'The Old Crocks'

London to Brighton veteran car run

'The Old Crocks' was established in 1896 and according to Wikipedia is the longest running motoring event in the world. 

Participants qualify by entering a car that was been built before 1905. The event has been fondly known for many years as the 'Old Crocks' ... why??? who knows?? Apparently the entrants dislike this nickname, preferring to use its official title.

The run has traditionally been held the first Sunday in every November. Not sure why, as most of the cars are open top and the South of England is renown for its temperamental weather around this time. Lucky for all concerned 2013 proved a lucky year.

Back in 1896, 33 cars set off from the Metropole Hotel, Central London and raced to the Metropole Hotel, Brighton. Only 14 entrants arrived. Many broke down along the way.

The run is no longer competitive and is now referred to as the London to Brighton Veteran 'Run', as apposed to 'race'. 

The route has also been modified slightly over the years and now starts at Hyde park, London and finishes close to the Metropole Brighton along Marine Parade. Where all the cars line up to be admired by fellow car enthusiasts and the general public alike. 

This year approximately 422 cars entered the run; the finishing results are still being tallied. 

WEATHER WARNING!

So everyone head to the beach ?!...

The calm before the storm

On the 27th Oct 2013 there was an atmosphere of tangible apprehension mixed with excitement as England braced itself for the worst storm since the 80's. Winds of over 85mph were predicted in the south, and, as usual in these cases many people headed to Brighton seafront to watch the waves crashing onto the pebbles. 

The late morning sunshine gave way to the eerie mists that rolled in from the ocean; and as the winds picked up it became more difficult to stand vertical and the waves became deafening. 

The following morning saw a handful of trees down but no where near as much damage as the great storm of 1987.