THE EASTERN REGION EASTER RUN 9 APRIL 2006

Someone is going to notice soon, we really must stop meeting like this! Yes, once again Beacon Hill Services saw a meeting of the Eastern Region of the MX-5 Owners Club as we gathered in the spring sunshine ( I think the sun was out, although it was still pretty cold… ) for our first genuine authentic proper ER drive of 2006.

The plan was to head down to Felixstowe for a stroll on the prom which is a journey of about 20 miles but I had decided on a slightly less direct route, of about 90 miles, which on the way would take in some of my favourite sections of Suffolk road, and with the bonus of some nice scenery.

Thankfully as it was a local run the planned departure time was a nice and sensible 10.00am on this occasion and, almost on time, 23 5’s finally left the services to head off into the Suffolk country side.

Just to get people wondering what they had let themselves in for the first part of the route was North along the ever so exciting A140 heading for Norwich and even included the chance to drive past a speed camera at 30mph! Shortly after this however we turned off at Stonham and hit the twisties. Apart from about 200 yards on the A12 after 36 miles of driver’s roads later we arrived at Dunwich for our first scheduled stop. At this point we were up to 26 cars and after a short stop and some essential maintenance which involved the removal of a dead bird from Robbie’s radiator we headed off again. The second part of the route took as along the coast at Thorpness and Aldeburgh then back in land via Snape, and Tunstall Forest where we had an unscheduled stop so we could all catch up and cause a little bit of traffic chaos for a few unsuspecting drivers (sorry!).

Passing through Woodbridge, Martlesham and then east along a short section of the A14 we eventually arrived in Felixstowe and parked up on the north cliffs car park to regroup once again. The Eastern Region then cruised the length of Felixstowe sea front finishing at the south end of the resort. After a bit of bonnet lifting and more chat we all headed off along the front in search of food with most of us eating chips whilst sitting on the prom.

I enjoyed my day out and I hope everyone else did as well. I think we have got the hang of this drive thing now, as we all seemed to end up in the right place at the right time despite half the convoy taking a sneaky short cut somewhere near Dennington! Thanks to everyone who turned up, see you at the next run. © Martin Curtis