He is very different from the cars I usually drive so although not quite love at first sight we very quickly adapted to him and welcomed him into the family. After 3,000 Tangent miles he has really earned his stars, sitting on the motorways beautifully and cruising comfortably along.
He has loads of space with a huge boot and plenty of leg room in the back, even though I drive with my seat well back too.
In over 40 years of car ownership I have only ever named two, but the i30 has the huge honour of just becoming the third and will now by know as “Dai”.
I hope to keep you up to date throughout the year with my travels with Dai, but meanwhile if you see us on the road give us a wave!
DAI’S DIARY NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
Wednesday 2/11 – I have been all geared up to go for what seems ages but where is she? Flight delayed! Which means we will be in a rush as she is straight off to a function tonight. 8.35pm and here she is, case dumped in boot and of we go roaring round the corner to the “In Flight Café” where the Area Friendship evening is being held. Fortunately, Baildon Tangent organised the evening with a “flight” theme in keeping with the venue so everyone seems to think it is quite cool that the Nat Pres has flown in for the occasion and the delay not inappropriate! Supper was just being served and then the games continued afterwards. It was quite a late finish but good fun and then we had a very foggy journey over the hills home.
Friday 4/11 – long run today but a familiar route down the A1 then A14 to Norfolk. Suit bag in boot which means we are going somewhere “posh”
Saturday 5/11 – negotiate the Norwich ring road, outer and inner by-passes not too successfully but we arrive just in time to celebrate Broadland Tangent’s 30th anniversary with a lovely lunch in an ideal conservatory setting. There is a harpist playing which soothes the frazzled nerves and creates a relaxing atmosphere.
Sunday 6/11 – lazy morning then retrace my route back up to Yorkshire
Wednesday 9/11 – off we go again really loaded up this time so must be a long trip. Head south down M1 to A43 then onto M42, another familiar route
Thursday 10/11 – just got back on the road after an overnight stop and the traffic is at a standstill before we even get near to the M4 so off we go across country. Unfortunately hear on the radio that 329 is moving slowly so divert again only to be met with road closed signs. About turn but follow some local traffic which pays off as we get back on to our route without too much of a detour but time is going to be a bit tight. Fortunately arrive down in Southsea in time for coffee. I have a reserved prime parking spot right in front of the Hotel with sea views – fantastic! Lots of ladies arrive to celebrate Portsmouth and Southsea’s 50th birthday – wow what an achievement. Quick dash back to Marlow, fortunately the evening traffic wasn’t too bad and we made it in time to enjoy a lovely relaxing evening at Tangent’s pot luck supper.
Friday 11/11 – Off to the seaside again but heading for the south east coast this time at Southend. I visited here in July so soon recognise the area. We make very good time this morning and are first to arrive for the Exec. meeting. A long meeting but finish just in time for our lovely hostess, Jackie, to navigate us back to her home where I can have a rest whilst the two of them go off to enjoy the evening get- together.
Saturday 12/11 – Early start this morning with Jackie navigating us around Southend to pick up some of the other Tangent ladies. Drop hat boxes, suit bags and everything off at the hotel then back to the car park for the day. They are all very excited about the lunch today and I hear that some television stars are due too. They must be famous as soon lots more cars are arriving from all over the south east with dressed up ladies equally excited.
Sunday 13/11 – An early start after another overnight stay in the area. We follow June Boden’s little blue car into the centre of London which is a new experience for me but fortunately, on a Sunday, the roads are fairly quiet. We both get parked up whilst they disappear in a big black car with their circle of red flowers. Lots of the roads are already closed off and there are crowds gathering so it is something special. They eventually arrive back on the bus without the flowers which apparently got left behind at the Cenotaph. Nobody seems upset about it so perhaps that was the plan?
Follow my little blue friend a little way out of town then we split off on to the north circular road – another new experience. Arrive back in Marlow ready for a rest.
Monday 14/11 – Head west today to Cheltenham. An uneventful journey so arrive at our hostess’s house in plenty of time for tea and chat. Then off three of them go to Cleeve Hill Tangent’s friendship evening which sounded lots of fun.
Tuesday 15/11 – Back up to Yorkshire today for a bit of a rest – think I have earned it as we have covered a lot of miles in the last few days.
