Petrolheads' Paradise

Before going to the wedding this afternoon, we explored the place where we are staying.  As I mentioned yesterday, this is an ex RAF Bomber Training Station, but now it is a "hub for historic motoring excellence". 

There are many specialist companies here. Some repair and restore vintage motor vehicles.  Others prepare vehicles for racing and rallying.  There is a specialist tyre manufacturer to supply spares for older vehicles (where Kwik Fit do not stock them!) and a specialist radiator manufacturer to meet requirements for vintage cars (or aeroplanes).

In the building attached to our accommodation is a Morgan Car centre; while admiring the cars (and sitting in one to try it out for comfort) we spent some time chatting to the manager there who told us about the cars and explained that purchasers or new Morgans could come here to take the cars on the test track (the airfield) to familiarise themselves with the handling of the vehicle  before taking it out on the public roads. Apparently they also hire out Morgans (for example for the day or for the weekend).  Tempting!

I also chatted to a guy at the Litte Car Company.  This organisation make 75% scale versions of Bugattis, Aston Martins and Ferraris, accurate to the finest detail (to the extent that they are signed off by the original manufacturers).  I said that he must enjoy working here;  he agreed, but said he wasn't enjoying his current task - making a headlamp cover for a Ferrari - which was proving difficult.  A First World problem!  A huge specialist lorry was just delivering several of these mini cars which have, apparently, been on display in Selfridges in London.  The lorry was a sight in itself - and the driver had admirable skill manoeuvring this enormous articulated vehicle around the buildings.

We also talked to someone who was involved in training engineering apprentices who make use of the expertise at this site.

The place is full of vintage cars - not museum pieces, but many being driven around the site.  A real petrolheads' paradise, but we also noted a launch event here for a new MG electric car, and electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar are setting up their UK headquarters and customer test drive hub on the site in the next few months, so the future of motoring is also represented.


  If it all becomes too much, then you can always refresh yourself with a pint from the Wriggly Monkey Brewery or a gin from the award winning  Sky Wave Gin company - both on site.

My blip is a detail from a vehicle parked at the roadside, and I attach an extra showing a typical car park on the site.

After an enjoyable morning looking round the businesses here, we got ourselves dressed to go the wedding at the nearby Tythe Barn.  It was an excellent wedding, despite the heavy rain which began just as the bride and groom were making their way through the gardens to the ceremony.  Fortunately, the weather improved as the afternoon went on, so guests were able to enjoy the gardens and, in the evening, sit round the woodburners chatting.

Altogether a very enjoyable and entertaining day.