East Anglia Section Spring Break 2025

East Anglia Section Spring Break 2025

Street Parking at The Dolphin.  Thorpeness

Once again the East Anglia Section had good weather when the Spring Break was taken over three days from the Wednesday14th to Friday 16th May. The Angel Inn, Wangford, Suffolk was used as a base and, as was the case last year, the food was excellent, the rooms comfortable and the staff welcoming. There were five Alvis cars on parade and in total nine club members attended the event.

On the first day we all met up for lunch at the Dolphin Inn situated in Thorpeness, a lovely village on the Suffolk coast. The cars parked up outside the inn were a focal point of interest to people walking by. After a light lunch we then drove to the Long Shop Museum in Leiston where a very interesting afternoon was spent. The premises were the former Richard Garret & Sons Ltd engineering works, well known for the manufacture of steam traction engines, farming machinery, tools and commercial and domestic products during its 200 year history. Such items and models now being housed as exhibits in the museum. After the visit a pleasant drive to the Angel Inn, mostly via B class roads, was enjoyed. Once everyone had checked in, a relaxing drink was consumed in the beer garden before the evening meal.

The TA14 and TA21 at The Leiston Museum

The second day involved a drive to Crow's Hall near Debenham in Suffolk which was a joint event organised with the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club. As well as the Alvis cars there were many lovely examples of Rolls Royce engineering on display. Crow's Hall is a 15th Century moated manor house and barn owned by Caroline Spurier. Caroline, who is the great granddaughter of the 5th Earl of Warwick, showed us around both the house and barn, after which lunch was laid on for us. The weather was a little disappointing in the morning but broke out sunny in the afternoon in time for the drive back to Wangford. The route took us through picturesque Suffolk villages and countryside before arriving back at the Angel Inn. Once again, before the evening meal, a drink was enjoyed by all in the beer garden.

The Grey Lady in the company of a large Bentley at Crows Hall

On Friday morning a few members of the group arose early to go to a local nature reserve and listen to bitterns booming, leaving the Inn at 5.30am! Unfortunately, unlike last year, the birds were shy and did not perform so none were heard. However, other birds were seen and the hardy Alvis members had an enjoyable walk. After breakfast and checkout the group drove to Dunwich Heath, a National Trust reserve on the Suffolk coast. Once the customary coffee was finished, the group had a lovely walk through the reserve where plenty of wildlife was to be seen. Needless to say, the Alvis cars parked up in the car park attracted a great deal of attention. Following on from the walk the group then drove to the village of Dunwich. A fish and chip lunch was enjoyed by all at the hut on the beach. The hut is renowned for its fish and chips and certainly lived up to its reputation.

On the Heath at Dunwich

Gone for Fish and Chips on Dunwich Beach

Overall a most enjoyable Spring Break and many thanks to all thoseinvolved in its organisation.

Michael Melhuish.