Salopian Drivers Big Day Out

More than twenty Salopian Drivers with friends and family had a great day out on Saturday, meeting at Wallingford near Oxford.

Cars came from Surrey, Yorkshire, Berkshire and Shropshire, both old and new - from the beautiful Lotus Elan and TR4 of John Hutchison (Ch 1968-73) and David Tunbridge (Rt 1972-76) respectively to newer convertible Mercedes of Jamie Elwin (SH 1964-69) and Jaguar of Mark Belcher, father of Dulcie (M 2017-22) and Florence (M 2019-24). 

DB6s certainly seem to be family cars - the Pryce family, three generations travelling from Shropshire (Ben, wife Emma, their daughter Lottie and mother Carol) and the other from the Russmeyer family (with a 911 following as well) with Philip (Ch 1995-97) and wife Sophie bringing their three younger children from Surrey. 

It was a relaxed start to the event with both cars and drivers of all ages arriving at The Wandering Kitchen by Queenford Lakes. Michel Van Hoonacker, father of Sebastian (I 2016-21) only just made it in time for all to drive in convoy to the Aston Martin Heritage Trust nearby. 

The museum tour was a private event with exclusive access to the incredible collection. We were hosted by expert Dom Walker and it turns out that Aston Martins and espionage were long intertwined before Fleming ever came up with the idea. We were truly spoilt with the visit and to finish off the Pryces and Russmeyers cleared out the gift shop at the end.

The day was a huge success so museum visits and factory tours will feature in future calendars. Our thanks to Dr Grant Charlesworth-Jones (O 1991-96) for organising the event.