In keeping with the season so far the morning of Stowe dawned cloudy, mild and rather wet.

The hidden town of Buckingham is always a delight to drive through and the clearly marked signs to Stowe Gardens led you easily through some beautiful lanes to the grand entrance & scenic bridge before the long drive to the House & Gardens. Of course if you have paid scant attention to the details in the Rally Brochure & are on your way to Stowe on the Wold, then none of this makes sense.

The Car Park for the race is set on a plateau and the weather front sadly came across all day, possibly it kept the Public attendance down, although the organisation was excellent, the national Trust most welcoming and I feel they would have coped with anything.

Having found the start, rather hidden behind a large bank of rhodedendrums, you set off into a magic wonderland of twisting paths, great monuments, polite public - madly taking pictures, secluded lakes and much more. Whilst not an ideal course for the 6 dog teams, the exciting blind turns, adverse cambers and switchbacks made for a great run for anyone with good voice control. Some interesting signage left you unsure too early which call you needed....and Steve Beech enjoyed himself as 7 or so teams all absentmindedly called the wrong turn where he was marshalling.

A lunchtime glass of sherry & a mince pie under Brian's brightly coloured gazebo warmed & dried everyone slightly, and the afternoon passed without hitch...although what did happen to all of the D2 Class?.

Thanks must go to Brian Wilkenson, Michael Green, Dave Hill, Alan Bowering & Penny Evans for an excellent course & day, I know Stowe would like us back if we're all game to go, so how about it chaps?

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Author: Sarah Robinson