SEAD Chiddingstone Castle, Kent - 15 August 2021

South East Alvis Day - Chiddingstone Castle, Kent - 15 August 2021

The section’s annual gathering was the first time some members had met for over a year but nobody looked a day older of course. Nearly thirty gleaming cars arrived, a number bravely offering themselves for scrutiny by the concours judges. We all decided more could have entered given some beautifully prepared models from all periods parked amongst numerous equally splendid examples of most Alvis marques.

Indeed, the author of this piece selected a few worthy of the judges eye including William Douie’s pale blue Speed 20 tourer and Michael Kerr’s fabu-lously coloured TE21 Drophead.

Given the troubles of the recent past our usual number of over fifty Alvis was depleted but for those who did attend, all agreed we had had an outstanding day at the Castle. The morning saw a little drizzle but by late lunch warm, not too hot sun shone on the assembled company. We knew there would be a tribute band playing at the rear of the castle in the afternoon but we didn’t really hear it. Although some two hundred people attended the concert most admired our cars as they walked to the venue. So that was another good result.

Chiddingstone Castle is famous for its vast collection of artefacts from around the world collected by one Denys Eyre Bower during the last century. He b-queathed it to the nation for future generations to admire and enjoy including the house and grounds which now operate as a charitable trust. One Trustee at Chiddingstone is a member of the AOC (we have another member who is a trustee at Brooklands). We just love good connections.

The day at the Chiddingstone started at 10.00 with our cars parking on the lawn below the Haha while the glittering concours entries massed in front of the Castle entrance where a fine array of Alvis bottoms was to be seen.

Concours entries included the winning 1933 Speed 20 belonging to Rob Marsden and the winning TA21 drop head so beautifully maintained and highly polished by Malcolm Kindell. Mike Baker took another trophy for his impec-cable TF21 drop head. Jonathan Huggett’s beautiful TD21 drop head was complemented by Don Gray’s fine TD21 Series 2. Indeed, we were greatly ho-noured by his participation, he having driven up from the West Country the day before. A rare car and splendid sight was Tudor Francis’s Graber; we were also grateful for his long journey to join the event. Our AOC chairman Anthony’s stunning Speed 25 Saloon is always a head turner but was just pipped at the post.

Our President was ably assisted by Committee member Barbara Long calling the raffle. Our Committee chair Tim Harcourt awarded the prizes applauding all those who organised the event.

Author:  Richard Bagge,  SE Section AOC