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Gail and I came back through the Somme Valley yesterday to see where my Grandfather fought in 1916 and visit the Lochnagar crater. It is the largest crater ever made by man in anger with 60000 lbs of explosives detonated under the German lines. Poppies we're in flower every where and it was very moving. When that mine detonated the explosion was heard in London and the earth was lifted to 4000 feet as reported by an observer from the Army Air Corp. The crater was 67 metres deep and 137 metres across. Hundreds killed in a second and many more wounded and still missing. We also visited a few cemeteries to pay our respects.

HOME!!! Hoping for Binky to follow soon then I need someone to rebuild my engine... 🙄 Thank you to the guys who were my companions on the Switzerland tour particularly Gary and Geoffrey who worked so hard and so long. The driving was awesome, I will always remember the hairpins and chasing Geoffrey round the bends! I had disturbing bouts of ptsd particularly when my car was taken. I had to leave Brian's body in Scotland and bizarrely it felt exactly the same. A quick trip back on the euro star and lunch at the pub... What an adventure, I'm already planning my next one..

We had a ride up a mountain in an open chairlift and a chairlift in a pod. You started in the pod and finished at the top in the open chairlift. The views where lovely going up but it was coming down...WOW. It certainly made your stomach wobble. At one point the chairlift was stopped whilst we where all in mid air and it was a bit frightening as it stopped quiet suddenly and the next minute we where all looking down at the floor more or less....only the ladies screamed. There was a full village halfway up the mountain but we couldn't see any roads. it is unbelievable where the Swiss have built. At the bottom there where a few Chinese / Japanese people all wearing facemarks to protect them from the smog?????? Not sure what that was about.I walked along the path in the snow at the top. At one point I stood to the side to let someone pass and the snow went nearly to my knees. I learnt a lesson there. We all stood trying to make a video whilst we sang Doh a Deer from the sound of music. I have no idea what the other people thought. Here are a few piccies.

We had a ride out to a friend of Gary's called Gunter and he owns the High Glen whisky distillery at Santa Maria Val Mustair. Gunter gave us a private visit of his distillery, home, whisky museum and bar which is in the Guinness Book of World Records. It was quite a sight to see a chap wearing a kilt in Switzerland. Gunter and his daughter where amazing hosts and even cooked for us. Gunter has an amazing collection of whisky related items and a number of them are worth a small fortune. It was brilliant listening to Gary and Gunter telling us all about them and their secrets. In one of the pictures you will see the casks. These are casks that Gary made and it was an honour to witness Gary signing them all. The equipment was all installed by Gunter and he even designed and made various parts, and the whisky he produces is in great demand. Here are a few pictures from our drive to the distillery and our time there.

The latest edition of Westfield World arrived today. It is brilliant, pages 8 and 9 especially. Thank you Sharon and Jude for sharing two wonderful stories about their families and their cars. Stories like these, tragic and uplifting, are what makes the WSCC the friendly club it is.

Ahem, I am listening! and yes, the weather looks grotty for tomorrow, so it maybe an outing for the MX5, we shall see what it is like in the morning. There is not exactly a run out as such after all. Good luck to @IanK (Bagpuss) and hopefully you won't be as exhausted as @BillyPee, I'll get me coat 😃

@Geoffrey (Buttercup) - North Yorkshire AO I would have loved to see the bunker but Lochnagar and the fact my Grandfather fought there won the day. This is a page from his war diary from later in the war in Belgium. He was Mustard gassed in the Somme and suffered terribly for the rest of his life.

Sat outside the pub at last night’s Hants and IOW meet 😬

When the passes are closed you travel by train through the inside of the mountain. I will post up a film later but for now here are some pictures. The side of the rear carriage drops and you just drive on at one end and off the other. They did make us put our roofs on to go through at one tunnel and we then had to sit in a rear passenger car. It does work out a bit expensive though if you need to go through a few tunnels.

We where lucky enough to see lots of waterfalls. Not little ones but ones that just dropped vertically by the roadside. If they where here we would be charged £5.00 to park and £5.00 each to walk through a little gate to see them. On the first picture there are a few waterfalls dropping down from the top.

At one point I was following Jim and I thought.....mmmmmm.... something going on in that car. I darn't ask but what do you think.

