[L]ast week saw the return of the Veteran Vespa Club to Irton Hall to hold their 54th annual Rally. They returned once again to the Hall in Eskdale, who hosted the clubs last visit to the Lake District in September 2014 for their late summer social event.
The Event was organised by the Club’s General secretary Chris Wainwright along with his wife Rosie.
Chris said: “We were once again welcomed by Steve Cottrell and his team at the hall who have been an absolute pleasure to work with. The hotel is situated within stunning grounds and the level of friendly service which we have once again received is second to none, all of the 61 participating members have had a brilliant time.
“We had to change our planned itinerary to work round the weather somewhat but we managed to fit all of our planned events in which included 2 ride outs , one 85 mile tour of the area and a shorter Sunday morning ride to St. Bees.
“We were also blessed with glorious weather on the Sunday afternoon which enabled us to have the fun and games on the field with a Gymkahna, skill rides and a Concours d’Elegance.”
This year as last time the club visited they raised funds and awareness for the Great North Air Ambulance service in recognition of the fantastic work they do. This time with a Gurning competition using a Scooter Tyre inner tube instead of the traditional horse’s collar to keep everything tied in to the scooter theme.
Chris added: “This proved to be popular with the members who raised a total of £129.10 for the Great North Air Ambulance, and there were some serious contenders for Egremont fair next year, I can tell you.”
The Prize of Two Nights free accommodation at the Beautiful Irton Hall, (so the winners could catch up on some very much needed beauty sleep,) was kindly donated by Steve Cottrell the owner.
Steve said: “It was a great pleasure and honour to welcome back the Veteran Vespa Club to our Hotel, they are a great bunch of folk and the Hall and the surrounding area are perfect for the club to hold such an event. The thanks and the feedback from the members has been fantastic which makes me feel proud of my team who have worked so hard to make this as all our events special. It is nice to support the Veteran Vespa Club with helping out the Air Ambulance Service which I know they do something for each time they hold and event, and is a very good cause indeed.”