Somerset Triumphs| Group news

Somerset Triumphs

Thanks to Dave at www.car-toonshop.co.uk for producing our club logo.

Photos of our outings starting with our trip to Jersey this June can be viewed by clicking on Group Photos.

As a Group of Triumph car owners and enthusiast we have at least an event each month throughout the year. Events have been varied, covering club runs, lunch meets, meeting with other clubs and groups, attending shows and motor sport events.

New members are joining us all the time and enjoy motoring with Somerset Triumphs.

Good to see you all, there are no commitments, just enjoy and have fun driving our cars .
We can see that the year ahead is going to be a good one. JOIN US ! !

If you have any ideas for a day out or a weekend away let us know.

2009.
Jan 1st Our first event of the year took place at the new venue Bridgwater Cattle market for the annual classic vehicle meet. On what was a bitterly cold day there was a large turnout of classics . Quite a few of us turned up,some in the classics, but I am afraid the weather took its toll after a few hours a cup of tea beside the fire was the prefered option and we headed home.
February 15th After Valentine Run.For our second outing of the year, a lot warmer than our first day out on Jan 1st, we all met at Mike and Jill's house in Walton for coffee (16 people,8 cars).There were 3 classics ,a TR4A,TR6, and a TR7V8. What a way to start the day, a superb selection of coffee and refreshments. It was good to see Simon and Tracy out in their TR6 for the first time with us. We left the village of Walton in what Mike (Clerk of Course) thought was plenty of time to get to our luncheon venue. However en route we encountered a tractor pulling a low loader trailer with another tractor on it and he was detirmined to keep all the traffic behind him, this was several miles. When it was safe to overtake one of the group decided to stop the tractor and remind the driver of the rules of the road and the law . But I think it fell on deaf ears because he continued on up the road. However the slower pace did give our passengers welcome opportunity to enjoy the lovely countryside. We eventually arrived at the Strode Arms at East Cranmore. A lovely pub,good atmosphere,and excellent food. On our route sheet there was a short story, a different one for each couple,which had to read out and brought lots of laughter at the end of a superb meal. In the afternoon we were going to visit the railway museum but unfortunately it was closed, so Chris and Anne very kindly invited us all back to their home in Wells for afternoon tea, and on the way there was still a lot of snow on the roadsides hopefully still not waiting for more!. Apart from a good old natter we were entertained by their lovely grandson and a 'gert' big dog which kept us all in order. Thank you very much Chris and Anne. Finally we all made our way home and I must say it was good to be out again all together. Our thanks to Mike and Jill for organising the very enjoyable day.
MARCH 29th As arranged we all met at Halfords car park on a beautiful day . 8 cars altogether TR6, Stag,Spitfire, TR7V8 all with the hoods down,and a Triumph 2000. Mario and Helen, the organisers decided we drive out to Minehead. There happened to be a large steam engine event on, and there were crowds all the way out to Minehead taking photos of the trains. We parked in the car park at Minehead station where there were crowds of people on the station and a large number of steam engines. It was great to see. After coffee and a good look around it was time travel to our lunch stop at the Master Thatcher pub in Taunton. We had an excellent meal and afterwards sat out in the garden. Another good day out and our thanks go to Helen and Mario for organising it.
DRIVE IT DAY to LYNMOUTH - Sunday April 26th
Following a doubtful weather forecast the morning start at Cross Keys was well attended with a Spitfire,2000 saloon,TR4A,TR3A, TR7V8,TR7, and a Datsun(may be laurel,skyline,bluebird or 180B),Sunbeam Talbot,Skoda and an Audi. Some banter"do we need the hood up or down" after some delay about who should lead the Group we set off making our way along the B3227 passing Captain's cottage heading for the far west. Well some did need the hood up when the heavens poened up at Wiveliscombe - sadly Mac and Tina's Spitfire developed an engine problem en route and they decided to return home. Continuing on one or two cars made an unscheduled detour to Morebath. All cars finally grouped up for coffee at the Anchor Inn which was the restart for the second half of the tour and we were joined by another Triumph 2000 and MGTF waiting in the car park. More banter and refreshments then suddenly JC drove off to make a distress purchase after forgetting to fuel up at Croos Keys. We now moved off onto the second part of the drive over Exmoor. No further reports of pilots getting lost, unfortunately Charles and Brenda suffered fuel problems in their MGTF and had to return home. Upon reaching County Gate carpark we were now in thisk,icy cold mist ,so thoughts of picnicking on the moor were abandoned. Group now motored down to Lynmouth to be greeted by some good weather. Most cars stopped in the west carpark. The Datsun now becoming a "Daimler" as an onlooker remarked. Some went for lunch in the Roadhouse while others enjoyed picnics in the carpark. By late afternoon cars slowly departed for home and a band of others stopped for a meal in Minehead . The end to another excellent day out. Our thanks go to Dave for organising it.
