Magical Mystery Tour

On the hottest May day since 1944, about 30 liverymen and guests set off in fifteen cars, ranging from domestic run-abouts to thoroughbred marques for a memorable “magical mystery tour” through the glorious Cotswolds countryside.

The day began with breakfast at the Cotswold Barn Café, where our eclectic convoy mingled happily with petrol-heads and an array of exotic machinery before departing at two-minute intervals. Armed with rally-style route directions and a sense of adventure, crews tackled an 80-mile route winding through the picturesque lanes of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.

Despite an unexpected diversion along the way, which called for a little ingenuity and teamwork to overcome, every crew successfully reached the destination — proof that perseverance and good humour remain essential motoring qualities.

Our journey concluded at the splendid Buscot Park, where a picnic lunch was enjoyed in the welcome shade of the trees under brilliant blue skies. Unopened destination coordinates from each (and every!) car were entered into a draw for a bottle of champagne, won by Past Master Hugh Garforth-Bles who then thanked the organisers, Past Master Brian Ahern and Annette, for their efforts in arranging the day. The afternoon then offered the opportunity to explore the house and its magnificent gardens at leisure, providing a fittingly elegant finale to a thoroughly enjoyable day in the company of friends old and new, and a fine example of the livery fellowship.