Monthly Drives
Drives 2024
Click the month name for quick access to the details
February March April May June July August September October November December
As well as monthly meetings we arrange regular drives and events. As you will appreciate, the winter months do not lend themselves to open air driving, so January and December tend to get a miss.
Drives are normally held on the Sunday seventeen days following the monthly meeting.
NOTE: Check the SWM events page Here for latest info on drive special events
ALSO: Check the SWM events on the MX5 OC Club Calendar (Click Here)
Some ideas for future drives and events...
- visit to a National Trust or similar property
- take a picnic
- treasure hunt
If you are planning a drive and wish to use Tulip Diagrams then CLICK HERE
for the template document
You can download an example Drive Route and modify this if you wish CLICK HERE for ExampleDriveRoute.doc
NOTE: Check the 2023 Drives Here for further examples on drives
Click here for record of previous drives
February 18th Gary & Julie Ridgway
February’s first drive for 2024
Date: Sunday 18th February 2024
Start: The Fairview Gardener & The Tea Room, Chapel Lane, Birdwood, Gloucester, GL2 8AR
Time: 09:00 onwards for breakfast baps, tea/coffee.
Depart: 10:00
The February Drive starts at the Fairview Gardener Tea Room. Arrive at 9 am for Breakfast. There is no need to pre-order but please allow sufficient time as food is cooked to order and the Drive will leave at 10am.
The 65 miles route will be on a mix of A and B roads and take us through Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire before returning to Gloucestershire. Lunch will be at Taurus Crafts just south of Lydney GL15 6BU. The Café offers a choices of light meals and excellent cakes. (Ignore the menu on their website, Roast meals are not available).
At Taurus crafts there are a number of independent shops as well as a brewery tap that serves a range of craft ales including low alcohol versions as well as soft drinks. So that we can give the both venues an idea of numbers please can you let us know if you are going to join us for breakfast of lunch.
Julie was in contact with the cafe at Taurus Crafts and attach their lunch menu (see below):.
If you just want coffee/tea and a slice of cake, no need to pre order.
However, if you wanted something else on the menu, they have asked if you can contact them by Saturday at the latest to put in your order. Their telephone number is 01594 844841
I think they are just concerned we are quite a big group and want to ensure that they can accommodate what everyone wishes to order.
Clich here for the menu
March 24th David & Gina
We have planned a later start than usual for members to travel to the Jolly Nice Cafe as it is at the Southern edge of area. We do hope you can join us.
We have negotiated 10% discount off all food & drinks. QUOTE MX5 OWNERS CLUB WHEN ORDERING AT BAR IN CAFÉ
April 28th Trevor & Victoria
All answers given are judged by the drive organisers and their decision is final!
At the end of the drive you can enjoy a Coffee or Lunch The Lime Tree Restaurant at the Garden Centre where we have reserved tables for our group.
In the event of a tie (Cheating) all names will be put in a hat and drawn out at the next monthly meeting by a member who was not on the drive!
The drive finishes at a garden centre where there are lots of small units to explore and a place for snacks / lunch
May 19th Andrew & James
June 23rd Jacob & Dan
July 28th Jeff
August 18th Ron & Jon
Sunday September 22nd Paul & Pam
October 20th Rowan & Myles
November 17th Heather
December Sunday 8th No Drive this month
Christmas Meal
Finish: Taurus Crafts Centre, The Old Park Park, Forest of Dean, Lydney GL15 6BU
Distance: approx 65 miles
Right Click and save link / target to download the route and Itinerary.
- Drive Route: DriveFebruary2024.pdf
- TomTom Itinerary: DriveFebruary2024TomTomMap.itn
- Newer TomTom Itinerary: DriveFebruary2024TomTomMap.gpx
- Garmin Itinerary: DriveFebruary2024HereMap.gpx
click the map icon for a larger map
Drive Options:
The February Drive starts at the Fairview Gardener Tea Room. Arrive at 9 am for Breakfast. There is no need to pre-order but please allow sufficient time as food is cooked to order and the Drive will leave at 10am.
The 65 miles route will be on a mix of A and B roads and take us through Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire before returning to Gloucestershire. Lunch will be at Taurus Crafts just south of Lydney GL15 6BU. The Café offers a choices of light meals and excellent cakes. (Ignore the menu on their website, Roast meals are not available).
At Taurus crafts there are a number of independent shops as well as a brewery tap that serves a range of craft ales including low alcohol versions as well as soft drinks. So that we can give the both venues an idea of numbers please can you let us know if you are going to join us for breakfast of lunch.
Useful Information:
Fairview Gardener Tea Room Website: https://www.fairviewgardener.co.uk
Julie was in contact with the cafe at Taurus Crafts and attach their lunch menu (see below):.
If you just want coffee/tea and a slice of cake, no need to pre order.
However, if you wanted something else on the menu, they have asked if you can contact them by Saturday at the latest to put in your order. Their telephone number is 01594 844841
I think they are just concerned we are quite a big group and want to ensure that they can accommodate what everyone wishes to order.
Clich here for the menu
Taurus Crafts Website: https://www.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/shops-cafes/taurus-crafts/
MyRouteApp Link:
MyRouteApp is the tool I use to create the satnav itineraries on a PC. It allows routes to be shared between users and the Android / IOS version also has a fully functional satnav app (subscription required) that follows these routes accurately. There is a basic free subscription, for more information on MyRouteApp go to
Click the below to open the route
March 24th David & Gina
A Jolly Nice Round Trip
Date: Sunday 24th March 2024
Start: Jolly Nice Cafe And Farm Shop, Frampton Mansell, Stroud GL6 8HZ.
