I can be sure that on Tuesday 19 August, Area 22 drivers were out with the bucket and sponge making their cars ready for the next day. Of course, the sun would shine....it has done every day for the past month. How wrong can you be .. low cloud and drizzle which turned to rain was the order of the day when 18 cars arrived at Tortworth Estate Farm Shop for the start of the Drive for Rory 2025 event.
However, in true Area 22 style, spirits were high as we stood in the car park for the inevitable confused briefing session; which team am I in, how do I change the channel on my radio, will there be anywhere to stop for a wee?
Questions answered the Blue Team led the way, with the “whites” following on. Heading towards the Severn Bridge there was a gleam of hope in the sky … “enough blue to patch a sailor’s trousers” my Mum used to say. Into Wales, the sky cleared and out came the sun!! By Chepstow the “whites” were already a car down .. very confusing these roundabouts! We pushed on north up the Wye Valley towards Monmouth, right foot hovering as we came up against Fred and Mary heading for Lidl at 27 mph. The shoppers’ traffic jam allowed me time to lower the top on the Volante and hazard Sandra’s hairdo... do I care he boldly said. It was then a clear run up the hill to Staunton and the Forest of Dean. I have attacked this hill many times in a Caterham, in a DB11 the road looks much narrower and the corners more acute. Maybe age brings caution? It was a good run through Coleford and past Cinderford to enjoy the fabulous view over the Severn Valley to the western edge of the Cotswolds in the distance.
We stopped at the White Hart Inn on the banks of the Severn, some partaking of tea, coffee and cakes, others a sneaky pint and crisps. Within the hour, the “blues” left for the Classic Motor Hub, some creating more noise than others, it must be said …. This exhaust cost me a lot of money, and you are going to enjoy it! North following the river, meandering past the speed cameras, we came to Gloucester and on to the biggest traffic gamble in the north Cotswolds ... the road works at Air Balloon. If you allow for a five-minute delay, it can take sixty; this time we sailed straight through! Turning right at Seven Springs, doubling back on Welsh Way we were heading north on the Fosseway towards our destination.
Parking at the side of the Classic Motor Hub, as we have done many times before, it was a sight Mr Stroll could be proud of; gleaming Astons ringing the car park. But of course, we were here to see the children of CALM and this we did. For those reading this and wondering what CALM is, it is the very local charity Children Achieving Lifelong Movement, the chosen charity of Area 22. These are children who are receiving on-going practical support to do what it says on the tin and who, for whatever reason are not supported by the National Health. Rory, in his inimitable manner, steps forward at every opportunity and is a fantastic example of what can be achieved in three short years! Several children were present together with their parents, all proudly sporting their new Aston Martin badged caps. It was a pleasure as always to meet them. During the excellent Afternoon Tea, Andrea talked us through the work of CALM and the practical work carried out by Alex from Cotswolds Health and Fitness Club. It was also inspiring to talk to parents who simply said that without CALM their family problems would be virtually insurmountable.
Before I go, I should like to thank Rich for the huge amount of work he put into developing the route, Ray for managing the whole event and of course Andrea, without whom there would be no event! The final sum achieved I do not have at this time, but it is certainly north of £2250.
Thank you to all who supported this event, CALM and Area 22. See you next time!
Andrew