Yorkshire Gathering

Yorkshire Gathering - The Heather Run, UK 2010

Six Costellos amongst the pink heather of the North Yorkshire Moors. L to r: Harry Irvine's Roadster, David Wiggins' GT, Laurie Way's Sebring GT, Lawrence Wood's Roadster, Andrew Johnson's CGT, Helen Massey's Roadster

Posing on the set of "Heartbeat". L to r: Laurie Way's Sebring, David WIggins GT, Harry Irvine's Roadster

Meticulously organised by Richard Fairclough and his daughter Helen, and based at the picturesque former fishing village of Runswick Bay, this gathering during the weekend of 3rd to 5th September was deemed to be a resounding success, despite a couple of conspicuous absences. Those who made it were:

Helen Massey - MkI Roadster (Wakefield)
Lawrence Wood - MkI Roadster (London)
David Wiggins - Mk I GT (Staffordshire)
Harry Irvine - Mk II Roadster (Leicestershire)
Laurie Way - Mk I Sebring GT (Hertfordshire)
Andrew Johnson - MGC GT (Rutland)
Roger Cook - Mk III GT (Bath)
Brian Perry - Mk III Roadster (Yorkshire)

The Heather Run, as we chose to call it, could hardly have been bettered, consisting as it did of some 80 miles of wonderful and involving roads, snaking through the North Yorkshire Moors and along the Heritage Coastline. Morning tea was taken in the village of Goathland, better known now as Aidensfield from the TV series Heartbeat. From there it was up over the Moors, taking full advantage of the fabulous weather and plenty of photo opportunities, followed by a hearty lunch at the Blacksmith's Arms in Lastingham. All the cars performed perfectly and it was a treat to see and hear them, line astern, twisting and swinging along such challenging roads. It was a reminder (if any was needed) of what great 'driver's cars' these Costellos are. Late afternoon coffee back at the Fisherman's Institute in Runswick Bay provided a chance to take stock of the drive and the locale, and a great day was concluded with a delicious pork roast at the quaint Royal Hotel.

Unfortunately, Roger wasn't able to bring his 5-litre GT - on the eve of the event the car suffered a fuel pick up problem which could not be fixed in time, therefore rendering all 345bhp immobile. A rather more important, and very regretful absentee was Ken himself, unavoidably detained by a family bereavement. God willing, he says, he'll be at the next gathering and he extended us every good wish for this one.

It must have worked, because a very good time was had by all. Six Costellos gathered on the Saturday morning in brilliant sunshine overlooking Runswick Bay. Richard had prepared very professional navigation packs, which were presented to us along with generous goodie bags brimming with Yorkshire delicacies, and a handsome plaque commemorating the event.

Sunday saw a dash across more sweeping Moorland roads to Sledmere House near Driffield, and to an MG rally organised by the Yorkshire branch of the MGCC. We had been invited to show our cars in a dedicated Costello display area, where they were much admired. Particular plaudits went to Brian Perry, who joined us at the event with his truly immaculate rubber-bumper Mk III Roadster.

During the drive, Andrew Johnson discovered that Roger Cook was not the only one with fuelling problems - one half of the double-header SU fuel pump in his MGC GT packed up and he only just made it to the event. Fortunately, Laurie Way was able to provide a solution by fitting the car with an alternative spare pump he happened to have with him. Drivers also took the opportunity to swap useful technical information, not only between each other but also with interested passers-by.

The drive home took up to 7 hours for some, but all cars reported in safe and sound. Another successful Costello Gathering completed. We look forward to the next gathering of Costellos, planned for Springtime in 2011, destination most likely to be the Ardennes region of Belgium. Another event in the UK later in the year will happen with the location yet to be determined.

Enjoy the slideshow below, or click on the window and then "Full Screen" to see the pictures fill your computer screen.