual carriageway.















With a thin drizzle coming down I expected things to thin out, but still the cars rolled in, including this brave chap in his KTM X-Bow.







A few minutes later the air was filled with the chug of agricultural machines as the tractor club we saw late last year were out in convoy.







With my time running out before I needed to be home, I did a final walk round. The KTM now alongside a Sprite out the back.









Once again for the tenth year running I've started out at The Phoenix, lets see where the rest of 2015 takes me!

Steve.

New Years Day washout

Once again the first day of a new year means a trip to the A30 for the classic car meet. Sadly after a few bright by chilly days over Christmas, January first dawned damp and dreary. This then turned to wet and windy. But we set off and sailed down the lanes to the pub. As we approached it was clear the turn out was down a lot on previous years. instead of the hundreds of amazing classics and sportscars there were under fifty. I left Kim and Lily in the dry and headed out, bumping into VW chum Alan and RR chum Nick on route.









The front carpark was only just full up and that included some modern cars. Round the back was empty save for a handful of 70s saloons including this barn find 1978 Datsun with under 1000 miles from new. The tale was of a man buying it brand new and not passing his test so leaving it in the garage.











Back to the main road again we wandered towards the traffic lights, but there was nothing to see there at all. Everyone who did turn up made a huge effort, none more than the bikers and this Riley owner who braved the weather in flying hat and goggles.







Alan and I headed back to the Camper and nattered to Kim while Lily played inside before we risked a short walk down to Alans van. Its a slightly sorry start to the year, but things can hopefully only get better!



Steve.

New Years Day classics

It feels like its been raining forever. Most of the festive break was a washout and any plans we had to go for a drive were foiled. Our traditional New Years Day trip to the Phoenix Pub looked doubtful, but the forecasters said things were improving. 9:30am and the sun is shining down, the sky is blue and its chilly. With the picnic packed and everyone aboard we headed down to the A30 once more. Within a few miles Lily had gone from chatty co-pilot to snoozing toddler so Kim kept her company and knitted while I set off to explore. We had managed to park right down on the dual carriage way section. Another busy year!







Back up at the pub, the usual VSCC area was very thin on pre war stuff, modern and post war cars are taking over. There are also more NYD meets now, but the quality was still very high despite a slower start.









As usual I bumped into a few friends. Retro Rides Horney and Seth were out snapping and fellow Camper owners Alan and Ed were on dog walking duty. Back on the main road I wandered down as far as the lights before heading back to the Camper, sleeping beauty was stirring and wanted a walk.













With Kim and Lily in tow, we set off back to the pub for a hot drink. The road now crammed with cool cars, every available space taken including the central reservation.









After a final walk round we headed for the Camper once more and a bite to eat, still they poured in. I must have missed dozens of cool cars.







All that was left was to strap everyone in to their seats and trundle home, the sun still beating down, the crowds just starting to disperse. Lily had a go with the new steering wheel as well.



What a great way to start the year. A nice big free classic (and a bit of modern thrown in for good measure) car meet. There are a few more snaps here.

Steve.