Did you miss it? - Here's what participants said:
First and foremost THANK YOU for a great weekend. The Hotel / Organised visits / Road Runs etc were all excellent. We really enjoyed the whole event
John Pollard
Marvellous Rally in Daventry Phil, hope you and Lynda are much recovered. Not many photos of the wonderful weekend in Daventry but here are a few
George Schomberg
Dear Peter and all involved with organising the national rally. Many thanks from Pat and I, for your hard work and efforts to make these gatherings go so well. How you get such good weather every year beats me.
Good venue again and up to the mark with food and the service and little extras all the stay
- the only thing lacking was that ice cream van!
Looking forward to a trip further south next year. Relations there as well!
Please pass on our thanks to the committee.
Malcolm Pentelow
Friday23rd June
Upton House
Some of the line-up at Upton House
Robert Browett's Kenilworth at Upton House
The Big 9 of Mike Andrews
At lunchtime, the cars started to gather in our reserved area of the Car Park at this fabulous National Trust House and Gardens. Whilst the participants toured the house there was a lot of tyre kicking around the cars. Two reporters and a Photographer from Bauer Media turned up as arranged and started work interviewing the owners and arranging test drives in a couple of the Standards. We await to see the results in Classic Car Weekly, Practical Classics and Classic Cars For Sale.
More cars at Upton House
Graham Hart's Flying 20 V8
The two cars road tested by Practical Classics - SLO4 Charlecote and Vanguard 1a
Vanguard line-up at Upton House
Another line-up at Upton House
Peter Lockley presented everyone with their “Rally Board” The guided route to the Daventry Court hotel was accomplished without mishap and the cars were soon tucked up in the Car Park. Rally control opened in the Office allocated to us next to the Reception area of the hotel, and Lynda was kept very busy handing out Rally packs and Delegates badges.
The evening buffet was a splendid affair with lots of food for everyone. Unfortunately, the Restaurant was very hot as it had been sunny all day long and this necessitated copious amounts of “Senate Ale” especially brought in from the local “Roman Way” Brewery.
Saturday 24th June.
Armourgeddon
After a substantial breakfast, the cars set off on a 20-mile road run to Armourgeddon, a Military Museum in Leicestershire. After touring the static exhibits it was possible to see the armoured cars and tanks being put through their paces on the demonstration field.
Coton House
The route continued another 10 miles to Coton House and Gardens where a much more leisurely visit was available. Most rallygoers enjoyed the house and fabulous gardens, whilst once again, the cars provided an alternative attraction in the Car Park.
Coachbuilt line-up at Coton Manor
More cars at Coton Manor
Standard 10 at Coton Manor
Again, there was a guided road run back to the Hotel, documented in the Rally Programme.
The Gala Dinner consisted of waitress service to 13 tables of 8 people in the Air-conditioned Danetree Suite and Bar.
The Editor then presented the new Editor’s Cup to this years Recipient, Roger Dealtry.
The Cup was donated by Val Richardson in memory of her dear husband and former Editor, Bob Richardson.
The Annual Table quiz proved to be a little difficult and went to a tie-breaker. The tie-breaker question was “What is the elevation of the West Bromwich Albion Football Ground? With 2 answers of 150 feet and 1500 feet the winning team was the “Avon” Team as being nearest the correct answer of 551 feet above sea level.
Lynda and Phil then gave a short Powerpoint presentation to mark 120 years of the Standard Motor Company which consisted of an explanation of 2 Standard Projects, the Mosquito Fighter Bomber and the Triumph TRX.
Sunday 25th June
Sunday dawned another bright and Sunny day and the cars were soon gathering on the lawn outside the Daventry Court Hotel. The Bring and Buy Spares tent was soon doing brisk business manned by Phil Homer and Frank Williams, as was the Regalia Tent, manned by Phil and Ann Birch.
Flying Standard line-up at Daventry
Standard 8 and 10 line-up at Daventry
The concours juding was conducted, in the main, by the participants voting for the most admired cars in their class with others being judged by Petre Lockley and Brian Parkes.
Post Vintage line-up at Daventry
Vanguard line-up at Daventry
During the day we were visited by Jean Patterson, an ex-Standard Motor Company Employee who was interviewed by Steve O’Hara on her fascinating life at the factory.
Margaret Park provided a Celebration cake which was cut and divided amongst the participants – and very tasty it was!
Thanks to everyone that participated in the Raffle which was then drawn and the prizes presented.
There followed a huge presentation to all the prize-winners, the prizes being presented by Jean Patterson and Ian Mills, Events Manager of the Daventry Court Hotel.
By 4 pm it was all over, leaving enough time for those that needed to get home that light evening. The Committee thanks everyone who made the effort to attend this year and looks forward to welcoming even more of you in 2024.
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