SEC National Event - Calne 2000

Ah, the Saab Enthusiasts Club National weekend - a chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones and stuff one's face at the Saturday evening meal. I'm pleased to say that this year's National was no exception and the Wiltshire profiterole mountain is now no more than a slight hump.

Debbie and I had decided to drive down from Wolverhampton to Calne on the Friday of the National, taking the scenic route in Debbie's V4. Since members Chris and Sharon Foxley and Adrian Lee were planning to attend the event for the first time, it was arranged that they'd all meet up at Cartwright Saab and we'd proceed in convoy. God knows what the neighbours thought when a 900 T16 convertible and a 99 Turbo showed up outside our house, adding to the selection on the forecourt… er, I mean driveway - I think they may suspect that I like Saabs.

After a couple of cups of tea, followed by the obligatory trips to the bathroom, we all set off - 96 followed by 900 followed by 99. The plan was to stay off the motorways and follow A-roads down through the Cotswolds to Wiltshire. This seemed to work well and we all managed to arrive together at Blackland Lakes. Once or twice Chris's 99 Turbo would get delayed by a slower moving piece of machinery. This would soon be remedied at the next stretch of dual carriageway, when all we could see in our rear view mirror was a black, 99-shaped projectile hurtling down the outside lane. I can't be certain but I'm sure we heard a sonic boom on one occasion. The V4 showed its mettle up some of the steep inclines enroute, after building up momentum in freewheel on preceding downhill sections. I do wish these Turbo boys would keep up!

We arrived at the campsite at around 3pm, to be greeted by Peter and Wendy Bacon. We then proceeded to pitch our tents and await the arrival of John Winter and his enormo-tent (somebody had better 'phone nearby RAF Lyneham to check they weren't missing a hangar). The weather was fine so barbecues were fired up and Friday evening was spent eating, drinking and chatting, as more and more people arrived and the site gradually filled. We were soon joined by John and Norah Ashley-Barker and a large barrel of beer from John's local brewery - more T.E.A. anyone?

Saturday morning, 4 a.m. Cue rain. Not just any rain mind you, but the sort that brings with it thunder and lightning. You know, the sort that makes a hell of a racket on your tent, thus preventing any likelihood of sleep. What's more, the window on the back of the tent was open and we were getting slightly soggy! Luckily (for me) Debbie's waterproof was in the tent so off she went in her jim-jams and wellies to batten down the offending hatch.

Report: Julian Cartwright

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