Picture above shows the 7th Dorchester Vintage Bus Running Day in August 2022
TOY Club Event Reports.
11th Sun Inn Meet - December 19th 2015
This year was the 11th Sun Inn Steam & Vehicle Meet and for the first time in its history it was held on a Saturday before Christmas.
Although we missed quite a few regulars we had 5 new steam engines making their first appearance at the Sun Inn event, which was very pleasing indeed. One of the bigger engines steamed over 9 miles to be with us and the other engine steamed around 4 miles to join us.
The first also this year was having a fairground organ playing, this accompanied a nice 4'' Showmans engine all the way from Fordingbridge, so that was great to see. We also had a great show of Cars, Commercials, Stationary engines and even had a Model LandRover at this years meet. Many of us enjoyed a carvery at the pub or a drink or two while chatting to fellow members and visitors. It was nice to also meet up with some new members and fellow enthusiasts we have not seen for a while.
A few rare cars turned up which included Tim Lane's 1930's Peugeot which he had recently brought back from France only a few weeks prior to this event. We had a very nice Jaguar XK150 come along on one of its first outings since being recently purchased, so that was great to see. Also we had three Tractors this year, and one was a Trusty Tractor and the owner told me it last went to an event 25 years ago, so that was a nice surprise to see.
As mentioned we had Stationary engines, in total 10 engines, so thank you guys for your support. We also had a few Motorcycles / Scooters join us throughout the day, these are always welcome to join in and we had a little bit of everything which is nice to see.
Already we hope to have two big engines again at the 2016 Meet, one being Jim Goddard's who wasn't here with his engine this year due to being out of ticket, but did attend in person to enjoy the event. This years event came to a close at approximately 3pm.
Thanks for all those who supported the day, see you all again on SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2016 at THE SUN INN, LOWER BURTON, DORCHESTER from 10.00am.
Nick Aplin
Although we missed quite a few regulars we had 5 new steam engines making their first appearance at the Sun Inn event, which was very pleasing indeed. One of the bigger engines steamed over 9 miles to be with us and the other engine steamed around 4 miles to join us.
The first also this year was having a fairground organ playing, this accompanied a nice 4'' Showmans engine all the way from Fordingbridge, so that was great to see. We also had a great show of Cars, Commercials, Stationary engines and even had a Model LandRover at this years meet. Many of us enjoyed a carvery at the pub or a drink or two while chatting to fellow members and visitors. It was nice to also meet up with some new members and fellow enthusiasts we have not seen for a while.
A few rare cars turned up which included Tim Lane's 1930's Peugeot which he had recently brought back from France only a few weeks prior to this event. We had a very nice Jaguar XK150 come along on one of its first outings since being recently purchased, so that was great to see. Also we had three Tractors this year, and one was a Trusty Tractor and the owner told me it last went to an event 25 years ago, so that was a nice surprise to see.
As mentioned we had Stationary engines, in total 10 engines, so thank you guys for your support. We also had a few Motorcycles / Scooters join us throughout the day, these are always welcome to join in and we had a little bit of everything which is nice to see.
Already we hope to have two big engines again at the 2016 Meet, one being Jim Goddard's who wasn't here with his engine this year due to being out of ticket, but did attend in person to enjoy the event. This years event came to a close at approximately 3pm.
Thanks for all those who supported the day, see you all again on SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2016 at THE SUN INN, LOWER BURTON, DORCHESTER from 10.00am.
Nick Aplin
TOY Annual Christmas Club Meal - December 5th 2015
With several members on holiday,and others with previous commitments our Christmas meal this year we only had 47 of us booked,instead of the usual 60 or 70. However that said , those of us that went went along to the Upwey Wishing Well Restaurant arrived in time to sit down for our meal at 7.30 pm. Bang on 7.30 pm the staff started serving the starters and the room went quiet as we started eating.
