The Gathering from a Speedy point of view

[Speedman]

Now the agony of my trapped nerve in my neck has subsided I’m thinking a little more positive about the weekend. I spent a lot of it in a state of “meh!” as it was probably my last weekend show before the speedybump arrives in four weeks, my mind really wasn’t on and I apologise to anyone I dragged down or bored with nursery decorating tales! Anyway, onto the photos….

After last year getting beaten to the field by the Nightmares crew and wanting to miss the A303s worst, I packed and left early and made great time, 2hrs door to door for the 100 mile trip, rolling through the gate it was clear I was very early!



So after a natter to Keefy and Tash on the gate I picked a likely spot and cold one from the fridge and helped them with a few bits of setup.





Then relaxed by the Camper as the others slowly drifted in, by later afternoon the field was circled by a few pitches and the chatter of old cars and nonsense began in earnest.








;D

[Speedman]

The calls back and forward to the Area52 convoy carried on most of the evening with their ETA getting later and later until the plea to “hold the gates open a bit longer” came and the ramshackle crew rolled in. Project X was top of the list for most people to check out and the Wild Willy replica. The crowd gathered round and it was slowly rolled off the trailer and the A52 snug unloaded. Nearby gazebos were drummed into service to keep the impending downpour off both.







After a long day it was finally time to hit the R’n’R bed for a snooze. Saturday dawned damp again and I found my breakfast bar squeezed out while knocking up bacon rolls for anyone who dared to come over!





As the drizzle cleared the various toys were unpacked and fired up, favourite for me had to be Bias and his bonkers twin engined mower.






;D

[Speedman]

There was a fair amount of ride swapping going on as well, I squeezed myself (more successfully than some!) into Dr Sexys Midget and Mr Pollitts Zodiac.



All round the campsite more people were arriving.









The skies were getting dark and the mother of all downpours arrived, luckily the twin gazebo shelter with added gaffa tape was more than a match for it and a crowd took shelter along with “our little green friend”







;D

[Speedman]

As the sun came out the madcap idea to strap an A52 sofa to the back of KFW mighty truck was hatched, as I had yet to wander round the campsite it made the perfect mobile camera platform too.















Objects in the rear view mirror may appear Welsh

[Speedman]

All round the site people were chatting, riding and generally chilling out.







I nipped across the road for a few hours to help David, Simon and Kev set up the show barriers, we soon had the various stand cordoned off ready for Sunday.



And I got to drive break Kevs truck , following an afternoon of rumbling round with different pilots the clutch rods finally gave up and parted company, luckily a trip out saw them welded back together and a bonus Borgward find for Seth to investigate was found as well.





The Lowriders were circling the field all evening offering lifts and laughs to anyone who dared to get in them.




;D

[Speedman]

After dark the chat continued until it was time to catch some Zzzzz ready for the show in the morning. Up bright and early I headed for the museum and hung a few signs for the guys with help from Mr Bogner, then made for the South East stand to park up.





After chewing the fat I set off snapping the random lineups on offer, these are just a few highlights.


















;D

[Speedman]

The Ratlook guys put on a great display, with the Haynes scrap yard as a back drop,











Heading for the track I caught a few runs, lots of tyre smoke, plenty of sideways action and loads of fun.













Back on the show field I spied and heard the cheers as Katy drove her birthday present through the gates, so I made my way down to check out the clean Nova and munch some cake. It was a wonderful little moment, lost on many visitors to the show, but having been in on the secret for a while it was nice to see the smiles. Nice one Alan and Co

[Speedman]

I made my way back over to the track once more for some action and to ready the Camper for a lunchtime lap or two to pick up any debris, sadly things were delayed by the Escort roll, luckily Phoenix walked away unharmed, I hope the parts that can be salvaged lead to an even better track weapon.















The rescheduled lunchtime entertainment came from a great debut for Adams Locost, a really tidy and well put together ride, a credit to Adam and his Dad for all the hardwork.



Some lairy drift action followed and then it was time for the awards.





With a big crowd, the winners were announced, all very worthy and showed the diversity of RR at its best.









Feeling more than a little tired and not wanting to get stuck in traffic on the way home I said a few goodbyes and slipped away heading East. As I said at the start, I struggled to get into the weekend, but it was still nice to be there and see a few old friends and make a couple of new ones, 2011 will be a really busy year for us, but I’m hoping to be back at Haynes again.



The rest of the snaps can be found here.

[marksparks999]

bring the baby next year... my two have been told they are coming, having seen families enjoying themselves on the campsite, thats the plan!

[Seth]

Nice photos/write up Steve. Some proof that we were there on Friday!

Also many thanks for the short/long term loan of the hat for Ickle_Seth. Since we ended up heading home on the M4 we threw it out the window somewhere near Reading for you to collect when convenient. That might be a lie.

[rtlkyuubi]

Some awsome pictures and a great write up as always! Thanks for the pictures of the micra

[rysz]

With the number of kids going, I am going to suggest that the Mrs (A professional Childminder) that she runs a creche at the Gathering next year!

Rysz.

[marksparks999]

With the number of kids going, I am going to suggest that the Mrs (A professional Childminder) that she runs a creche at the Gathering next year!

Hours of minding... from 3pm Friday until 4pm Sunday (inclusive)!

Two spaces for my two little devils then?

[mk14dr]

Absolutely awesome shots as ever.

I'm really sorry to hear about your nerve woes, it far from nice.

Cheers for the helping to pinpoint where/when I lost my sunglasses too

[skinnylew]

Brilliant pics as always steve, was good to chat to you as well, i enjoyed talking about nursery's and house moves it make's a change from 100% car chat!
Oh and this pic:

makes me look like I'm really good on them and stood static where as anyone who saw me on them would know my balance wasn't that good (probably the beers fault ;D )

[Lawsy]

cracking pics as always sir..

except i look like I'm either squeezing one out or turning into a budda..

[Ratters]

quality pics & tales to go with them

[kevfromwales]

excellent pics steve, and a good write up too!

- you truck breaking vandal!!

kfw

[PistonBroker]

Aug 10, 2010 18:30:36 GMT marksparks999 said:

bring the baby next year... my two have been told they are coming, having seen families enjoying themselves on the campsite, thats the plan!

As soon as I saw the 5th photo down I thought perhaps I can take the kids when I go next year. Looks about the same age as Littlest 2fster. (He's 1 on Tuesday and the reason I missed last year!)

Great photos as ever. Cheers.