Treasure Trail

The sun shone on the 10 cars (and 21 participants) that followed the trail on Sunday 30^th March.  Alan Lofty’s influence at the Rose & Crown in Tring again proved effective in serving-up a hearty breakfast before the “off”, where advantage was also taken to toast Sue and Mick Owen on the occasion of their 40^th wedding anniversary.  The breakfast was so good that a paying guest at the hotel was sent in to finish off what remained!

 

Cars set-off at about 2 minute intervals, armed with the written directions to be  followed, and questions to be answered, that led via Ashridge to Whipsnade Zoo, Markyate and Flamstead, and eventually to a well-deserved “pit-stop” at a garden centre on the A414 near St. Albans.

 

The “organiser” was a little concerned when the last car to set-off was the first to arrive at the mid-way stop, but it turned out to be just that Alan and his crew had avoided the reversing practice that others opted for in some of the single-track lanes south of Flamstead.      

 

Reinvigorated by refreshments and a browse through the shop, the trail was taken up again, touching on St. Albans, Wheathampstead, Codicote, Walkern and Hertford.  The “treasure trailers” finally came to rest at The Goat Public House at Hertford Heath, where drinks were had, tales were told and the scores tallied.  First prize was awarded to Maureen and Ian Seward, who were one point ahead of second prize-winners Ray and Irene Mason and Moira Ball.  A wooden spoon was presented to Maria and Chris Weightman (no shame in that!) and John Killip received a single unit of alcohol in a bottle (champagne) for his valiant attempt as a solo driver! 

 

The day was generally declared a success, particularly as the weather was so kind.

 

Peter