The participating cars on May Monday Bank Holiday at the Colne Valley railway.

This year we had 13 Standard/Triumph cars over the full weekend and with their occupants, 25 people. Additionally on the Saturday a further 4 Standards and an MG joined us. I always enjoy the rear mirror view as we meander through rolling countryside with flags flying on the cars, and seeing the glint of sunlight on chrome, as we enjoy the almost traffic free lanes.

The run this year was called Constable Country. The area of the Stour Valley on the Suffolk/Essex borders is well known for Constables paintings, the most famous being those around Flatford Mill (Haywain/Boatyard etc). We visited his birthplace and the surrounding area. A unique set of church bells in East Bergholt were demonstrated. These bells were hung just above ground level and were swung at waist level. Quite a feat for bells weighing almost one ton each.

Lavenham is always a popular place for visitors and it was a super sight to see all the cars spread across the market place in a haphazard way. (No yellow lines or bays here). After a visit to a 13th century chapel, and a photo call at a village ford we enjoyed a substantial pub lunch before a scenic trip across the high part of the Stour Valley and back to Bury St Edmunds.

The previous evening had involved a walking tour of this historic town with a Blue Badge guide.

The Sunday was a visit to a Medieval Day at Castle Hedingham and was a chance to enjoy the spring sunshine out of our cars and enjoy the entertainment, and spend time talking and resting. This was followed by the Event Dinner at a county hotel which involved a few event formalities and light hearted banter. Then a dash back to Bury before darkness fell.

The final day (May Day) was a visit to Thomas Gainsborough's House in Sudbury.

In the market place a garland was hanging around his statue as it was a celebration of his birthday. We had a group photo taken in front of a 400 year old Mulberry Bush in the gardens, and after a coffee break set off for a Steam Day at Colne Valley Railway.

We parked our collection of cars in a prime spot and then took over the buffet car for a pre arranged meal, followed by steam and diesel train rides.

As is usual with these events the four days was over far too quickly and soon after 3pm it was time to say our goodbyes and head for home.

If this is the type of event that interests you then why not try it next year.

PLACES THAT WE HAVE TOURED FROM TO DATE.

Hunstanton. Cromer. Lowestoft. Southwold. Felixtowe. Clacton. Bury St. Edmunds.

Ian Leggett.

As usual you can see enlargements of all the photos just by clicking on them:

The 8th Anglian May Day Weekend Run 2006 Starting in Kentford as we sat in springtime sun, Yes, it was the start of the 8th Anglian Road Run. Visiting the packhorse bridge for photos to be shown, Then on to old Bury town, for a walk around the town. Next morning cars were decked with flags, for a sunny country ride, To Lavenham where our Standards filled the market place with pride, 17 cars in convoy we went through Kersey water splash, Another photo call, a break, a walk, we weren't in a dash. Through Hadleigh High St, that was fun, and onto Bergholt East, And into the Red Lion pub for a ploughman feast. The cage bells in the churchyard were rung for all our ears, Then Flatford, where John Constable painted for many years. A drive cross Stour Valley where scenic views abound. Then back into old Bury, we all arrived safe and sound. A carvery meal ended a full and fun filled day, Then some went for the local brew, before they hit the hay. Sunday came, a pretty drive, some cars got lost, a hassle, To arrive at a Medieval Day staged at, Hedingham Castle. The Event Meal followed in a village known as Clare, A super meal, a thank you talk, even a duck was there. Monday morn, and it was rain, but dampen us? no way, We drove to Sudbury, and Gainsboroughs House, for it was his birthday. For lunch we took the buffet car, at Colne Valley Steam train. And enjoyed the rides so much we did it all again. All to soon four days were over, and departing in the sun, That was the end of the 8th, Anglian Road Run. Ian Leggett.