Friday 18/11 – Picky, picky, picky – she’s gone off in the other car again saying it is a Round Table function to celebrate Whitchurch’s 30th birthday.
Sunday 20/11 – Upon reflection perhaps it was as well I didn’t go as I was spared the sight of her in a sparkly tee-shirt and spotty ears! Or at least that is what she has come home with. Apparently it had something to do with an interruption at the birthday bash and collecting money for Pudsey?
Wednesday 23/11 – Local trip over Blubberhouse moor to Otley this evening for a Tangent Christmas Dinner. It certainly seemed to cheer her up and she came out with a beautiful red cyclamen which made the house look festive and got the season off to a good start. I was able to offer her friend Mary a lift home too – hope she liked me?
Friday 25/11 – Back down the motorway again this afternoon to avoid a very early start tomorrow in case it is foggy or icy as it has been recently.
Saturday 26/11 – easy trip into Leamington Spa for a lunchtime celebration of their 40th birthday. From what I could see, through the lovely big windows, it seemed a very relaxed occasion with plenty of time to mix and chat.
Sunday 27/11 – home to Yorkshire this morning, feeling ready for a bit of a break but she says just one more outing first.
Monday 5/12 – Not sure what happened but everything, including me, is covered in a big, thick white blanket which is a bit disconcerting as we were due to go over the moors again today –HELP! She scrapes me off and we proceed very carefully down the drive to the road. Alter the route slightly to avoid a steep hill but we have to cross the moor. Fortunately I tuck in behind a wagon so he clears the way for me down into Otley and then the roads are not too bad. The Golf club car park is a bit slippy but I get her as close to the door as I can. The views are fabulous in the sunshine – a picture perfect setting for Bradford Fairfax Christmas lunch. Fortunate on the return journey too as follow another lorry over the moor but keep well back just in case he gets stuck on a hill. Arrive home ready to relax and enjoy my Christmas/New Year break – YIPEE!
DAI’S DIARY OCTOBER 2011
SATURDAY 1/10 – after a short jaunt from my overnight hostess to the lunch venue I spent the day basking in sunshine with a good view of all the ladies arriving in their finery for the SW Regional Lunch. It must have been a good do because it was 5pm before I was back on the road and it was still 27°C. I was thrilled to be able to offer “Miss February” (aka Angela Knowles from the calendar girls) a lift home and I think she was quite impressed with my performance as she returned home a bit quicker than her journey down with Virgin Cross Country!
WENESDAY 5/10 – I am getting to know this route very well but today managed to stay out of Birmingham and continue on to the M5 as far as Stourbridge this time. Parked up at LC President’s but only time for a quick catch up with her car (he is nearly as smart as me!) before he was off on taxi duty to Kidderminster to take the Presidents to Stourbridge Tangent’s 2nd Birthday celebration.
THURSDAY 6/10 – very slow return journey due to tail backs from accidents in two locations, very wet and windy weather with lots of surface water then through floods.
WEDNESDAY 12/10 – off on to the M65 again but turn off on to the M66 today then on to M60, a new route for me which made a nice change. Traffic was not as bad as anticipated so arrived in plenty of time. I was left parked up at Anne’s whilst a bigger car driven by Anne’s kind husband took them off to enjoy Altrincham and Ringway Tangent’s 40th Anniversary Dinner. It must have been a good do as they were quite late coming home.
THURSDAY 13/10 – pleased it is not a Friday for my return journey home! Busy day as back out on duty again this evening but not too far away. She was off to Baildon to join in the fun of their charter celebration wearing a very odd hat made from newspaper and magazine wrapping! Fortunately there seemed to be other weird and wonderful creations disappearing into the restaurant too. I have since learnt that as Chairman Julie is heavily into recycling this was to be the theme for the evening from menu place cards, table decorations and gifts and there was a competition for the best hat made from recycled bits and pieces – what fun!
MONDAY 17/10 – early start anticipating lots of traffic. Route I have done before down the A1 but turned off at Doncaster today as she was letting the train take the strain en route for London and the Women of the Year Lunch. I spent the day with other rail users cars on top of a multi storey car park – getting in was ok but we seemed to go around and around to get out! Late back but day off tomorrow.
WEDNESDAY 19/10 – familiar route again down the M1 but turned left this trip into Northampton which made a change for me. It was dark by now and the venue was a little hard to spot but got her there in time for Northampton Nene friendship evening. Quite a few other cars arrived too so there was a good crowd from neighbouring clubs.
