24th April 2022 – Drive It Day

We had a very good turn out from Branch members on our first Drive It Day in three years. 17 vehicles gathered at the BP/M&S service station at Stuston near Diss for the start of our run, which we think is a record for the Branch. We had originally planned this run for our 40th anniversary in 2020, but as you know, Covid-19 prevented that from happening. Our Branch members Nigel and Ann Baker-Querelle had set the route which was to roughly travel along the Boudicca Way, which is a footpath that runs from Norwich Station to Diss Station some of it on the A140. Martin Wallis very kindly oversaw the route for the day, taking a drive along it before we went, as it was three years ago that Nigel and Ann had set it.

We were joined by our newest members Blair and Jaqueline Rawes and we gained a member at the start with Martin Canter and his mother joining the Branch. Martin couldn’t join us on the run though. Our Dutch members Fiene and Ton Kolvoort made the run having been on holiday and getting back that morning. That’s dedication for you!

We set off from Stuston in small groups and made our way to the lunch stop which was at the Norfolk Tank Museum at Forncett St Peter. We had originally wanted to visit the Forncett Steam Museum, just down the road, but they weren’t open until the next week. Unfortunately we timed our visit at the Museum with the local farmer muck-spreading on his fields, so there was a bit of a wiff. Also enjoying Drive It Day were some other old vehicles and some stationery engines.

Then it was off again after visiting the Museum and having lunch to our final stop at the Venta Icenorium at Caistor St Edmund’s near Norwich. This is the remains of a Roman Village. Even though Martin had driven the route and checked for roadworks, we had to take a detour around Hempnall and not everyone made it to Caistor. Some members had to park at Caistor St Edmund’s church, but most were able to fit into the car park at the Roman Village.

We held one of our Football cards to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People which raised £35. Chairman Carolyn won the £10 and kindly donated £5 back. So, well done Carolyn. Thank you goes to Nigel and Ann and Martin for sorting out the route and venues for us. We now look forward to next years run.