Norfolk and Norwich Group of Advanced Motorists
Registered Charity Number 1051282. Affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists Ltd.
Bank holiday ride outs are always problematic due to family commitments and the additional congestion on the roads and venues often leading to lengthy queues. We were scheduled to visit a cafe in Epping Forest but given the huge amount of activity that was taking place both locally and nationally the decision was made to do a local run avoiding the coast to finish up at the Swaffham classic car show where fellow NNAM members were manning the display unit.
Mel planned a 75 mile route with a comfort stop at the Parlour cafe adjacent to Binham Priory. Nine riders turned out at the Crown pub in Gayton so we split into two, with Dave P volunteering to lead the second group. Heading out towards Grimston we turned right to Massingham, this stretch of road is very picturesque and was a great start to what turned out to be a dry run all the way to Swaffham. Our stop for the compulsory coffee and cake was at the Parlour cafe that is housed in a converted 17th century and Grade ll listed barn. It contains a considerable amount of stone from the ruins of Binham priory and can seat 50 people comfortably both inside and outside. If the weather’s on your side it’s a nice place to sit outside to enjoy your meal.
We arrived at Swaffham around noon to join Keith, Pam, Ian C and Roly with a guest appearance from Soji. The show was compact with a good turn out of classic cars and vintage Japanese motorcycles. The compere was earning his keep trying to cajole people to join in the various games that were on offer. However we hadn’t been there long when the heavens opened and we were all glad of the shelter provided by the display unit. After about an hour of continuous very heavy rain the attendance had thinned considerably and as it didn’t look like abating we set off back. I had foolishly listened to the fine weather forecast in the morning so was suitably soaked when I got home. I don’t think I was alone.
Until the next time, keep it sunny side up
Cheers Dave C
