The Winterbottom Run

[richardw]

This is a placeholder for an idea that a few of us have come up with following the sad loss of Oliver. Originally discussed here:

viewtopic.php?f=34&t=11760&start=15

Hopefully we can add details as time goes on.

The proposal is to hold a run from around the country, the ultimate destination being somewhere Oliver related in Norfolk (maybe the famous pub from which he borrowed a gas mask in which to attend a board meeting at Lotus.) If you don’t know the story, as Oliver would say, “read my book!”

It’s been suggested that we have three rendezvous points - each a decent distance North, West and South of Norwich - from which could proceed in a disorderly manner to the destination.

We should incorporate optional overnight accommodation in order to properly remember Oliver in the spirit he would have wished.

Maybe the first run could be next year to attend his memorial service, If the family decide to hold one.

Then we would hold the run annually to coincide with an appropriate date.

Would love to hear everyone’s ideas and I’ll be talking to his family about it.

Cheers, Richard

[MetBlue]

Sounds like a plan. I'm in. Be good to see how it develops.
One small point.

. each a decent distance North, West and South of Norwich -

Decent distance north. Qualifies only one car. - Mr Bonds
Tony

[rbgosling]

I'll join the convoy with Tony. Really frustrated I can't make the funeral next week, so it'll be good too have another way to pay our respects.

[shaunw]

Sounds like good Idea Richard. I'd be up for that. Ideas wise, tying in a factory visit would be amazing if feesable!

Regards
Shaun

[barker_001]

I like the sound of this, would definitely be up for it. A fitting way of commemorating a great designer. Covid restrictions permitting, an overnight stop with an opportunity to toast Oliver would be great.

[richardw]

No real update on this as we’re waiting to hear if/when Oliver’s memorial service will take place.

However I wanted to float some ideas about rendezvous points from which we can depart to the Wymondham area:

For Northern members: Ferrybridge services on the M62/A1 junction (about 3 hours to Wymondham)

For Midlands/west/Wales members: British Motor Museum, Gaydon (just off the M42). Again, around 3 hours to Wymondham

For London members: South Mimms Services on the M25. Around 2 hours to Wymondham

If you have any alternative proposals please let me know.

Once we know the timing of any service we can make the decision about going on the day or the day before, and incorporating an overnight stay with a dinner - hopefully with MJK and members of Oliver’s family.

Cheers, Richard

[rbgosling]

Sounds good to me. Gaydon does mean heading a short way in the wrong direction, but it's a good place to go to regardless. Wonder if they'll still let me in for free (I used to work at JLR a couple of years ago)...

We can try and work out a non-boring route closer to the time when things are a little firmer.

[Sirclip]

Just registering my interest in this, sounds like a nice idea. Martin.

[bash]

Im in......... If Ive had the jab.
Bash

[MetBlue]

Like Richard, the Midlands meet means a 45 min run in the wrong direction to start, but I guess as long as we plan route from meet to Norfolk before hand, it's easy for those closer to sit in a lay by en-route and tag on.
Tony

[Alan_M]

I’m interested depending on date, work schedule etc.

[richardw]

Like Richard, the Midlands meet means a 45 min run in the wrong direction to start, but I guess as long as we plan route from meet to Norfolk before hand, it's easy for those closer to sit in a lay by en-route and tag on.
Tony

Yes - no problem to introduce interim rendezvous points!

Richard

[theelanman]

North and Mid probably converge at King's Lynn......coming in on A17, A47.........
Not sure about the South route....probably the a11
Personally I think my route would be Chesterfield to Newark to King's Lynn to Norwich.......roughly speaking....

[richardw]

Great news - we have a date and time for Oliver’s memorial service: Friday 6 August, 2.00pm at Wymondham Abbey. Will post in more detail later this week regarding planning for the run etc. I think we should get together with the TVR wedges if possible - it would make a wonderful tribute. If anyone has contact info or can message the TVR folk on Facebook and let me know I’d be very grateful (as I’m still a Facebook virgin)

Cheers, Richard

[bash]

Im in, travelling from Doncaster.
Bash
Ps, Ive posted this on the fbook wedge forum richard to see if the tvrcc are doing owt , hope you dont mind. Im sillious soddus on there because I have some friends in Rome (or the tvrcc).