From what I can make out the years most successful event in terms of numbers with in excess of 30 cars on the run. Interestingly the turnout showed minimal support from the immediate locality but much more support from a distance. Devon and Cornwall, Pembrokeshire across to Wrexham and our now regulars from northern climes who boost the events numbers and activity. The funds to run this event remain stretched. Yobish behavior by concert goers using the on site facilities saw the Toilets vandalised and locked on Friday night, again, and an an altercation with the archery club for the second year running has all served possible need to change venue. Indeed it was Mrs Dai Morgan who had cleaned up the Toilets so they could be re opened, not the rather remote management of the site. A brief discussion after Rally clear up revealed next year is to be the 30th event. The hard core of folk attending were most certain it should continue, not least with the National straying far north again, Indeed there was talk of folk going to the Gaydon version as it was nearer. So it might be time for a bit of a refresh and relaunch for the Bath event. As it was people were happy to pay a bit more to camp and attend to keep the event going. So very positive there.
As seems the pattern these days the proportion of weekend participants is not out numbered by day visitors in cars on Sunday, as used to be the case. Folk are not driving their cars to Rallys. Choosing to weekend or not trail a car down for a day. So the run out becomes a big deal. This years was a success as a odd museum had been found that had a reasonable foodary attached. This a nice drive away, Avon always offers challenging driving with its Cotswold/Mendip deep valley landscape.
It was good to meet the gang again. Many of these folk have been in it for years. Despite dire weather forecasts it was dry and sunny, a beautiful weekend to be out. The spread of cars was a little odd though. The bias toward light cars is evident and already known. But a lone Isetta was none the less a surprise. That flushed out some Isetta folk who had little good to say about the club and that owners are starved of spares. This beget discussion on other clubs and events. A great deal of negativity but little answer to common problems throughout the clubs/events. My only pleasure, if that is what it was, was to hear I am not the only one who holds certain values and beliefs to true or self evident. However unless that is backed up with action to make change, it is not going to happen.
A number of potential attendees were attending Classic Le Mans instead. There lies one problem, seriously tough alternative events to Micronauts who have gone on to buy other sorts of machinery. Its easier for them to leave the Microcars doing the same thing and join in other experiences never on offer in our small world. A tricky situation to answer.
Nonetheless I enjoyed a day in the sun and Bath was mellow. It will continue.
