2023 CHEPSTOW ROTARY - THE WYE RUN
Wow, what wonderful weather and perfect for the 21st Rotary Wye Run that the Chepstow & District Rotary Club staged on Saturday 29 April.
Well, it would have been if it had not been for the dense fog. Oh dear! There were a record 82 cars parked in their slots ready to go ….but no occupants.
Ah, yes, they were in the Chepstow Garden Centre munching away on their pre-run bacon sandwiches and mugs of tea to fortify them as they toured the counties.
What a wonderful line up of cars there were too. A 1935 Alvis Speed 100 stood next to a Standard Flying 10 and a Citroen Traction Avant. A clutch of Jaguars were parked close by including an XJ12, XJ40R, XK6, and a very rare e F Pace that was the 1988 Le Mans special edition together with a brace of E Types, an S Type and a XK150. Plenty of MG’s, Morgans, VWs and a Sunbeam Stiletto.
When did you last see one of those? A pair of Rolls Royce’s too one of which was heard to say “I planned to bring the Merc, but decided on this instead”.
As the smell of bacon eased the teams started their cars as their navigators started to panic. “How do I do this” and “I’ve never done this before” was heard as they oriented their ‘Tulip Diagrams’ that illustrate, in very simple way, what to do at the next intersection.
So, a fabulous range of treasured cars from the year 1935 right up to 1992. The Rotary marshallers in their dayglo surcoats ensured that the cars queued in age order with the old Alvis, with its vast headlights, in the lead. At the drop of the chequered flag each car departed on The Run.
This year the route began with a drive along the west bank of the Severn to Lydney and then off into The Forest to the first location of The Dean Heritage Centre.
Several cars stopped over here to learn more of our local woodland since many had never visited the area previously. The fog had been replaced by brilliant sunshine. Hoods were lowered and sunroofs opened as the weather continued to improve.
Next came a very wiggly route up to May hill and Newent to the celebrated Weston’s Cider Mill at Much Marcle. There was plenty here to quench your thirst, although most settled for coffee and cake.
Then back across the Wye Valley and on to the beautiful Goodrich Castle where the cameras came out on that sunny morning. As lunchtime approached it was noted that several cars were parked outside local hostelries where they were enjoying a leisurely lunch and a pint of something cool.
Usk was the next turning point, although the street market meant that teams had to follow the ‘diversion’ signs around the town centre. This small picturesque town is located in the heart of the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside and sits on one of the finest salmon fishing rivers in the country, the River Usk, conveniently situated only 10 miles from the M4 yet feeling a whole world away.
The final leg took them cross-country after which they dropped back down into the Wye Valley at Tintern where they finished at the Anchor Inn to be marshalled by those Rotarians in their Day-Glo jackets. It was clear that everyone had enjoyed the drive, the waypoints and meeting the other competitors. And they also spoke of the magnificent Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire and Herefordshire scenery that everyone had enjoyed.
All but one of the teams completed the 108-mile 2023 Wye Run and received their Finishers Certificates that included a photograph of their car starting the event.
After thanking the organiser, Rotarian Mac McCARTY, and the Rotarians for their efforts Rotary President, Paul Durant, then awarded the prizes.
Nigel Wilcox won the prize for the oldest car, after all his Alvis was built back in 1935, while the Presidents Choice was the most interesting 1956 Citroen Traction Avant Commerciale of Terrance McAuley. As a commercial variant designed to transport calves and sheep in the day, Citroen had thoughtfully included a hole in the floor to evacuate the liquides animaux. Craig Thompsons F Pace had driven 201 miles from Huddersfield to participate and he certainly deserved the prize for the furthest travelled.
The Ladies Choice, chosen by the Presidents better half , was awarded to the beautiful Riley RMF of Ian Whitehouse.
Much discussion, both social and technical, followed the 108-mile Run but all involved spoke of the great organisation, our beautiful location, the splendid cars and those narrow lanes.
The event was a great success with all profits will be donated to Rotary charities.
The 2024 Rotary Wye Run will take place on Saturday 04 May and so put the date in your diaries.
Christopher WILSON
