Global Gathering & Gaydon
Show reports by Debbie Forster. Photos by Ian Garner, unless otherwise stated.
What could be better than going to a Land Rover show for the weekend? Going to two Land Rover shows for the weekend!
The first bank holiday in May marked the 1st anniversary of my first ever show event, and the first time meeting the Land Rover Life gang. So, it was no surprise that once again I found myself in the same field as last year at the Market Harborough Global Gathering.
The weather was fine, and setting up camp was a breeze. Best of all, the sun set over our line up of Land Rovers, showing them all off in a halcyon glow.
Above – The sunset look amazing over the Land Rover Life Club Stand – Photo by David Partridge
As well as Larry, my Disco 2 on the LRLife stand, there was a P38 Overfinch Range Rover, Minty the Series 2a, A Defender Puma 90 and a L663 Defender and a L405 Range Rover Autobiography too. Quite the mixed line up.
After an evening of catching up, listening to the Abba tribute band and enjoying a few drinks, we awoke bright and early for a quick jaunt over to Gaydon, who had their Land Rover show on the same weekend. Off we went in convoy – Blackberry the L663 Defender, the P38, and Larry at the back. Some of the roads on the way were little better than green lanes. They had grass growing in the middle, but we got there in the end without breakdowns.
Once parked up, there were plenty of other Land Rovers to see and explore. My personal highlights of the day include climbing into and sitting in a 101 Forward Control which had been converted into a hearse and finally getting to see HUE 166 in the museum. There was no shortage of other Land Rovers either, plenty of Range Rovers, Lightweights and Series. Discoveries and Defenders, and a fair few Freelanders as well. The best things about these shows, however, are the people. Everyone we spoke to was welcoming, friendly and eager to talk about the vehicles that they’re so passionate about and proud of. I have always found it a privilege to own my Land Rovers, and there is nothing better than speaking to like-minded people.
Above – This 101 was converted to be a Herse and what a quality job it is. Photo by Debbie Forster
Below – This Freelander Kalahari caught the attention of Hubby “Spare Dave”, and guess what? We are now on the hunt for a Freelander 1. Well two Land Rovers isn’t enough is it?
Above – This 1 Ton was one of the stars of the show and was restored by the man who drove it when it was in service!
Above – You may think this is just an early 4 Door Range Rover, but it is in fact the ONLY factory four door Monteverdi!
After a good look around, a cup of tea and a pastie, we headed back to Market Harborough for the evening. Another lovely time spent with good company, good vehicles and a barbeque to boot.
Left – Not sure about you, but I always find Tea tastes better in a Land Rover Life mug!
The weather on Sunday looked as though it was going to turn however, so we decided to pack ourselves up early. Those of you who camp know how annoying it is to pack away wet gear and have to get it out again at home, so we were keen to avoid that.
Before leaving however, I got to do something completely new. I got to drive Minty, a 1967 Ex-Military 109” Series 2a. Now, I have driven a Series before, but not one where you have to double de-clutch to change gear. I jumped in and off I went. Nothing crunched or ground, there was no stalling or horrid noises, and the jaunt around the field was pretty fun if a little bouncy. Those LWB leaf springs are not what I am used to. It did make me want to get on with Harriet, so I can bring her to shows next year – which won’t be a bad thing.
All in all, it was a fun weekend spent with the best company.
Above – Debbie is all smiles as she faces her first double de-clutch!