Midland Centre Peak Weekend
Report by Sandra and John Leyland, Event Organisers

You don't want to know! - the answer given when asking about the weather conditions at our destination for the weekend, the Hilton Moorside Hotcl in the Peak district. With just two days to go I was contemplating the newly acquired water garden where our lawn used to be, surely there cannot be any more rain left to fall!

Friday morning dawned dull but dry, (my prayers were answered), we set up the Healey desk in the hotel foyer and awaited the arrival of the participants. Notable events during the day included a wedding and a wake!, with two more weddings planned for the Saturday - I resisted any comments about three weddings and a funeral. By late afternoon most of the group had arrived, after booking in some headed straight for the bar, the more energetic going for a swim, others visiting local attractions, Robin thoughtfully provided 'the desk' with two enormous glasses of wine, (lost track of what happened after that).
Pre-dinner drinks preceded an excellent meal in the Courtyard restaurant, an informal evening followed, renewing acquaintances and generally enjoying the company, the usual culprits ensuring the bar staff remained fully occupied into the early hours!
After a hearty Saturday morning breakfast it was time for the Healeys to head for the hills and dales, a scenic trip through Macclesfield Forest providing a gentle start to the day, the rest of the morning run took the crews over Hoo Moor, Short Edge, Rushup Edge, Main Tor and through the Vale of Edale, it was noted that 'unsuitable for motors' road signs do not apply to Healeys when John plans a route! In fact some 'locals' had been taken along roads even they did not know existed!

Following lunch at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn a scenic drive along Derwent Dale and the Ladybower Reservoir was followed by a dash over the Snake pass before returning to the moors, the countryside reverberating to the sound of Healeys at work. (magic!) The days run was rounded off with a visit to Lyme Park where we could unwind with a leisurely visit to this grand old house, and in between showers, admire the extensive gardens and grounds.
After an excellent dinner on Saturday evening a 'Cornish auction' was held (idea stolen unashamedly by the organisers from HDC's Dawlish event!), much interest being expressed in the car valet kits - probably due to the incontinent tendencies of the local sheep -and the many other items generously supplied by those companies acknowledged in the event programme, and the participants themselves. The bar staff again enjoyed full employment to the early hours courtesy of the Austin Healey Club!
Sunday promised a more gentle run, hills and scenery most definitely remaining on the agenda with a run through the picturesque Goyt Valley, over Goyt's Moss and across Axe Edge Moor to Dalehead, Upper Edge and on to Hartington for a morning coffee stop and walkabout. Phil Browns 100 took such a liking to Hartington it refused to leave until persuaded to do so by the local garage, Phil and Marjorie did find a very nice local B&B and were still there when John and I drove through on Monday -another opportunity for a drink and chat!
The remainder of the Sunday run took the cars through Millers Dale, Tideswell Dale and on to Monsal Head, stopping at Castleton for another wander and a trip down the Peak Cavern for the more adventurous. A final run through Winnats Pass and a return to the hotel for Sunday lunch provided a fitting end to a great weekend where the emphasis was on driving your car! - isn't that what they're for?