Just finished reading it. Great issue! Judes story was hearbreaking to read but it's lovely to see the car being used and kept in the family. A lovely way for Jude to keep the memory of her husband with her. I hope i never have to part with my Westie, but if i do, it would be great to be able to get it back a few years down the line! Good coverage of the Stoneleigh show too. I was there on the Monday and had a great day, even if the show does seem to be shrinking. 😢 Nice article on Patrick from Westfield sports cars Ltd. Good to be able to put a face to the name, as he has been a regular visitor to the site and seems to be forging some good links between the club and the company. He has a good history with niche cars by the looks of it, and seems to be doing a great job for Westfield. I do look forward to my copy of the magazine falling on the doormat! Thanks to all involved, Keep up the good work!

We even found a sexy Westfield driver trying to give his best pout whilst giving a lift to Sophia Loren.

We drove a number of passes and my favourites where the San Barnadino and another that I forget the name of. The San Bernadino had a great cafe at the top that did simple but tasty food and I found it a bit surreal having just the one building at the top. Opposite is a small building that I thought was a toilet but when you go inside there is a mattress and I suppose its for anyone who gets stuck. The lake was frozen and it was great climbing up through the snow but it certainly wasn't cold. The other pass though was my favourite. At the top was a dam and frozen lake but it was the houses that amazed me. There was a street of huge, pastel coloured houses and these are not shown in the pictures but I will upload a film of them later. It's amazing how people live in these areas and I just don't understand why anyone would want to. Here are a few pictures of the two areas. With the snow and the pictures with no snow, you wouldn't think they are the same place but they are.

We drove through St Moritz. I had heard it mentioned in films and I sort of expected a city. It was a small town with a big hotel at the side of a lake. They still have the bobsleigh run and they hold various sporting activities on the lake when it freezes. We only drove through it but it was not what I expected.

Sold in 8 mimutes👍

Sorry Mark, one way or the other normal service will have resumed by then; plenty of small detail bits to do still, but the big jobs on mine are disappearing rapidly. It actually looks remarkably like a car now!

Glad you're home safe Jude.

All, as as in the title I’m after a pair of rear hispec Ultralite 2 callipers for Sierra fitment. Thanks Craig

Yes you read that right, a Mk 2 Escort is sat in the GBS workshop having it's 2.5litre Duratec engine fitted and you will be able to view it. It will be a brand new registered road car on current registration plates. Just like your Westfield you can buy this car as a kit or as a completed build. What other excuse do you need to come along, free coffee and cake? well that is provided too. Meet us at McDonalds, Ollerton, NG22 9DT at 9.30am or just make your way to GBS, NG22 9ZD anytime after 10am.

Good Afternoon All, This week's offers to run from 7/6/2019 until 9/6/2019. Order online, email parts@westfield-sportscars.co.uk or by telephone 01384 400077. 2340074 - AP Racing 4 Pot Calipers Front Upright Kit - £1054.00 - Product re-launched due to increasing inquiries. Made to order components 12/14 week lead time. 1290005 x Rear Diffuser - RRP £150.00 - Sale Price £99.00 each including free delivery. (3 in stock) 3702092 x Wide Track Front Wishbone Kit with Powerflex bushes (To replace standard track wishbones, full kit including mounts and hoses) - RRP £558.42 - Sale Price £499.00 each (2 sets in stock) Black - 2342160/1 Red 2342162/3- Yellow call or email to order - Westfield 4 Pot Calipers Front (Black/Red/Yellow) - RRP £397.82 - Sale Price £345.00 (limited stock available) If out of stock, made to order. 6 week lead time. Black - 2342113/4 Red - 2342115/6 Westfield Rear Brake Calipers (Black/Red) - RRP £448.84 - Sale Price £395.00 (limited stock available) If out of stock, made to order. 6 week lead time. Regards Patrick

We've been on some fab trips. Two years in the Isle of Man, two very wet years in Scotland, yet the YDG has continued throughout, don't know how many years, but it has proved to be a favourite. It's a cornerstone of our area, and over the years we've been joined by a few other areas to share the experience. The YDG started off as a two day event, soon became a three day event and this year some are doing four days. It doesn't matter what you want to do, even a run out on the Friday if that's all the missus will allow. I'm fortunate, swmbo just says, see you when you get home. Epic memories, Daz spinning on the hairpin in the Elan Valley, borrowing a hacksaw from the Devil's Bridge cafe, Emily's tea room franchise, Peter Darwin in a cloud of dust and stones, where's Frank, Kylie in the Ridgebourne Inn, and many, many more. This year will be great, Jeff has sorted a great route and found ideal accommodation. Bring it on.

At one point we where stopped in the road. Men where on ropes and they where lobbing down rocks and bits of tree branches into the road. Some of the rocks looked really sizeable and I would hate to be hit with one in a soft top car.