THURSDAY 20/10 – sulk time again! I don’t feel I need a rest like she claims she does and I am sure I would soon get the hang of travelling on the right but no, I get left behind whilst the other car gets a trip to France.
MONDAY 31/10 – I am quite excited this morning as I have heard she is off to foreign parts again, this trip is for Tangent and she has put a suitcase in my boot – yippee! However, my excitement is very short lived as my journey ends at Leeds Bradford Airport as she is letting the plane take the strain this time en route to Jersey for conference planning.
DAI’S DIARY SEPTEMBER 2011
Saturday 3 – An early start loaded up with balloons, raffle prizes and flowers for the table centres but even with all this on board there was still room for the lovely Karen Durie to squeeze into the front passenger seat. I think she was quite impressed by me and remarked how capacious I am. Just a short journey but with several stops as we neared the venue to tie balloons along the way to guide the guests to the Charity Lunch. Obviously I was first to arrive in the large car park but it wasn’t too long before the guests started to trickle in and I had some company which was quite interesting as some ladies had travelled from Cumbria, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Berkshire and Derbyshire to swell the Yorkshire crowd.
Wednesday 7 – Early start down the M1 today which was a good blast down to NEC for the Gift Fair. I had expected to return home with a boot full but apparently it wasn’t really a shopping trip just a look and see what was on offer for the Tangent shop.
Saturday 10 – Local trip to Baildon for their 41 Club Ladies Night where in return for saying Tangent Grace they very kindly presented a cheque to Ovarian Cancer Action from their raffle that evening.
Sunday 11 – Hope I didn’t get caught by too many cameras as I raced down the country to Reading in time to celebrate Loddon Tangent’s first birthday. What style! The Forbury Hotel was an ideal venue for a genteel and ladylike afternoon tea and from what I could see all the guests had dressed appropriately too.
Monday 12 – A more stately return to base!
Thursday 15 – Commenced the longest journey of my life, well on my own wheels anyway, all the way up to the north of Scotland. Through some spectacular scenery on very quiet roads and with a lovely sea view at the end of it although I was a little nervous being parked quite so near when the tide came in!
Friday 16 – After a good rest a short run down into Turiff to my overnight hostess Morag Badenoch where I was made most welcome and spent a comfortable night.
Saturday 17 – A mid morning stroll into the centre of town with a prime parking spot outside the venue for the Scottish Lunch. Lots of lovely ladies, a warm and happy atmosphere and judging by the smiles and laughter a very successful, enjoyable day.
Sunday 18 – Heading back south but fortunately with a stopover so I was able to rest up halfway for a couple of days and cover the distance in easy stages.
Saturday 24 – Off to Birmingham again but this time for a VERY special occasion – Ladies Circle 75th Anniversary Ball. Wow – I have never seen such a crowd and some of them lived overseas so had to fly in.
Sunday 25 – As you may guess this was not an early start and we sauntered back to base but not for long
Monday 26 – Fortunately a fairly local trip to join Horsforth and Aireborough Tangents for a friendship evening. A first I understand, but there are rumours everyone had such a good time that it may become a regular feature in their programme.
Wednesday 28 – Another local trip for an annual charity fundraising coffee morning organised by Shipley Tangent for their local Hospice. Judging by the size of the carrier bag that came home in my boot there were lots of stalls selling lots of goodies and I believe that once again it was a very successful morning.
Friday 30 – Fortunately a lovely morning for a very early start retracing our steps towards Birmingham but oops I should have gone on to the M5 and not into Birmingham as this trip was to Bristol – insufficient data, mistress! But I still got her there for 11am even with a loo and coffee stop.
DAI’S DIARY AUGUST 2011
The month got off to a slow start for me, but then it is traditionally a holiday month, so I had a good rest parked up at base, sadly not always basking in sunshine, but by mid month I was back in service
Saturday 13th – off to join in the 40th charter celebrations of Market Harborough TC at Kilworth House Hotel. It was a lovely venue and ideal for a genteel and ladylike afternoon tea. Market Harborough were joined by members from the neighbouring clubs – Kettering, Leicester De Monfort, Towcester and Wellingborough so it was quiet a crowd. The lovely late afternoon sunshine allowed the party to extend into the garden.
