2007, July, Norfolk, Guess what

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

I can't stand SELOC It's a rude and unmoderated place where behaviour and a lack of manners, the likes of which we would never consider to be acceptable, are the norm

The guys I've met through pistonheads have been great though - genuine petrolheads who just love (any) fast cars and love to drive them

Worst case scenario - there's nothing stopping LEF-ers who don't make it in time to hit the factory list from joining us at the Hotel if there are spaces

[fmxa]

I'm up for this one, July sounds good as I actually get to show the wifey England can be sunny and warm - well, on second thoughts I best not mention the weather

[Cliff]

I would be very interested! What a nice birthday present it would be...

I'm on my way... I hope it doesn't get canceled before I arrive.

Hopefully the Gulf Stream will assist me in my effort.

Edited November 9, 2006 by Cliff

[madmezza]

Oh no, I think I'm gonna have to increase my insurance miles this year. 3k is just not going to conver all the trips to Norfolk!

Count me in - might drag the wife along if she's not been good (it would be her worst nightmare!)

[Kimbers]

Great 2 of our American friends already......even got pics of you both!

[mayevora]

Priority is to confirm date. How to fill up the one/two days entertainment/drive/charity/dinner/ factory/social/beers etc etc can be sorted later, but date is important (if July - lots of people on hols) Any time/date is good as long as its in the diary a long way off.

Also early booking of the golf club again before it fills.

[Advantage]

I don't think SELOC will be invited. we want to keep it strictly enthusiast and nice people.

I can't stand SELOC

So that'll be no SELOC then?!

Right, my 2007 diary is open. Which long weekend should I book up?

/drums fingers/

[Dan]

Fantastic idea Kimbers, you masochist! I note Bibs has kept his head down thus far...

I like the idea of getting all Loti back at the factory, and having an LEF focus, so I reckon if we go for Wensum Valley again as 'our' haunt we can all socialise there, then get to the convoys & factory and meet all the other Loti and owners.

I agree in part with the comments about Elises swamping the meet, but then again, why not? They're 'proper Lotus' cars that Mr. C would have been proud of, and they have kept the company afloat this past ten years. Good on 'em!

I think if we look at the Club Lotus spring show at Donnington, the two models that regularly swamp the Lotus-only car park are the M100 Elans and the Esprits; we'll probably gain some balance alongside the Elises in that case, particularly as has been pointed out that there seems to be nothing in the way of a decent organised Elise-only club. SELOC shmeloc.

What I'd hope to see is an emphasis on welcoming all models, so that there's a good turn out of racers, sevens, the classics (1st gen Elite/Elan/Europa), the wedges (Elite/Eclat/Excel/Esprit), the bubbles (Elise, Exige, M100 Elan, Europa), and the crosses (Sunbeam, Cortina, Carlton, VX220).

I'd also love to see the International contingent coming back, and in even greater numbers. It was fantastic to see the commitment that these guys made to our event, and if concrete dates can be set well in advance then it should only ease long-distance travel arrangements for the next event, even for their clubs to start organising stuff. The Dutch Lotus club for instance put on an excellent display at Donington each year!

One further suggestion for the clubs to invite: the Historic Lotus Register.

Thanks to you, this year's letter to Santa has just got a lot shorter as I've cut out all of the above Perhaps your next factory event outfit should be a jolly red'n'white number to reflect this B)

[Kimbers]

So that'll be no SELOC then?!

Right, my 2007 diary is open. Which long weekend should I book up?

/drums fingers/

I'm sorry, Graham, if you're a member of SELOC you're not invited........

Your Mrs can come tho.....

[Advantage]

I'm sorry, Graham, if you're a member of SELOC you're not invited........

Your Mrs can come tho.....

But, but, but, it's not as if I've actually met any of 'em....

I'm sure Louise would love to do the Lotus weekend again. (You won't be there will you? You'll only get me in trouble again. ) She's just as big a petrolhead as we all are, she just disguises it better. Anyway seeing as how she'll have finished work on the 13th of July for the summer, there's no reason why she can't go. I'm just wondering if she'll be going in a new Europa....

