The Wolseley Register National Rally 2024 was held between 16th and 19th August, at The Shuttleworth Collection, which is a very active, working aerodrome, plus a museum within 6 huge hangars, full of both historic planes and vehicles.
Activities planned throughout the weekend, included trips to Bletchley Park, which particpants could visit on Friday or Saturday, and which was the home of the codebreakers who helped to end World War II. Visits to the museum enabled members to explore the huts, and discover the stories of the people who worked there.
On Saturday, Wolseley Register member John Worth very generously opened up his private collection of 19 classic cars, including 3 Wolseleys at his beautiful home, also laying on refreshments in his garden. John conducted two tours throughout the day, which were hugely enjoyed by everyone and and it was fascinating to listen to his expertise and knowledge of every vehicle.
Some members also visited Shuttleworth on Saturday to give them more time to see all the attractions that Shuttleworth offers, including the Swiss Garden, and all six hangars which contain hundreds of exhibits, mainly historic aircraft and vehicles, including the Shuttleworth’s 1912 Wolseley Type 5 24/30 Limousine, owned by the family from new, and believed to have only done 2500 miles!
The main rally dinner was held on Saturday evening at the Stratton House in Biggleswade, which was enjoyed by 65 people, the maximum the hotel could accommodate. Unfortunately more members would have liked to join us had there been room.
The highlight of the weekend was the Sunday static display, where the 6/80 & MO, Oxford & Cowley Club also joined us at Shuttleworth for their own National Rally, which increased the number of 6/80 and 4/50 Wolseleys present and gave a chance to compare our 1950’s cars with other marques of the same era. Rally vehicles were displayed on the grass paddock overlooking the flying area in front of the hangars bearing the Shuttleworth sign. The Wolseley Register National Rally 2024 concluded with the presentation of the various trophies by each respective club.
The day ended with a buffet tea in Shuttleworth’s cafe which rounded off a superb weekend.