Time: from 09:00 for Breakfast and tea/coffee
Briefing: 10:45
Depart: 11:00
Intermediate Stop: 12:00 for Coffee & Cakes
Depart: 14:00
Finish: Jolly Nice Cafe And Farm Shop, Frampton Mansell, Stroud GL6 8HZ.
Distance: 72 miles
Right Click and save link / target to download the route.
- Drive Route (PDF Format): DriveMarch2024.pdf
- Drive Route (Doc Format): DriveMarch2024.doc
- TomTom Itinerary: OCMarch2024TomTomMap.itn
- Newer TomTom Itinerary: OCMarch2024TomTomMap.gpx
- Garmin Itinerary: OCMarch2024HereMap.gpx
click the map icon for a larger map
Drive Options:
We have planned a later start than usual for members to travel to the Jolly Nice Cafe as it is at the Southern edge of area. We do hope you can join us.
Useful Information:
Jolly Nice Farm & Coffee Shop
What was once a petrol station is now a handsome hotchpotch of wooden buildings, locally crafted yurts, and little paddocks. Enlivened by plants, flowers, fruit and veg, the concrete forecourt is now a convenient and beautiful place to do the weekly shop.
Website: https://jollynicefarmshop.com/
We have reserved parking at the bottom of the car park by the café.
We have negotiated 10% discount off all food & drinks. QUOTE MX5 OWNERS CLUB WHEN ORDERING AT BAR IN CAFÉ
Both our venues welcome well behaved dogs on leads.
April 28th Trevor & Victoria
The Thinking Persons Drive all about Looking and Seeing (Observation)
Date: Sunday 28th April 2024
Start: Strawberry Fields Pub, Charity Crescent, Evesham, WR11 2UT
Time: 09.30 For Tea/Coffee/Breakfast
Briefing: 10:45
Depart: 11:00 at 1 Minute intervals
Finish: Stratford Garden Centre, Campden Rd, Clifford Chambers, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 8LW
Distance: 32 miles
Right Click and save link / target to download the
- Route From Strawberry Fields to Cotswold Barn to Start the Drive (PDF Format): DriveAprilStart2024.pdf
where you must zero your trip and follow the Instruction Sheets handed out by Trevor & Victoria.
Drive Options:
The title of the drive gives an indication for the day.
All answers given are judged by the drive organisers and their decision is final!
At the end of the drive you can enjoy a Coffee or Lunch The Lime Tree Restaurant at the Garden Centre where we have reserved tables for our group.
- The Route & Clues will be handed out on the day.
- Can you all please remember to bring along a pen. (We will have a few available on the day)
- Be aware there will be lots of narrow single track roads!
- This is not a race there are NO prizes for arriving first!!
- All questions or clues can be seen either from the comfort of your car or you may have to get out of your car to look.
- Single drivers will need to tag on with couples as unfortunately due to Elf & Safety you need to keep your eyes on the road not looking for clues.
- All mileages are approximate!
In the event of a tie (Cheating) all names will be put in a hat and drawn out at the next monthly meeting by a member who was not on the drive!
The drive finishes at a garden centre where there are lots of small units to explore and a place for snacks / lunch
Useful Information:
May 19th Andrew & James
Wales & Wye: The Castle Canyon Cruise
Date: Sunday 19th May 2024
Start: The Woodshed, Deer Park, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RA
Time: 9:00 for breakfast / coffee
Depart: 10:15 (10:30 latest)
Coffee / Lunch: The Copper Kettle Tea Room, Emm-lee, Llanddewi Skirrid, Abergavenny NP7 8AP
Finish: Symonds Yat Rock, Coleford GL16 7NZ
Distance: 96.4 miles
Right Click and save link / target to download the route and Itinerary.
- Drive Route (PDF Format): DriveMay2024.pdf
- Drive Route (DocX Format): DriveMay2024.docx
- TomTom Itinerary: OCMay2024TomtomMap.itn
- Newer TomTom Itinerary: OCMay2024TomtomMap.gpx
- Garmin Itinerary: OCMay2024HereMap.gpx
click the map icon for a larger map
Drive Options:
Useful Information:
June 23rd Jacob & Dan
TBA
Date: Sunday 23rd June 2024
Start: TBA
Time: TBA
Depart: TBA
Intermediate Stop: TBA
Finish: TBA
Distance: miles
Drive Options:
Useful Information:
July 28th Jeff
Monthly Drive Details TBA
Date: Sunday 28th July 2024
Start: TBA
Time: TBA
Depart: TBA
Intermediate Stop: TBA
Finish: TBA
Distance: miles
Drive Options:
Useful Information:
August 18th Ron & Jon
Monthly Drive Details TBA
Date: Sunday 18th August 2024
Start: TBA
Time: TBA
Depart: TBA
Intermediate Stop: TBA
Finish: TBA
Distance: miles
Drive Options:
Useful Information:
Sunday September 22nd Paul & Pam
Monthly Drive Details TBA
Date: Sunday 22nd September 2024
Start: TBA
Time: TBA
Depart: TBA
Intermediate Stop: TBA
Finish: TBA
Distance: miles
Drive Options:
Useful Information:
October 20th Rowan & Myles
TBA
Date: Sunday 20th October 2024
Start: TBA
Time: TBA
Depart: TBA
Intermediate Stop: TBA
Finish: TBA
Distance: miles
Drive Options:
Useful Information:
November 17th Heather
Concorde Experience
Date: Sunday 17th November 2024
Start: TBA
Time: TBA
Depart: TBA
Intermediate Stop: TBA
Finish: TBA
Distance: miles
Drive Options:
Useful Information:
December Sunday 8th No Drive this month
Christmas Meal
Venue: TBA
Time: 12:30 for 13:00 sit down
Dress Code: Smart as you like but NO Jeans please