I don't think there is a more generous man than Gunter on the planet.

Thankyou @KugaWestie It was an amazing place. Still updating so a few pictures and films to come yet.

You guys have had an epic trip and made some fantastic memories! I have really enjoyed reading about the progress

Have fun and eat plenty of cake. I'm resting my legs, as I've got a hilly 1/2 Marathon on Sun.

Hi Ben and Hope to see you on the 20th from around 7.30pm. There may be cars there with shell style seats that you could try for size.

Welcome, see you at the Falcon on the 20th in your new toy👍 Andy

Diffuser ordered.

I was there at 7pm. Not a big meet but four people in total.

Sorry, can’t make this one as I will be refitting the exhaust now that the gaskets have arrived. Might have done it tonight but the forecast for tomorrow is heavy rain so may as well do it Saturday.

Yeah, with improved dampers and setup too if all goes to plan!

cracking effort all - loved looking through the pictures - a proper adventure by the look of it

Glad you got home safe and sound. Just arrived back in the UK.

Thanks for the advice chaps @AdgeC I will probably take you up on your offer at some point 👍 would be useful

No exhaust on the Westy. Can’t make tonight but hopeful of having the exhaust on for weekend... hopefully it will be dry.

Thanks Patrick, roll up folks...

Will be there in the Westy. The Delorean can't come owing to it not having any number plates yet.

Plenty more to come Martin.

We are coming but in the tin top. That last run you made us do broke my car!!!! Too much cake and ice cream as usual!

Proper holiday envy after watching those fantastic videos ! @Geoffrey (Buttercup) - North Yorkshire AO. Thank you for taking the time to edit and post them . You've made me even more determined to make the trip.

@Matt_S I didn't have any covers with my kit, and had no problem at IVA. I just put a bit of edging on the inner vertical edge. Don't recollect seeing any covers on recent builds on the forum either. Sure you've got it covered, but I'm close to you (near Bridgwater) if you want to compare anything. Apologies for poor photo. Hope this helps.

Well I spent the evening in Paris, dinner at a brasserie with great wine food and company. I shall get the train home in a couple of hours. The weather here is disappointing and my coat is in my car! Here are a few pix just to show my parallel journey.

Thats a shame about the Caterham owner... I have only ever found Caterham owners to be very friendly and seven style nuts...just like me, and not stuffy at all! I have a local lotus 7 club meet between where I now work and home, and went to the third monthly meet last night..a cracking turnout of 10 cars and I couldn't have been made to feel more welcome? Mart.

The climb to the bridge took us up to 6807 feet and yes it was hard going and emotional as I had a special reason to climb a mountain, many years ago my mum and dad toured Switzerland by coach , my dad said he would come back and climb a mountain , alas this would never happen as he was diagnosed with copd and his climb would always be a dream until he passed away, So with my dads camera we climbed that hill and I know he walked with us we all have our reasons and motives that drive us on and this moment was for dad

This was my most emotional bit of the trip. All my life I have wanted to climb up a mountain / big hill but never had anyone willing to do it with me and never seem to have the motivation to do it on my own. When this opportunity came up I knew I had to do it. I am fat and the weather was so very hot and I know that without Gary's help I would have really struggled more than I did. I felt and still am so proud of myself for completing the climb. I got to the top and became a bit emotional and the same at the bottom so thank you Gary for sharing my moment with me. Our goal was the awesome 1621 feet long, newly opened Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge in Switzerland. This has broken the record for the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The bridge offers hikers views of the Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Bernese Alps. We where given a police escort through the town to guide us to a parking place, and we where allowed to park in the police station carpark. The police and Paul Summermatter gave us such a brilliant and friendly welcome to their town. As we climbed heard avalanches, avalanche charges been set off, cuckoos and all sorts of birdlife. We also saw deer and a Chamois antelope on the snow. We passed a shrine to Saint Bartholemewe who is the Patron saint of Travellers half way up the mountain. One couple lost a dog and we don't know if they got it back but you could hear them calling for ages. When we arrived back at the start we where given such great hospitality in the cafe and we wish to thank Paul Summermatter for his great hospitality. Anyway I could write for ages about this most memorable, moving and fantastic time but instead here are a few pictures.

