The 2011 British Motoring festival took place in Windsor Nova Scotia once again and despite the weather, there was a great showing of some nice looking old and new British autos and motorbikes. This is the second year for this event and had the weather cooperated, this would have been the show of shows. There were cars from all over the Maritimes and miles further away. The tales spun about this show last year was heard as far away as New Jersey. The ground work was in place for an amazing show this year and I am sure the number of cars entered would have easily broke the 200 mark if the weather had been a tad better. Oh well. One's destination is at the end of a journey and this story is not only about the 2011 British Motoring festival, it's also about the journey that got us here and home again. It was an amazing weekend to say the least and this is the tale of a little British car club, the BCCCB's journey to a great destination.

This story starts out much like any another, we gathered at the Value Village parking lot and readied for our journey. The difference today is that Carol had an issue that needed to be dealt with and had to cancel at the last minute. Carol and her show winning Austin Healey was going to sit this one out. Carol did come down to bid us farewell but there was no twinkle in her eye, you just know that she wanted to pull the choke on that old Healey and light her up to join us on this great journey. Perhaps next time, as there is many road trips planned in the weeks and months to come.

Heading down the old number 4 highway is always a nice drive. I was in the lead for the better part when a quick pit stop was in order. I zoomed ahead thinking that I wouldn't have much ground to makeup in order to catch the group when I was done, I was right. It wasn't long when the line of cars were seen. Mixed in amongst out nomadic travelers were a few tractor trailers slowing everyone down.... perfect I thought. I started to pass the group one by one and came upon Bill and Susan. These two were decked out for the cool morning air and even the harsh suns rays, this shows that they enjoy their car as they as prepared for any weather that will be thrown  at them as they cruise at break neck speeds with the roof down.

It's not that I don't enjoy cruising at 80 and 90 K, I just enjoy 100 more, so the passing continued on the highway leading into Port Hawkesbury. Passing Arlene and Brian, Paula snapped this pic of them sitting back relaxing with the roof up, the cool air and harsh sun rays weren't going to ruin their day, they'll be fresh as daisies when they reach our destination tonight. No sooner did we get back in the proper lane when ahead we seen the dust from a car pulling over to the shoulder. What could this be?

Anita said Bobby's car overheated and wasn't charging. fan belt for sure. Good ole Bobby has a spare and with his ass stuck out close to the traffic lane, Bobby replaced the belt and was up and running in no time. I jokingly said to Joy that we may  have to braid her long blond hair to fashion a fan belt, I wonder would it work   Time to get to the Causeway and hook up with Peter and Sandy and their perfect Jaguar E Type.

This year the XKE Jaguars was celebrating it’s 50th anniversary and with the many choice Peter and Sandy had to take on this trip, they opted for the E Type to help the British Motoring Festival celebrate this event. I am sure Peter had his hands on the wheel of the Morgan saying "next time ole girl" but travelling in this great looking Jaguar wasn't a bad thing. I mentioned later on in the day, while I was leading the pack again, that when I looked into the mirror while the Jag was behind me, it looked like it was going to eat me, so I had better press the accelerator a little harder. See yah later Cape Breton. I believe it was 9 cars at this point as 4 other cars were joining us Friday night.

Some of the group decided on the secondary roads while a few of us stayed on the highway. I am sure the secondary route was nice but the highway wasn't a bad run either, we even had time for a great meal at Boston Pizza in Antigonish. It was noon at this point and the sun was hot, the air conditioned restaurant sure was a refreshing stop for an hour. I took a picture of us relaxing in the restaurant when a customer came over and asked if I would prefer she take the picture of the group..... sure I said and sat in with the crew. What a nice gesture, and she didn't run off with my camera. The young lady must have been a Cape Bretoner for sure.

