I'd planned to go up on the Saturday with a few of the SWTOC bunch and stay the whole weekend. After much planning it ended up with Royston and myself going in our Tigers, with Matt Windows and Paul in their tin-top, and Royston's missus and lad in the infamous Vectra. The day started badly with Royston dropping his bonnet causing a few scratches. Then whilst filling up we noticed fuel was leaking out from his car. We had a good poke around underneath but couldn't see exactly were it was coming from so decided to run it for a bit and see how it went. We met-up with Matt and Paul at Michael Wood services on the M5 at about 1:30. The rain was closing in so decided to keep moving as it was following us from the south west.

We managed to split up, somehow, when we got there with the 2 tin-tops going one way and the Tigers taking the "scenic" route. We eventually got though the gates to be met by the only Tiger there, a guy who'd travelled 1200km from Switzerland! We set-up camp at the back of the Tiger area (unlike our Swiss friend who'd pitched his right in the middle!). A few more Tigers arrived whilst we were setting up camp. As soon as we'd finished the rain came down, heavily! Luckily the cars were covered and we sat in the tents hoping it would stop. By this time we were very hungry and the only place open was the rather naff cafe but it was good enough. We ate some food, had a few (very expensive) beers and called it a night.

Next day we were awoken by the unusual sight of the sun. Fried up some bacon sarnies whilst we waited for the show to get started. Had a quick look around the trade stands keeping an eye open for any bargains. Nothing caught my eye, but I wasn't really looking for anything.

By lunch time there were loads of Tigers in the club area. I estimated about 50-60 which was apparently down on last year. I guess the weather forecast put a lot of people off coming in Tigers as the gate said there were a record number of people at the show. Had a chat with a few owners and showed off the engine and to some others. Met a few people from the Tiger list; always nice to put some faces to the names.

Most of SWTOC bunch came along, but only some in Tigers. Nice to see Dave come along, even without his Tiger which turned up with it's new owner (Dave sold it at the Donnington show last year). Only Antony and Dave stayed to camp over the Sunday night from the SWTOC as the rest of the bunch had to head home that day for one reason or another.

The show was very much the standard format with all the manufacturers present. A few kits caught my eye including the MK-Engineering GT1 which is defiantly on my list of possible next builds. Other's included the GTM Libra and SSC Stylus both of which I quite fancy. Caterham had an impressive turnout, as I think they had some kind of anniversary. One in particular caught my eye in Dyno-rod orange. Highlight of the Sunday for me was going for a ride in Robin Vidler's Honda Blackbird powered B6. That set a new standard in acceleration! Quite amusing coming out of the gates as there was quite a crowd gathered who gave us a cheer as we accelerated away! Cheers Robin!

Sunday night saw lots of beer drinking and a great barbecue cooked up by the lovely Sue Needham. I turned in a little earlier than some who were later joined by a couple of the Tiger employees.

Monday was a much quieter day which enjoyed the same sunshine that Sunday saw. By now I was quite red as no-one had brought any sun cream as sun wasn't expected. Still, no-one complained. The Tiger owners started going home in drips and drabs. I left at about 2:30 with Antony and Dave (in his pick-up truck). Quite amusing watching Dave drive it like a Tiger, throwing it round roundabouts! Stopped at Michael Woods for a fill-up on the way home and left Antony at the Weston turn off.

Got home, put the car in the garage and reflected on a really great weekend. Looking forward to next year now!

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