A glorious day and a rally field filled with 100 marvellous Rovers all gleaming in the spring sunshine; that was our Bressingham Rally this year.  In fact, we had nearly every Rover model represented from 1935 to the end of production in 2005 and this included a record number of 14 SD1s who’s club are celebrating the models 50th anniversary this year.  I’m not sure why, but we always seem to attract a few unusual Rovers as well and I was pleased to see the return of the rare P6 Roadster, an equally rare 1936 P2 woody and a 1935 P2 10 that had been restored to exceptional condition.  It was also good to see that the more modern Rovers were well represented again, something that as an All Rover club we are trying to encourage, and it’s a credit to the owners that so many are being preserved, and in such fantastic condition.  As the company used to say, ‘Rover, one of Britain’s Finest Cars’

This year we returned to our traditional late May Bank Holiday date that had served us well for so many years before the disruption caused by Covid, and this saw the welcome return of some old faces but also a surprising number of new ones, which was pleasing to see.  We have always put on our show for the whole Rover community and we are pleased that it has become recognised nationally.  Cars now come from far and wide each year, which is remarkable given that the location on the Norfolk/Suffolk border is somewhat out on a limb and not one of the easiest of places to reach.

It is usual to get cars from, say, Nottingham & Essex and surrounding areas, but one owner had brought his Rover 45 all the way down from Bradford, just for the day.  One couple had come up from Kent in their P4 and despite breaking down at the Dartford crossing they got their car fixed at the roadside (a new coil) and then continued on as if nothing had happened, still arriving at Bressingham in good time.  As if that were not enough, we even had 2 SD1s join us all the way from Norway, and who were going down to Harwich immediately they left us to catch the ferry on their way back home.  We really do appreciate the distance some owners come to join us for the day but this was truly exceptional.

Whilst the aim of our event is to show off our beloved Rovers, we do always have a small section for other classics and this year we were pleased to see an interesting selection that included an MGF, an ex-police Wolseley 6/110 and a splendid 1939 Austin 12 Tourer to name just 3.  My favourite though was the white MKII Jaguar, often seen as police patrol and pursuit cars back in the 60s.

One of the things that helps to make our event so popular is of course the venue, with its 17 acres of splendid gardens, the live steam railways and fascinating museum, and we are pleased that the museum trust and their staff make us so welcome each year.  In fact, we have already booked in for the same late May Bank Holiday again next year and we look forward to seeing you all again then.

As a final word, can I say how much we appreciate all the positive comments we have received about the day, both in person and by email.  Knowing that you have enjoyed your day with us is what makes it all worthwhile.  Thank you.  Whilst we can organise it, it’s you, all the Rover owners, who make the show what it is.

Russell James
Chairman
Norfolk & Norwich Rover Owners Club