2022 Crossley Register UK National Rally - Usk.

Photos - Malcolm Asquith and Nick Turley

The United Kingdom 2022 rally was organised by Malcolm and Margaret Hatfield in the county of Monmouthshire based around the Three Salmons Hotel in the town of Usk, which we had visited by us previously over twenty years ago.

Wednesday 29 June

Most people arrived on the Wednesday with an informal gathering in the hotel car park.There were one or two notable absences due to illness both of the human and automotive variety. I have to confess that for the second time in two years I was in a modern car as the Torquay was suffering from brake problems.

Thursday 30 June

After a departure at around 10.30 we set off towards Raglan Castle. Monmouthshire is said to have the highest density of castles in the UK.From Raglan we proceeded down more rural roads passing Rockfield Studios where many rock superstars had made recordings including Queen with their Bohemian Rhapsody.

Passing Skenfrith castle we entered England and called at the Bridge Inn for lunch.

After lunch it was along more narrow roads to Llanthony Priory for a wander round and ice creams.

From the priory we were able to make a special detour to visit the car home where long time Crossley owner Charles Donovan now lives. It made quite an occasion for Charles and many of the other residents.

The last stop on the day was at Highfields Farm where the owners had made an extensive garden on the hillside and there was also an opportunity to partake of tea and cakes.It was then a mile run back to Usk.

Thanks to Dan Cole for driving us round in his Torquay and apologies for my navigation errors.

The evening was given over to our annual dinner and prize giving. The trophies had to be virtual as long time Crossley stalwart Malcolm Jenner was unable to attend for possibly the first time ever because of illness.

Friday 1st July

It was quiz day in the morning with a walking tour of Usk.  In the absence of the Beasleys (Covid) we all had a chance of winning but modesty precludes me from saying who won this year.

After the quiz we set off to Malcolm and Margaret's house where the Crossley Register's pre-World War I archive was open for inspection as well as an opportunity to admire the garden.

Lunch was available nearby at the Star on the Hill in Llansoy

Saturday

As usual many people stayed over Friday night and there was a grand departure on Saturday morning.