Everyone remarked how excellent the service was throughout the whole of the evening. Alan and Louisa Hardy the owners and our excellent hosts.have really pulled out the stops to make this restaurant one of the top eateries in Dorset. A lot of very hard work has gone into their business,including re-decoration,and re-arranging the restaurant working areas,the kitchen and the use of locally produced fruit and vegetables and meat. They now have all new staff and to top it off they one of the top chefs in the country formerly the Chef at the Savoy Hotel in London. All these vital improvements will ensure that Alan and Louisa are clearly onto a winner. It certainly was reflected at our TOY Club Christmas meal on December 5th.
These were just some of our members comments: "everything was piping hot", "my beef was really good, everything was perfectly cooked", "that was a great meal you could not fault it". I thought that this year was even better than last year,and last years was good.
So well done Alan and Louisa,and thank you to you the chef and your staff ,we had a brilliant evening,the food was superb and the friendly helpful staff were terrific ..
Please can we book next year?
Carle.
Members note we need to book early for next year,as Alan told me before I left that bookings are 70% up since they bought the restaurant.
Everyone remarked how excellent the service was throughout the whole of the evening. Alan and Louisa Hardy the owners and our excellent hosts.have really pulled out the stops to make this restaurant one of the top eateries in Dorset. A lot of very hard work has gone into their business,including re-decoration,and re-arranging the restaurant working areas,the kitchen and the use of locally produced fruit and vegetables and meat. They now have all new staff and to top it off they one of the top chefs in the country formerly the Chef at the Savoy Hotel in London. All these vital improvements will ensure that Alan and Louisa are clearly onto a winner. It certainly was reflected at our TOY Club Christmas meal on December 5th.
These were just some of our members comments: "everything was piping hot", "my beef was really good, everything was perfectly cooked", "that was a great meal you could not fault it". I thought that this year was even better than last year,and last years was good.
So well done Alan and Louisa,and thank you to you the chef and your staff ,we had a brilliant evening,the food was superb and the friendly helpful staff were terrific ..
Please can we book next year?
Carle.
Members note we need to book early for next year,as Alan told me before I left that bookings are 70% up since they bought the restaurant.
Christmas Club Meeting - December 1st 2015
Members at The Lugger Inn enjoying the entertainment.
Our annual December Christmas meeting was held at The Lugger Inn and although due to various reasons we were lower on numbers in the room this month, however those members present seemed to all enjoy the evening.
Carle our Chairman welcomed everyone and read out apologies from several members who were unable to be at the meeting.
Carle outlined the future social events coming up and then mentioned that Nick had produced 200 ' TOY times ' magazines and presented him with a trophy to say thank you.
Carle and Diane started the music off with a country flavour, this was followed by 45 minutes from our friend Chris Groves with a mixture of songs. After mince pies members settled down to the Christmas medley by ' The Grahames ' Carle & Diane. The evening concluded with our large raffle and came to a close shortly after 10pm.
Carle our Chairman welcomed everyone and read out apologies from several members who were unable to be at the meeting.
Carle outlined the future social events coming up and then mentioned that Nick had produced 200 ' TOY times ' magazines and presented him with a trophy to say thank you.
Carle and Diane started the music off with a country flavour, this was followed by 45 minutes from our friend Chris Groves with a mixture of songs. After mince pies members settled down to the Christmas medley by ' The Grahames ' Carle & Diane. The evening concluded with our large raffle and came to a close shortly after 10pm.
Club Meeting - November 2015
Carle and Brian Jackson.
Club members enjoyed a talk by Brian Jackson on 'Dorset Transport Goes To War'.
This talk also included a slide presentation. The club room was again full and it was good to see many members join us again for one of our popular monthly meetings.
This talk also included a slide presentation. The club room was again full and it was good to see many members join us again for one of our popular monthly meetings.
Club Meeting - October 2015
During our October meeting we presented a cheque to the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance from this Years Show for £1,250. We also enjoyed a fun Quiz hosted by club member Norman Kimber.
