Border Reivers 2000

It was a great run to Edenhall, our home for the next 3 nights, arrived in the car park and 30 seconds later were joined by Huw & Sonia in their startlingly low Ram Cobra. The fun had begun. A leisurely bath later saw us downstairs to rendezvous with the gang comprising 16 cars, old friends and new, and everyone set on the same objective: to enjoy the cars, people, roads and scenery. The Edenhall Country Hotel was a wee gem, with food so good and plentiful we were groaning by the end of our stay. The route book was well laid out with ample directions so no one could get lost. Could they? Each day had it’s own theme from “Humps and Bumps” (Huw grounded that Cobra 28 times! Is this a record?), to “Chocs & Crocks” (more to eat!), “Border Patrol”, “Teddy Bears Picnic” to mention a few. There were certainly loads of places of interest and things to see. The Sunday saw us frantically rummaging through our luggage for summer clothes as the sun came out with vengeance. Heading for Brough across the local army range was a surreal experience. It’s a bit unnerving to be driving along and come across vehicles abandoned at the side of the road full of bullet holes. Was this really Cumbria? Spectacular views across Swinhope and Westernope Moors brought us to Allenheads for lunch.

Or at least for some of us. The phrase “first is last” certainly applied to Lorna & John on this occasion. Just mention No. 51 to them and watch the reaction. A final thrash over Hartside brought us home ready to eat. Monday was supposed to be a gentle day. We did a bit of shopping in the travelling Light Shop in Morland. The husband/ partner lay- by outside the ladies changing room was a bit rowdy but good- natured, even in the face of severe credit card provocation. Lunch at Wetheriggs pottery and a tour for some saw John & Lorna depart. A breakaway group decided to have a jaunt to Hexam to look at the TVR dealership. This involved another negotiation of the infamous Hartside Pass. They do say practice makes perfect, and the run back was a hoot.

Tuesday was a raid into Scotland for lots of sampling of the Woollen Mill fare. This was when Bill decided that he was going to avail himself of the pressure washer on the garage forecourt while the rest of us went shopping.

This definitely beat the bucket and sponge approach. Wednesday saw us getting well into car and partner swapping as we headed for Duns and the Jim Clark Memorial Room. With the weather still holding, we had lunch at Paxton House and then a tour. The afternoon trip saw us skirting the East Coast with fabulous views of Lindesfarne and Bamburgh before we arrived at the picturesque little hamlet of Warkworth and the Sun Inn. This was to be our home for the next three nights and saw us joined by Tony & Iris and Keith & Anne from Edinburgh Thursday saw us skirting the Kielder Forest and doing a little more retail therapy at the Otterburn Mill shop. I don’t think they had any bargain chamois left, especially after Aleck bought several dozen (or so it seemed). No wonder his Triumph 2000 gleamed so much. The rain caught up with us a bit here, but it could not dampen our good spirits as we headed back for yet more food and an impromptu quiz. This really sorted the men from the boys. Friday was the home run and our final farewells at the Punch Bowl at Edmundsbyre. I think the caterers thought they were providing for 300 not 30, but it was still delicious. As a surprise we were greeted by Susan Smith who brought the Jag, which evoked strong memories of last year when she and Trevor thrashed around Scotland with us. It was great to see her looking so well . It was great tour, superbly organized by Bob & Mary and Jo & George. Our heartfelt thanks go to them; they certainly did us proud. The even better news is that the proceeds (total to be advised) will go to the Rainbow Trust, Hexam. This tour will be a hard act to follow and we eagerly await the next Polar Bears venture 

Bill and Karren Niven.