Sunday 14th – continued south to towards Bletchley to the beautiful garden of Peter and Penny Snook. The sun shone again and a sumptuous Sunday lunch was enjoyed in a marquee. It was a great occasion with plenty of time to chat and catch up with members of Bletchley TC and their partners.
Sunday 21st – local trip today, only into Harrogate for the Nidderdale 41 Club Chairman’s BBQ. Another lovely garden and the sun shone again too.
Wednesday 24th – off to Manchester airport and then on to Hamburg for Ladies Circle International Conference. Time to register, then to get orientated and see a little of the city before the conference kicked off properly on Thursday afternoon.
Thursday 25th – Opening ceremony in one of the historic university buildings. Speeches from international, national and local officials with pleasant musical interludes and then the welcome parade – several hundred ladies, many in national costume, walking through the streets of Hamburg and into the botanical gardens to the welcome party venue for drinks and a BBQ. What an amazing sight. Fortunately the weather was very kind to us as it was a lovely warm evening.
Friday 26th – AGM – the most important event of the LCI year with reflections on the past year, decisions on important matters and election of new officers including Kate Jones from GB & I as International Secretary – congratulations Kate. Gill Preston as Tangent GB International Officer very ably gave greetings to the meeting.
Time for a light late lunch then a quick change out of formal gear and hats ready to board coaches for our journeys out to house parties around the city. A wonderful opportunity to learn a little about the history and culture of the area and to mix and mingle with delegates from around the world.
Saturday 27th – An opportunity to gather around a table with our Tangent friends from Denmark and Germany and to learn a little more about how Tangent is set up and works in their countries and to explore how we may develop closer links with each other for the future. A few hours at leisure although unfortunately the weather was damp and drizzly then it was time to dress in our best for the Admiral’s dinner finale. A grand event with new and old friends, a delicious dinner, music and the emotional presentation of regalia to the new officers.
Sunday 28th – au revoir, farvel, auf wiedersehen, adjö, afscheid as we head for home.
DIA’S DIARY JULY 2011
TUESDAY 5 – soon got over my sulk as back on the road heading to Newbury for their Tangent BBQ. Sadly the weather was typically British but 2 hardy 41 club members bravely battled with the elements to cook a feast of venison burgers, chicken and sausages to go with the lovely salads Tangent members had provided, which of course was followed by fabulous deserts. The weather was soon forgotten as fun and friendship dominated the evening.
WEDNESDAY 6 – Towcester today for a friendship evening with their neighbouring clubs. Always a good get together, and an excellent opportunity to catch up with other Tangent members. A beautiful spread awaited in a member’s lovely garden, all set out with tables on the lawn so we might enjoy the evening sunshine. Sadly not for long as a chilly breeze and then a sharp shower sent us all racing indoors, but an amazing array of deserts soon warmed us up! Again, although the weather tried its best to put a damper on the evening, the warmth of the Tangent spirit shone through.
THURSDAY 7 – Southend friendship this evening and fortunately the weather gave up its attempts to spoil things for us and we were blessed with pleasant sunshine and could enjoy the open parkland vista of the venue. Once again it was lovely to see so many neighbouring clubs coming together for a good time. We look forward to receiving Southend’s hospitality again in November when we return for the “Strictly” Lunch.
FRIDAY 8 – Nice trip around the motorways today en route for Brighton. Parked in the sunshine with a nice sea view, looking forward to some R and R as off duty until Sunday – expect my drivers will be over the limit to take me anywhere tomorrow! The hotel 41 club had carefully selected for their council meeting was conveniently situated and buses thoughtfully laid on for transport on Saturday night too so everyone could relax and enjoy themselves. Thanks for a great weekend to Vaughan and team
SUNDAY 10 – Long run back to base today but fortunately mostly motorway with no hold ups and pleasant weather.
SUNDAY 17 – Needed a week off but pleased to be back on the road. Familiar route along A1/M1 to start off with then off on to the A38 heading towards Lichfield and the National Arboretum – what a special place, even on a damp and drizzly day. What a privilege to attend the Service of Dedication for the Round Table Family memorial garden.
