February 12, 2006, saw Microcar and Small Car enthusiasts blowing the cobwebs off themselves and their family jewels, their treasured transports of delight, and heading for the inland Port of Goole, near the frontier between East and West Yorkshire.

They came from all points of the Compass, from Scarborough in the North-East, Harrogate in the North-West, Hull in the far East, and even from London, which is apparently in the Deep South, a part of Yorkshire which I have not yet visited.

The venue was the showrooms of C D Bramalls, main Ford Dealers of Goole, where our hosts made us very welcome with warm surroundings and hot drinks and immaculate toilet facilities and some balloons. 

Being early February, it was not surprising that the weather was somewhat February-ish but it was neither cold nor damp enough to deter those who were intent on meeting their old pals and making new ones.

Our cars lined up in pride of place, right in front of C D Bramalls main showroom windows and presented a variety of solutions to the theme of economical transport.  The menu of entrants/combatants was ....

Terry and Carol in Isetta
Mark Fisher and Connor in Isetta
Kevin the Scarbarian in Isetta
Ray and Jenny Dilks in Heinkel
Gary and Carol in Heinkel
Brian and Steve in NSU Prinz
Dave and Arlene in Fiat 126 decapotable
Chris Larkin (from London!) in Fiat 126
Dante Giacosa (I think) in Fiat 500
Phil Tetley in Berkeley T60
Mike and Paula from Microcar Museum in DAF
John J in Aixam
Mr X in Citroen Dyane
Three Reliants
and a Fiat Panda
Plus other notable micronauts in their everyday vehicles



All attendees were presented with a multi-purpose Event Memento. It was supplied with a genuine imitation gold necklace (string ). It was also magnetic so it could be easily affixed to a car in a prominent position, or taken home and used as a fridge magnet, or even shown off as a highly decorative necklet to ward off evil spirits. However, a Health and Safety announcement advised that, being a high-strength industrial magnet, those individuals fitted with pace-makers may have experienced unusual activity if the memento was worn on or near the chest.  Later, one of our lady visitors contacted me to say that her husband had ignored the Safety warning, with surprising consequences, and could she have another two ?? Well, whatever turns you (or him) on ....



At 12 Noon prompt(ish) we lined up and set off on the scenic drive through the former Coal-mining villages of South Yorkshire and the wide-open agricultural spread of North Lincolnshire.  The convoy progressed without incident and with only one unplanned halt when Phil's B(es)erkeley encountered a short change in its charging system.

After about 45 miles of pleasant villages and byways we arrived at our destination, Sargents renowned Ice-Cream parlour at Hibaldstow.  Here the assembled throng compared notes on the journey and sat in the warm, comfortable parlour and enjoyed the wonderful Ice-Cream Sundaes for which Sargent's are famous. Much pilfering of spoonfuls of delicacies from adjacent tables occurred, rather like a syrup-ticious Ice-Cream Swap Meet.

Comfortably before the onset of dusk, the group disbanded and headed back to their particular point of the Compass, bidding " Hasta La Vista " to old and new pals.

Attendance was only slightly down on the regular attendance of the last two years, and names of absentees have been noted and may be produced in evidence at a later date.

Carol and I thank to all those who braved the elements - it was only a bit of warm rain anyway - it may have dampened a few carpets, but it didn't seem to have dampened anyone's enjoyment.

Stay Bubbly

Terry and Carol Parkin

www.TerrysModelCars.co.uk

 

The below pictures were kindly supplied by John J, owner of the Aixam: