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The following is one persons report on the Rally, extolling the virtues of travelling there and back in a convoy whilst looking out for each other to ensure everyone gets there:

The East Anglian Convoy

Congratulations to the organiser, Len Barr and the Committee and helpers for a very enjoyable weekend at Cirencester. This is my account of the weekend and to me the journey to and from is just as important as the rally itself, and that needs some planning. 

The few days prior there were constant messages between Conan Lewis, Pete Foster, Stuart Lucas, Steve King and myself to find a route suitable to join up from as far apart as Bury St Edmunds, Stamford and Norwich. Steve made the initial plan for two of us to meet at Royston and travel in two car convoy avoiding known heavy traffic roads. 

Having only had my Vanguard back 3 days following some bodywork repairs and new paint it was disappointing to drive into some heavy rain near Woburn Abbey. Even worse was the smoke that started to drift in through the air vents as soon as the lights were put on. Finding the wiring loom was very hot, a few checks were made, and it was decided that only with the lights on did the problem occur. Determined to reach the rally we continued for another hour in rain not wanting to use the lights or wipers. When the rain stopped we breathed a sigh of relief. After 3hr 30mins we reached our joining point at Clifton after passing through Milton Keynes and Buckingham. The 3 other cars arrived ahead of us and after catching up on our journey stories we had a nice meal at the Duke of Cumberlands Head pub. 

At 2pm we set off again, now with 5 cars. Conan had planned out this route so he was lead car. We hardly touched a main road and passed some pretty places including Bibury and Burford before arriving about 4.30pm at the rally site. 

After signing in, checking into our onsite room, and a much welcome cup of tea, we prepared for the evening road run. It did not take long after setting off for the evening run to find ourselves in the centre of Cirencester with 5 other cars, all making the same mistake of missing a left turn. In an attempt to re trace we lost 4 of the cars, with the 5th following me. We had some difficulty with the route symbols and on several occasions had passed the turn before realising it. However Harry Ashton Smith continued to follow. At the bottom of a lane a little boy called out "they all went that way mister". Now I have heard that before, so took a cautious view and checked the signs. Arthur Paddock now joined us stragglers. It seemed a long and winding rioad that eventually got us to Kemble Airfield for our buffet. We were not last, but almost so. 

We had decided to have a pub meal that evening and as we were the only three in the pub restaurant it was certainly peaceful.

Come Sunday, Field Rally Day. A lovely sunny day saw many sitting under the trees while the formalities and polishing went on. Arthur Paddock set to and rewired the loom in the boot of my car after detecting a short in the number plate light area which had welded the wires to the boot. I am most grateful to Arthur for putting himself out so much.

At the end of the day our convoy joined up, now swelled by two with John Maxwell , and David from Lowestoft. All went well until reaching Burford where the 3 cars at the end failed to turn left. Flashing of lights soon saw us stop and retrace our steps. As we caught up the four leading cars at some traffic lights, the 1935 Ten refused to start with fuel evaporation. So directing the busy traffic on a narrow bridge entrance while pouring cold water on the carb was done. Afterrestarting andblocking the traffic from behind, David in his 1956 Ten failed to start, soback to traffic duties.

Soon we were on our way and for the next two hours buzzed along through narrow lanes before reaching the great Western Pub  at Deddington for an meal in the gardens. Then as we said our goodbyes we headed for the A43 where Conan, John, Pete and Stuart left us. Steve. David and myself continues back through Bedford and St. Neots where Steve left us. Eventually reaching Bury at 11.15pm, David continued the further 60 miles onto Lowestoft.

An eventful weekend with some worrying aspects, but with good company and helpful members the overriding impression was that it was very enjoyable. For anyone travelling a distance to rallies I highly recommend the convoy method. Just be sure you consider other road users and space yourself while keeping an eye on the Standard in front and the one behind so that you check on each other. The non Standard onlookers love it also.

Report and Photos by Ian Leggett.