Well here we are then!! Well what can I say, this weekend has certainly got to be one of the best ever - yep we always say it, but this one was the absolute tops! First and foremost, many thanks to Gene as ever, for the top draughtsmanship and organisation, pointers with the accommodation (for those coming some distance) and for the complete surprises in store on the morning of the meet!!
I arrived at the hotel at about 12:40, the Saturday before then once I dropped my bag in, and sorted out the parking, I was soon on my way to meet up with the early bird forum members to the first pub, and it was great to catch up as usual and a nice first timer for me, stopping a night at a London meet.
After the rest of the hotel stayers arrived, we soon arrived at an enjoyable restaurant for a Ruby, with a few more drinks at the William Morris to round off the evening.
After a well earned kip, the morning had arrived, and once breakfast was finished, we were under instructions to be at Colet Gardens 9 am sharp; So once we got the squad motors sorted, it was off for the 15 minute run through the London Sunday morning traffic for the meeting point.
Then it was all made clear on arrival;
Firstly, it was a case of ladies first when our day took a turn for the very best when our special guest, the lovely Dawn Perllman arrived, with help from The Halo'd one himself - Saint.
It was immediately apparent that she had been looking forward to the day, and we were certainly glad to make her feel welcome, and she was amazing company all through the day!
Further squad members arrived about the same time, and nice to see 3 Litre for the first time on a meet - glad to have you with us!
Then a few minutes later everyone was watching something in the middle of the road - Why's that? 'Ere hang about, that looks like a Granada or a Consul in the far distance with its headlights on......... It's not is it? - It certainly was!!
Yep NHK295M for the first time had joined us and had made a return trip after nearly 5 decades to Colet Gardens where it was filmed for the opening titles, ably piloted by the long time owner and preserver, Mr Shifter!
So fantastic to see this car outdoors in the flesh on such hallowed ground, even if the first time I saw the car was over 3 years ago, but it was indoors just parked on display at the NEC then.
The work that has gone into her is just stunning, the interior is like new, and bodywork looks great and she sounded great! Hats off to Mr S, for saving and persevering with the car all that time.
So onto the locations. First it was Uverdale Road, where Carter chased Spooner down the street but couldn't get hold of him. ("Doesn't the Olympic selection committee know about 'im?!")
Then the derelict premesis where Carter went to do some sleuthing - thankfully still there and in use now. A bit of a further walkround the area, to see where some dialogue with R & C was filmed, then it was Lukey Sparrow's gaff; nice to see the house still kept nice and lived in.
Some views of the foot chase after Lukey scarpered from Rudd and his gang. One part of it at street level looks hardly recognisable now, although much also still remains round the corner, in the area where Lukey hides in the large dustbin.
Then it was time for the midday and early afternoon break at the bar at the nearby hotel, after parking at Brook Green, which was a nice chance to refuel with your desired tipple, and catch up with banter and business.
I did enjoy listening to Dawn about her career and anecdotes, not to mention that she took an interest in everyone she met too; hearing from out guests never fails to impress, as well as general chit chat, and great too that she was enthusiastic about meeting us all.
Thankfully the rain had stopped by the time we left the pub and it was time for the final location which was an occassion in itself, the Rix house, where some photo ops were taken, and we attracted the interest of a local neighbour who confirmed he was residing there at the time of filming!
Moving swiftly along it was time to see where Lukey makes his "getaway" in some woman's Mercedes convertible at the Hanger Lane junction.
Then a walk to the St Matthews Church, where we were privileged to be let in by the church warden (special thanks to him too) to see the interior of where the scenes for Lukey and Linda's wedding rehearsal was filmed (which then turned into an argument of course not helped by Mrs Rix....). Now looking magnificent, what "a joyous occassion" it was too with a couple of re-enactments!
After a quick looksee of where Rudd's Bentley picked up Spooner, we rounded off the evening with a look at the Tennis Courts where the gang turn up wanting to speak to Lukey and R & C arrive screeching round the corner in RHJ and then clobber Rudd's goons.
Well it was time to say a final goodbye to Dawn Perllman, after she had been terrific company all day, with her commentary on all the locations and she certainly added immensely to the meet too! Nice to get a hug from her too at the end!
And of course a nice round off to the day for many of us in the squad with the nosh at the Queen's Bonce which is always welcome.
So, I can't end the report without firstly a massive thank you to Dawn for her company, and to Mr Shifter for bringing that iconic car and to both for giving up their spare time to join us on the day, and for the benefit of a group of enthusiasts they had most probably had never seen before.
Massive thanks once again to Gene for the organisation, advice on the hotel, boozers, eateries, parking and routes and postcodes, arranging our visit to St. Matthews, and for our guests to attend, (4 wheeled too!) and printing the booklets. First class work as ever Guv!
Thank you too to Saint for being the Chauffeur to our VIP too.
Thanks also to all the other drivers and for Charles Bronson, Vienna and John Steed's company in the motor, and to each and every one of the forum members who attented, always great to see you all and I look forward to the next meet!