JANUARY

We started off in style with our first run on January 3^rd. The weather was a typical January winter day with the sun shining but a chill in the air as we gathered at St. Leonards Hotel. We re-arranged our planned New Forest drive due to the icy roads and in its place we had a superb run north across the spectacular Dorset countryside towards Shaftesbury, then on to Sturminster Newton and Blandford. From here we made our way back to Bournemouth and The Cumberland Hotel on the East Overcliff where we enjoyed a lovely lunch. Who would have thought that so close to our Christmas indulgences sociable lunch we donned our hats, gloves and scarves and ventured outside to amble along the cliff top and promenade of the Bournemouth seafront.

FEBRUARY

We had a strong turnout for our February meeting with 13 cars at our start point including John and Paula in their newly purchased Nightfall Blue Series 2 Elise and Chris with his son Douglas who were driving their 1983 red Esprit. Our run took us on the Sandbanks Ferry over to the Purbeck Hills, passing the magnificent ruin of Corfe Castle and driving through some of the most scenic countryside you could wish for.

On our arrival we made for the inevitable refreshments area to replenish our reserves before entering the Tank Museum.

The Museum offered an afternoon of fascinating facts and exhibits relating to Tank Warfare over the years with a variety of sizes and designs to suit any circumstance. Some of these you were able to sit in and experience the cramped conditions they have to endure whilst in another, they showed a film of a tank being driven over rough terrain, enabling you to see a soldier’s view as they race to do battle.

After a good look around the Museum, we finished the day with cake and a nice cup of tea before we made our way back home.

MAY

Our Sunday club run in May was to Forde Abbey and Gardens, a venue which some of us have visited before. We had a good run down and eventually we all arrived, albeit via a couple of different and partly off-road routes!!

On arrival, we were able to park our cars on the front lawns making a great photo opportunity with a wonderful backdrop – it was just a shame the sun wasn’t shining.

After a very nice lunch in the restaurant, which was formerly the Monks dormitory, we explored the house and grounds where we had the pleasure of watching the amazing fountain erupt on two occasions, shooting water high up into the sky.

JUNE

Our Sunday meeting in June was a bit unusual as we joined the Historic Lotus Club at their Annual Summer Drive-In and Luncheon at Oakley Hall. Oakley Hall is a Georgian hotel in a wonderful garden setting in North Hampshire. The cars were parked in the crescent driveway at the front of the hotel.

We went in our JPS Europa which was joined by two other JPS Europas, affording a once seen spectacle. It was really good to see Chris and Denise’s daughter and son-in-law, Robert and Natalie, in their stunning brand new black Avora which they had just taken to Italy for their wedding and honeymoon.

During the afternoon prizes were given out which were donated by sponsors Autoglynn. It was a very pleasant way to spend a sunny day with other Lotus friends.

JULY

Our Sunday meeting in July was the New Forest Frolics Sports Day at Godshill. We started the day by leaving the St Leonards Hotel with extreme caution as the local law enforcement officers were out in force taking pretty pictures of passing cars. Once we were on our way we could concentrate on the scenic route, which had been carefully planned by Ian and Julia, and once again showed how fortunate we are to live around the Wessex area, and in this case Cranborne Chase and it`s surrounding countryside.

We arrived at Godshill where the local cricket team were preparing for an important match, so we set up our tables and chairs close by and tucked in to our picnic with the sound of leather on willow and shouts of “how’s that”.

Unfortunately the weather was a bit cloudy and very windy but that did not deter us from the task in hand and as teams were selected, you could smell the competition in the air (or was it something else!). Ian and John were designated as Team Captains and with their selections made, we were soon competing for honours (or was that mini chocolate bars?). A variety of games that included balls, wooden spoons, golf clubs and bean bags soon had everyone running around like children. The climax of the day`s activities was an hilarious three legged race with the newly formed couple of Simon and Colin proving to be the perfect match and taking the final honours.

AUGUST

The Wessex Lotus run in August took us to Athelhampton House. The first part of the run was unfortunately on very congested roads, but quite soon we managed to get on to some superb back roads where we could really ‘exercise our Lotus’!!

On arrival at Athelhampton House, it was a bit overcast but picnics were soon laid out as we relaxed by the river, watching two swans and their seven cygnets effortlessly gliding to and fro.

We welcomed new comers Jayne and Keith Prowting in their series 1 Elise. It was good to see Ian Watson and to meet his partner Nicky with their beautiful aubergine Elise. John and Janet also turned up in their black Esprit together with Martin and Lydia in their type 49 series 2 Elise after a short break.

After a tour of the house and lovely gardens, we congregated in the restaurant for refreshments and a chat.

On the way home some of us decided to extend the day by calling into the True Lovers Knot pub for a meal.

A few of us made the trip to The Silverstone Classic over the weekend of 24^th/25^th July staying in a lovely rural bed and breakfast, but more importantly, it was within staggering distance of a village pub!

The event held many different aspects and the women were pleased to see that they had girly bits amongst the mass of boys toys. You could get right up to the fantastic array of different racing cars in the pits and there was evening entertainment with live bands on stage.

The racing was very exciting on the newly altered Silverstone Circuit with cars ranging from the 1930’s up to Formula 1 cars of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. There were many car clubs exhibiting their cars and giving a spectacular collection to view.

SEPTEMBER