Warm Up Run- 1st April
Unfortunately, the long term forecast from the 22nd of March proved to be wildly inaccurate and instead of the predicted “no rain and 14° with ‘Clouds giving way to sun’”, the day dawned overcast, drizzly, misty and above all…. cold – the clouds were not going to give way today!
Nonetheless, around 44 brave soles met at Castleton Farm Shop for a fantastic breakfast which, as it had been pre-ordered, was served very promptly. Given the inclement weather, only one brave couple – Stuart and Liz – were brave enough to have the top down, perhaps the fact that it was their MGB’s 50th birthday had something to do with it; all the others had roofs firmly up and heaters on! Still, it was better that last years run which started with snow on the ground...
Suitably refreshed, the convoy headed on the short run to the Montrose Air Centre Heritage Centre located on the former airfield. The former RFC, later RAF, airfield is celebrating it's 110th anniversary as Great Britain's first dedicated military airfield. The air station museum is manned by a dedicated team of volunteers and we were treated like royalty - thank you folks! This is a fascinating and historic museum - well worth a visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Although now surrounded by an industrial estate, many of the original and unique buildings remain and contain a fascinating number of exhibits giving an insight into the history of the base. Quite a few of the group had never been before, and most said they were very impressed by what the Centre had to offer – few of us knew much about the base nor the important role it played in both Wars. It was a shame that the temperature wasn’t a few degrees warmer as we were wandering around, but some vowed to make a return visit once it was a bit warmer.
After a couple of hours at the Heritage Centre, we then headed off on a short drive through the countryside and through a private estate to arrive at the Brechin Castle Garden Centre for a spot of lunch and a wander around the shopping area, before heading off for a quick photo opportunity at the Cairn O’Mount and then heading home.
Despite the less than perfect weather everybody seemed to enjoy the day so thanks to Roger and Margaret for pulling it all together.
The first set of pictures were taken by the Club Secretary, the second batch were taken by Club member Lewis Mackland - thanks Lewis once again!
