Drive It Day – 25th April 2010

 What a welcome site arriving at Washington services just before 9.00! We couldn’t believe how many cars (and one van) had turned up! And we picked up another 3 cars at Prudhoe, this made our entourage up of 12 Morris Minors, one Mini Cooper and our sweep car was Andrew Cook and Christian in their Polo. 

 The route planned by Arthur Henderson and was a really beautiful one. The Northern countryside through Mickley Square, past Dilston Chapel, Slaley Hall and on towards Blanchland was simply breathtaking. The weather, although a little damp, didn’t dampen our spirits.

 First stop Blanchland, a moment to stretch the legs, natter about the cars and warm up with a cup of coffee at The Lord Crewe Arms, which used to be the Abbots house back in 1165. This little town is full of history and was the film set for Thomas Hardy’s “Jude” and a string of Catherine Cookson romances. A lovely place and Grant and I will definitely visit again.

Back on the road on through Allenheads, Nenthead and up to Killhope Wheel. We stopped for lunch and a look around the mine site. Killhope is undergoing extensive restoration and repair work after it sustained some considerable damage from the bad winter weather, but it was a very worthwhile visit and the history of the mine is really interesting. We were astounded to learn that in today’s values the mine, when operational, produced £28,000,000 in lead and £2,500,000 in silver. Quite a load to boast about! Donna and Dave Remshaw even managed a trip into the mine, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

 Some folk managed to take a walk around, some had a go at a bit of mining, most had a bite to eat and again chat about the cars with fellow enthusiasts. It was good to see a couple of visitors join us and hopefully we’ll see them at future events. Bill’s van was an exceptionally fine vehicle, so I do hope we’ll get to see it again soon.

 It was hysterical to see Andrew H, Fiona M, Mary O and Sue B huddled up in a circle having lunch, wrapped like Eskimos in blankets – it looked like a scene from Macbeth! “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.”

 After a couple of hours break it was onwards to Stanhope and finally the sun came to the party. We stopped at the visitors centre for a look around, a few of us taking in the sunshine and others popped into the café for tea. Thanks to Arthur for a sterling route and thanks to everyone who made it a tremendous day out, the first of our season.  We had such a good time! Can’t wait for Souter Lighthouse!

(Tracey Cramond)