The last White Lion meet

A few years ago we heard about a local classic car meet run by former BTCC racer Jerry Mahony. It was held in the carpark and adjacent field by his antiques centre on the A30. Unlike most breakfast meets it was themed each time, allowing a different marque or type of car to shine. After a comment a year ago about a VW themed event one joined the calendar for the penultimate event. Sadly December marks the end of the road for the meetings. The land is to be sold on for development and the space for a couple of hundred cars lost. Its a shame, but understandable, its prime land right on the A30, close to the M3 and London as well as Blackbushe airport. I had a quick chat to Jerry at the end of today and he was sad to see them ending.



For a VW themed meet it seemed right to bring both the Camper and Beetle along and we joined some fellow dubbers from LTV and other clubs to give a 20+ strong line up of Golfs, Campers and Beetles.















As we arrived and parked up we met with 911 owner and chum Steve for breakfast, with a chill in the air we headed inside to the cafe instead of braving the outdoor stand. There was a bit of a wait, but coffee and sausage sarnies made up for it. Once stuffed we headed outside to explore.







This quartet of Deloreans added a space age feel to the carpark.





With good weather and the waterlogged field closed off, parking was becoming an issue, double parking the cars meant it was busy, but nobody grumbled and people were happy to move and allow others out when needed.



Jaguar Daimler as ever were well represented with E-Types and XKs lined up.









Later on a few very cool retro rides style cars appeared including this really low MGB.







As the carpark started to clear a few more cars pulled in, this Mini was a good colour match for the split. The pickup next it dwarfed the 60s look racer and its flatbed would have comfortably swallowed it whole.





With one last photo of the remaining trio of LTVers we headed off for home.



We'll do our best to make it to the Christmas meeting in December and see out the very last White Lion Antiques meeting.

Steve.

Super sunny White Lion meet

After dropping Kim off at the start of yet another training walk, Lily and I decided to head down to the White Lion to see what was happening. It was kitcar and replica day, so there would be plenty of cool looking cars around. Rolling through the gate we were directed to the field, our neighbour was a huge Rolls Royce.



Wandering down the hill there was a really good variety of classics on show. MGs and TVRs, rubbed arches with Alfas and Morgan.







Into the carpark we had a look down the kitcar and replica line. There were plenty of Caterhams and Cobras with a massive McLaren and some Jaguars. While not the real deal, they were still impressive to look at.









Mid way down, Lily spied the ice cream van, a new and very welcome addition to such a warm day. With a cone in hand she was happy to let me take some photos as we walked round. The glorious DB5 convertible the pick of the bunch for me.







In the corner of the carpark, a trio of Vauxhall/Opels stood. A big Carlton with Calibra and Monza, all seemed to be owned by the same chap.











With the ice cream finished, there was time for a few more photos and a walk round the antiques centre before heading home.









A last walk up the field gave Lily a chance to take a few photos with some help. Se was a fan of the Nash and of course her Beetle!







Steve.

Daddy daughter day at the White Lion Meet

With Kim out on a walk, Lily and I decided to head over to the White Lion meet. I gave her the choice of Dub and she picked the Beetle. Cruising down the back roads we arrived at what we thought was a sensible time....the carpark was now rammed and we were on the end of a second row at the far end of the field! Being Porsche day there was a glut of 911s as well as a handful of front engined cars.





We watched as more cars arrived before starting our walk around the field.















Next it was into the carpark proper. Lily's goal was the antiques centre for a look round, I managed to steer her through countless 911s and E Types first













After a brief interlude looking in display cases we grabbed a breakfast bap and headed back to the Beetle for a sit down.









After a rest it was time to head on, we trailed behind a pair of Corvettes before pootling along the A30 home.



Steve.