Club Meeting - September 2015
Capt. John Myers, Carle and Nick
Members enjoyed a great talk by Capt. John Myers a former pilot with the Red Arrows at the Lugger Inn. It was good to see some newer members to the club join us on this evening.
Club Meeting - August 2015
We had 19 vehicles on display during our meeting held at The Victoria Inn. We had three new cars to us joining us on this occasion,
Steve Haylor's 1938 Morris 8, Richard Porter's MGA and Pete Reddick's Humber car.
It was nice to see Bill White at the meeting, sadly Bill has lost his sight now, but enjoys coming to the club when he can.
Steve Haylor's 1938 Morris 8, Richard Porter's MGA and Pete Reddick's Humber car.
It was nice to see Bill White at the meeting, sadly Bill has lost his sight now, but enjoys coming to the club when he can.
Club Meeting - July 2015
A club Barbecue and Static Display took place at The Victoria Inn, and the cooking duties was carried out by Wilf Hampshire, who was assisted by Muriel. The weather turned a bit on us so the evening finished earlier than normal.
Club Meeting - June 2015
Carle and Nick with Robin Cook.
Members enjoyed a great talk by Robin Cook on his time at Harrods.
Club Meeting / AGM - May 2015
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and said we were 16 years old.
One proposal was from Carle that for guest speaker at our meeting's we all pay a min of £1 each to help cover costs.
Seconded by Will Hampshire and passed by the meeting.
Club member Peter Meech on behalf of the club members thanked the Club Management for all their hard work over the past year.
After the AGM side of the meeting we enjoyed a fun Quiz.
One proposal was from Carle that for guest speaker at our meeting's we all pay a min of £1 each to help cover costs.
Seconded by Will Hampshire and passed by the meeting.
Club member Peter Meech on behalf of the club members thanked the Club Management for all their hard work over the past year.
After the AGM side of the meeting we enjoyed a fun Quiz.
Club Meeting - April 2015
Our club meeting was well attended, we welcomed our guest speaker Mike Lawrence who gave a most interesting talk on his life in Heavy Haulage business.
Skittles Night - Saturday 7th March
Our Annual Skittles Match with the Woolbridge Motor Club took place at The Frampton Arms at Moreton. Another friendly match resulted in the TOY Club winning by just 2 pins this year, so the 2016 match will be arranged by the TOY club. Over 30 people attended and during a break many enjoyed some pub food.
Club Meeting , Talk given by Rob Curtis, Pub Stories - March 2015
Our March meeting was well attended, and a most interesting talk was given by one of our regular guest speakers Rob Curtis. This was the ninth talk Rob has given to the TOY Club ! The Chairman outlined all future club events and these are all listed in ' TOY times ' magazine and are on the website to view.
Entries are coming in for both of the club's major events, the Hardy Country Classic Tour and our Annual Classic Car Show at School Hill. Members were told of the guest speaker for the April meeting will be Mike Lawrence who will be giving a talk on ' Heavy Haulage ' so another night not to miss at the TOY Club !
Gillingham Gathering - Sunday 22nd February 2015
The 2015 Gillingham Gathering organised by Commercial Transport In Preservation was well supported by a number of Commercial vehicles, cars, steam engines, military vehicles etc.
Sadly the rain arrived sooner than we expected and it did cut short the event. Several TOY club members attended, two with their classic cars. Another enjoyable gathering, always a good start to the season.
Nick
New Years Party 2015
Another super evening took place at the Broadwey Memorial Hall. The band was ' Tempo ' and members enjoyed dancing and the buffet was another great spread.
The raffle was arranged by Will & Val Hampshire as in previous years. Martin made the wonderful table decorations and decorated the hall to give a wonderful atmosphere.
£137 was raised on the raffle, and the night came to a close just before midnight.
The raffle was arranged by Will & Val Hampshire as in previous years. Martin made the wonderful table decorations and decorated the hall to give a wonderful atmosphere.
£137 was raised on the raffle, and the night came to a close just before midnight.
