 |
When the time came to start we had 4 Gilberns
Green GT - Chris, Rosemary and Evan Bailey Green Estate - Rob Ace Blue Mk3 - Charles and Brenda Hollick Silver Mk3 - Edwin Mallet and Francis Whatley Due to a distinct lack of operational electric circuits in my Mk3 I accompanied Edwin for the run. |
Morning Run - Severn Vale & The Cotswolds
We set off just after 11:00 with Chris in the lead and Edwin following up in the rear.
Following 'B' roads and minor 'A' we made our way through South Gloucester avoiding where possible the larger towns. The roads were generally quiet allowing us to enjoy the scenery as it unfolded.
The first problem arose, when I phoned tried to make a reservation at the pub, we had planned to stop at for lunch. The sunny weather meant the pub was fully booked. I reasoned that we would be able to find something on route, so was not unduly concerned. Making our way onto the southern Cotswolds we were caught by a Bentley of 1970s/1980s vintage. A car with real road presence. As we entered Nailsworth, Chris pulled over and suggested that we call in at St Roses School to see the Wheel Nuts 2007, Classic Motor Show. This made sense as it was actually on the planned route and would probably provide the opportunity for a bite of lunch.
Lunch - Wheel Nuts 2007, Classic Motor Show
As we made our way through Stroud the traffic became noticeably heavier. A pair of MGs (Midget & B Roadster) were parked at the side of the road attended by a recovery truck.
|
On reaching St Roses School the venue for Wheel Nuts 2007, things became slightly confusing and parking looked to be a
problem. Chris spoke to one of the officials and it was agreed that we could exhibit our cars (See Practical Classics July
2007) and a suitable space identified.
Neatly parked in a line we left the cars and went in search of sustenance. Suitably refreshed, with a variety of chips, sausages and hot dogs we toured the show. The glorious weather and good venue attracted a lot of visitors and there was an impressive array of cars on show. Whilst looking at the various exhibits we noticed the MG previously mentioned arriving Edwin did a little stand duty and found that the Gilberns attracted a fair amount of attention and interest. It was noted that one woman appeared to be enlightening her husband on the welsh ancestry of the marque. A fellow Gilbern owner introduced himself and a few minutes were spent discussing the cars and availability of spares, especially front screens. At 14:00 we decided to continue on our way. Chris decided that as he lived local to the planned route he would leave us at the Air Balloon roundabout. |
 |
On leaving Stroud we followed the A46 through Painswick, which is a very picturesque Cotswold town. The main road though the town is very narrow and traffic light controlled. I imagine it would have been a real congestion point before it was by-passed by the M5. After Painswick, we cut across country using minor roads passing through Cranham, (where we had originally planned to have lunch). we made our way to Birdlip and a very short excursion on the Ermine Street. On leaving Birdlip we joined the A419 a major and busy A Road. Shortly that we arrived at the Air Balloon roundabout, and Chris turned off towards Circencester. We headed for Gloucester, circumnavigating the town using the by-pass and then followed the A40 towards Wales as far as the A4136, where we turned off and headed for the Forest of Dean.
We had an enjoyable run through the forest ending up at Parkend, where we once again took to the minor roads. Although a slight error in the instructions/navigating resulted in a detour until we once again found ourselves on route for Chepstow. Taking the old A48 from Tutshill towards Chepstow we were rewarded with a good view of the castle and we were able to cross the more picturesque old bridge into the mediaeval town of Chepstow. Caught in the one way system around the town we took the opportunity to stop in one of the many car parks at the rear of the town. De-Brief - Chepstow
Arriving in Chepstow at about 16:00. After a brief chat and comfort break we decided to split up and make our way home. Charles and Brenda having a longer journey home decided to have a look around the town and get something to eat.
The general concensus was that it had been an enjoyable and scenic drive. The cars had performed well, although both Rob and Charles were concerned about the state of the clutches in their cars.
Conclusion
We were very lucky with the weather and the traffic. The route at nearly 90 miles was perhaps a little on the long side. I think in future more attention needs to be taken with respect to planning and arranging rest halts and lunch stops. Also more advance notice is required so that announcement can be placed in the Rarebit. Everybody seemed to have enjoyed the day.