Devon and Cornwall Group Informal Meet at Okehampton Station, Sunday 12^th August 2007

A last minute meet was arranged for an informal get together at the first "Classic Car Day" at Okehampton Railway Station.

Sunday started dry and sunny and we left a little late, in brilliant sunshine. Half a mile from Exeter we ran into rain as we approached Dartmoor and we watched as the skies darkened.

When we arrived at the station car park, there in the rain was a lovely line up of six Standards, each with a set of occupants looking gloomily out at the weather.

All thumbnails can be clicked on to show an enlargemenT:

But before long out came the promised sun and everyone was able to enjoy the day.

This was the first such event at the station although they are keen to promote club days and special events, and have very good catering facilities with a really good value Sunday lunch.

Sundays show was part of a three day event put on by the railway club, which included a fish and chip supper on the train. There was probably about 35 exhibitors on the Sunday, dominated by the Standard marque!!

Entry to the show included a trip on the train, which was not the usual Diesel, but a steam locomotive especially put on for the event. Some club members took the train ride to the famous Meldon Viaduct and some of us ventured up to have a closer look at the Meldon Dam.

We all enjoyed our ride in the old fashioned coaches with the corridor carriages, which did remind a few "mature" members of childhood trips to the coast.

On arriving back we were greeted by the lovely sight of a Phase 1 Standard Vanguard, owned by David Piper, who was a late entry.

Thanks go to Colin and Steven Fry, friends and family, who brought their two 1950 Standard 8’s and Colin’s latest purchase, a lovely 1934 Standard 10. Peter Starbuck for driving all the way from Lynton with his lovely 1955 Standard 10 and Steve Lovegrove and family who brought their 1934 Standard 10. It was also nice to see Mike Docherty from Plymouth who has got his 1955 Standard 10 back on the road after some storage. This car was originally bought by his father in 1958 and this was his first time at a Standard event and David Piper with his 1950 Phase 1 Vanguard. Altogether, with our own Standard Flying 8, this made our marque a total of eight cars, not bad for a last minute event!!

To make the day, even more special, Steve Lovegrove was awarded best in show and Colin Fry took an award for the oldest vehicle. Well done. All in all a great day out for all.

All words and pictures by Chris and Linda Bowden

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