As most of you know I started organising tours for Lotus Ltd back in 2002, my old friend Bob Metz contacted me asking if I could put something together for members of the club. This was the first time I had done anything like this, but how hard could it be?

The first group of eight arrived and I managed to return eight, the same eight, to the airport. The next group was bigger which involved me hiring a bus to get them all around. Again, all returned safe and sound. Over the years I would organize ‘mini’ tours, maybe a day or two depending what time folks had. I then offered tours based around the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Revival. The Goodwood events are said to be the greatest car events in the world.

Regarding numbers I’m restricted to bus size so likely be 8-10…….now 6-8 as a couple have just reserved their place……..so don’t hand around!!!!?

So, let’s look at the itinerary:

Fly into Heathrow on the Sunday, an overnight stay near airport, pick up the next morning to visit the two old Lotus factories Hornsey & Cheshunt. Sadly the Cheshunt factory has a demolition order in place as the area is being turned into an upmarket residential area. Therefore, limited time to visit this factory before the demolition takes place. We then travel to the hotel in Norwich.

Tuesday; a tour of the lovely City of Norwich, with its Norman Cathedral and Castle. Later we drive out of town to visit a National Trust stately home for refreshments if required, then onto a Victorian seaside town for an ice cream.

Wednesday is Lotus day, with a visit to the manufacturing area to see where the £100,000,000 has been spent by owners Geely. We also visit Ketteringham Hall, the historic home of Team Lotus for over 20 years. Then onto visit the Chapman’s final resting place at East Carlton Church. Finishing off with a look around the local market town of Wymondham before the magical trip to Classic Team Lotus.

Thursday; a morning of leisure, maybe a quick walk into the city centre for presents to take home. We then visit Sue Millar, for anyone wishing to buy any historic Lotus parts. In the evening, the Lotus ‘Old Boys’ dinner.

Friday; we leave Norfolk and head to our base for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, stopping off for a visit to the Brooklands Museum.

Saturday/Sunday; Goodwood. Sunday evening traveling back to the Heathrow hotel ready for your return home on Monday.

At the time of writing this I’m still awaiting cost for various things, as always it is difficult to price until I know numbers.

For more details or questions please email me on richard@positivespeech.co.uk

Should you need recommendations I’d be pleased to pass on contact details of satisfied travelers (people I’ve paid off).

Richard Parramint.

www.positivespeech.co.uk

07860 360631