We had been watching the weather closely for several days before the event on Saturday 7 June..it looked bad, very bad with yellow warnings of rain and thunderstorms… when the alarm went at 0530, it was not raining .. “they have got it wrong again”, I thought!
We had made the decision to meet in Chippenham and leave at 0745 for Middlewick House for two reasons... firstly the public traffic associated with the event can be horrific and secondly, we wanted to get prime parking space in the designated “supercar” area.
Following the signage, we turned up Middlewick Lane which got progressively narrower and with the wing mirrors brushing the grass on each side we turned into the parking field. As we had hoped we were in prime position and, together with Area 13, claimed an area facing Middlewick House and the main display area. As we were still sorting ourselves putting up the AMOC feather flags, along came the man himself, Nick Mason, made famous of course through his association with Pink Floyd. Boldly we doorstepped him! We had a very pleasant conversation, took some photographs, he thanked us for making the effort to arrive so early and he walked on. But we felt pleased we had made our mark, particularly as by this time we had two rows of Astons, maybe 35 or 40.
And then it began to rain, and rain. The umbrellas came out and all thought of sitting enjoying a picnic in the sunshine were dispelled. The “supercar” area began filling up with other car clubs and at 1000 the gates were open to enter the grounds of the House. Despite the weather Nick Mason’s eclectic collection of cars stood proud
on the lawns. The main attraction was the 1962 Ferrari GTO and standing next to it the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato. We attempted to put a value on them but got lost in the 0000s. “I think that is worth £40 million”, “that one is £30 million at least” etc etc…
The rain continued fall on and off for the next four hours as we all mooched around the extensive grounds, wondering what car would greet us around the next corner. I have attached photos of the ones which caught my eye! There were many stalls of local traders in evidence offering a wide range of items but the weather dulled the enthusiasm to stop and look.
By 1400, as the rain continued, the Astons began to drift away. Area 22 was under a canopy of umbrellas and as usual involved in deep conversation sorting out the woes of the world. We took our AMOC flag down and made surprisingly good progress up the wet, slippery slope to the exit. It was back down an equally narrow lane, and the day was over. Of course, the sun came out on the way home!
A very good day, despite the weather. Thanks to Ray and Douglas for organising it.