We have actually lost count of the number of years that we have run this event, but we think it is over 30.
Every year we start at a different hostelry, this year it was the “Two Brewers” in Chipperfield, who provided us with a splendid Sunday lunch. At two o’clock we set off on the guided route, which we always try to use the most rural of roads we can find in the Chiltern Area. This year was no exception.
Some of the cars and drivers on the road run.
From Chipperfield, first, we passed through the village of Bovingdon, made famous as the home of the US Airforce base during World War 2. The runways are no longer in use, but the aerodrome is now used for the burgeoning TV and Film industry in Hertfordshire. There is a massive Sound Stage, with permission for 3 more to be built. It's now the home of ITVs “The Masked Dancer” and “The Masked Singer” and “The Wheel” on BBC.
The new Prequel to Amazon’s “The Lord of the Rings” has also been filmed there. (The other Herts Studios are Leavesden for The Harry Potter Franchise and Elstree where “Eastenders” and “Strictly Come Dancing” are produced.
We soon moved on to the picturesque town of Berkhampstead which sits on the Grand Union Canal. There followed a long stiff climb up into the Chiltern Hills, a good test for all the Standards. The road then moved into a deeply wooded area, eventually becoming a dark forest. Our destination, was Ashridge Management College sitting in a forest clearing, the cars gathering in the Visitor’s Car park.
In a break with tradition, instead of presenting the Chiltern Cup to the car we would most like to take home, we decided to award it to the Best Navigator. This was awarded to Len Barr in Paul Newsome’s Vanguard Vignale. Len had actually navigated his way here, and home, a total distance of 280 miles in the day.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the tea and cakes, but unfortunately, we could not visit the gardens as they had been “commandeered” by a Wedding party.
The weather remained brilliant all day, but we fear that this is now the formal end of Summer.
Thank you to all of you who chose to exercise their Standards with friends in this most enjoyable way.
The Chiltern Rally 2023 will take place on Sunday 17th September.
For the starting point, please keep an eye on the Standard Car Review and the Events listing on the Club Website. All Standards are welcome.
The front and rear gardens of Ashridge Management College
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