Vintage Sports Car Club - Wiscombe Park Hill Climb May 10th
One of our top 10 days.
On a super Sunday morning, TH and DK met up in the top paddock where Tony had organised privileged parking. After we took refreshment we toured the top paddock and DK then walked down the hill , on the way meeting Bob Ward and his friend Ian who were marshalling on Castle Straight, stopping to watch the first batch of cars practising on the hill. Ian who also had gate duty at a crossing point, and who should be gate man on the opposite side but Peter Young. DK continued down the hill watching cars at variuos points and speaking to Mike Dolby on the start line. Upon reaching the paddock area I acem across David hayes who joined me on a tour of the autojumble. We talked much about David getting one of his three cars on the road in the future. Back on the hill an Alvis had an argument with the tyre wall and much tyre burning at Sawbench hairpin by Chris Williams Napier Bentley. retuening back to meet Tony in the top paddock for lunch it seems you only have to sit down and somebody you know passes by. After lunch a tour of the carpark revealed some interestin cars then a change of tact we decided to decamp over to the top holding area which was amusing. Paul from hemyock came and had a chat with us. It seems that the Austin 7 specials are now the ladies prefered race car. And so ends a graet day.
JERSEY International Festival of Motoring 1-7 June 2009
Was it worth going to bed only to rise again at 1.30am to set off at 2.15am for the run to Weymouth? Cars leaving from various destinations over Somerset and Devon had a relatively trouble-free drive, and on meeting up at Weymouth Port found Mike and Val in pole position for boarding- rumour is that they slept in their car overnight!. Good boarding with no incidences and once altogether greetings abounded followed by hearty breakfasts and as many refillable cups of coffee as we could manage. Lovely hot sunny weather greeted us in St Hellierand remained throughout our stay. We made our way to the Westhill Hotel for the third year running. The cars now assembled including two TR6s,TR4A,TR3A, Westfield,2000 Mk1,Mini One,and two Mercedes.Most of us had a relaxing day either lazing around the pool or in our rooms until we all met again for dinner in the hotel's restaurant.
We all enjoyed the next few days visiting different places, and meeting up some evenings as a group for our meal together. The party now joined by Bob and Sue TR6 and Colin and Pat intheir Rolls Royce.
Friday arrived and cars were being polished and prepared for the run down to People's Park. A cavalcade left the hotel and descended down to the park where we were greeted by a marshall who showed us to our designated area. Lots of activity with cars arriving for scrutineering and touring cars arriving back from their run. At 12.00noon the group were taken to the town hall for the official welcoming reception. A fine buffet was laid on for us. We grouped up again at People's Park with more cars arriving and scrutineering continued for the moonlight sprint on Victoria Avenue. Before the cavalcade Channel TV approached us and asked if we would like to bring our cars down to seafront as a back drop promoting the Festival of Motoring and for the evening news and weather forecast, so we were on TV. After all that excitement we all assembeld for the cavalcade of touring cars preceding the moonlight sprint.
Next day,up and running once again to People's Park this time we were allovated a different position and met up with the Jersey TR's. Lots of banter about a TR6 engine rebuild, more cars visiting the park and the West Mount hillclimb activity in the background.
Our last day Sunday , we managed to get back to People's Park to form a small display. Unfortunately the weather changed and there were quite a few heavy showers but we were invited in to the Credit Suisse VIP marquee for a light luncheon. Then unfortunately it was time for us to make our way to the port for our journey home. A heavy swell from Jersey to Guernsey causing some to feel a bit queasy. On board we all assembled to once again thank Tony and Annefor all their hard work in making arrangements for our third trip to this most enjoyable event. Cheers Tony and Anne.
Club Run on 28th June 2009
Three cars grouped up at Cartgate service area on the A303, TR3A,TR6, and a Triumph2000. Spur of the moment decision to run to Henstridge Airfield where upon the Wincanton motor Show was taking place. Cars were marshalled in to be parked next to stationary engines. 4 hours (seemed like 40) of phut phutting until mercifully for us their fuel ran out. Weather fine and joined by Steve and Shirley in the TR6 . A very enjoyable show, although not well attended by the public. We were almost the last to leave the venue and we decide to run back to West Hatch and try a meal at the Farmers Inn (previously Farmers Arms) . We made the mistake of ordering our drinks before looking at the menu, only to find lots of fancy words and writing but unfortunately not a good meal. A very expensive experience not to be repeated and defintely not for recommending this venue in the future.
Club run to Hemyock July 5th 2009
The group met up at the layby near Perry Elm on the A38 . Rob and Sue took the lead for a short tour via Culmstock to Regency House Hemyock which had it's gardens open as part of the NGS scheme. Excellent gardens and cream tea interupted by one small shower. A good day overall and some of the party carried on to Steve and Shirley's for an enjoyable BBQ at the end of the day. Thanks to Steve and Shirley.

