Norfolk Steam Car Tour 2010

Our hosts Vicki and Basil Craske.

On September 6th. 10:30 AM. 22 vintage vehicles began to arrive at Gunton's ancient sawmill. This heralded the start of The Steam Car Club of Great Britain's 2010 North Norfolk tour.

After a demonstration of the water powered sawmill, in glorious sunshine, the cars steamed off to park in front of Gunton Hall while drivers and passengers visited St Andrews Church, the private chapel built by Lord Suffield c 1786, designed by Robert Adam.

The sunshine continued on Tuesday as the cars visited Mannington Hall for a family history tour with Lord and Lady Walpole. Lunch at The Hunny Bell for some then on to the fairground attractions and workshops at Thursford.

Wednesday brought the vehicles to the landward end of the pier on Cromer seafront for a static display in aid of the RNLI. Over 1000 people turned out to see the cars while the drivers were allowed into "crew access only" areas and even onto the lifeboat upon the ramp. Thanks to Richard Leeds for this. From Cromer to TV presenter Eddie Anderson's "bungalow" in Northrepps, Eddie entertaining in his usual flamboyant style.

A short distance away to Nick Webster's transport collection with engines, cars, coaches and all sorts of memorabilia on display with tea and home baking kindly supplied by Nick's wife.

A visit to Muckleburgh tank museum on Thursday with a lunch stop for us at Cookies in Salthouse.

Friday morning poured with rain and we sheltered in the hotel lounge. Fate played it's hand here with the chance arrival of a treasure trove of letters and paperwork about Doble steam cars. Had the cars left on time this would have been missed! A late arrival at Wroxham Barns for coffee and cake then on to the stunning Gardens at East Ruston.

Each days routes took us through wonderful countryside, picturesque villages or along the dramatic North Norfolk coast road. A credit to the planning and orienteering skill of Vicki Craske with coffee stops, pub lunches and watering holes or hose pipes for the cars all detailed.

Wendy and I were lucky to spend the week travelling in Basil and Vicki's 1910 green Stanley. The car never missed a beat. The only delays were when Basil stopped to help a broken down steamer either by fixing it, towing it to safety or sending for someone to help recover it.

A lot of dreams came true that week, most of them mine. It was a privilege to be a part of The Steam Car Club of Great Britain's 2010 North Norfolk tour.

Thank you.
Russell and Wendy Yeomans. (New Members)

Crowds of people admire the seventeen cars in front of Cromer Pier with three out of sight.

What a line up!.

Cars arrive at Mannington Hall, home of Lord and Lady Walpole.

Traffic jam, as car pick up water from a stream.

A proud Barry herbert, with his Doble E22.

Stanley 726 owned by Bill Rich.

Line up of Stanley's, model 85, 72 and 'R' type.

Bob Ward and Rita having fun with his 1903 Stanley 'B'.

Click here for a fantastic set of pictures by David Doak.