I knew you would never believe me, so I asked Paula to take a picture of Don with his top up. This is rare indeed. For me to have the top up while Paula is with me is normal but for Don, well, he must be a tad under the weather. The truth be told, driving in a convertible for many hours under the hot sun can take it's toll on the body, I for one think this is a wise move. Our next stop was the Old Barns United Church, where we waited patiently for the other to catch up. Here, the air was cool as the wind came across the Bay of Fundy, time for Don to drop the top again as we readied ourselves for the run around the Noel Shore along the Fundy coast. Again, we waited patiently.

Yup we waited, I called Bobby to see how much longer before they hooked up with us at the Old Barns Church, 10 Minutes he said. Tic-toc. 10 minutes lead into 35 minutes, they stopped at a Bar, a Dairy Bar. Barc said you have to stop for ice-cream while out driving in an old British Car, it just goes together. oh well, they'll get there when they get there I guess.

We entertained ourselves while we waited, we were even entertained by a flock of ducks as they crossed the road. The Vehicle compliance officer even had is emergency lights on to warn of danger so no one would hit the ducks. No sooner had the ducks past when from a distance the road of a British Spitfire could be heard cresting the hill, the gangs all here. Time for the last leg of today's journey.

Finally, a place called home, for a few days anyway. The Downeast Motel is where we laid our heads this weekend and we liked it so much, we booked it again for next year. Oh it felt good to sit out and relax and have a cold drink. Peter took a quick run to the Liquor store and I quickly snapped this photo upon his return. I told him the picture was going in the story and here it is.

Don also took a trip to the local Liquor store and returned with enough shooters for everyone. Kind of a strange cup that was divided. I guess the deal was you tip the glass quickly mixing the ingredients in your mouth. I am sure, your then suppose to slam the glass down on the bar but instead we raised our glass in a toast, a toast to a great weekend. And it was. Paula, my lovely and innocent wife had a hard time with a B52, she sipped it for about 5 minutes. Don't let her fool yah, back in the day she slammed a few on the bar for a refill.

Supper time and Taxi time. We of the BCCCB love to play safe and in Windsor, a cab ride anywhere is 8 bucks. we called for a fleet of cabs to haul us all to the Spitfire Arms for drinks and dinner. Well, it took two cabs a couple of trips but we all got there without delay. Man did we rock that joint, just look at us, Cape Bretoners at their best. Boy was this fun. There was another couple sitting next to us and I think we scared them into leaving ...sorry, we were a tad loud.

Yup we scared them into leaving because they had the table that would make our table complete, making it possible for all of us to sit together. I am so sorry that I didn't get the waitresses name, she was excellent. She joked and carried-on with the rest of us, we should have made her and honorary member of this great little club. Anita took most of these pictures and she did a great job, Thanks

A few more Spitfire pics, Peter made himself a chip sandwich to go along with his enormous piece of fish. I have never hear of a chip sandwich before and looked it up.... sure enough this is what I found.   It was originally considered a working-class meal and was served in pubs. There you go. Don was a little wound up as he sat on the back of the chair, I though he was going to make a speech. All in fun, he was making a path to allow Paula to leave the table. next you have a rose between two thorns. Myself between to lovely ladies of the BCCCB Sheila and Sandy, the club crested shirts look great.

It's getting late on day one, time to ready the cars for the night. Above you have Anita and Bob putting their roofs up, I am sure the mosquitoes ate them alive. The mosquitoes drove us indoor for the evening, Don's room it was and yet another great time. It was a long hot day and we had a full day planned for tomorrow so staying up late was not an option, are we getting old, in bed by 11 ... oh well.

Part of our full day is a road trip to the Village of Chester. Chester is one of the wealthiest communities in the province and it shows. The basin is full of boats and the shores are dotted with Mansions. This is a town that should have a guided walking tour for sure. We only seen a small part of the town but one should truly take the time to explore this place. I was in this area about two years ago and seen two Willis jeeps in a yard with a Lime Green rubber bumper MGB. I seen the car in passing and wasn't sure of the condition so now back in the area, we went for a look.

