Hartley's Bistro atop the Mendips is proving to be a popular repeat venue for Area 4 members and guests. Whilst we were hoping for a cold crisp and blue sky day to justify a 'winter warmer' meeting, we were instead greeted by grey skies, steady and heavy rain and relatively a mild temperature. Hey ho!
That didn't deter 36 hearty appetites attending and, perhaps more impressively, 7 Astons (and a classic Jensen and Alfa Romeo) outside in the rain!
Above - Michael Pye's DB6 fronts an impressive display of Astons, despite the weather. DB7 Vantage Volante of Andrew & Gillian Fawkes, V8 Vantages of Matthew Maneely, Mike O'Grady and Chris Borrison. Just poking out is Ned Thorburn's V12 Vantage with the Pye's Jensen SP tucked away on the left and Graham Heane's GMR supercharged V8 Vantage on the right. Out of shot is Bob Carter's 1970 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV.
Above - Bob Carter manages to delay tucking in until after the pic was taken!
As always, Paul Hartley and his team did a wonderful job of keeping up with the demand for tea, coffee, toast and a selection of choices from the very varied breakfast menu. Thank you all!
This was the first event for new member Chris Borrison who brought along his V8 Vantage, acquired from Scotland last September (apparently, a most enjoyable journey home).
Another new (for us) V8 Vantage was that of prospective members Mike & Liz O'Grady. We hope that their 'try before you buy' approach to AMOC will yield a long and enjoyable membership to come. It seems that they had plenty in common with others on their table, so that's always a good sign!
It was also good to welcome Lex & Phil John who had driven all the way from Didcot to support our event. That's one way of working up an appetite!
Finally, thank you to all who attended from across the Area and made this event such a successful start to our social calendar for 2017.