Yacht Pipit

      

Top day out in the Cotswolds - 30th May 2016


If you're not interested in whisky, gin or cars, then this update will be of no interest to you!

Last Sunday morning we visited Cotswolds Distillery. For my 40-10th birthday Ann bought me a bottle of their single malt whisky from the first ever distillation. As this won't be ready until at least October next year, we went to pay it a little visit. Whilst there we had a guided tour of the distillery, and learnt about the processes of distilling gin and other spirits, as well as whisky. Clearly the latter has to be aged for at least 3 years, whereas gin and other distillations can go from raw ingredients to bottled and on the shelf in less than a week, thus providing an income stream whilst the whisky ages. Inevitably a tasting session followed. I resisted tasting a sample of 'my' whisky (or more accurately whisky spirit as it is not yet the statutory minimum 3 years old necessary to be called whisky), but the gin was like no other we have ever tasted. Who knew (Cotswolds) lavender and black pepper could be two of the botanicals used to make gin? Of course we didn't leave empty handed... If whisky and/or gin are your thing (and as you're reading this at least one if not both probably are), Cotswolds Distillery at Shipston-on-Stour is well worth a visit, a lovely setup in a beautiful location, run by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team.

My bottle will come from one of these, or possibly one of their counterparts currently stored under the Mersey...


As Gaydon was only a few miles away, we pushed on to the British Motor Museum, formerly the Heritage Motor Centre, which houses a vast array of vehicles from marques that were, or later became, part of British Leyland. I have visited twice previously during Alfa and MG events, but as the last time was well over 10 years ago and exhibits are changed periodically it was time for a return visit. Even if you're not especially interested in cars, it's still a fascinating place to visit as not only are there the perhaps predictable iconic vehicles such as E Type Jaguars and Minis, but also the rather more mundane but equally significant models that you may remember from your childhood if you are of a certain age... Large display boards describing British cultural, economic and political events pertaining to the eras in which each collection of cars is displayed adds context. Anyway, enough text and here is just a small selection of photos:

If you are a LR fan you may recognise the registration number - if not, this is the very first production Land Rover.


1935 Royal Worcester Caravan, with bath! Does your Bailey have a bath Paul?...


Thunderbirds are go - but Parker seems to have gone...


MK II Jaguar - just beautiful.


An equally stunning Alvis.


There are elements of this concept car visible in the Evoke.


No caption necessary...


Daimler Dart - although unofficially voted 'ugliest car' at the 1959 New York Motor Show, I like them - fibreglass bodied with a small V8.


A Jaguar concept car that (sadly?) never made it into production.


A quite rare 2 door XJ6 coupé.


The first P38 Pegasus off the line - mine rolled off some 6 years later...


Self explanatory...


A Mi, or is it a Ni? Half a Mini anyway...


Our next 'boat'? A Defender with a propeller and rudder - what's not to like?


A Metro van used as a mule for testing the MGF engine - fortunately my MGF looked somewhat better...


The last Stag off the line.


Our next day trip involves looking at a new boat - more on that next time...


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