Group Organiser: Barbara Wood

Venue: Various Venues - as listed under Meet Ups and Locations

When: Listed under Meet Ups and Locations 2026 below

The group is for like minded members who share an interest in motoring and transport in general to enjoy a variety of social events and outings.

It is not a prerequisite to own any motor vehicle at all, just an enthusiasm for automotives and all things connected. Lifts can be arranged!

The aim is to provide diverse activities with wide ranging appeal. We have visited Aviation museums, Motoring and Transport museums, enjoyed free guided tours of National Trust properties, Heritage sites, canal boat trips and held a photographic competition. Members suggest trips for the group, and our range of interest is wide.

We have recently started a 'Meet to Eat'-'Brake Fast' group, all themed to motoring or transport venues. We have several new locations for 2026. We hope to include the occasional 'Extra Treat' from time to time.

Our planned meet-up and outings for 2026 are as follows:

First monthly meet up was at the newly relocated Industry and Supply. Specially opened up for us - usual refreshments available. We had members from Brackley and Towcester joining us to discuss the set up of a motoring group for Brackley. An extremely interesting exchange of ideas took place.

Second monthly meet up DATE CHANGE 10th March at White Horse, Silverstone - lots of memorabilia, and lunch. We somehow managed to squash 16 members into the 'Legend Room' where we all enjoyed a very keenly priced menu which worked out at £9 for the main and because it was Tuesday just £1 for puds.

For our Extra Treat this month we had access, via Zoom, to a talk given by Dr Keith Mitchell, retired consultant and specialist on Bluebird called 'Into the Water Barrier' it contained numerous photographs of the development of all the 'Bluebirds' from the early '30s onward. We also caught a glimpse of the sometimes glamorous lifestyle of the Campbells.

First outing for 2026 - April 14th Catesby Tunnel in Charwelton. Meet on site for 3.30pm tour. Donation required for local charity £10. A very popular visit indeed. 18 turned up to hear a talk from Rob Lewis on how a Victorian Railway tunnel has evolved into a world class aerodynamic testing facility. We all had a ride down the tunnel, a spin on the turntable, and return to base!

April 23rd at midday - Meet up and Eat up - Fox and Hounds Charwelton (very close to Catesby) choice of 2 items from set menu for £10.

May 28th The Piston Club - Stratford upon Avon - lots of memorabilia plus Pie and a Pint for £20 - meet up at 11.30am

Confirmed June outing - Tuesday 9th at 11am. Offering a unique range of restoration skills, all in house, including upholstery, body framing, sheet metal work plus engine, axle and gearbox rebuilding. Vintage Bentley and other marques. Flecknoe. This is a private tour Fully Booked.

June 23rd Jacks Hill Café - Towcester meet up at 11.30am. We get a discount as a club visit booked, so remember to mention when ordering food etc.

Mini Road Trip - July 9th. We head off to Kingsley Café in Eynsham for Brunch, then off to The Farmers Dog (Clarkson) for a look see, and end up at Hook Norton Pottery for afternoon tea. Opportunity to join part way round, a timed (estimated) schedule will be issued nearer the day.

August photo competition - this year a slight change as we will not be looking for technical expertise. Just submit 3 pictures that are your favourite shots - from any of our visits in the last 12 months. We will all have a vote and the winner will as usual get a prize!!

Proposed September outing - Date TBC - The world of the Microlight. Talk and possibility of flight (£80 for 30mins) weather permitting.

Rescheduled to October - date TBC - Armourgeddon Military Museum - Husbands Bosworth. A chance to drive or be a passenger in a selection of military vehicles (including tanks). Passenger rides at £31.50pp normally alongside a paying driving experience. Tank rides £40pp.

Proposed outings to consider -Transport Museum - for buses and workshop. Bus rides with tickets from 'clippie'. Wythall, Solihull. Great Central Railways (Loughborough), Rocks by Rail Rutland former quarry, Great British Driving Experience - cars from the 50's. 60's and 70's. Onsite café - Wednesdays only - £54 up to 3hrs. Ambergate Derbyshire. A little further afield but could be great fun!

For the more nimble - Nuclear Bunker at Broadway Tower - access via ladder. Home to one of the '3 minute warning' stations. A longer drive but spectacular views from tower - more suitable for summer weather?

Also plans to 'revisit' some of the very first outings - as newer members missed out on these. Suggestions were - Coventry Transport museum, Cotswold Toy and Motor museum, Hot Rods, Tuthill Porsche and Skid Pad - see newsletter for full details of this free event.

Make this the year to enjoy your membership of u3a Daventry. Come join us to swap stories and plan outings at our regular meet ups.

CONTACT DETAILS

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