The Fox Revived, Norwood Hill - 28th August 2024
Report by: Tony Russell
Originally called The Fox, this historic pub was a favourite watering hole
for us back in the 'swinging sixties'. It was much smaller in those days
and featured a mangy old pipe smoking stuffed fox that sat behind the bar
clutching a tankard, the unfortunate beast was frequently 'liberated' by
the local rugby club, to be found elsewhere in the village, then meekly
returned the next day. There was also a rack of dusty old books in the bar…a
proper pub! The car park was full of cars of the day, Sprites, Morris
Minors and Ford Pops that decanted mini-skirted dolly girls with their
trendy boy friends in their flared trousers to quaff a few pre-breathalyser
pints of real ale at two shillings a pint...happy days!
There were no miniskirts or flared trousers to be seen when the SVVS held
our annual gathering here in August, but as of 60 years ago, the cars on
display truly reflected that bygone age of motoring. I counted about 40
classic and vintage cars ranging from Michael and Bridget's delightful
1913 Renault AX, David and Ben's 1931 Rolls 20/25, Alan's 1932 Austin 7
special, David's 1932 Austin 10, John's 1937 Austin 7 saloon, Chris's
Lagonda, Amelia's newly restored 1929 Amilcar CGSs. Mike's lovely MG TA
Airline coupe. right up to a fine selection of post war classics. All the
cars on show were presented to a very high standard, without doubt
demonstrating the owners love of their vehicles. Having said that, without
any favouritism, there was one that really caught my eye, Secretary
Peter's superb 1967 Daimler Sovereign 420, a rare and beautiful car.
Malcolm Bailey and Bozi were taking photos and Chas was busy distributing
the current club magazine while Nandi the PR Labradoodle towed Mrs PR
Officer around the field without rolling in anything disgusting!
Altogether an excellent gathering, nice people, nice cars, nice venue and
nice weather with a glorious red sunset to round off a perfect evening,
what could be better.
To enlarge photo please use the computer's Control+Scroll enlarge feature
|