The Fairford Classic Car Club

Modified St Valentine's Day Classic Country Lunch Run 09

There had been an exceptional fall of snow. It was therefore most unfortunate, but not entirely surprising when, on the afternoon before the event, the Secretary received a message that Cerney House Garden was not in a fit enough state to permit it to open to the general public. However, despite receiving this unwelcome news at the eleventh hour, the Secretary took a decision to carry on regardless. After all, the important part of any club event is socialising with our friends and enjoying a drive out into our beautiful Cotswold country-side, whatever the weather decides to throw at us. Anyhow, it also happens now to have become quite an FCCC tradition to stage an event on February 14th and of course lunch had already been arranged for our club party (27 in total) at the Bathurst Arms in North Cerney.

Our Morning Coffee rendezvous was the Swan Inn at Radcot Bridge; site of the oldest Thames crossing; also the location quite coincidentally of a Channel 4 Time Team programme which was broadcast on the evening following our Club visit. It would appear Radcot has witnessed many a happening over the centuries. History aside, however, what really grabbed the atention of FCCC's budding David Bailey, was the antics of a pair of the Swan Inn's resident geese, hell-bent it would appear, to join our Club party at the fireside, in the comfortable surroundings of the hotel bar. The coffee certainly mananged to hit the spot and was dispensed in generously sized cups.

Thus fortified, the intrepid motorists then set off on the Secretary's cross country route of approximately 24 miles or so. The route was never intended to be in any way a taxing exercise and a remark was made to the effect that it had been very much enjoyed, especially for the way in which the covering of snow had altered even quite familiar landscape, making it appear so magically different. An enjoyable meal was had at the Bathurst Arms in North Cerney.

So not an entirely disappointing Grand Day Out and Lady Angus is hoping that we we will perhaps visit her gardens at Cerney House a little later in the season when she very much anticipates the opportunity of welcoming our cherished cars.

Barry Cooper