Fifteen cars and twenty-one 992 Register members met at 9.00 am under blue skies and sunshine for Coffee at the Cotswold Barn, Longborough Nr Morton in Marsh in advance of the two short runs through the glorious Cotswold countryside.
It was great to meet several who had joined for previous 992 events together with some new attendees, including two people who had worked together many years ago and couldn’t believe their eyes when there were reunited. I am sure this will re-establish their connection and can lead to many reminiscing conversations.
Our route organiser, and 992 Assistant Register Secretary Tim Rice, had slightly modified the original route following a reccie run earlier in the week which led to slightly longer distances to try an avoid a plethora of roadworks currently taking place in the Cotswolds.
Leaving Cotswold Barn at approx. 10.15am, the group consisted of Tim taking the lead group and our other Register Assistant, Jonathan Brown taking the second half. Unfortunately, a typical 992 ‘error message’ led to one car having to check the tyre pressures and the final two cars were always trying to play catch up on the 35 miles through the Cotswold villages, Broadway, and coming up Fish Hill past Broadway Tower.
Our first stop was at the Porsche Club HQ, Cornbury House, where we were greeted by Paul Grainger and Siobhan with welcome coffee and biscuits. It was a first visit to the Clubhouse for several members who were pleased to see the facility and of course the superb welcome we had from Siobhan which included easy parking for everyone.
Fully refreshed, the second part of the run of 34 miles commenced at 12.15pm and this time Tim took the first half, and I led the second half. This included some ‘A’ roads, although with the route trying to avoid the centre of Banbury, some narrower lanes, sweeping bends and a few longer straights, gave everyone a different taste when compared to the mornings run. Passing through the historic Tower at Edge Hill the cars drove through Kineton and arrived at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon at 1.15pm, parking in a ‘reasonable line’ before entering the museum for a drink and snack.
Some had the opportunity of a guided tour of the museum, others freely roamed, often commenting about certain cars from prior days and no doubt refreshing the memory of times gone by.
After the visit, the 992’s all aimed for home and hopefully memories of another enjoyable social and driving day.
Thanks to all for attending, and to Tim for organising the route, Jonathan for helping to herd the cars, and the team at PCGB, Cotswold Barn and BMM Gaydon for their hospitality and welcome.
David Wood
992 Register Secretary