July 11th Powderham
Four cars TR3A,Triumph2000Mk1,TR5 and a TR6 met at Waterloo Cross and set off down the old A38 via Cullompton,Exeter to Starcross meeting many other classics heading for the show. We joined the Devon TR Register Group on their allocated plot. Phil Gammon and his brother Ian were there in Phil's TR3. Weather was an improvement on last year.Good show but far less trade stands and less vehicles and steam engines. On the way home a group of eight stopped for a tasty supper at the Halfway Inn Willand.
July 19th Run to Combe Martin
The majority of the group met up at the Cross Keys car park,Tony and Anne,Helen and Mario, Mike and Jill,Chris and Anne (not all in Triumphs because of the wet weather). My informant tells me that they were entertained by two females in a parked car!!.
Mike and Val came to Dave and Lin's and Mike gallantly volunteered to go open top in the TR3 with Dave whilst Lin travelled in absolute comfort in Val's car. We all then met up at Venn Cross continuing on the old A361 via Bampton, Black Cat up onto the open roads
and stopping and groupingup at the Jubilee Inn road house for coffee.Chris and Anne kindly paid for our refreshments. Moving off,now into more overcast weather on a once busy holiday route which was litterd with cafes and garages. Now joining the modern link road we continued on to roundabout for Brayford. The heavens now opened up with heavy rain through the quarry valley but fortunately by the time we arrived at the Glen of Combe Martin it had stopped. Pulling in to organised parking at the Pack of Cards where we were greeted by Chris, a car enthusiast himself TR4A owner, and othe classic car owners.
We had lunch than some walked to the beach . Some then departed and the remaining group toured back via Exmoor and stopped at Bovey's tea rooms in Simonsbath where they enjoyed tea and cakes mmmmm. Then it was off home with the party breaking off at various ponts.
AUGUST 16 SECOND SAMPFORD PEVERELL HISTORIC VEHICLE GATHERING
A number of carsinvited to this small gathering at the Merrimeade Hotel supporting the Brake road safety charity. Present from Somerset Triumphs were a TR3A,TR4A,TR3,Two TR6s, TR5 and a Triumph 2000Mk1. A lovely warm day with a short run to Tiverton and back. We even made the news in the national Classic Car Weekly paper.Some of the party enjoyed a meal at the Halfway Inn en route home. Would like to convey our thanks to Keith and Lindy Astbury for organising an enjoyable event.
SEPT 18,19,20 GOODWOOD REVIVAL
Friday. meeting up with Mike and Val at Yarcombe for the start of the journey to West Sussex. We were almost joined by another friend of Mike's-a Stag driver- who stopped to enquire whether we were lost- who was also en route to Goodwood. All was well and we contnued on our way via Chard and A30,big mistake as this road was getting ready for the 'Tour of Britain' cycle race. A nice day for open top driving , we then stopped for a very good pub lunch at the Rising Sun just before Wilton for fish and chips and enormous baguettes. The remaining journey going quite smoothly until about junc 9 on the M27 where a large tailback had formed due to a car colliding with the central crash barrier, so somewhat delayed our arrival at Catherington. Contact had now been made with Tony and Anne who were just leaving the circuit and came over to join us for supper.
SATURDAY- On the limits of adhesion:
No not the drive to the track but the best way to describe the cars on it. A beautiful September drive to the pre 66 parking area with stunning XK150s parked alongside and being greeted by Neville and Chris we now set up our seating by the chicane exit and spent a short time there getting to our fellow enthusiasts who looked after our seats during our tour of the paddocks where were assembled some 80 cars to celebrate Sir Stirling Moss's 80th birthday. Cars ranging from Cooper Jap,HWM,BRM,Connaught,Maserati, Vanwall,Porsche, Ferguson,Jaguar XK C and D types,Le Mans rep, Aston DB3s, Osca,Lotus,Sunbeam Talbot, and Berkley which toured the circuit each day. Weather now very warm- Mike and Dave back at the track meeting up with Tony and Anne and Steve and Shirley. Some suoer racing, Goodwood Trophy, Grand prix,and Voiturette cars taking place. Lots more racing action with cars and bikes throuhout the day including the St Mary's Trophy part 1, all mini race, drivers including Bobby Rahal,Dereck Bell, Rauno Aaltonen,Tony Jardine and Desrae Wilson. Oliver Gavin won the race. So much to see, cars on the ground,planes in the sky. Soon it was time to leave and go back to freshen up,collect the girls and make our way to meeting up with the Devon TRs at the Fox and houds for an evening meal. So ended another good day.
