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The next morning we set off for the Romanian border. Some more of the same sorts of roads - nice, fast, winding corners, with the odd Ukrainian soldier holding a Kalashnikov giving me funny looks. We tried stopping for a coffee, but having used up the last of our cash on fuel, we couldn't find anywhere that would take card and just carried on. The border crossing out of Ukraine was much easier than the one in, although I did get told off for having my gopro mounted on the rollbar, even though it wasn't turned on. The Ukrainian side of the border was the first time that anyone checking the car documents has noticed that the DVLA for some reason decided to register my car as green (which clearly it isn't). I explained to them that this was a mistake, and that the DVLA couldn't get me new documents quickly enough, so advised me to just fill in the "change of colour" box and take it as is. Border security didn't seem convinced, but once they checked the VIN, they were happy to let me through. From that checkpoint, I drove across what seemed to be a very old wooden bridge. I'm glad nobody was coming through from the far side at the time as there was no way it was wide enough for two cars, and I'm still not a fan of reversing the Westie when I've got a big bag blocking my rear view! The Romanian checkpoint was a little friendlier, even though they made an effort to scare me. Initially they asked if I was carrying any goods that I needed to declare - drugs, weapons etc. (I wasn't, so all ok there!), before then asking whether I was married, followed by "why not?" when I said no! But once again, after many photos, I was allowed through. We pulled in to buy the Romanian vignette (road tax) on our phones and then carried on down the road. Unlike Ukraine, where the villages are spaced out with lots of farmland in between, Romania seemed to largely have villages built where ever there was a road, so you just went from one village to the next with no space inbetween. The meant that the first 20 or so miles were slow progress, limited to 50km/h. Eventually we got into a bit of free space, and were able to carry on on some really nice roads again, climbing back up the mountains. Our next stop was Barsana Monastery, which is home to some of the tallest wooden buildings in Europe, including the church at 57m tall. It was pretty much on our route, and was absolutely beautiful. We drove on to our camp spot for the night and set up next to a river just as it was getting dark. The next day we had a hostel booking in Brasov so we could wash ourselves and our clothes, but it would have been rude not to take a peak at Bran's Castle (Often thought to be Dracula's Castle (although it really isn't but still looks about right anyway)). It was massively touristy, and completely rammed, and quite expensive, so we took a walk down the road and climbed a hill where you could get a good view of the outside instead. On the next leg of the drive, Chris was leading in his MX5, and I couldn't stop watching it and thinking how thankful I was for the quantum dampers in my car. His car was being thrown all over the road, despite having some pretty decent HSD dampers on it, where the Westie wasn't struggling at all. It actually got to the point where he had to pull in for a break to get out of the car for a few minutes. We adjusted his damper settings to be a little bit harder which improved things a little, but he was still not having a fun time with some of the bumps. It really made me appreciate just how incredible these quantums are though. Even with fibreglass seats and a relatively light sprung mass, the fact that they just soak up the bumps so well really makes them worth the extra spend for me. We were feeling pretty tired by the time we reached the hostel, so after cleaning ourselves up, we went out for a meal rather than trying to cook something. The waiter at the restaurant also tempted us into trying some local plum based liquor which I'm sure contributed to the great night's sleep I had that night! That was needed, as we had a big day driving ahead of us the next day. You might have heard of it before since it was once called the greatest driving road in the world by none other than Clarkson, Hammond and May back in their Top Gear days... ...The Transfăgărășan Highway.

Testing the Mk2 ready for this weekends Mull rally. Access arranged at Dundrennan military ranges. (350 BHP 2.5 Millington engine) Enjoy! Dave.

Some great looking cars 👌 Here's a few ones from me...

Good Afternoon All, Yes it is I, Patrick from the Parts Department. Well how did all this come about... Joint AO... I wanted to be more involved with the WSCC and I asked, could I assist in any way with the local area meet. I messaged @Andy Banks - Chairman who discussed this with the board and@Rhett - Joint Black Country AO. It was agreed that I could come on board to assist and support with the local meets where possibly. Attending meets, arranging drives out on hot summer days and weekend jaunts into the black countryside. I have a strong interest in cars in general, always have, always will.. managing to secure a position at Westfield Sportscars was massive for me. To come to work everyday, do a job you enjoy and work in an industry which genuinely excites you is a rare thing. I have been lucky this year, worked many shows met enthusiasts, customers old and new. What is clear to see is the amazing support and cars that the passion all owners have. I have seen some stunning cars, many different models and engine types. I do not own a Westy at present however never say never. I love the cars, the drive, sound and way they make me feel. Let me get the birth of my first child out of the way and maybe just maybe... in the nearish future I'll have one.... possibly even build one to see what you guys go through. I'll keep this account seperate from the works account and generally I'll use it on weeknights and weekends, however if you ever need to contact me for parts you know where I'll be most days... I look forward to attending my first meet as a joint area organiser. Regards Patrick

Thanks Patrick you forgot the missing link!! Ian

Just finished the ally panels. Guess how many pop rivet tails there are. Nearest guess wins first prize, which is, of course, the tails. Magnetic dish not included. Thanks to Simon Gainey for the loan of his pneumatic riveter.

b*******, I’ll have to count them now.

well done both johns but especially the the winner of the championship .

