THE WAR AND PEACE SHOW 2002

The Frostbite Run

 

I knew it had to happen at some time, but not this early in the year, and not while it was so cold. Someone had to drive the blue Abbot. Rex had arranged for The Hop Farm Abbot to join in the Frostbite Run. So at an ungodly hour on the 6th of January I arrived at our workshop. After starting the low loader and letting it warm up, I positioned it so that the Abbot could be reversed straight out of the workshop onto the trailer without getting muddy. With it secured on the trailer I drove to The Old Rectory to load Rex’s Jeep. In order to get the weight distribution correct on the trailer I had to unload the Abbot, drive the jeep up onto the neck then put the Abbot back on. Just the thing the neighbours needed at 8 o’ clock on a Sunday morning. The roads were nice and quiet for the journey to my unloading point. Rex had decided to park the truck in Edenbridge then cut across country (I wish, but he made me use the roads) and meet everyone at the pub. Our little convoy, well Rex & Debbie in the Jeep and me left with the kids in the Abbot travelled the 7 miles at a sedate pace. Waves from the locals walking their dogs and the children playing on the village greens persuaded us to continue. We trundled on past knowing there was hot food not too far away.

Upon arrival at the pub we were greeted by at least 35 other military vehicles (green ones) and the two people to blame for coaxing us out at this time of year (James & Annie). After some positive comments on the colour of the Abbot, the general consensus was “Yes, it is an eye catcher” and it looks very smart. I headed straight for the warmth of the open fire in the bar and what a welcoming site and feeling that was. I have come to the conclusion I would have been warmer if I’d attended on my bike.

After seeing lots of friendly faces and exchanging New Year greetings the aroma of the food from the carvery got the better of me. The food was excellent, plenty to go round, and large portions too, but just in case I got into the queue before Rex.

After letting the superb food settle we wrapped up for the journey back to Edenbridge. As we approached the low loader Debbie was waving me on to continue past and headed for the road where she used to live. We entered the road and was greeted by a party of excited children, all offspring of Debbie's ex-neighbours. With the promise of a hot cuppa I was persuaded to circumnavigate the block with children on board. Then again, and again, and again. After the sixth lap I was surprised that residents en route were actually coming out to wave friendly gestures not the gestures I had imagined. With all children in the neighbourhood having had rides and most parents too I had well and truly earned my cuppa. What a bonus to find some left over Christmas goodies on offer too.

After the much welcome cuppa or two, it was back out into the cold damp evening, load the lorry and endure the narrow lanes from Edenbridge (not nice in a vehicle 60’ long & 9’ wide). Eventually arriving home at 8 pm, it worked out as a long day, but enjoyable. Once again, basically it’s the same for all of us. “Any excuse to take our vehicles out for a leisurely drive”. Even though this event was in January, it’s well worth dusting off those cobwebs accumulated through the winter and joining the other hard core enthusiasts. I’ll be attending as many events as possible, whether it’s in the Abbot or on the bike, either way I hope to see the many friends and acquaintances I’ve amassed at future events. Firstly I’d like to congratulate James Baxter and Annie Appleyard on picking a good venue for lunch and coaxing at least 50 of us out into the cold. WELL DONE. I’ll finish by wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

 

Paul Shea