Sure enough we found the Willis. I knocked on the door to ask about the MGB but there was no answer. A neighbour walked by and I asked him about the B and he said they still had the car. the owner worked at Tradewinds Reality just up the street on the corner, so off we went. Sure enough, there was the second Willis, we went inside  and asked for Barbi Porter the owner. Wouldn't you know, the lady I asked was Barbi and yes she said, she still had the B.

She said the B was tucked in the basement of the office building. I asked if we could see it and Barbi was proud to show it off. Down the basement we went and sue enough, there it was. I love the color, it makes the car stand out from the rest. The seat may need some work but outside of that the car is absolutely mint, there was no way she was parting with this car. Barbi told us the cars history and I believe she said it was her first car. Next to the B, covered as well, was a Jaguar, what a find. Barbi didn't mind the intrusion on a very busy work day at all and we surely enjoyed our visit.

Another stop  was with Charlie Gass and his lovely wife on Marriot Cove Rd just outside of the Village of Chester. Don and I met Charlie a couple of weeks earlier and Don gave him a call to say we were in the area, Charlie quickly invited us over.  I had two choices, Marriott Cove east or west, of course I chose the wrong road. Turning around I could hear the yelling from the other side of the cove, Charlie trying to get our attention. Sure enough, we found the house and what a house it was nestled on the shores of a secluded cove. We've come to see Charlie's collection of British Cars. We heard of the MGA that he was restoring and the car is in the very early stages of restoration. Under a cover in front of the MGA was a B that Charlie has started as well. A long way to go yet.

Inside the garage sat a few more projects, an old Bugeye Sprite that we all know will be very popular when it's finished, Joe and Jean Renzi's sure is. Parked in front of that was a nice 73 B that Charlie was selling, a nice car but needed some work for sure. I caught the girls looking over the cars as well, is it possible that they are along for more then the ride. Some took the opportunity to go inside their Beautiful home and not surprising, it was gorgeous. It was said "why would anyone want to leave here"  ``Paradise for sure``.

Back to Chester we went for lunch. The cars parked along the waterfront sure made for a great backdrop. Returning, we ran into Bill and Susan as well as Brian and Gloria who opted for an early lunch before we went to Marriott Cove Rd. They were heading to Mahone Bay for a run and maybe we will hook up on the road coming back. Good enough, Lunch time.

Here we are walking around Chester with our white Club t-shirts on, we looked like we're from a bus tour. Lunch destination, the Fo'c'sle. This old building housed both a great looking bar and a very nice restaurant. The restaurant looked over a very busy street, one could truly enjoy sitting in front of a window sipping on a coffee watching Chester's elite roll on by. As for the food, I thought was great, tasty and filling and the service was excellent. I would love to go back here for another visit. Have a look at what I found out about Chester .

Returning to  our motel for another relaxing sit and chat, Preston and his lovely wife Betti Ann Joined us. It wasn't long that Preston seen the fun and friendly attitude that our club has and asked how much to become a member. So, The British Car Club of Cape Breton wishes to welcome Preston and Betti Ann to our elite group of fun loving revellers. There is a lot going on so feel free to join us anytime. The clocked ticked on and the time to register was upon us and an amazing British Motoring Festival meet and greet at Kings Edgehill School. This was a great place to meet people. I met a few from B.A.T.A.N.S. and one or two from the P.E.I. group. A great bunch to say the least. I've said this before, it's fantastic people who own these great looking cars. The evening is passing and we have one more function to attend.

The pictures are a tad ahead of the story. We had supper at a Chinese Restaurant near the motel and Peter and Sandy's Family started to show up. It's always nice to see family and being in the Windsor area, having the Smith family show up isn't unusual. What was unusual is that friends of Peter and Sandy had begun to show up as well. Peter knew something was up and his suspicions were correct as a birthday cake was brought out. Peter's 70th was just around the corner so this was a great opportunity to get friends and family from the Valley to gather and wish Peter a happy birthday. The car on the cake wasn't a Jaguar or Morgan but it could pass as a Mini. Happy Birthday Peter!

