Grand Tour
The second Grand Tour -
The tour scheduled for 10 May 2026 has been postponed.
A new date later in the year will be announced in due course.
The Old Wessex Circuit — A Grand Springtime Adventure Through Olde England
On 10 May, engines will stir in Ottershaw as we set out on a sweeping, circuitous 100‑mile journey into the heart of Old Wessex — a land of chalk downs, ancient trackways, hidden villages and stories older than the kingdom of England itself.
This is an invitation to all Ottershaw School Old Boys, both motorists and motorcyclists alike (not forgetting all navigators & co-drivers): to join us for a day where the road is the destination, the landscape is the guide, and the company is more than half the joy.
We’ll wind our way through the lanes and byways that once linked the burhs and market towns of the early Saxon kings — a route chosen not for speed, but for pleasure. Expect rolling hills, cathedral spires glimpsed across meadows, thatched hamlets tucked behind hedgerows, and the kind of roads that make you glad you came out.
At roughly the halfway point, we’ll pause for a proper lunch stop, giving everyone a chance to stretch their legs, share stories, admire each other’s machines, and soak up the atmosphere of a timeless English village. After that, we continue our gentle three‑hour meander through the countryside before looping back toward Surrey with full hearts and pleasantly tired engines.
Whether you ride a classic, cruise in a grand tourer, or simply love the camaraderie of the open road, this is your chance to be part of something special — a springtime pilgrimage through the landscapes that shaped our earliest history.
Old roads. Old stories. New memories. - Come and join us for the Old Wessex Circuit.
Further details will be posted here when known.
Just email Andre Scruton at andre.scruton@outlook.com confirming your interest.
The fIrst Grand Tour - Sunday 5th October 2025
Autumn Rally Triumph: Society's Grand Tour Rolls Through the Countryside
Sunday 5th October 2025 marked a glorious chapter in the Society’s calendar as the long-awaited Road Rally — dubbed the Grand Tour — unfolded across winding lanes and golden autumn landscapes. With engines revving and spirits high, four drivers and one navigator embarked on a day of motoring magic, camaraderie, and celebration.
The rally featured a stunning lineup of classic cars and their proud drivers:
• David Over (OTT532) in his sleek 1991 Jaguar XJS, gliding through the route with effortless grace
• Andre Scruton (OT866) behind the wheel of a 1978 Porsche Targa, turning heads at every checkpoint
• Colin Blowers (OT947) piloting his spirited Mini Moke, bringing charm and cheer to the convoy
• Peter Lewis (OTT364) in his beautifully preserved TR2 Triumph, a true tribute to British motoring heritage
Covering a total of 109 miles, the route offered a rich blend of challenge and charm — including a spontaneous 10-mile detour just outside Cranleigh, which added a dash of unpredictability and adventure to the day. Very narrow roads were the order of the day, with the route relying predominantly on B roads that showcased the best of the countryside while keeping drivers on their toes.
Lunch consisted of a fantastic roast West Sussex beef for most, served at The Foresters Arms in Graffham — a welcome pause that gave everyone a chance to refuel and swap stories of their schooldays before tackling the final leg.
A special mention must go to John Chapman (OT841), who not only helped guide the lead car throughout the day with precision and poise, but also earned the unofficial title of Best Dressed Navigator — his rally-day attire was as sharp as his sense of direction.
Though the day was filled with joy, one absence was keenly felt. Trevor Olney (OTT365), one of the rally’s key organisers and a beloved member of the Society, was sadly unable to attend due to illness. His meticulous planning and passion were evident throughout the event, and many raised a toast in his honour at the finish line.
Spirit of the Rally Award in Absentia
Colin Blowers receives the Spirit of the Rally Award for his determination in driving an open Mini Moke. Despite being hit in the face by a stone from Peter Lewis's TR2 Triumph, Colin continued undeterred, showing resilience and camaraderie that earned him well-deserved recognition.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the last car rolled in, one sentiment echoed among all: “We’ll do it all again next year.”
See gallery below for photos taken before and on the day.
