OK guys, sorry for the delay but here's my photos from what was truely a most enjoyable weekender. I do hope everybody enjoyed themselves as much as I did! Unlike last year even the weather gods were smiling on us too.
I took a trip over to Central Friday afternoon with Paul's tyres and my camping gear.
There I was to meet with Lewis who was getting the caravan ready...
...whilst Joe and Sian were to arrive shortly after having taken a scenic sight seeing tour of both Little and Great Bromley.
We pitched our tents in the fading light and Joe whipped out his timing gun to give Gavina a well needed tweak...for now.
Saturday I didn't arrive until 2pm as I had to pick up some charcoal for theBBQ and brake line for a particularly naughty 32.
I arrived to a find a hive of activity...
...and just in time for Lewis to get the BBQ going.
Even the 8 track came out.
Joe had limped Matilda in but did have his DAF recovery service with him!
But, as usual, it was
us who needed
Joe's services...
Joe's laptop tuning device proved very popular. Would this be second time lucky for Gavina?
Not to forget bodyman Ken seeing some action.
Danny from Daffhobby arrived with his girlfriend and mobile parts shop. What a nice couple they are.
It was also great to finally meet Howard, accompanied by his lady friend Sue who seemed to thoroughly enjoy her little drive of Gavina.
Apparently there are only three 55 estates on the road and they are all in Essex, so a photo opportunity was arranged.
Stephen Balls arrived with wife and kids in their camper van which was hooked up to the parts barn.
All too soon it was time to adjourn to The Old Courthouse Inn. Finally Matt met his match on the table by Joe 'pool shark' Horner. ;D
Then followed an enjoyable couple of hours back at the campsite before we retired for a rather cold night's kip. The next morning Joe was resolute that Matilda
would attend the convoy and set about running a temporary brake line in place of the ruptured one, on the outside of the vario cover.
Our friendly recovery driver James arrived with Ken's 6v 33 on the back which was promptly unloaded and parked up with Passionwagon, whilst the orange 33 was loaded up to be taken to the overflow facility whilst she awaits collection from her new owner.
There's always time for a last minute tune-up before lining up to start the convoy Le Man's style.
And on to the money shots!
Starting with a happy Howard who was to borrow Goldie, Matt's 46 for the convoy.
The trip to the Secret Nuclear Bunker took a little longer than we had estimated as speed was kept to a maximum of 50mph. We hope all enjoyed it. Although the route was mainly busy dual carriageway there were some nice country lanes at the beginning and end of the convoy. Unlike last year the convoy managed to stay together this time. No photos from the bunker itself but we were pleased to see Animal on our exit and Martin had taken my dog Harvey for a walk whilst we were in the bunker. Then Maroushka brought Animal over to meet the other DAFfers and join the convoy.
I was feeling decidedly poorly by then and was intending to film a Gavina's Speakerz but really didn't feel up to driving, to be honest. The convoy made way to the nearby overflow facility and there I sought shade and quiet in the shade of James' recovery truck cab whilst Martin took some photos for me.
We were met by Andy and the orange 33 was unloaded whilst Paul's Mk1 44 had her wheels swapped for ones that had inflated tyres, and moved.
And so, back to Central in convoy where tea and cake was served and more general banter. Joe found Gavina's timing maladies were caused by worn points heal and replaced them for my spare set and tuned her, before changing both front ball joints which has made an amazing diffference to her driving.
The day seemed to pass far too quickly and people stated to go their separate ways, except for Joe, Sian and Lewis who all stayed another night, as I really wished that I could have.
There was still time for Sian to kindly re-upholster Tigga's dash panel and Maroushka to read about our forthcoming event which had arrived just in time...
Thanks to everybody who attended for making such an enjoyable event and to those who helped contribute to make the event run as smoothly as it did, not to mention Farmer George and wife Nancy. We look foward to meeting you all again in the future.
Well, that's all from me.
Cheese,
33G.