Parts Fair - Autumn 2009

[Nige]

The final paragraph of the letter thanking us for our participation at Donington this year raised the prospect of the other major annual Club Lotus event being re-instated if there is sufficient interest. As many of you will know the annual parts fair was cancelled last year which removed our other decent gathering after Donington. Text from the letter in full below:

We're also looking at venues suitable for holding another Lotus Parts Fair this Autumn. If you're interested in attending this event please let us know as we need to gauge interest from the trade [sic}

I'll write back to Club Lotus with the 'if you organise it we will come' line.

[Specky]

As for location I wonder if they could hold this event at Hethel or Sneterton.. etc, tie this in with the 2009 Lotus part sale. I know this was meant to be earlier in the year, but MJK, Lotus and Club Lotus are flexible I guess. Just bouncing a few ideas...

TTFN

[ShaunM]

Already on the case, am speaking to Lotus about this on Tuesday. Hoping to co-incide with Snetterton.

[Stef]

The problem with Hethel and Snetterton, is access. It's not on the way to or through anywhere and the road links are not brilliant. Unless you live in the area of course!

Something off the M1 provides easy access from most places and IMO will attract more people.

[ShaunM]

Stef, that's a shame you feel like that. Personally, when I went to Donington I didn't want to go "through" anywhere else, I just drove from my house to meet up with the other lotus owners.

The A11 has more dual carriageway than ever so the journey is faster (20 minutes of the journey from London to Norwich) than it was 5 years ago. The A17/A47 route is not a motorway of course, but aren't A and B roads more fun in Elans?

The drive through Thetford forest with the roof down far beats sitting on the M1 any day!

And, compared to Donington there will be overnight camping on the track overnight, the weather (should) be better, 2 days of racing, family entertainment, plus the World Record Attempt

[mnemonix]

Totally agree Shaun, the trip out to Norfolk always feel special and it's nice to get away from England's central corridor for a change. Given the location of Lotus, the proximity of Snetterton, some great roads and places to stay I'd welcome a move to Norfolk for Lotus owner's events.

[dapinky]

..... I'd welcome a move to Norfolk for Lotus owner's events.

Personally, I'd prefer them to be in Somerset

But, the Midlands is well-named for being in the middle of the land, so would undobtably attract more numbers (even though I went to Norfolk twice last year!).

[mnemonix]

Personally, I'd prefer them to be in Somerset

I live 15 minutes from Donington, no sooner has the car warmed up than I have to stop, that's no fun!

But, the Midlands is well-named for being in the middle of the land, so would undobtably attract more numbers (even though I went to Norfolk twice last year!).

To a point, though access from the South isn't too arduous M25-> M11/A11 (instead of the M1 to Donny), and certainly a nicer drive as Shaun points out. The big problem with Norfolk is that there is pretty much no good access from the North. I used to use the A17, but last time it took me over 4 hours from Nottingham because of traffic and the single carriageway, it's simply quicker to head south and travel up the A11. Unless you miss the turning and end up in Ipswich, eh Neil

[ShaunM]

Just to re-iterate, I am not suggesting in any way, shape or form that the Lotus Parts Sale should be moved to this venue permanently. I only thought that, as there will be many Lotus Owners in the area on this particular weekend, that the factory might be able to sell a few parts if they were able to open up for this weekend in addition to the usual parts sale in which they transport parts across the country from their home in Norfolk to a central location in the UK for maximum customer catchment. This was also the same reason for me suggesting to Lotus that they might be able to put on a factory tour as well - simply the fact that there will be a few of thousand Lotus enthusiasts about 5 miles down the road from the factory on this particular weekend.

I'll leave you all to consider and debate a reply to the letter that Nige mentions in his initial message on this topic

[Here Welsh Tree Rot]

This place is pretty central - Mlavern.

http://www.threecounties.co.uk/events/s ... mit=Search

[ShaunM]

For those going to Snetterton on the 13th/14th June...

viewtopic.php?f=110&t=15040#p199671

[Nige]

Talking with Alan Morgan at Castle Combe the other weekend he was doubtful that there would be a parts fair. Malvern is a posibility still in conjunction with another event but this is about the only option at present.

[Ade]

Hi all,
Malvern sounds really good and they are having a classic car meet on the 11oct.

Ade

[maz_r]

Hi all,

I expect most know this already, but just in case anyone has missed it....

From Club Lotus website:

"In response to many requests from both Club members and traders we will be organising a Club Lotus Parts Fair again this autumn – but not at Stoneleigh this time.
The date is Saturday October 10th and the new venue is the Three Counties Showground, near Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW."

Full story here : www.club-lotus.co.uk/news2.php?id=114

[Dave Eds]

Admin are aware of the date/venue and will be setting up a section on the forum shortly. Hopefully we can turn this into a good weekend away!

Thanks for the link!

[Nige]

Having some IT problems at the moment but am now back on line and will set up the section as Dave says.

[Sy V]

Admin are aware of the date/venue and will be setting up a section on the forum shortly. Hopefully we can turn this into a good weekend around the corner from certain people's work!