Essex Area
New Forest Weekend 26th/28th March
The Essex Area once again ventured out in bleak early spring for another successful weekend away. This time the New Forest drew the short straw and 7 Essex couples, accompanied by "locals" George & Shelagh and Les & Pearl, descended upon the Moorhill House Hotel at Burley. Six Panthers made the trip, the other 3 couples electing to use their "tin tops". I wish I could say that it was hoods down all the weekend and they regretted doing so, but I can't. The conditions were dull, overcast and cold. However, we're a stoic lot and it didn't dampen our spirits. We visited Bucklers Hard, and walked, yes WALKED, the 2.5 miles to Beaulieu and back, drove to Barton-on-Sea and shivered whilst we viewed the Needles and generally toured the forest making sure we did not do a David Fung and hit a horse. The evenings were the usual riotous affairs, starting with drinks in a room, more with dinner and yet more after. It was fortunate that we were only staying 2 nights. On the Saturday night Mike & Jane and Peter & Lynda from the New Forest region joined us for a drink and natter. It was great to see them again and catch up with what they are doing.
A few photographs of the weekend follow:
The six Panthers neatly parked in the hotel's car park |
Thought you might like to see the Solo hiding behind the Deville |
We're all going into the Shipwrights cottage at Bucklers Hard to see if the upstairs floors will take our weight |
Part of the walk to Beaulieu. It's Ok girls 3 respectful paces behind us fellows will do. You can come closer. |
The night of the long table. Good food served promptly but sod all elbow room |
Sorry Cliff, I still didn't get you in clearly! |
Shelagh with another almost empty glass |
George proudly holding up his gift - a duster embroidered with "I Love my Kit Car" |
The Panthers lined up on windy and chilly sea front of Barton-on-sea |
The group (minus me) shivering whilst they obscure the view of the Isle of Wight and the Needles. |
Just to show you I was there. |
Val offered to pay her bill by working as a receptionist - the offer was refused. |
And that was it for another year, I wonder where we will go next year?