What has been seen cannot be unseen, that'll teach me to click on a link! Welcome Paddy!

You’re not alone and I wish I’d not seen it either 😂

I'm keen if its the Sunday and dry. As Saturday i'll be watching the big butch rugby player kind on TV!!

I have just tried these heated cycle gloves for driving my Westfield today. They have a 2 year warranty. It is easy to toggle between power modes by simply pressing the red button. They came with 2 rechargeable batteries that are 7.2V 200mAh Li-polymer batteries that provide 5-6 hours run time. On max power they heat to 50-55 degreesC for 2-2.5hrs. Primaloft Gold insulation provides the thermal insulation and breathability while being thin enough to maintain the dexterity for driving (or cycling too). The batteries are charged through a USB cable, a full charge taking 6 hours and sit neatly in a pocket on your wrist, weighing 70g each.The gloves are waterproof. It has been 13 degrees ambient temperature today, not the coldest of days, so I have started off on level 3 and turned them off as I got hot. Can't wait to try them when it gets really cold, so far I am impressed. They were purchased from Cotswold Outdoor in Bakewell where the sales manager emailed me a receipt to back up the paper one, saying 'just bring them back within 3 years if you have any problem and we will replace them' (the box says SEALSKINZ 2 year guarantee). They replaced my broken compass last year without delay, so I will give them a top rating for customer service. Showing the battery attachment Charging the batteries They come in a box, when did anyone last buy gloves that come in a box

Banksy is an amazingly talented artist and has a history of re-painting old masters pieces like constable (adding police tape and CCTV cameras) to portray his message. He decided on the stencil approach as he began his mural work in train yards and other public places so had to find a way to paint extremely quickly without detection. The stencil work is merely one of his styles but is in no way an indication on the limits of his talents as an artist.

... and now, the end is near ..... in fact, it's all over. I'd like to be one of the first to congratulate John Hoyle for provisionally winning the 2019 Northampton SpeedSeries (see below). Not sure how he did it, it's not like he's fast or anything 😄 😄 Please note: If all competitors can check their score and let either myself or Terry know of any anomalies, we would be very grateful. These results are provisional for the next 7 days, once this is passed, they will be made final. Results of the last two events are linked below. Anglesey (R36) - Sat Results Anglesey (R37) - Sun Results Overall results Tiggs

Anglesey and all seasons pics taken by Anthony Mitchell are now posted in the gallery

Yes. Well done John H on winning the Championship. Superb driving as always. A very worthy Champion.

Well done John (H) and you John for the number on the car.

I'll be there as long as I'm not Billy no mates 😀

Looks great by the way 👍

Now sorted, as you were 😊

😳 ’kinell...

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Thanks very much I'm pleased with my maximum 1010 I know, I know - the other John

Yes, apologies Ian.. Many thanks for helping me obtain the role.

Great news Patrick, really good to have you onboard! As a relative noob myself, there is loads of help, just ask, BUT be prepared for the truth as well - it’s normally hilarious!

ok have a go at barnsley you lot yes we have got electric mainly for the criminals to fry them in in a chair I used BLAZE WARE gloves and inner gloves in my ten year paramotoring in winter and also in my first kit car they were very good with similar powere buttons I think they are lipo batterys I have always had had problems with cold hand and feet so I also put a pair of inner heated gloves on as well as flying around at 2000 ft in winter you needed them you had a mains charger or a car charger for recharging have a look at the site they do alsorts of body warming stuff as well I think the more amps hr they are the warmer they are as well as lasting longer ian bagpuss will maybe tell you more about the whats amps etc I have also used this last couple of years some of the handwarmer/ feet warmer in a t bag form they last about 5 hrs and are very warm to put down your gloves and boots they are usally about £ 1 a pair from cheep shops and the same make from camping shops are about £4 I have also had the re boil ones when you crack a disk in the middle of the gel / pad but they are rubbish lasting around 30 mins then you boil in a pan of water to reset them any body wants to know any more detais please let me know as I have tried all sorts for flying with

fair play for stepping up mate

Congratulations Patrick

I doubt it. You clearly don’t know what most AOs get up to, but you’ll soon find out. Well done Patrick

Well I think we are ready for it, the 3 pin socket has been fitted, just need a bit of advice on what to connect it to 🤣 @Barnsley John if it is a success, perhaps you could get one for your car, be the first in Barnsley to have electricity!!! 😁 😀😀😀 oh groan, the cleaning has been done and the mucking around starts

Looks great, what was the cost if you don't mind me asking? My engine's in bits at the moment, so have the opportunity to do it. Steve

Was a fair trek in one day and mostly dry - the new £20 hood helped though

Wow! Looks brilliant Mark.

Can cover fitted back this afternoon

Looks fantastic but do check on the underside for blasting medium trapped in any baffles or crevices, any doubt -- wash it out. We have a member that lost his engine due to grit circulating the engine after a sand blast of his cam cover

I think it looks good. Makes a change from the standard black. Now got me thinking about looking into doing mine

I think that looks very smart.