964 Devon Weekend Details

Where is it Happening?

On Saturday, we are meeting up for coffee at from 10:30 onwards at my place, Holne Bridge Lodge, Ashburton, TQ13 7NW.  Directions on how to find us are here.

On Sunday, the PCGB event is at the River Dart Adventure Park, just a mile down the road.
 

What is happening on Saturday?

Here is the outline agenda (as of 27th May - Please keep checking back for updates).  I am expecting around 23 964s + plus a few interlopers in inferior Porsche models.  We are currently up to 45+ for the BBQ.

• 10:00 to 12:00 - meet at my place for coffee intros and a photo shoot

• Head off on Scenic Dartmoor convoy to Castle Drogo.  Route map coming soon. Click the thumbnail for the route.
  

• 13:00 arrive at Castle Drogo.  We will gather at the main car park on the right by the visitor centre.  Entrance to the Castle and Grounds is free for National Trust members or at a reduced rate of £5.50 for non-members.  Having obtained our entrance tickets we will all move down to the Castle entrance/forecourt (pictured left) where we will park in a display semi-circle.  You can leave your car here for as long as you wish while you have lunch and visit the house and gardens.  I am organising a separate room for us for lunch in the castle itself.

  After lunch visit the castle and grounds at your own pace.  Castle Drogo is a granite fortress, commanding panoramic views of Dartmoor, was built between 1910 and 1930 for the self-made millionaire Julius Drewe, and is one of the most remarkable works of Sir Edwin Lutyens. The interior combines the grandeur of a medieval castle with the comfort of the 20th century. The terraced formal garden has an established rhododendron and magnolia collection, spring bulbs, summer and autumn flowering herbaceous borders, rose garden, shrub garden and circular croquet lawn. There are delightful varied walks through the River Teign Gorge.
   

• Return independently to your hotel/B&B to prepare for the evening.  On the way home you may want to pick up your BBQ fare at the Riverford Farm Shop which closes at 6pm.  Alternatively, you can buy less gourmet ingredients at Spar or Somerfields in the centre of Ashburton.  These stay open till 9pm.

• 7pm till late - BBQ at my place with campfire by the river - traditionally cremated food and flowing drinks.  If you are camping at the River Dart Adventure park, then there is no need to drive over.  Just walk out the back entrance of their campsite by Holne Park Lodge, then 50 yds straight down to Holne Bridge, cross the bridge and turn left through our gate (rust-red wooden one) and then up the drive to the house (total 10 mins max walk).

You are welcome to meet up at any of the rendezvous points above during the day.  You are also welcome to use our garden as a base and chill-out there during the afternoon, although we won't be around.  We have some excellent swimming in a pool in the river right here.  If you have a wetsuit of any sort, do bring it as the water is still pretty cold.  Disclaimer: No responsibility taken for injuries etc. in garden/river/property..
 

BBQ

I will have a large gas BBQ running plus a smaller charcoal one dedicated to vegetarian food.  Please bring your own food and drink.  I will supply disposable plates, utensils, cups, glasses, napkins etc.   I highly recommend you visit Riverford Farm Shop on Saturday afternoon (they are open till 6pm).  They are just a couple of miles away and do a great range of BBQ meats (many organic), pies, salads, fruit, drink etc. and some really excellent burgers and sausages.  Bring your own gourmet BBQ ingredients and make a proper meal of it.  Alternatively, you can buy less gourmet ingredients at Spar or Somerfields in the centre of Ashburton.  These stay open till 9pm.

Booze

Please bring your own booze (plus some for me!).   You can pick up some very interesting drinks at Riverford Farm Shop or the more normal stuff the Best Cellars off-licence, Spar or Somerfields in the centre of Ashburton.  Head for the car park and everything is together in North Street.

Bad Weather

If the weather does happen to be poor, then I will cancel the BBQ and suggest we all meet up for a pub meal at the Church House Inn, 3 miles away in Holne.

What's happening on Sunday?

The South West region of the Porsche Club of Great Britain are holding their annual regional concours on Sunday just down the road at the River Dart Adventure Park, Ashburton, Devon.

The cost for entry to the park is just £3.50 per person (payable on entry to the park), with under 5's free. (Just indicate at the gate that you are coming for the PCGB event- otherwise you’ll be charged more).  We will have a dedicated 964 display area alongside the concours line-ups.  If you are in your 964, please the marshalls to direct you there.  If you are not in a 964, you will be directed to Porsche parking.  Otherwise you will be parking with the rabble.

Apart from the Porsche interest, there are loads of fun things to do at the Adventure park.  Check our their site for info.