Land Rover Discovery

24th Birthday Weekend

12/13th October 2013

Summary of last years event

Over 50 Land Rovers helped the Devon and Cornwall section of the Discovery Owners Club celebrate the Land Rover Discovery's 23rd Birthday. Again, with vehicles from all over the Country, we were even joined by a Freelander II from Germany. Of course the star of the show was one of the birthday vehicles itself, Roy and Margeret Prestons G WAC.

On Friday, there was a choice of a) scenic drive over Bodmin Moor, then heading up to the North Cornwall coast to Bude, or b) local greenlaning trip, this ended up at Looe for a fish and chip supper. 16 vehicles took part in both of these.

On the Saturday morning on Plymouth Hoe it started off dry but unlike the last 3 years or so, we had some quite heavy showers, we did not let them dampen our spirits though. At 1 o clock, this rolling birthday celebration moved off the Hoe and headed towards Mount Edgcumbe via the Torpoint ferry. Again, we had a ferry all to ourselves with the exception of the obligatory pink double decker bus. We will have to find a large green oval for it next year.

Once in Cornwall, the weather had cheered up and the normal stop took place in the only lay-by in South East Cornwall big enough for 50 Land Rovers. Arriving at Mount Edgcumbe, the estate looked resplendent with its trees in Autumn colours. There was an hour spare to have a look around the grounds, then at 15.45 we moved off for the Deer Park drive. This year the head ranger led the convoy through the Deer Park in his Early Discovery 1 V8.

Saturday evening was the Social/ Raffle/ Auction and was a very pleasant affair. The carvery roast went down really well, another addition to the evenings fun was the brightest shirt competition, well done to the DOCs Daren Reid, who was the undisputed winner. We now have plenty of notice to find a louder shirt for this year.

Most of us met up again on Sunday morning at Tesco, Lee Mill, and from here we set off for the Steam Railway Station at Buckfastleigh. Once here, there was a choice of things to do, including a ride on a steam train down to Totnes or visiting the adjacent Butterfly and Otter sanctuary. Both are well worth visiting.

On Sunday afternoon at 14.00 we all moved off in a convoy for the last time of this Birthday Weekend. The hour long drive over to the Two Bridges Hotel was a treat and we were blessed with sunshine all the way. On arrival Devon Cream Teas were on order and for those who had not had enough of sitting down, the lounge was put aside for us to eat them in and to say our goodbyes.

We would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who turned up and bought raffle tickets, stickers and plaques and bid on our Auction lots. With your help we raised a MASSIVE £1000 for the years chosen charities which were Ellies Haven and Race 2 Recovery.

LATEST UPDATE 26.01.13

The Birthday Weekend is open to any owner/driver of a Land Rover Discovery old or new. The reason? The joining together of like minded people, people with a passion for their Discoverys. Its a chance to celebrate and re create the launch of the vehicle which took place in and around the Plymouth area back in October 1989 whilst raising some money for a couple of Charities too. And the best bit is that with the exception of food, fuel and accomodation the weekend is FREE.

Friday 11^th October 2013

Optional scenic drive meeting up at the Butchers Arms, St. Ive at approx 1000  we will then drive non damaging lanes over Bodmin moor and across to the North Cornwall Coast getting to Bude at approx 1600. We will also run a green laning afternoon, this is for drivers who don't mind getting a few scratches meeting at The Butchers Arms, St Ive at approx 1200. On completion of the 1200 green laning you have the option of joining us on a drive down into Looe for something to eat followed by evening green laning.

Saturday 12th October 2013

It's competition time. We have decided that as part of the celebration on the Hoe we will run a fun competition. There will be certificates and maybe a small prize for those judged to be the best in the 10 categories.

The categories are

1. Travelled furthest for the weekend (if you would like to enter this competition please put the distance on the registration form)

2. Best / most modifications

3. Muddiest

4. Best D1 89-94 (200tdi shape)

5. Best D1 94-98 (300tdi shape)

6. Best D2

7. Best D3/4

8. Best special edition

9. Biggest lift kit

10. Best runt ( any non Discovery Land Rover )

We will gather on Plymouth Hoe on Saturday 12th October from 1000 until 1300. Yes; Free parking in a Big City! This gives everyone a chance to register, catch up with old friends; then pop down into the City of Plymouth, which is a 10 to 15 minute walk, once here you can grab a late breakfast or a big hearty lunch. Plymouth like any big City has an abundance of fast food outlets, good Restaurants and a Pannier Market. Another area to visit is the Barbican, this is the old Fishing Port of the City. Home to the Aquarium, gift shops and even more eating houses; this again is a 10 to 15 minute walk.The Hoe must be clear of all vehicles by approx 1315.

After leaving the Hoe, we travel via the Torpoint Ferry we will drive to Mt Edgcumbe, we will stop along the way to let people catch up and to take Photo's etc. On arrival at Mt. Edgcumbe, their smaller Tea Shop will be open for refreshments. At approx 1530 we will commence a driving tour of Mt. Egdcumbe grounds and the Deer Park which is not normally opened to the public. This involves light, non damaging off road driving.

Evening Social and Charity Raffle is taking place at the Windy Ridge Eating House, Trerulefoot, Saltash, PL12 5BJ. Doors will open at approx 1900. The Evening Meal will be a Carvery and the Prices are to be confirmed. Please advise me of additional food requirements before the weekend ie Vegetarians etc etc. The nearest accommodation to this is the Travelodge in Saltash and or the Liskeard Tavern, Premier Inn, both about 5 miles away.

Sunday 13th October 2013

0930am we will meet at the Car Park of the TESCO Store, Lee Mill, from here we will head straight down to the Steam Railway at Buckfastleigh. This should give people plenty of time to look around the Station, catching the train and spending some time at Totnes. For those who do not wish to take the train to Totnes, there is an otter and butterfly sanctuary adjacent to the station.

At approx 1400 we will commence the drive across Dartmoor to the Two Bridges Hotel, reaching here at 1500. Time for a Pint or a Cream Tea and to say our fond farewells.

Useful Websites

www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/timetable

www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk

www.visitplymouth.co.uk

www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk