Trent Group Report 358 (Aug/Sept 2025)

Back in April 2025 the Trent Group participated in Drive It Day in conjunction with TSSC Notts and other friends. This collaboration resulted in a good and varied turnout of vehicles. Included were TR3a, TR4, TR5, TR6, Vitesse, Spitfire, GT6 - plus a Triumph 2000 Estate, Spartan kit car, BMW Z3 M Coupe and Mini 1275GT – 17 cars in total.

Our destinations, following a hearty breakfast at The Horse and Groom at Moorgreen, were Great Northern Classics (GNC) in Derby and Britain’s most complete Victorian pumping station at Claymills, Burton-on-Trent. The mainly cross-country routes were planned and then tested by Ian Viles and Barry Pochin earlier in the week. The journey to Derby was mostly through pleasant countryside, but the final couple of miles through the city centre were busier than anticipated. Consequently, we temporarily lost one of the Group and a couple of cars (and drivers!) got a little hot under the collar.

After an hour or so kicking tyres and admiring the exhibits at GNC we set off to Claymills Pumping Station by another cross-country route via the villages of Repton and Newton Solney. The route out of Newton Solney offered panoramic views over the Trent Valley.

On arrival at Claymills we re-built our strength with tea and cake before an informative talk and guided tour from the enthusiastic pumping station volunteers. Some of us plan to return on a Bank Holiday steaming day.

The Trent Group AGM was held on 5 June 2025 at The Horse and Groom, Moorgreen, following Peter Sloss’ decision to stand down as Group Leader. Ian Viles was nominated and unanimously elected, with Darren Salmon as assistant. Ian proposed a vote of thanks for Peter’s leadership over the past four years.

Immediate plans agreed by members were a review of our monthly meeting venue and planning a summer event / show programme.