Show Day! I peeked out my motel room door to check the weather and at 6 am it was nice. Threatening clouds but it was warm, I was so hoping that this was the go for the day. So far so good. Off towards the end of the motel, Brian was unleashing his beast. His prize winning cat was a tad reluctant to come to life but when it did, the Jaguar slowly and menacing looking, exited it's cage. What a car. A little cat stretch down at the car wash and she was ready to go. 

I arrived at 8 am to start setting up. I just got the bag of poles out of the trunk when the sprinkles of rain started. Thinking this will be short lived I sat in the car and and played with my I phone. The rain started to come harder and I sat patiently in the car for the rain to ease, eventually, the other members of the BCCCB arrived. The sign was up and I snapped this pic of  Bill English as he finishes the final ties. Above Bill and Susan's freshly painted B sits in front of the sign. Look a the water beading on the car, this is what it was like the whole day but we were prepared.

All I can say is Thank God for Brian MacDonald as the shelter belongs to him and instead of placing it over his prize Jaguar it protected us from the relentless rain. The shelter was set up under a tree next to Ron and Lynn Gray's beautiful B. Brian attached a Cape Breton Flag on the tie down, seats placed and there you have it, our home for the day. Other members of the BCCCB continued to show up within the hour, above you have Estelle and Paul's Lotus arriving turning a lot of heads.

Shortly after Estelle got settled under the tent The sounds of Anita's great looking 65 Spitfire rolled pass followed closely by Bobby. The Jaguars of Peter and Sandy's as well as Brian and Gloria's sat separately from the rest of us, they were set up with other Jaguars to display and celebrate the 50 years of Jaguar's XKE 

Windsor's Town Crier (Lloyd Smith) officially opened the show and I was hoping the rain would stop at this point but it didn't, that didn't stop the walking tour of Windsor. Those who took the tour, donned their rain coats and umbrellas and away they went. I am sure I could write a story of this and I should have taken the walk but I stayed under the shelter. The same goes for the Mr. Bean Show.  I seen Mark Bond last year and he and Margaret were fantastic as Mr. Bean and his girlfriend. This year I missed it, I truly didn't hear the announcement and when I realized the play was on, I seen Bean's car drive by with Bean's girlfriend sitting in the trunk. So so Sorry I missed it

Here we are, all set up. I believe someone said that the Cape Breton Cars keep coming. This shows, yet again the support we have for our club and the sport / hobby of having a British Car. They tried to double tier us but we would have no part of that, front and center and we just had enough space to do just that, as Anita's Spitfire took the last spot in the row.  

Above, two ole soggy dogs Bill and Barc. Bill is always prepared for anything including the weather so I am sure he is quite comfortable as for Barc, he has attended many of these events and he enjoys them so much that I don't think he cared one bit about the rain, this man was in his element for sure. While most of us cowered under the shelter Barc and Anita utilized the umbrellas to keep the rain away.

I took a little stroll around, umbrella in one hand and a camera in the other and snapped a few pics. Of course there were Jaguars and you know the Lotus, The Minis are always nice to see and this one is a convertible. There were others beasts here as well, like a Morgan.... nice but I know where a nicer one is and then there was an Austin, a rare duck I am sure. The Austin looks like something the Queen would be driving  in. All the cars were a pleasure to see and I wouldn't turn my nose up to one. Of course there were quite a few Bs, and Spitfires but each was different in their own way, I always found that I learned something different by looking at cars similar to mine and it's shows like this that that gives you that opportunity.  They say there was 115 cars.... and it was raining... WOW.

Did someone say Banquet? And what a Banquet it was. Is it me or is there a lot of BCCCB blue in the pictures. Yes most of us sported out colors and it looks great, I am so proud of us. Once again we stood out. Ok choices were Roast Beef, Chicken, or the ever favourite, Lobsters. Most of us had the lobster but Paula and I as well as one or two more decided on the Roast. Absolutely delicious!

