The Bull Inn, Chelsham.
Sunday 9th July
2023
Report by Chas Moody.
Three sets of road works
with temporary traffic lights in the short distance between Moody Towers
and The Bull Inn must be something of a record, but the Lancia Fulvia made
light work of Titsey Hill and my arrival wasn't much delayed. Malcolm
Editor and son Darren had already opened the gate to the common and parked
the '83 Audi 80 Sport in front of the Bull. Marion turned into the drive
just before me in her smart 1960 Morris Minor which allowed me to stop and
place a 'SVVS' direction sign at the turning as there is no sign to the
Bull due to local restrictions, environmental or moral one would ponder!
It was a treat to have two 'P' series Rovers present, Roger and Linda's
1962 P4 100 and the '69 P5B of Mike & Moira. Alex kindly gave me a
guided tour of the 1988 Alfa Romeo 105 Guilia Spider with its gorgeous two
litre twin cam engine while Gwendolin went to get their drinks - I think
she'd heard it all before! Neil's 1972 VW Chesil Speedster could easily
pass for a real Porsche 356 and attracted several onlookers, as did Dave's
1967 Commer camper van as he'd left the back door open to show the
interior facilities!
Gifford and Eileen made quite a dramatic appearance
in their 1937 Singer 9 Sports as the entrance to the field was
unexpectedly bumpy, but the car took it well. Don't make 'em like they
used to do they? Tony, Julia and son Gavin arrived later in the 1929
Chrysler 70 sedan having been to the Reigate display which had no doubt
netted several members who would normally have come to the Bull. Matt and
daughter Rachel completed the line-up with the 1929 Ford Model A V8
special and much banter ensued, mainly about old motor bikes that wouldn't
run properly!
John and Jane used modern transport as their Healey was
awaiting spring repairs and Tim arrived on foot having parked the Honda
some distance away and hiked over to join us. The Bull Inn is one of the
only venues that could accommodate every single SVVS vehicle, but we had a
lower turn out than last year, - only half the vehicles at 11! A most interesting and enjoyable gathering
all the same. Absence of our President was because he has become digitally challenged
by repairing his church rotary mower.
Please
note that the photographs on this page do not enlarge
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