I hope the tide is in at Blakeney ! 

(a Rumble report)                      

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Bears travelled from all over the country , heading for “Bear Hall” in deepest mid-Norfolk.  The more than full entry of 33 cars saw members from Edinburgh, London and all points in between endure heavy rain and traffic as they wondered just where they were heading for!

Smiles and greetings all round as more descended …and the staff were kept busy bringing out pots of coffee and cream teas on demand.  Pat and I set up the Bears-Reception-Desk and a steady flow of Drivers came up to Sign-On.  It was great to meet ’old’ friends and new and somehow we missed the cream tea and each ended up with a glass of white wine .

The atmosphere was so relaxed at “Bear Hall” (Broom Hall Country Hotel, Norfolk) and the Staff also so friendly and helpful ………..we had the place to ourselves ….it really was “Bear Hall”. This and two other hotels very close by were all full of Bears!  Also, for the benefit of real ale drinkers …. .my request was granted and beers from the Icini and Brandon local breweries were brought in specially for us.  Groups gathered in the Rose Room bar and in the spacious Lounge.

Our party of 69 filled the Dining Room to capacity.  Great food and company …the scene was set.  I gave a short speech at the end of the meal, finishing with : “This is the Plan  -  ENJOY  -  and make it work !    Thank you.”                 Now for a nervous sleep before tomorrow.

1) Hugh & Sonia (SLK)   2. Tony & Iris (MGB)   3. Andy & Pip (Porsche Boxster) 4.Greg & Hilary (SLK Merc.) 5.Nigel & Sheila (MG Midget)  6. Ian & Cindy (Porsche 993) 7.Derek & Pat (Jaguar E-type) 8. Bob & Mary MG TF) 9. Brian & Lynda (Triumph TR3A) 10. Chris (Lotus Elise)  11. Colin & Heather (Volvo C70)  12. Yvonne & Dave (Toyota Celica)  13. Mick &Jan (Mazda MX5)  14. Nev & Liz (Toyota Supra) 15. Glenn & Shirley (Honda S2000) 16. Pete & Kathy (TVR T350C) 17. Phil & Elaine (Alfa Spider) 18. Kevin & Sandy (MGB) 19. Boo & Don (MG RV8) 20. Mike & Caroline (Lotus Elise) 21. Paul & Ruth (Austin Healey 3000) 22. Aleck & Rosemary (Triumph 2000) 23. Marian, Dean & Bridget (Rover 100)  24. Peter & Alison (Lotus Elan) 25. Andy & Natalie (Mini Cooper’S’) 26. Phil & Sally (Lotus Elise) 27. Mick & Wendy (Lotus Elan) 28. Jo & Fred (BMW Z4) 29. Paul & Susan (Cobra) 30. Paul & Kerry (Porsche Boxster) 31. Bob & Carol (Sherpley Sports) 32. Alistair & Sylvia (Jaguar XJS) 33. Keith & Sue (SLK)

Coffee at Orford Quay …so nice to see the tide in ….sunshine, a wonderful Autumn day.

They all headed  off at intervals along the planned route, whilst Pat and I took the organisers short-cut to arrive at the lunch stop 15 minutes ahead of the pack.  The Anchor at Walberswick (just a few minutes walk from the beach) ….the Barbecue was all set , the cars arrived at intervals and parked on the lawn and in the orchard! They did us proud ….excellent home made burgers, sausages and salads.  Some walked along the beach whilst others enjoyed being engrossed in conversation and relaxing in the pub garden.

So relaxed were they that a subtle reminder to the early arrivals that perhaps they should be thinking about departure met with a few smiling groans.  Pat and I made a quick exit, anxious to make the next stop ahead of the 33.St.Peter’s Brewery and the Hall ………the pack are running about 15 minutes late by this time and I have a word with John about the “Talk & Taste”. The plan was for a 45 minute session (x2) but since he is able to adjust to suite, we agree on 30 minute sessions with the accent more on taste while talking and involving a couple of Bear helpers to pour the sample beers.

The gang arrive in stages and fist T&T gets underway whilst others go for Coffee in the grand old Hall.  Later they swap over.    Crowded for John (his normal congregation is 4) who talks of one beer being “6.5 on the richter scale”. You may have seen this bottled beer in your favourite supermarket but on draft it is only available here in the Hall and at one venue in London .

Fast forward to “Bear Hall” : Suitably refreshed , the Bar and Lounge are full of Bears talking of their adventures and at Dinner the volume is even louder than Friday.  Food is excellent and the tables of 7 just made everyone change tables at each meal.  Secret prepared, we were ready to surprise the two birthday girls.  After a very short speech to say Happy Birthday to Liz and Sally …the staff brought out the candle-lit cakes and we all burst into the song ………both  were totally surprised !

 It’s Sunday morning.  All start as before but this time heading for the contrasting countryside of Norfolk.  Pat and I take the short cut, we should arrive after the first batch at Blakeney  for coffee and a walk around the harbour area.  We round the corner approaching the harbour front ….strange, the boats are not usually so visible above the harbour moorings …… SHOCK …… it’s a high Spring Tide …..and our planned car park is under water?!

Early arrivals had to divert t the village hall car park because at that time the sea was on the road!  Within some 15 minutes there was room to park a few cars ….the tide rushed out and after another 30 minutes there was room for all the remaining cars to park.  A shock for the organisers but all smiles for the Bears who all seemed to enjoy the surprise …a real visit to the Norfolk seaside!

 They journeyed on and Pat and I headed back to base camp . Bears returned in small groups and by 1.30 pm lunch there was just one car missing …the Lotus Elise of Mike and Caroline McSean. Applause as they arrived soon afterwards.

Cutting to the end now : excellent lunch, quiz results, speeches, trophy presentation by Bob to Mike & Caroline, farewells begin as some start to depart, photo outside of “ the last to leave” ……..it’s all gone quiet.    Last look at “Bear Hall” and we head for home .

 Chris Glasbey