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Subaru Impreza Meet 2005, 21 August 2005
The sun came out over Alton on Sunday morning as the first of the immaculate and highly-polished Subaru Impreza cars 'burbled' into town at 8am and lined-up around the Market Square. Soon they were parked all the way down Cross & Pillory Lane and on every part of the High St - road and pavement - as organisers found space to park over 100 cars in the town centre. The drivers had come from all over the UK, as far afield as Nottingham, Shropshire, Bath and Devon. One young American enthusiast had driven back from Manchester through the night to his US airbase in Suffolk and then on to Alton, especially for this second annual get-together with other 'Scooby' enthusiasts. A convoy of 16 cars met up at the Dartford Crossing, bringing the Essex Crew to Alton, complete with their club flags and with the drivers all dressed in their distinctive pink polo shirts, and another large convoy had driven up from Southampton.
Town Initiatives Manager and organiser of the day, Vernon Pearce, himself a Subaru Impreza owner said, "The atmosphere in town was fantastic. They are so enthusiastic about their vehicles and so appreciative of this opportunity to meet up in a town centre like Alton."
"It was good for local businesses too, as many of the drivers and their families headed for the local pubs and restaurants, who opened early and added full breakfasts to their menus. One landlord was seen heading for the Co-op to buy more eggs and bread in order to meet the demand!"
The visitors were entertained by singer/guitarist Kai Jansen from Petersfield, who played in the Market Square, whilst street entertainer "Lady Margo" showed off her juggling skills and taught children plate spinning.
"The Scooby owners were so pleased with their reception in Alton last year that they wanted to show their appreciation this time", said Vernon Pearce, "One of the drivers dressed in a 'Scooby Doo' outfit and went round collecting donations from the other drivers and the general public. They asked me to give the £200 raised to a local charity that involved children and so I shall be handing over a cheque to the Alton -based "Over the Wall" charity for terminally-ill children."
The positive feedback started as soon as the owners returned home and their web sites are full of praise for the event and for the town of Alton. "It's so good that a town can have a positive attitude to such an event in the anti-car environment that we currently live in," said one owner and another said "This had to be the best meet I've attended so far - what a way to spend a Sunday afternoon."
The one that meant the most to Vernon however was "…and thanks to the people of Alton for having us!" Some of car owners wouldn't leave town until I'd promised we would let them come here again!" he said, and so I am already planning a repeat visit next year."
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