TUESDAY 19 –Heading south again, to Dunmow and District Tangent friendship evening. Another very memorable evening of fun and friendship. It is really good that so many Tangents are organising these evenings around the country. They are wonderful opportunities to get together with other clubs, renew friendships perhaps from Ladies Circle area days, and met new friends too.
DIA’S DIARY JUNE 2011
Monday 6th – off on our travels again heading west this trip across the Pennines. Mostly motorways so I could get a move on and make good time. I spent the evening nicely parked at some lovely barn conversions near Ince Blundell to spare my blushes! Apparently there are lots of naked men on the beach near West Blundellsands Golf Club where Bootle and Crosby Tangent were meeting, together with friends from Formby and district and Southport Tangents. Perhaps it wasn’t just the good food, friendship and excellent speaker that made it such an enjoyable and popular evening?
Tuesday 7th – short hop today so leisurely start with a trip to Tesco’s for refuelling then parked up at the shops for an hour or two. A visit to the bank can’t take that long or possibly result in quite so many carrier bags being packed into my boot! Then parked near the beach for a closer inspection of the MEN which all looked the same to me – 100 iron castings of the sculptor Antony Gormley who was educated in North Yorkshire. Short run across the river to Frodsham to celebrate Eddisbury Tangent’s 30th Birthday in true Tangent style with good food, good company, good wine and a good speaker - a very brave new Tangent member who showed slides and spoke of her bicycle ride to Istanbul, truly inspirational.
Wednesday 8th – a longer run today on lovely country roads down through Cheshire and Staffordshire towards Wolverhampton where another warm welcome awaited us for Tettenhall Tangent’s 37th Birthday – a two day celebration so I was able to have a good rest. The birthday feast was served in a beautiful panelled and galleried dining room most befitting Henry VIII who berated the assembled wenches for not showing him the due level of respect.
Thursday 9th – Gentle start to the day as local ladies arrived for coffee and a chat and then sad farewells as we got back on the road heading to Hull with great excitement to charter a new Tangent. Hull Quayside certainly got off to a flying start getting together for supper in an Italian restaurant. It was a lively evening and hopefully there will be many more similar occasions for them all to enjoy.
Friday 10th – A fairly easy run home via York. It was good to park back at base for a few days and after a wash and brush-up to relax. Many thanks to all my hostesses who provided safe keeping for me on their drives overnight. It was much appreciated.
Thursday 16th – Off we go again on a familiar route across the hills again and down through Cheshire to Whitchurch. Because it is for a meeting there are 2 other Tangent chariots so I am parked in good company.
Friday 17th – Short run back up to Chester for another meeting. All the Exec Ladies this time so quite a party atmosphere as we all settled cosily side by side on Christine’s drive. 6.30pm and a made dash across Chester in the drizzle, following our overnight hostess back to her home where I settled for the night although I was left on my own for a few hours as the other car went off again across Chester to party but fortunately wasn’t too late back.
Saturday 18th – A lovely morning and a 9am departure for the Northern Regional Lunch which was being held at a stunning hotel just outside Chester, very convenient for the motorway and easy to find. A few heavy showers but everything else was just perfect – a special occasion shared with over 200 ladies all looking their best. 5pm and heading back home on the motorway.
Wednesday 22nd – only in to Harrogate this evening on Nidderdale Tangent taxi service duty as I am parked the furthest out of town up the dale. Only one pick up then a good parking spot overlooking the lovely gardens near Betty’s so another pleasant evening.
Thursday 23rd – a new route for me tonight which was quite a hard slog on country roads and through small towns which were all quite busy, partially due to diversions to start off with due to closure of A59. Eventually arrived in Elland and found Bertie’s nightclub and squeezed into the last parking slot alongside a very prickly hedge. A very young and glamorous crowd tonight but I guess that is what you would expect at a Ladies Circle Area handover dinner. It was a late finish too but at least I made better progress on the way home as the roads were now very quiet.
Thursday 30th – ending the month in a sulk parked up at base on my own as they have gone off to Llantwit Major for the weekend in the other car. I know the route – I did it last month but she claims it is 41 Club business this time and not Tangent. It seems a bit picky to me because I know that Llantwit Major Tangent are planning an interruption for the 41 Club 30th Charter anniversary, tomorrow night, wearing blonde wigs and flashing garters, so maybe as well I don’t have to witness that!
It is my lovely little black Hyundai i30 car so very kindly loaned by 