 The lobsters were freaking huge! The cracking of shells could be heard throughout the building. I am sure I will be smacked for this but I think Arlene was doing most of the cracking. I have a picture of her eating her lobster and the bodies of others nearby. She has her glasses on and for a moment I thought they were safety glasses so she wouldn't get a shell fragment in her eye. I didn't post the pic in fear of reprisal. I am a writer not a fighter, and not very good at either. Just look at the food spread, I am not sure who to pat on the back for this, it was great, job well done.

Margaret  Bond... Outstanding lady and host. Her, along with the others on the British Motoring Festival Committee did everything right. These fine folks pulled out all the stops and made this, The British Motoring Festival, the true show of shows.  I was so sorry that I missed the Bean act because Margaret and Mark are true entertainers, last years act was so funny that pictures didn't do it justice, the act needed to be recorded and placed on youtube for all to see. Above you see Margaret passing out awards. First... Longest Distance Award went to Kurt Astroth, who came from Newport, Rhode Island. The second Photo is of Justin Grant receiving his award, the Perseverance Award. This award is, picked by Peter Osbourne of Village Green from many entries sent in to tell a story of their car. I think this is a very nice award indeed. The last picture.... humm.... the picture of the recipient didn't come out very well so the trophy will have to do. The award was "FIRST PLACE" "PARTICIPANTS CHOICE" And the winner................. none other then our very own Brian MacDonald and his great looking Jaguar XKE V12. Congratulations Brian.
 

Mark Bond as the Queens Reprehensive. A friggin hoot! Mark had the place in stitches. I can't find the words to describe this, only to say that if ever I see a poster announcing his act somewhere. I surely will be buying ticket. This guy will literally have you pissing yourself with laughter. It was worth the price of the dinner to see this guys act. Rain what rain. If the weather had you down, you surely forgot about it after this. Way to go Mark.

Time to dry things out and repack the cars for the long journey home. Paula and I were heading to Halifax for a day or so and the others were heading back to good ole Cape Breton. I have to say that this was a great trip, there was no best parts everything was perfect. From the drive to the suppers, the show and the return trip. I didn't care about the rain whatsoever, we all laughed our asses off. And as far as meeting people, and this is what it's about, I met quite a few. So the rain didn't stop anyone from the BCCCB, heck, we arrived in record numbers. What's that say about the good folks who ran a great show. Rest assured we'll be back next year with even more cars. Maybe there should be an award for club participation. We may not win in numbers but surely in percentage of members.

I sit here looking at the picture of the Cape George's Lighthouse that was a stop on the way home for our Members, trying to sum up this weekend. The words to truly describe the past four day eludes me. I took close to 400 photos and yet I can only post a fraction of that on our site. You seen in many photos of the expressions on our faces and perhaps that could be a wordless description of the fun, friendship and good times we had. They said it rained on show day but I was to busy to notice. On my feet I wore sandals, no rubber boots, no rain suit, mere shorts and a club polo shirt with a log sleeve shirt over it. My camera was in my hand the whole time but I did however carry an umbrella. I sat with our club members and mingled with others as many of us did. I seen many great things that perhaps I will remember forever. Rain what rain. If there was, it surely didn't dampen the spirits of the British Motoring Committee, nor the strong light-hearted spirits of those from the ................. British Car Club of Cape Breton.

On behalf of the British Car Club of Cape Breton, I would like to thank all those who had their hand in making this a great show. A show so well organized that we packed our bonnets with whatever would fit and headed towards the far side of the province just to attend. Again Thank you.

As like the closing of many of my stories. "If you weren't there you missed it. Come along next time". You won't be sorry, I promise.   

PHOTO CONTRIBUTIONS - Barc Cunningham - Brian McKeigan - Anita Fuller

The Hants Journal Ran a few pics worth seeing.