Porsche HQ Reading Visit and Drive 20th April

[pwebb]

We are planning a visit to the Porsche Reading HQ on Saturday 20th April with a tried and tested drive through the Cotswolds ending up at Woodstock. For those of you who have never visited the Porsche GB HQ, they have workshops where specialist models are looked after, particularly the Carrera GTs and some classic and racing models. It all depends on what is there on the day, but there are bound to be cars of interest, not normally seen by the public.

We will meet up at 10.00am and have coffee and an intro followed by a guided tour of the facility. Being a Saturday, it won't be a hive of activity in the workshop, but at least we won't get in anyone's way. There'll probably be time to pop in to the main dealer showroom as well. The site is close to the M4 at Bath Road, Calcot, Reading RG31 7SG

I have a good scenic drive planned, used by other Registers in the past, stopping at the Trout Inn at Lechlade for lunch on the way; www.thetroutinn.com. After another shortish drive we will finish mid to late afternoon, with enough time for a visit to Blenheim in Woodstock itself or on to Bicester Retail Village if anyone wants to end up there for shopping, or close to the M40 for the homeward journey.

For anyone who wants to stay in a hotel the night before there are a number of good options near the Reading HQ, with the nearest being the Best Western at Calcot with rooms from £55.

I am hoping we can get a few 991s together for this one day event and then see if we have an appetite for more adventurous stuff later in the year.

Let me know here or phone or email me.


Confirmed:
Peter Webb
Paul Edgar
David Cartledge
Mike Windsor
mbetts
Clewsey
Waxman
Lamboman
Lancerlot

 

[mhbetts]

Hi Peter,
Sounds like a fun day out.. I don't have a 991 although I'll be pleased to join in the plans for the day.
Thanks, Matt

 

[garyw]

Peter
I'd happily make up the numbers and be a rear gunner for you [] - but Alex as corrected my diary!! sorry

garyw

 

[Alex L]

I'd like to offer my native guide expertise too should numbers need boosting.

I assume Leaonie is sorting you out at the OPC?

I will organize a more easterly Reading route for the 997 register via the infamous Aston Hill in the spring too. It's been FAR too long since the last one!

 

[Alex L]

Gary, aren't you signed up for a 997 register track day on the 20th April - which I said I couldn't do because it was a school friends wedding day

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: Alex L

Gary, aren't you signed up for a 997 register track day on the 20th April - which I said I couldn't do because it was a school friends wedding day

Damn!! wrong page in my diary!!
Yes, I'm blatting in Lincs.. shame is clashes..

 

[pwebb]

Busy time of the year, apparently [&:]

 

[Clewsey]

As I'm reasonably close by, and you don't mind a 997 interloper than I could get a pass out to come along.

Been around the HQ before, some lovely cars present in the workshop/storage area!

 

[waxman]

peter
if you have space for another non 991 -i would like to come along-Reading upto Woodstock and back home would make a good triangle for a days drive and i would very much like to see around the Reading HQ.
tony

 

[pwebb]

Tony
We're close to the maximum, so depending on any more 991's I hope you'll be in.

 

[waxman]

Hi peter
no problem, perhaps you can let me know nearer the time if there is a space/ or if anyone pulls out.
Just booked the Goodwood Track day for the Tuesday (23rd)following the visit this will be my consolation if you fill the spaces from the 991 Register[]
tony

 

[pwebb]

Tony (and other 997 owners) I have confirmed your places on this run out. Looking forward to it, having tried out the route the other day.

 

[ralphmusic]

Peter, I will have to cancel as I will be returning from the Factory Tour on the 20th, hope all enjoy the visit to Reading

 

[waxman]

Peter
Thanks for the confirmation for place on the visit-need some good days to look forward to this time of year! Just took the car cover off to check all is ok under there (well it has been a week!!) I'm just to soft to take it out for a drive in the sleet and leave it covered in salt.
Tony

 

[pwebb]

Thanks Ralphmusic, enjoy the Factory tour, fantastic trip from personal experience.
Tony, looking forward to it.

 

[pwebb]

With the Reading trip fast approaching, we tested the back half of the route last week, where there are some superb roads if we can get a clear run, and also got a menu from the Trout Inn for the lunch stop and I'll email all with choices in the next couple of days. I'll also be out on the Reading to Lechlade route this week and call in on HQ. .

 

[pwebb]

Front half of the trip also now tested this week and hoping for good weather and no traffic [] Lunch menus sent to all who are signed up for this - thanks for responses so far.


We still have one place available for this trip.

 

[lamboman]

if there's space remaining, can I join?

7.2 GT3

 

[pwebb]

By all means, pm sent.

 

[pwebb]

Weather forecast is better for Saturday - let's hope it doesn't bring too many other people out onto the roads we're using!

Please fuel up before meeting up, there's no Shell station in the immediate area and none en route. there's a BP station further along the Bath Road from the Reading OPC (or Sainsbury's next door if you're that way inclined).