The format was a three day, two night stay at The Quay Hotel and Spa in Deganwy, north Wales, organised by Nigel (food and accommodation) and Hartley (Runs out). Most of the 22 members taking part met up at Daleside Garden Centre, just off the A550 for Coffee on the Tuesday morning. Just as we were fed and watered, and about to depart, our Chairman, Geoff, together with the delightful Angela, pulled into the car park, soft top down, in the XK. Well, nothing new there then!
Lunch was taken at St George's Hotel on the prom in Llandudno. A great spot for lunch, with fantastic views out to sea. Well recommended. Lionel and Brenda met us there as they had headed straight for Wales following on from Jim Mann's soiree in the Lake District. Serious JEC support shown there!
The rooms at The Quay are large and comfortable. We met for drinks in the bar and then headed for the restaurant, where with pre-order lists already completed, the service should have been a breeze. Well, it was, until came to settling up, and then things, well, sort of went downhill. Despite everything having been confirmed with the 'Events Team' beforehand, in writing, apparently no-one had confirmed matters with the restaurant. If Nigel had any hair to pull out, it would have been shed there and then! Nigel obviously turned down the job with the Diplomatic Service in order to pursue his career elsewhere!
Wednesday dawned bright and sunny (see photo's) and after a photo call and quick briefing we set off. Not in convoy, because that would have been too difficult to maintain. The basic route was to head south on the A470 through Betwys Y Coed, Llanrwst, Blaenau Festiniog, Dolgellau, and on to lake Vyrnwy Hotel for Lunch. The sun was still shining, and we managed to park together for the photo call, cars in front of the lake.
Geoff and Angela managed to appear from the wrong direction, and shot across a junction in front of Hartley and Rachel in a blur. I didn't enquire but I think there may have been some mis-communication regarding directions! Roger and Joan appeared after most were seated, Joan suggesting that the word 'eventually' should have been inserted in the route directions when referring to the hotel. I have no idea what she means...
The return leg was via Bala and the Evo Triangle, which should require no explanation here! What a fantastic stretch of road, and this was the first time we had seen it on a clear day, as it was misty for the practice run in March.
Hartley and Nigel were a bit late getting back to the hotel due to difficulty with the intercom in Hartley's XK, but on the plus side, I can confirm that Penmachno is a very small village with little of interest unless you are a rally fan. This is why it wasn't on the route, and doesn't explain the 12 mile detour to visit it.... Draw your own conclusions!
On the plus side, I think everyone enjoyed the run, even though at 160 miles it was longer than I would have liked, but the trouble is in Wales that to remain on easily driven 'A' roads, does mean that one has a few mountains to circumnavigate. The alternative is to use the 'B' roads and unclassified lanes, and I don't think that would have made me very popular with the Jaguar contingent!
Wednesday's evening meal was organised very efficiently, and enjoyed by all present. It was such a shame we couldn't have had this level of service on Tuesday. Our very great thanks are due to Nigel for all his hard work in liaising with members and the hotel to plan and organise this event.
Most people headed home on Thursday, but Nigel, Sue, Rachel and I decided to extend the stay by another night to take in some more of the delights of the area.
If anyone reading this has not visited North Wales, and particularly Snowdonia before, then I would strongly recommend it. The roads and scenery are fantastic, and if you can visit before the holiday season, and avoid bank holidays/weekends, then there is less traffic around and the roads flow beautifully. Very well suited to any car, but expecially a Jaguar!
Photo's thanks to : Geoff, Nigel, Lionel & Hartley
