As the sun rose at Stonehenge it was a signal for Area 22 and Friends to head to the Orchard of Helen and Phil Trussell for the third year running. This was a bumper year with 40 cars and, I guess, around 80 people making merry under the trees enjoying a picnic and their favourite tipple.
As with all our events they seem to start an hour or more before the advertised time, and so it was again. Cars began trickling in before 1000 to the smell of bacon rolls and coffee in the kitchen. By 1100 it was a steady stream, all being guided to their allotted parking spot. DBs here, DBs there, Astons everywhere with a Defender, Lotus and Alpha Romeo discreetly mixed in and dare I mention the Ferrari!
With tables and chairs set up, the picnic baskets were opened and in many cases the champagne corks popped. I have to say there were more alcohol free drinks visible than in previous years. Steve Waddingham aka Wadders, gave an excellent talk on the history of the early DBs which was highly appreciated by all. I should like to highlight Charlie and Oliver who were sporting their Area 22 polo shirts and looked very smart!
Phil had organised informal “competitions” for best picnic table, most desirable Aston, most desirable non-Aston and David Seviour walked away with the prize for “cleanest car” but in doing so had to take some flak for having a portable pressure washer in the boot!!
By 1700 it was going quiet in the orchard and calm prevailed once more. Many thanks to Helen and Phil for organising a great event and I am delighted to record they made £1465 for the Alzheimer’s Society. I have attached some photos but our resident expert, Nick V, has many more on Facebook.
As an end note I would just say I was pleased I had laid off the alcohol as we encountered the police on Fish Hill on the way home!!