BEAULIEU INTERNATIONAL AUTOJUMBLE

The Beaulieu International Autojumble is one event that just has to be 'done' if you are into Classic Cars in any kind of way. Even if you are not looking to buy parts for your pride and joy, Beaulieu is one of those dates in the calendar that transcends all other priorities.

Of course, dragging the wife and children around thousands of car part stalls for hours on end can lead to a few disagreements, so the best way to see Beaulieu is to bung 'em a few quid and bundle them off to the shops in Bournemouth. Now this technique may not work for all partnerships, but it works for me and anyone contemplating a visit to the Autojumble next year may just like to plan their own strategy.

To appreciate the enormity of the Beaulieu International Autojumble & Automart, you have to experience it for yourself, but you will find the photographs taken at this weekends event will give an impression of what you have missed!

	Just one of the many fields! To do justice to Beaulieu, you need to spend the two days available - but then again would your feet stand up to it, and would the rest of the family appreciate two days in Bournemouth!
Wheels for all types of vehicles. Just one example of the many interesting 'finds' that are around every turn.
	There are many ways to get noticed at Beaulieu. Some hang placards around their necks, some even resort to sandwich boards! This guy went to the expense of having a t-shirt printed with his 'wants' on. At least he can use it as a duster to clean his 1939 Essex Super Six when it is completed!
Anyone fancy building a replica of FC 7900? You will need one of these for a start, and a snip at just £75. Oh and by the way, if you didn't know what FC 7900 was, then shame on you - it's Old Number One.
	It would be a grand statement to say that you can find everything you want for your classic car at Beaulieu - but you would be hard pressed *not* to find what you want!
Not *all* stalls sell items for *Big* kids. Some stalls cater for *Little* kids. And then just as it was getting interesting, there are stalls catering for *Big* kids who have never grown up from being *Little* kids! In fact, if it has a motoring theme, or should I say anything to do with Transportation, (see the Rocking Horse) then you will find it at Beaulieu.
	And just when you thought you had finished - yet another field to cover.
There are complete cars for sale, as well as those requiring restoration in the Paddock. For those who have an eye for a bargain, or perhaps just like to live dangerously, then there is Brooks Auction in the Marquee. The only drawback here is that you need to gain access to view the sale items - which is by Catalogue Only. This will cost you 20 sods to look around. Who said the Motor Trade was Money for Old Rope!
	Of course, you are not limited to the Autojumble when you visit Beaulieu. The National Motor Museum is housed in the grounds of Beaulieu and you are free to wander around the wonderful collection of motor cars through the ages.
Some of the exhibits are put in realistic settings such as the Garage/workshop. Attention to detail gives the onlooker the feeling of being in a 'time capsule'. From a personal viewpoint, and I have been to Beaulieu many times over the years, the Museum now appears 'dated' and the British Motoring Heritage Trust at Gaydon, Warwickshire, now seems to have 'the edge'.

Our weekend was finished off with a leisurely drive back through Poole and Sandbanks, over to Studland Bay via the Ferry, before passing Corfe Castle and on to Weymouth, Lyme Regis, Freshwater Bay and home.

We were sidetracked, however, when we spotted a group of MGs forming at The Mountbatten Inn at Wallisdown. We immediately back-tracked and drove into the car park to find 20 to 30 MGs parked up. It was the 1020 Bournemouth and Poole MGOC Sunday Run to 'The Halfway Inn' at Norden for a slap up lunch before joining a Classic Vehicle Rally and Steam Up at Harman's Cross.

Sadly we were unable to join them as we had the long journey back to Cornwall but it was nice to meet Nigel Hedges (Area Sec. 1020) and some of his members. Thanks for the warm welcome Nigel, trust the day went off well and hopefully we will be able to meet up again when we are in the Dorset Area next year.