Several months ago I received an invitation to attend  the re-run of an historic event -'Park Rash Revisited'   As I was well on the way with the building of my 'Grasshopper' and envisaged having it finished and on the road in time I committed to taking part. I was under the impression that other 'Pembleton' owners had expressed an interest so it should be quite an experience, and I looked forward to it with enthusiasm.
As it happens my building timetable slipped and the Grasshopper was not ready in time. However the event officials, Messrs Crackleport and Splutterpipe were quite happy for me to take part in my 'normal' transport.
The following is my account of that memorable occasion:

Traffic congestion on the M1 notwithstanding, my journey to Baildon, Bradford was uneventful and I pitched up at my hosts' (Ian and Alison) about 15 minutes later than anticipated. Greeted warmly, I was offered a can of 'appropriate' refreshment and given an escorted tour of the Hainsworth 'Motorworks and Engineering facility' which occupies a hefty portion of the back garden (and not including the 'Marlin' and functional 2CV hiding in the undergrowth) . I thought I was well placed with a reasonably sized, heated and 'carpeted' garage but envy got the better of me.
A very convivial evening was arranged, with Barry and Rishmal, and included a visit to 'Fannys', a local Inn. I'd been told of its popularity but it was difficult to decide which was the greater attraction - the several excellent local brews (all of which I sampled) or the 'charming' young barmaid who served them!

Early the next morning, feeling surprisingly well, I met Glyn Webster, another enthusiast with, like me, an incomplete Grasshopper. He had travelled from Sheffield so was quite local! We set off in two Pembletons and a Renault Megane to follow a very well defined route, over a course of 150 miles, interspersed with suitable breaks. The weather as we set off was perfect; however, later in the day it deteriorated but this in no way dampened either the enthusiasm or the enjoyment.
After an hours drive which included some breathtaking scenery, we took our first break for morning coffee at a trout fishery and garden centre. Very pleasant it was too, with some of us taking the opportunity to buy plants. Although 'navigators' Ali and Rich accompanied Ian and Barry, Glyn and me were delighted that they had arranged for us to occupy the passenger seats for parts of the course. So it was that shortly after leaving the fish we approached the highlight of the event the hill climb.

For any reader who might question the pulling power of their 'Hopper please note that in my 16 valve, 1600cc Megane I had to stop half way up the hill and change down to first before I could continue. However, both 'Hoppers did it in one go. When we got to the top it was a change of co-pilots and we came down and did it again - exhilarating, sensational.
It was at this stage that the weather closed in but undaunted we motored on through the bleak though beautiful Dales. Eventually we reached the site, romantically situated on the bank of a small lake, where we enjoyed our picnic - in the rain but not heavy enough to mar the occasion. At this stage of the course we were almost at the furthest point from the start, almost in the Lake District, with still a way to go. The second half of the course was less 'exciting' than the first but never the less still very enjoyable, passing through many historic and picturesque places. The course ended at a point which presented the most panoramic view of part of the countryside we had passed through. Throughout the journey the 'Hoppers had been the source of much interest and amusement, with lots of waving and smiling both from motorists and pedestrians. It's amazing the amount of good will and friendliness a little old car can generate.

Whilst the 'Run' was over, we still had our celebration to look forward to and this took the form of a visit to the local 'Indian'. This establishment seemed to be manned by dwarfs but the portions were by no means small. They supplied excellent meals with which copious beer was taken. On returning my host provided even more refreshment in the guise of his excellent, if lively, home brew to accompany the reminiscing about the Run, but we were whacked so it did not go on too long.
In the morning before I left I was presented by Messrs Crackleport and Gearbox with certificate of participation on the Run which I will cherish along with the photographic reminders of a wonderful experience which I wouldn't have missed for the world. My thanks go to Ian, Alison and their two boys for making we so welcome and comfortable and to Barry, Rishmal and Glyn for their excellent company.

PS: Should Messrs Crackleport and Splutterpipe, notwithstanding the poor response this year, decide they want to organise something on similar lines in the future, they can certainly put me at the top of their list, if only for the opportunity to visit 'Fannys' again.