Doug Nixon has organized what we hope will be an extraordinary adventure through France, Italy and Switzerland with Betty Haig’s beautiful old MGTC car. Roger Farmer has published a marvellous book entitled “A Life Behind the Wheel” which details Betty’s life and to quote Roger “her need for speed!” The car won the Rallye des Alpes in 1946 and Doug will be recreating that trip along with his pals, this summer

Ed was lucky enough to drive the car around the circuit at Brooklands and attended the Q and A session afterwards with Richard and Doug. Paul and Kevin will be testing the car out tomorrow.

Last week was our first meeting to discuss the agenda and what a great night we had at Paul’s pub The Old Pottery Kiln in Witham, Essex. Good time was had by all

We put a WhatsApp group together so that we could share pictures and ideas. Doug however, had a little trouble joining and we posted a few photos of him trying to grasp the complexities of WhatsApp life, including one of a 1970s phone and someone typing messages at three words a minute. Luckily Ian was able to sort his dad’s phone out and Doug is now one of the Alpine Adventure Group!

Kate suggested that we need a playlist for the trip so we all chipped in with our favourites.

Willie Nelson – On the Road Again

Bon Jovi – Living on a Prayer

ELO – Mr Blue Sky

Bowie – Rebel Rebel

Eagles – lying Eyes

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now

Meatloaf – Bat out of Hell

Europe – Final Countdown

To name but a few – any suggestions, please let us know!

Ed, Maggie and Kate will head off first to France. Doug, Richard and Kevin will be following on the next day, after presenting the car at the Hurlingham Club. Paul and Carol will fly out on the Monday and other friends will join us at various stages. We will all meet up in Allos to start the Rally.

More blogs to follow soon