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Today was a day where you wanted to own a red Westfield, do you like the ivy growing on the side of this Hall? Your car would look good in front of it Not bad More later, but we go to McDonalds first, where Scott is doing some squats at the side of his Honda powered car, building up for the cake-eating session that followed. There were Ian, Dave, Martyn and Sue, Andrew and Clare, Robin, Scott and Charlie, Chris and Paul, making 8 Westfields and a VX220. We arrived at GBS and just managed to squeeze in. Nigel Curry was not far behind us in his red Westfield, just peeking through in the background. Let's have a cake moment shall we? Robin and Chris deciding if they could eat more cake We got a factory tour from Richard, the owner, who took lots of time to explain to us how they make all the parts they need. The new car is being released next year and he told us what improvements they have made, wow it will be quite a car. No worries on the parking, if your car is in the way, someone will just wheel it into position. Is it Halloween just yet? Ian left us Followed by Dave We were hungry and went in search of lunch........ Chris, Andrew and Clare and Martyn and Sue followed us to Thoresby Hall, where we drove straight into a photo opportunity Before parking properly We went for lunch Then we went into the World War 1 trenches in the small adjoining museum A great day out with excellent company, thank you to everyone for coming along, I hope that you enjoyed it too

For the record it was the Lemon Cake first, followed by the Victoria Sponge cake. There was no more room on my serviette, so I had to make a return visit for the chocolate cake. It was no ordinary chocolate cake though, not like the factory produced rubbish, this was very cocoa - y and not just sweet tasting. If they make cars as good as their cakes then they must be good.

Mmmmm cake @Julie Hall - AO Representative, Peak District AO

The thought of having a second dog to make a friend for Rosie , is now 5 months later down the line now. We started with this. And now Henry looks like this From being told what he is as a breed to what we have, someone needs to go to confession, but by popular decision , he is a Patterdale. He is taller than Rosie the border now and although playtime seems to involve a lot of white teeth and growling, they do play well together. He is a hoover and will eat anything, including the tortoises lettuce. The gardens trashed, we have found Australia in one hole he has dug, The yellow rose is just recovering for the game ' bite the flowers off !' Bushes have become stripped and sticks to chew. Would we have another ? Absolutely not, the latest wife said, never again. He was hard work and is better off the lead than Rosie, but we think she is still in protection mode when they go on walks, as still her baby. Must admit to having a look at blue Whippets though.......................

I love that face. ours do it too, when its all gone wrong. This is Rosie and the remnants of 2 dogs toys, which cost a tenner, that lasted approximately 3 minutes from toy to death

Halfords Professional on sale (as usual!)

So for me, tinkering and messing with cars is a lot of the fun, and simple cosmetic changes, make the car feel a bit more mine. Now, I know it's a Westfield and not a Lotus 7, but I like car because of it's roots. So the clear rear lights, and stripes to the rear did nothing for me, and the tiny front plate the same. So, stock rear lights, and fog light, chrome numberplate lamp, black and silver square plate and a selection of period stickers went on. Round the front, the tiny plate was removed and a black and silver stick on has gone on, and yes, I've changed the Westfield badge to a Lotus one ! It's also gained a roof, not that I'll usr it a lot probably, but as I don't have a garage, and most of it's time its wrapped up under the car port and under it's cover, the roof and frame add another level of support and weather proofing. I got the roof form a club member, and although used, it'll do the job just fine. I've not gone mad getting it aligned just fitted the poppers to the body to match the hood, and got it up and functional. I'm hoping I've been good enough for Santa to bring me a half roof for Christmas

I'll be there.

I can see it now...

That’s what happens when you wash your face with the wrong coloured soap!

What a fab day. I am not sure an aero screen is for me, seeing how its aged Ian @IanK (Bagpuss)

And it's Lambo Orange..!

That looks like a huge cake effort. If I was closer, I would love to assist with consumption, but would probably have to sell the car, as wouldnt be able to fit in afterwards...........

I am still looking for that yawn emoticon

I couldn't possibly state that this was after an initial loading supplied by Glen

At the risk of causing thread drift (and I apologise to the O/P in advance, but he might be interested in the reply) does anyone offer modified high performance mobility scooters? I don't want one now, but the way I'm going it wont be far off.

cheers buddy, it's certainly doing the trick, the cat doesn't disappear when she sits on the car cover now

Yes I think I made a mistake!

what a great looking dog. We're on the same journey with Stanley our 5 month old Jack Russell. Here he is with his favorite Dick Emery quote:

Loads in Northwich - £9.99 not £5.99 though..... I did enquire about the price but store were adamant ("sure" not the singer!) they are £9.99

Getting something with some chrome, Gary?

Simpler by far to phone and book, trust me.

So Saturday morning we headed off for Wrynose and Hardnott Passes taking in the Inner passes circuit again. Those that know them will know how incredible they are. 30% gradients and hairpin after hairpin on a single track road. They are that good we did them another 3 times Saturday morning before heading off for the Honiston pass and back to Keswick. Sunday was a loop round the Lake District via Matterdale End, Trout Beck, Ings, Lowick Green, Torver, Broughton, Duddon Bridge, Wasdale head to see Scarfell Pike and finally Loweswater. Today we headed home from Keswick to Alston up the Hartside pass and then down the Pennies to Bernard castle for a quick break. That B roads is amazing. Thanks to @Geoffrey (Buttercup) - North Yorkshire AO for sending me routes to give us a fab run through the Dales home via Tan hill Inn, Keld, Hawes, Oughtershaw and Kettlewell. Then heading home south to Brum is a bit of a blur to be be honest as we were both knackered but it was fun. Our Westy has now clocked over 9000 miles since May on our road trips driving possibly the best of all the roads the UK has to offer and we have been from Lands end to John O'groats and from East to West several times. We have drenched it in biblical rain in Scotland, Baked it in Wales that hot week we had! and taken it up climbs 4x4 struggle with and motorbikes give up and go back down and once in a while drove it like we stole it! It is with out doubt the finest piece of machinery we have ever owned, no matter what we put it through she keeps going and taking the abuse and we have not had one breakdown thus giving us the greatest memories and experiences. It is indeed a testament to qualities of Westfields but more so the build quality of John Crane who built her in 1998/99. John sadly is no longer with us but if you are looking down from where ever Mrs P is still doing you proud. Mrs P is becoming a legend in her own life time, we just just have to work out where and when next!

Five minutes ago.