Four intrepid members of the Derbyshire Region set their alarm clocks early on 3rd August and met up at Leicester Forest East services on the M1 to travel in convoy to Gaydon. Hartley, Chris, Phil and Martin mustered between them 2 XK's, an XJ and (whisper it) a BMW. Martin had reservations about using the E-Type for what is mainly a motorway jaunt, so elected to bring the daily driver.
We arrived at Gaydon fairly promptly, just after 9.15 am and were rewarded with parking on the grass in front of the museum building. There were already several Jaguars present of all descriptions, but in the main they were 'moderns'.
After such an early start, it was decided to head to the restaurant for a 'Full English'. It is worth noting that there is no charge to attend the Jaguar Breakfast Club, but there is the standard entry charge to Gaydon if you want to see the museum and have breakfast. Concessions result in a discount, although Chris seemed to have difficulty asking for a concession, but economics prevailed! If you Gift Aid the entry fee, it allows you to visit as many times as you like for a period of 12 months!
Breakfast dispatched, it was time for a tour of the museum and the associated additional 'storage facility'. For a while I was quite concerned as to the lack of Jaguar vehicles in the museum, but rest assured there is a dedicated area together with posters proclaiming the competition success of the company.
Having toured the museum we headed outside before the cars started to disperse.
All in all, Gaydon is worth the trip, not just for the Jaguar meeting but also because of the displays in the museum which change regularly.
As we were leaving there was an increasing number of Mini's making their way into Gaydon for their national gathering on the following Sunday. It is good to see that Gaydon can still pull in the petrolheads, and that they can ring the changes to maintain interest. I am sure we will be returning before long, especially as entry will be free for the next 12 months!