SUNDAY Morning run to the circuit, weather a little bit cooler and lots of traffic on the approach. Mike disagreed with me being overtaken by a Healey Silverstone on the slip road but all was well when we parked alongside in the pre 66 car park chatting with the owner who aquired the car 14 years ago in a dilapitated state and rebuilt one of 48 remaining cars in the UK. Back to our seats,meeting up with Tony and Anne we decided to tour the Mini parking area,Tony has now become a minor celebrity/paparazzi with his new friend James Martin. A tour of the Bonhams tent where they achieved a sale of �3.87 million of cars and automoilia. Well there was anothe buzz in the air when @star guest@ at the historic motor race meeting,the second man to land on the moon in 1969 Buzz Aldrin arrived by Huey military helicopter and was then driven around the track by Lord March in a open top Ford Thunderbird. Still looking to the sky when jaws dropped and ground shook to the appearance of the only Vulcan bomber still flying. Some amazing low fly pasts and dramatic climbs to round off another excellent Revival meeting.
Road tests of a TR3A and a Frog Eyed Sprite to be published soon!
October 8th JURASSIC JAUNT
With excellent autumn weather a turn out of 10 cars met at the B&Q car park Taunton. TVR,Spitfire,2000 Mk1, 2TR6s,2TR4As, TR3A,Stag and a TR7V8. Fortunately the store was open so 'father' could have used the opportunity to purchase some more topsoil or nuts and bolts for his oily engine but to our surprise B&Q have not yet become a MF agent. When all the cars were assembled the organiser handed out route cards which would take the Group out via Corfe,Blackdown Hills and joined for a short time by Mitsubishi and another TVR which departed at Eagle Cross. Group now heading along bumpy road passing Stocklsnd Hill transmitter-some playful hunting between TVR and Spitfire was observed. All cars made the coffee stop at Charmouth in good time. News filtered back that a competition had taken place between two Don Garlits -2000 MK1 and TR6- I hope they did not get caught by the Omega traps. Weather really good when all cars parked up but now the problems begin. Who removed the cones? Who did not pay? Our intended stop was cut short so we continued to the lunch stop venue at Swyre. Upon arrival another cone incident during parking!. Sadly the meal did not live up to our expectations. Still fun in the parking area where a certain driver may soon be getting the first automatic TR in the group. Some breaking problems were observed when the driver used some building materials of the local vernacular to prevent his car rolling down the road and off the cliff to join other fossils at West Bexington. Some of the group now departed and the remainder drove down to Hive Beach to be greeted by an enthusiastic National trust warden- there just happened to be a cafe so teas and cake were the order of the day. Many thanks to Helen and Mario for an enjoyable day out.
Sunday November 8th Dunkerswell A group of us went to Dunkerswell Airdrome for a Sunday carvery, 16 in total. After a pint and a natter we sat down to lunch, the food was excellent, there were some fair old helpings on the plates but nothing was left at the end,it was even followed by some beautiful sweets. The restaurant was packed full which made a really good atmosphere, and we had a good view of the planes taking off and landing.We welcomed Paul and his son from Axminster who came in his TR6 (the only classic). A good day out, our thanks go to Captain John for organising it.
With the Xmas lunch on the 6th Dec brings an end to our events of the year. Another successful year with Helen at the helm keeping us on the straight and narrow, our thanks go to everyone who has organised things throughout the year.
Some of the group have decided to go to Jersey for the Festival of Motoring again next year. Costs have been obtained, contact Chris Shrapnell if you are interested in going. 01749 672774
IF YOU DIDN'T JOIN US THIS TIME, YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO JOIN US ON OUR NEXT OUTING
HAPPY NEW YEAR to EVERYONE