[Loose Cannon]

...if we go for Wensum Valley again as 'our' haunt ...

Any chance of trying somewhere else? I didn't think it was worth the dosh unless you were a golfer.

[Tentenths]

Mark, think you'll find that the only other hotels in/around Norwich that are capable of accommodating that number of people are considerably more expensive.

Whilst it certainly wasn't the best hotel I've ever stayed in I thought that value for money wise it was more than fit for purpose. I'd have no qualms at all about going back there again.

[Kimbers]

Mark, there are 2 other hotels with similar car parks, both in excess of

[Tentenths]

A couple of ideas for the melting pot. Both influenced by the prospect of reasonable July weather and longer evenings.

Convoy - if we fancy a longer drive how about a loop round the North Norfolk coast e.g. up to Cromer, then west to Sheringham, Blakeney, Wells, the Burnhams and then back via Fakenham. Perhaps stopping off at one or two places along the way (?Holkham Hall for photos and/or picnic).

BBQ - struck me that the courtyard behind the hotel - with it's views over the golf course/surrounding countryside - would be a perfect place to set fire to a bit of food. Always good fun and great focus for a spot of socialising.

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

I like that last idea - make the most of being in such a nice location

[Jonathan]

As far as Hotels go I thought it was good, Dan, Red and I took all available liberty over the facilities (well we talked s**t whilst Dan swam up and down the pool )

OK a Social evening is definatly a want, what about a poker night (keep drumming on about it).

And I definatly want to have a go at the driving range again

[Loose Cannon]

Sounds like I need to get out more then!

We were a bit disappointed when we asked if we could have the regular dinner instead of the buffet (which would have suited the missus' food allergy thing better). They said yes, but we wouldn't be allowed in the function room with everyone else . Sorry for being thick, but I didn't get this, as we were all paying the same rate as anyone else on the off peak deals. Is there any way of at least having a regular dinner next time?

The view of the golf course was spectacular though; I've never played a stroke in my life but I felt like getting stuck in. Like someone said maybe a bit less frantic a schedule and we could soak it up more.

Edited November 9, 2006 by britten_mark

[mayevora]

Like the BBQ idea. Always a great idea on those summer evenings with a bit of extra light.

The golf really appeals for next stay if more time permits.

[jimmybondi]

Tony, a daft question:

What about the idea to invite the national clubs like France, Benelux, Italy, Spain...and Germany?

[Kimbers]

Jimmy

Will put it to the powers who are involved.

[BadJelly350]

It's my birthday in July - if this turns out be an annual thingy then I really don't need to ask for any other birthday presents.

So, count me in for both the factory and any hotel meet etc.

If you're looking for an example of each model for any exhibit etc then I'm happy to offer the 350.

Andy

'99 Sport 350

[jimmybondi]

Jimmy

Will put it to the powers who are involved.

This year we had the biggest LOTUS ESPRIT event ever...

imagine this:

THE BIGGEST LOTUS EVENT OF THE CENTURY ! ! !

(and you would be a real KIMBERGOD ! )

[Cliff]

This year we had the biggest LOTUS ESPRIT event ever...

imagine this:

THE BIGGEST LOTUS EVENT OF THE CENTURY ! ! !

(and you would be a real KIMBERGOD ! )

Would every year then start a new century!?

Just to keep the theme going you know?

[SwissV8]

Tony, a daft question:

What about the idea to invite the national clubs like France, Benelux, Italy, Spain...and Germany?

Don't forget little old Switzerland

There's a lot of dedicated Lotus fans over here, not just me!!

.... and agree with the comment on fixing a date as early as possible - there's quite a bit to organise and plan for the non-UK people.

Would be great to get a hoon together through Europe and the Chunnel.... hmmmm, that's started me thinking now!

[Ice Blue]

Hi.

After several breakdowns (not just the car!!) and finding myself stranded (car going one way on a low loader to Paul Mattys and me going the opposite way home), I'm finally, after a recovery free summer, starting to trust the car so a trip to Norfolk sounds fun. Count me in.

Best regards to you all.

Steve