The first monthly meeting of 2012 was a fairly quiet affair as most folk were still away celebrating Christmas or at work. We had just exchanged our New Year resolutions which included giving up alcohol for the month of January and to get fitter and lose weight.
Good intensions did not last for long when we had a surprise visit from Mike Mayfield bearing sausage rolls and mince pies – well it would be rude not to indulge in the odd one or two considering Mike had driven such a distance to be with us.
The events calendar certainly got off to a fantastic start. The first Derwent Valley event was the New Year Run, this year organised by Nigel and Claire of the Notts area. Thirty-eight classic cars arrived at the meeting point and consisted mainly of Triumphs but there was also an Austin 16, a Gentry and a Jaguar.
The theme this year was to decorate your cars with red ribbons, balloons and tinsel etc. One was even trimmed with Ladies underwear. The participants had to dress in their nightwear. As well as the normal PJ’s with slipper boots there was a few who had gone the extra mile. I am sure you can guess who that would be and I suggest you check out all the photographs on the Derwent Valley website.
The first half of the run took us through Derbyshire via Chesterfield to Bolsover Castle for a quick coffee and a wee stop. Then it was off on the second part of the run into Nottinghamshire meandering through some narrow lanes to our final stopping point in Underwood. Here Sunday Lunch greeted us along with a couple of pints of ‘Spitfire’.
The best decorated car was won by Adrian Hadfield from Hallamshire and there was a tie for best nightwear worn. Roger Buck wore a ‘Santa Baby’ outfit and I dressed as something that reflected my true personality – ‘SCROOGE’.
Both Notts and Derwent Valley would like to thank all that attended the New Year Run making it such special day and more importantly raising money for a truly deserving charity. This year's money goes to “Children with Cancer UK”.
We at Derwent Valley are already looking forward to organising next years run and hope that even more of you are able to join us.
That's all for now.
Cheers Colin.
