Post by 33grinder on Jun 20, 2011 12:40:56 GMT
Essex DAFs Spectacular 2011 - FAQs
Essex DAFs? Who’s that then?
As the name suggests, we are a group of DAF enthusiasts predominantly from Essex and some from North London. Some of us are DAF Owners Club members, others not. All are welcome however.
OK, tell me more...
Essex DAFs Central is set in a rural location north east of Colchester. We rent barns on a delightfully secluded small farm where you are likely to see chickens roaming free. You’ll find we have a ‘museum’ barn containing 8 DAFs with others dotted around. We have a similarly sized barn crammed with spare parts too.
So what’s this ‘Spectacular’ all about then?
Last year the DOC’s Autumn Frolic meeting was held at the Ipswich Transport Museum and being so close to our base in Colchester we offered to put on hospitality throughout the weekend - offering camping and help with accommodation, refreshments throughout the weekend and a convoy to the Autumn Frolic venue.
This year the DOC has consented to Essex DAFs holding our own event. It will follow a similar format to last year in that Saturday will be a day of arriving owners, DAFs being repaired, DAF banter, refreshments and of course plenty of our legendary strong Essex tea and coffee. Saturday night should see us in The Old Courthouse Inn for a nice cooked meal – last year our group practically took over the whole of the restaurant!
Sunday will see a convoy leaving our headquarters at 11am destined for The Secret Nuclear Bunker in Kelvedon Hatch. The journey will take approximately 1 hour and although most of the route will be travelled on the A12, there will be some pleasant country lanes at the start and end of the journey. We also plan to have our friendly recovery driver en route with us to assist with breakdowns and recoveries should anyone find the DAF gods not smiling on them that day!
We aim to arrive at the SNB for midday and leave around 3pm for the return convoy to Essex DAFs Central where there will be further refreshments available to all.
Secret Nuclear Bunker?
Well, it’s not that secret these days! The SNB will be our convoy venue this year due to popular demand. Built in the 1960s as an RAF ROTOR station, it was to become a regional government HQ during the 1980s able to support up to 600 military and civilian personnel – possibly even the Prime Minister -their task to organise the survival of the population in the awful aftermath of a nuclear war. For those who have not previously visited the SNB, it is a fascinating piece of history, built with 12 meter thick walls and preserved as it would have been functioning at the height of the cold war.
Entry is £6:50 per adult although we will try to negotiate a group discount. The tours are self guided using a recorded tape available to all. Payment is made at the end of the visit via an ‘honesty box’ and there is a canteen serving hot and cold food.
More information is available here: www.secretnuclearbunker.com/index.html
OK, what about accommodation then?
We can offer camping at Essex DAFs Central for a one-off payment to our landlord, the friendly Farmer George, of £5 per pitch, regardless of numbers staying in the tent or number of nights. Last year we had a portaloo on site and as a minimum will repeat this although we are planning on having a small caravan this year which will allow attendees to relieve themselves and have a hot shower (although not at the same time please!). We do have electricity and cold running water too.
Hmm, I’m not so sure I want to ‘rough it’...
No worries. For those accustomed to more luxurious surroundings we recommend The Old Courthouse Inn, approximately two miles around the corner from our HQ. TOCI is a four star 17th Century Inn and we have often referred visitors there and received good feedback. Your hosts Sarah and Vinny will be happy to receive you but please book early as this is a popular option! Further information at www.theoldcourthouseinn.co.uk or call 01206 250322.
There is other accommodation available in the Colchester area although we don’t have the feedback of other visitors to be able to recommend any of them.
Sounds good but crikey, that’s a long way to travel – especially in my DAF...
We love seeing other owners’ DAFs, but it’s the people that make the event. Don’t be shy, bring your modern car if needs be! For those who are travelling an especially long distance or simply want to ‘make the most’ of the Spectacular, then those camping are welcome to arrive and set up Friday evening and similarly depart Monday morning – just let us know so we are prepared for your arrival.
Go on then, twist my arm...
Last year we were fortunate in being joined by special guests, including John De Bruin (director of DAF Club America), Dominique Jacson (director of French club, Les Dafistes) and author Paul Nieuwenhuis who held an impromptu book signing session. This year we hope to have more ‘special guests’, although everyone attending will receive a warm welcome.
Also last year we had a tremendous turn out with almost twenty cars of DAF/Volvo variety and what can be better than driving in convoy with your fellow DAFfers? We can’t wait, and hope you feel the same way and will attend. If you can only make one day of the Spectacular then Sunday will most likely be the best one to attend.
Any ‘rules’ I should know about at Essex DAFs?
No, not really. We’re quite laid back and just want attendees to enjoy themselves, plain and simple. The only rules are obvious ones. Please don’t smoke inside the farm buildings for obvious reasons – there will be ashtrays outside - and please keep the noise down at night, as the farm backs onto elderly neighbours. Well behaved children and dogs are welcome but must be secured to a ground stake so as not to scare the chickens!
Right, I’m up for it. Can I have some contact details please?For help or further information, please PM me. Alternatively you can e-mail us on: essexdafs@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks and hope to see you there!
