As a committee member for many years, I am always on the look out for local events that club members may be interested in.

Or the last 2 years I have attended the Tonbridge Lions classic car tour (in Kent) and this year I am helping to organise it. The event is open to all Alpines (including electric ones) and takes place on Sunday 19^th of July.

It promises a delightful blend of driving, dining and discovery. The day will begin at Tonbridge School, where you will be welcomed with refreshments before setting off on a relaxed and scenic drive through some of Kent’s finest countryside.

This year’s route heads south-east, with a particularly special destination, the Gusbourne Vineyard near Appledore. Set among rolling vineyards and orchards, Gusbourne is one of England’s most celebrated wine estates, internationally renowned for its award-winning sparkling wines crafted using traditional Champagne methods. Their elegant Brut Reserve and Blanc de Blancs regularly receive global acclaim, making Gusbourne a flagship name in English winemaking.

We will pause here for a leisurely lunch in this beautiful rural setting. The entry fee includes a delicious two-course buffet lunch prepared by Gusbourne’s excellent kitchens. For those wishing to enhance the experience, there will be the opportunity to book an optional guided vineyard and winery tour and/or a tutored wine tasting, available at additional cost. This is a wonderful chance to learn more about Gusbourne’s meticulous winemaking process—and perhaps pick up a bottle or two for your next special occasion.

After lunch, we will wend our way gently back to Tonbridge School, enjoying more carefully chosen roads along the way, before returning to the school for a well-deserved cream tea to round off the day in style.

The entry fee is per car (two occupants) and includes all food and refreshments throughout the day (with the exception of drinks at lunchtime, where a bar will be available), a commemorative car plaque, and full route instructions.

The route will cover approximately 95 miles, with the organisers doing their utmost to select the smoother, less potholed roads Kent and has offer!

For more information, please email me (John Sweet) – john.sweet99@gmail.com or you can visit the Lions Club website here

https://www.tonbridgelions.org/classic-car-tour