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2007 HOSPICE CHALLENGE
THE HOSPICE CHALLENGE 2007 - In aid of Hospice in the Weald
Sunday 3rd June 2007 - Photographs and Report By Melvyn Pettit
The Hospice Challenge 2007 is the fifth Touring Assembly for all makes of motor cars and enthusiasts that has been organised to raise funds for the Hospice in the Weald. This is the fourth we have attended, last year we were in France for the BMW Club Europa meeting.
This year the run started from the Hospice in the Weald, Pembury, Kent. Registration was open from 8.30pm to 10am. We arrive just after 8.30am, register and pick up the Rally information pack, which included: Route book, Godinton House leaflet, list of the 85 entrants, vouchers for refreshments at the Hospice and Chapel Down Winery, Voting slip for most desirable car, and last of all the Quiz questions.
After collecting our drinks and bacon roll, we sit in the marquee and look through the route book, which again is the Tulip Rally type. This is where the junctions are marked with a Dot, the direction you enter the junction and the Arrow is your exit. Each junction has a short description, mileage between junction in the next column and total mileage in the last column. Drivers briefing at 9.20 and we all welcomed to the event and reminded that there is NO element of race or competition in the event.
Therefore, after having a looking around the vehicles that had arrived, it was time to set of on the first leg of the route. This was 24 junctions, 30.8miles trip to the Chapel Down Winery, Tenterden, for a midmorning refreshment stop. Selwyn with Pauline as navigator took the lead, only three mistakes by them, so Sarah my navigator and I wait in the glorious sunshine admiring the Kentish countryside, until they catch us up! Selwyn explained as we drink our tea that he just wanted to make the route more interesting, yeah right! Therefore, after a refreshment break, some entrants purchase some wine, varieties of grape are Germanic, like Reichensteiner and Seyval Blanc. French varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it was time to make our way to Godinton house and Gardens near Ashford for our lunch time stop.
It was a short route only 12 Junctions, 14.9miles, Selwyn missed only one junction, because he was to busy looking at the horses or was it the pretty rider. Once we arrive at Godinton, we are marshaled to our parking area. On the long drive through the estate to the house we pass newly sheared lambs. As we approach the house the surrounding hedge is shaped to the same architecture as the Jacobean, compass gables added in 1620 by the great Captain Nicholas Toke. After setting up, we settle down for a relaxing picnic in the flaming June weather. Fill out quiz form (A-Z Country codes) and some Highway code questions.
In the excellent hot weather we have plenty of time to look around the Gardens. There are twelve acres (five hectares) of tranquil gardens at Godinton to be explored and enjoyed, Wandering through the gardens along broad gravel paths or across the neatly cut lawns (there are no 'Keep off the Grass' signs here). surrounded by parkland studded with stately oaks and chestnuts. But due to Pauline still on crutches, from her latest ankle operation, we only walk half the Gardens!
As we pass the front of the house, a small display of cars have been arranged, three wonderful condition Bentleys, 2 MGs, 1937 Alvis, 1926 Hupmobile, 1981 Jaguar Kougar, 1925 AC, and the magnificent 1972 Triumph Spyder, which is a replica of 1948 Ferrari Spyder. This hand built car has completed in the 2005 Monte Carlo Rally.
The modest entrance conceals the wealth of history and design at Godinton House. The Dining Room was re-modelled in the 1760's in high Georgian fashion, classically proportioned to make a grand entertaining room. A further step leads to the Great Hall, a magnificent medieval space with huge tie beam and crown post. The essence of Godinton is captured in the contrast of these rooms; an ancient house lived in by the same family for many generations, each adding and embellishing without removing the old.
The afternoon run back to the Hospice should have been 21 junction 31.7 mile trip. But due to short we take (by mistake) and one of the roads blocked due to road works on the bridge, we made it back following the diversion signs and Sat-Nav! We are waved in by the chequered flag, another run completed. Time for tea and cake, interviewed for DVD, and then the raffle, and prize giving. Tanyia Ignham events manager, presented the “most desirable car“ trophy to Lord Harris for his 1964 “James Bond” Aston Martin DB5. The event finished around 4.30pm.
Once again we have had a terrific day out, looked at some wonderful automobile machinery and enjoyed the countryside and helped raise £7,500 funds for the Hospice. Our thanks to Tanyia Ignham, Peter Emmerson and team for a well run event.
Hospice in the Weald website.. www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk
Click Picture for Hospice Run Picture album
