Saturday 21 September I visit the Woodfordes Classic Cars & Automobile Show at their Fur and Feather pub, Woodbastwick, Norfolk. Getting to it proved challenging as the new Norwich northern bypass was closed where it joined the A47. Luckily local knowledge solved the problem via Blofield and the narrow road north, helpfully named Woodbastwick Road.
Woodfordes Brewery housed in listed converted barns produced its first commercial brew in 1981. In 1996 their Wherry Bitter became CAMRA Supreme Champion Beer of Britain. By the end of 2017, Woodforde's was established as the largest brewery in Norfolk, producing over 20,000 barrels every year. The Classic Show is first event that Woodfordes Brewery have organised and is being held in a field behind the Fur & Feather brewery tap and pub. When I arrive its obviously very well supported with plenty of cars, motor bikes and commercial vehicles on display.
The Fur and Feather, Woodbastwick, Norfolk
Under a blue sky in pleasantly warm 23 Deg. temperature I walk to the display field, pausing to contribute to the chosen charity the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Entry to the show is free of charge.
There were a number of Lotus cars in various parts of the show including Elans, Esprit, Evora, Elise but I am looking for a beautiful, (well I would say that)! Lotus Elite. And then I spied a red Elite parked near the distant rear field hedge.
At first I assumed this was my “target car” but when circulating it I then spied another Elite hidden on the other side of the Volkswagen van thing. Upon arriving beside this beautiful blue Elite I was spotted by its owner, Rob Borrett, PR Manager for Lotus Cars.
Rob and his immaculate Lotus Elite
I found it so fitting that a current manager of the company had such a superb example of one of its products dating back 45 years. Rob asked me if I could autograph my name in the engine bay,which I both could - and - did.
Rob and I had a good chat and I met his family. He was obviously very impressed with the new current management of Lotus. My experience with Geely when I was in China also gives me confidence the future of Lotus is in good hands.
The rear view of Rob Borrett’s Lotus Elite
By 12:30 the display field was busy
I supplied Rob with a copy of my book A Life in Car Design and signed it for him. I asked if he could consider helping publicise it - but only after reading it and finding it acceptable!
I set off for home with a major detour round Norwich, very impressed with both the show and meeting Rob. I hope we keep in touch and i am ready to assist the company if I can.
Oliver Winterbottom
2019