Lurking in Evesham but will never move again

Lovely photo Bill, thank you for posting it and it was lovely to see you again, made me laugh when you and Glen both ordered a full English breakfast....and then said 'oh, yes, a large please' I turned to Kirsty and said 'look at them, they go mad for food on these doo's, you think they have never eaten' it was so funny. See you again soon, Glen says arrive hungry It may be a while before we see Luke 🍼 👶

Well today was planned to be a visit during the Xmas break. But a combination of rubbish weather , a re-occurring cold which I felt I would be more than embarrassed if I passed it on , young family duties ( not me anymore hurrah !) , eventually I got to meet half of my area organiser Tim. He is a whole person and glad to say I managed to get there today. Sadly , although the weather looked promising , I chickened out and took the family wagon. Which actually was wise, with the heavy rain, snow and hail that would have caught me out on the way home. So, today , may I introduce Tim Reid After a brew and what seemed like an assault course that anyone with feet bigger than a 10, you would not find a standing place in the garage . Tim is on his way through his engine change from a 2 ltr Zetec black top to a ecoboost 1600. Some might think this as a bit of a loss of capacity being wrong to do, but the ecoboost is the new toy on the (engine) block. The transplant is far from straight forward, with more sensors and fly by wire controls than you could shake a stick at. Really not for the feint hearted and I take my hat of to him of basically starting again with this, the Mk3 incarnation of the car. So Tim, as the usual way , I have some jotted down questions and this time I had more than 30 seconds to think them up. Occupation ? I am a telecoms Project Manager Why did you buy a Westfield ? Its a long story , but I actually started looking at Tiger cars . They seemed a sensible car to buy , but looking into it they were pretty agricultural with their car designs and finish, so I dismissed them. I then saw Caterhams and Westfields and knowing that both cars had been crash tested ( including local members doing it without factory knowledge !) gave me a sense of design and construction safety being put into the cars. Caterhams were out of the financial league, so a Westfield soon appeared. What came first , the car or the club membership ? The car came first and the club soon after How long have you been in the club ? I have been in the club now for 11 years How long have you been an area organiser? I have been here with Steve Thorne for 10 years after we took the reins from Adam Reeves ( remember him ?) Why change a perfectly good Zetec engine ? Well, I have had the car for 11 years now and after blowing one engine and always enjoying the tinkering, I thought about a big change. This is the Mk3 version of this car , from being a factory built car (Mk1) , to buying from it first owner as a standard car. Blowing it up and replacing the engine and suspension and loosing weight (mk2) it was time to make it a bit more sprightly . With doing various driver training days I found a level that was only going to get better/ more enjoyable to look into a major engine transplant. Carbon Fibre ? Oh yes, see over there, that shelf, is full of carbon parts ready to go onto the car when the time is right . I also have diffusers and actually skin my own parts in carbon , which looks very smart. Was the engine change in budget? After hysterical laughter and picking himself off the floor, Tim said. No, its not !! But actually its not too far away from where I financially expected it to be. What helped me out , getting round the financial controller ( wont say too much, incase Ruth does read this !! ) but selling all the parts first from the strip down , sort of built up the bank balance before I started buying things. It seemed to work pretty well but I am now in negative , as that monies gone and now wait for paydays ( like us all !!) Time frame for Completion ? I was planning a year to get the car finished and with all the chassis work taking longer to modify than expected and actually deciding to do all the electrics and electronics myself than farming that bit out , I am 18 months in so far and want to really finish before Stoneleigh , or the Thames Valley Orienteering event or ............well, the summer ............maybe. I do miss driving the car, but I really enjoy just spending time in the garage just tinkering and making progress with something. Whether its mechanical or electrical. the electrics in the beginning daunted me , but I know every wire colour and location now , so adding relays to the original loom , so I can fit push buttons on the dash and variable back lighting is quite in depth but well within my scope now I am the point of no return ! What do you do with your car ? I have a built ( or well I always had but the Mk3 will be moreso) a track biased car that I can use on the road. With all this lighter weight, 3 piece wheels and great looking Siltech suspension fitted to the car, the engine should the next part of the puzzle. Any thing planned when the car is done ? I wish to head back to the tracks I have driven in its various stages of changes and see how much this engine has made to the package I have created and probably relearn everything I have absorbed from previous driving trainer days . So, after a little bit of a grilling, and removing myself from the obstacle course , I said cheerio to Tim. He has not built his car from scratch but has rebuilt his car on now the third time, so can say he knows every nut and bolt on it. It will be a sensational car when it gets put back together. I just hope its soon as the better weather ( albeit not today sadly for me) isnt too far away . Being a family chap, time to tinker is only when the little ones are tucked up at night , which is just a fact of life for a lot of us. I am looking forward to a pax ride in the car to see what all these hair dryers on the engine blocks do to a Westfield as opposed to being normally aspirated.