From July 2013

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The Watercress Line was invaded by Jowetteers on Sunday 26th May 2013
during the National Rally at Basingstoke. Some of us travelled by steam train from
Alresford to Alton return. The engine was Lord Nelson, a famous engine from the
Southern Railway. On the return journey we stopped off to look at the engine
sheds/workshops at Ropley before continuing. We met Alan Armstrong (owner of
January's 'mystery saloon') with his son Dicken at the station. They were soon chatting
about pre-war cars and being encouraged by Alan Bartlett and Peter Holden. While
visiting Hinton Ampner, we saw a super fire engine at a Classic rally being held there.
The sun shone for the Concours Day and it was good to see families enjoying
meeting up with Jowett friends from the past and others just met for the first time.
Thank you to the organisers for the hard work put in to give us some good days. The
Morrises travelled there with the Javelin full with Awards needing to be returned by
those not attending. John Airey and Di Trott also took some when space was running
out. Chris and Angela Cole arrived soon afterwards. On Saturday, we saw John and
Danuta Morgan busy with our Shop and Steph Benning (Aloe Vera). Meanwhile
Martyn and Maurice Benning and Peter Holden were working on the stationary
Industrial Jowett engine brought from Toddington. Martyn won an award for this. This
engine was first mentioned in June 2008 Jowetteer and then seen at Prestbury Steam and
Vintage rally in 2009 when, after work by the same team, the water pump was used to
help fill the tender of a steam loco.
On Monday, six Javelins were to be seen at The Vyne (a Tudor Mansion) so
the Jowett presence was still making itself known, following in the footsteps of Henry
VIII and Jane Austin. We saw a fourth-century ring which had an engraving linked to
a curse. It could have been the ring that inspired Tolkien. There was also a 600-year-old
oak tree. If only that could talk! Later, Don and Sue Bell left a notice on our car to tell
us they had found our camera on our car and were keeping it safe. Their mobile was
turned off when we tried it but a message was then passed on by Craig and Glenys Ainge
and Tim and Pauline Brown. Thank you all so much. Yes! The Jowett Car Club is
definitely... the Friendly Car Club!
Our Croquet Tournament will be on Sunday 18th August at Yate (BS37 4BU)
arranged by John Airey and Diana Trott (both qualified coaches). Bring a picnic and
meet at 12noon at Nigel and Linda Woodford's. Please let them know if you hope to
attend (01454 319186). Our next Thursday meeting will be on 18th July at 7.30p.m.
(arrive at 6.30pm. if you would like to join us for a meal beforehand at ‘The Huntsman
Inn’, Falfield on A38 near J14 of the M5 (GL12 8DF). All Jowett members welcome.
EVENTS
19th/20th/21st July - The Somerset Steam and Country Show, Langport TA10 9DR.
26th/27th/28th July Welland Steam Rally.
2nd-4th August – Glos. Steam Extravaganza at South Cerney.
11th August – Three Cocks Vintage Steam Rally, Hay-on-Wye.
25th/26th August - Bleneim Palace Festival of Transport.
26th August – Pershore Plum Festival & Classic Car Show, contact - Steph Benning.
28th August – 1st September – Great Dorset Steam Fair.
8th September – NEW - Tetbury Classic Car Show.