Ashbourne Classic Enthusiasts
Newsletter June 2026
Dear ACE Members,
I hope you are getting out in your cars with the nice weather we have been having!
We were blessed with good weather for the Spring Run on Drive It Day, 26th April, for a lovely run over the Staffordshire Moorlands to Dunhan Massey in Cheshire, an interesting National Trust property with lovely gardens. We came back for a nice dinner at the Royal Oak, Hanging Bridge. A huge thank you to Doug and Liz Billings for a well organised and lovely day.
As ever we have plenty coming up:
Summer Run – Sunday 12th July
Ø This will be a drive to Eyam for a late lunch at the celebrated African Caribbean Restaurant “Stella’s Kitchen”. African Caribbean Food Peak District | Hope Valley | Stella's Kitchen Lunch will be at 2:00pm and for a main course will cost £25. To include coffee and cake it will be £30. Soft drinks are available and we are welcome to bring our own alcoholic drinks.
Ø The run is being organised by Bob and Britt Westhall and further details and a form to sign-up will be distributed shortly. Please put the date in your diary.
Ashbourne Classic Car Festival – Sunday 2nd August
Ø We are holding the first ever Ashbourne Classic Car Festival on 2nd August in conjunction with the Town Team, the Town Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council. This is one of three Summer Events being organised in the Market Place (though in our case it may also take place in Victoria Square and Shrovetide Walk – if we have enough cars). Marketing and publicity are well underway with flyers being distributed (copy attached), posters and banners being put up.
Ø So far, we have 27 members cars and we would like to get to a total of 60 cars. If you have not entered your car yet but would like to, please email Andy Thomas asap on events@ashbournecarclub.org
Ø We would also like to open up the show for friends and family to bring their classic cars. Please find attached a letter from Andy which you can use to see if they are interested in joining us. It will be great fun. The pubs, cafes and shops will be open; there will be music in the Market Place. Final day for registering is 2nd July.
Monthly Noggin and Natter
Ø Reminder that this takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at The Shoulder of Mutton at Osmaston (DE6 1LW) at 12.00 noon. Booking is not necessary - you are free to just come for a drink and a chat or also order a meal.
Ø Upcoming dates are 10th June, 8th July, 12th August, 9th September
Annual Trip Away
Ø Monday 14th – Thursday 17th September – Sandburn Hall, near York. It will only take a couple more for us to take the whole hotel so please book if you haven’t yet. Contact Brian Humphries or Jane Potter, as previously advised.
New Website
Ø Our new website is up and running! Ashbourne Classic Enthusiasts Car Club (www.ashbournecarclub.org)
Ø Thank you to Dave Hatchett and his son Jonathan for putting this together. There are some great photos of our cars, explanation of who we are, information about coming events and details of how to join the club for your friends that have classic cars but haven’t joined us yet!
Autumn Run
Ø Date for your diary – Sunday 27th September. I am looking for a volunteer to organise this run.
Looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Best Wishes,
Tony
Tony Walker,
Chairman, Ashbourne Classic Enthusiasts