Pete.
Essex DAFs? Who’s that then?
As the name suggests, we are a group of DAF enthusiasts predominantly from Essex and some from North London. Some of us are DAF Owners Club members, others not. All are welcome however.
OK, tell me more...
Essex DAFs Central is set in a rural location north east of Colchester. We rent barns on a delightfully secluded small farm where you are likely to see chickens roaming free. You’ll find we have a ‘museum’ barn containing 8 DAFs with others dotted around. We have a similarly sized barn crammed with spare parts too.
So what’s this ‘Spectacular’ all about then?
Last year the DOC’s Autumn Frolic meeting was held at the Ipswich Transport Museum and being so close to our base in Colchester we offered to put on hospitality throughout the weekend - offering camping and help with accommodation, refreshments throughout the weekend and a convoy to the Autumn Frolic venue.
This year the DOC has consented to Essex DAFs holding our own event. It will follow a similar format to last year in that Saturday will be a day of arriving owners, DAFs being repaired, DAF banter, refreshments and of course plenty of our legendary strong Essex tea and coffee. Saturday night should see us in The Old Courthouse Inn for a nice cooked meal – last year our group practically took over the whole of the restaurant!
Sunday will see a convoy leaving our headquarters at 11am destined for The Secret Nuclear Bunker in Kelvedon Hatch. The journey will take approximately 1 hour and although most of the route will be travelled on the A12, there will be some pleasant country lanes at the start and end of the journey. We also plan to have our friendly recovery driver en route with us to assist with breakdowns and recoveries should anyone find the DAF gods not smiling on them that day!
We aim to arrive at the SNB for midday and leave around 3pm for the return convoy to Essex DAFs Central where there will be further refreshments available to all.
Secret Nuclear Bunker?
Well, it’s not that secret these days! The SNB will be our convoy venue this year due to popular demand. Built in the 1960s as an RAF ROTOR station, it was to become a regional government HQ during the 1980s able to support up to 600 military and civilian personnel – possibly even the Prime Minister -their task to organise the survival of the population in the awful aftermath of a nuclear war. For those who have not previously visited the SNB, it is a fascinating piece of history, built with 12 meter thick walls and preserved as it would have been functioning at the height of the cold war.
Entry is £6:50 per adult although we will try to negotiate a group discount. The tours are self guided using a recorded tape available to all. Payment is made at the end of the visit via an ‘honesty box’ and there is a canteen serving hot and cold food.
More information is available here: www.secretnuclearbunker.com/index.html
OK, what about accommodation then?
We can offer camping at Essex DAFs Central for a one-off payment to our landlord, the friendly Farmer George, of £5 per pitch, regardless of numbers staying in the tent or number of nights. Last year we had a portaloo on site and as a minimum will repeat this although we are planning on having a small caravan this year which will allow attendees to relieve themselves and have a hot shower (although not at the same time please!). We do have electricity and cold running water too.
Hmm, I’m not so sure I want to ‘rough it’...
No worries. For those accustomed to more luxurious surroundings we recommend The Old Courthouse Inn, approximately two miles around the corner from our HQ. TOCI is a four star 17th Century Inn and we have often referred visitors there and received good feedback. Your hosts Sarah and Vinny will be happy to receive you but please book early as this is a popular option! Further information at www.theoldcourthouseinn.co.uk or call 01206 250322.
There is other accommodation available in the Colchester area although we don’t have the feedback of other visitors to be able to recommend any of them.
Sounds good but crikey, that’s a long way to travel – especially in my DAF...
We love seeing other owners’ DAFs, but it’s the people that make the event. Don’t be shy, bring your modern car if needs be! For those who are travelling an especially long distance or simply want to ‘make the most’ of the Spectacular, then those camping are welcome to arrive and set up Friday evening and similarly depart Monday morning – just let us know so we are prepared for your arrival.
Go on then, twist my arm...
Last year we were fortunate in being joined by special guests, including John De Bruin (director of DAF Club America), Dominique Jacson (director of French club, Les Dafistes) and author Paul Nieuwenhuis who held an impromptu book signing session. This year we hope to have more ‘special guests’, although everyone attending will receive a warm welcome.
Also last year we had a tremendous turn out with almost twenty cars of DAF/Volvo variety and what can be better than driving in convoy with your fellow DAFfers? We can’t wait, and hope you feel the same way and will attend. If you can only make one day of the Spectacular then Sunday will most likely be the best one to attend.
Any ‘rules’ I should know about at Essex DAFs?
No, not really. We’re quite laid back and just want attendees to enjoy themselves, plain and simple. The only rules are obvious ones. Please don’t smoke inside the farm buildings for obvious reasons – there will be ashtrays outside - and please keep the noise down at night, as the farm backs onto elderly neighbours. Well behaved children and dogs are welcome but must be secured to a ground stake so as not to scare the chickens!
Right, I’m up for it. Can I have some contact details please?For help or further information, please PM me. Alternatively you can e-mail us on: essexdafs@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks and hope to see you there!
Pete.