SE220603

SOUTH EAST PAST EVENTS

Sunday 22nd June 2003 - THE MR2 BRIGHTON RUN

There was a big “WOW” factor in the south on 22nd June. It was the inaugural MR2 Brighton Run which attracted 25 MR2’s to drive to the Brighton marina.

Despite a glorious weather forecast it was a rather wet start to the day that made us wonder whether anyone would turn up at all. Our fears vanished when MR2 after MR2 kept arriving at the car park meeting point near Reigate. The majority of the cars were MK1’s including our club secretary Ken Salmon in his supercharger together with a good turn out of some very nice MK2’s from the IMOC and Drivers Club. The route directions were duly handed out to everyone and 17 MR2’s left the car park on schedule, heading through Reigate town centre and along the A217 towards Pease Pottage, our second meeting point.

The further south we headed the brighter the weather became. There was only one slight mishap on the way when regular member Dave Leyland, our local technical adviser became a little too enthusiastic at a roundabout causing the car to slide sideways and clip an armco barrier resulting in a slightly modified nearside front wing. Fortunately there was no mechanical damage and Dave was able to continue the journey albeit with both car and pride a little dented.

Upon our arrival at the Pease pottage services station the weather had improved considerably. We were joined by more MR2’s including a MK3. Taking advantage of the improving weather we took the opportunity to meet everyone and have a look at all the cars. It was a spectacular sight with the cars taking up a whole wing of the car parking area.

With a slightly delayed departure from Pease Pottage it was a challenge to get everyone to leave at exactly the same time. Some were eager to get going, others needed to pop-into the loo (again!) and Steve Kingsnorth hadn’t finished his packet of pork pies! So, the cars left in smaller groups over a short period. The last group to leave had to persuade Steve to leave the last pork pie until later in the day.

The route continued through the Sussex countryside until we joined the main A23, then turning onto the A27 to avoid going through Brighton itself and along the back roads over the south downs and eventually arriving at the marina shortly after 2pm.

Once we had all arrived and parked, everyone said that they had enjoyed the run but thought it wasn’t long enough despite the fact it had actually taken two and a half hours since departing from Reigate. It just goes to show how quickly time goes when you’re enjoying yourselves! We had a few hours to spend as we pleased. Some dined in the many restaurants, others had a wander around, went for a walk or had a drink in the bars.

Around 4.30 we decided to have another impromptu drive. The idea was to head to Newhaven and then cut back onto the A27 so that it would be easy for everyone to make their way home. In fact what actually happened was half of the cars turned left towards Brighton sea front and the other half turned right towards Newhaven. Oh well, it didn’t matter as long as we all had a good time.

Personal Comments:

So much more than I expected! Very gratifying so a big thanks to everyone who came. We will definitely do this or some thing similar again soon. Comments noted, We will make it a longer drive next time!

Alan Cayzer

Why are all the photos that are taken of me always have me eating in them. I know this might seem unbelievable to everyone but I DON'T EAT A LOT! That's how I remain so slim and trim.

Steve Kingsnorth

Thank you for organizing the run I had a good time and my little brother loved it. See you next time.

Matty (IMOC)

Hi Steve, I Think I was speaking to you outside the bar overlooking Brighton Marina, my name is Graham Trevett, (the one with the sunglasses stuck to his head...).

I was just e-mailing to say I had a great day out and hope to attend a few more meet up's in the future, I think next time I'll bring the wife, as she loves the MR2 nearly as much as I do, (she may even love it more than me, maybe I should buy a boring car instead, before she runs off with the car). I hope you had a good trip back from Brighton. It was nice chatting to you, I'll speak to you soon.

Cheers, GT

It was brilliant, enjoyed the ride except the rain (which many blamed on my other half Kel). Many more than expected and I managed to get round all the roundabouts!

Pete Mason and Kelly Gosbee