Meeting with John and Lucinda in their recently acquired and prepared Talbot 75 saloon, was the first of our encounters with a newly restored Talbot.

We were soon boarding the Condor ferry for Jersey, leaving the wetter Dorset weather behind. On arrival at St. Helier, Jersey Old Motor Club members warmly greeted, then personally escorted us to our various hotels.

To our delight, we were welcomed to the hotel by Brenda and Cecil Schumacher, who had motored down earlier in JJ 570, adding a few days to their holiday.

Thursday's sunshine tempted us to spend a leisurely day exploring St. Helier and various parts of the island. BL0 110 generated many conversations with islanders, including a gentleman who reminisced about his father's Vanden Plas Talbot. His parents had honeymooned in this Talbot in 1937, touring Austria. He was much aggrieved that it was commandeered by the Germans during their occupation of the island and was last seen being craned onto a boat. Apparently his father desperately hoped the lifting gear would snap and the car would sink into the harbour!

Returning to Hotel de France, we were met by another Jersey old car enthusiast, 89 year old Mr Philip Rondel (Left) and his family, who came by to admire the Talbots. Philip had been in the motor trade for 60 years and spoke about his experiences of servicing Talbots pre-war in a St. Helier garage. Without hesitation, as a belated birthday gesture, Cecil took Philip for a spin in JJ 570.

Much anticipation surrounded the appointment that had been made with Chris Reynolds for later in the day to see his beautifully patinated 3 litre Lagonda and importantly his Talbot 12 HP 4CT. This highly original motor car Chris amusingly unveiled from behind banana boxes and numerous dustsheet layers. Chris kept the group enthralled with his extensive knowledge of this early Talbot and indeed vintage cars in general.

Friday began the busy programme of festival events with a gathering of participants at the Garden Centre coffee stop, where we were delighted to encounter our second newly restored Talbot belonging to John and Wendy Reeves. This ex Sidney Allard Talbot 105 had undergone complete restoration by John and was completed just in time to replace his intended Riley entry, which unfortunately encountered mechanical problems at Oulton Park the previous weekend. John has considerable experience in the development of racing engines and his Talbot is one to look out for in the future.

Once scrutineering of competing cars at People's Park was underway, it was time for the official lunchtime Vin d'Honneur welcome by the St. Helier Constable in the Town Hall. This was followed by a gentle drive to St. John's Manor. Afternoon tea and cakes were set out in front of the impressive manor house, with garden and fountains providing a backdrop to this delightful gathering. Guests were privileged to view the fine collection of vintage cars in the motor house, including the Edwardian Grand Prix Itala.

Talbots outside St. John's Manor.

Returning to St. Helier for the evening's moonlight sprint, run on closed roads along the front, certainly brought in the crowds. The Talbot team of four contributed to the main attraction on this blustery evening. This had been preceded by a Cavalcade of touring cars which caused huge traffic problems throughout St. Helier and the police needed to take control of all the junctions. Their previous attempt to restrict a 105 driver's use of a mobile phone was calmly intercepted with the response 'I'm Dutch!'

Next day engines were being fired up in garages throughout the island following early breakfast, to assemble for the first of the hillclimbs at Westmount. With practices in the morning and timed runs through to the afternoon, records were broken amid a very interesting display of local cars and personalities. A thoroughly successful and enjoyable afternoon of motoring events with Chris Le Boutiller (photo left) joining the TOC on the spot!

Early dinner at the Garden Restaurant, Jersey Potteries, provided a relaxed, stylish evening's dining without the cars.

Spirits were not dampened by the rainy weather for the island treasure hunt on the Sunday. Neither did it deter most hillclimbers bound for Mount Bingham, although the very wet conditions did curtail some participant's attempts. Elements of the treasure hunt required crews to follow route directions and answer questions, whilst locating and ordering photographic views and house names along the way.

The finale of the Festival was the impressive black tie Gala Dinner and Dance held in the starlight suite at the Hotel de France. Judith Genée, President of the Jersey Old Motor Club, very ably presented festival winners with various awards, including those to Talboteers, whilst casually remarking that Talbot's were the best cars in the world! Before the dancing got underway, we were treated to a few words from Tim Parnell, son of Reg Parnell, who had competed in the famous Jersey road races just after the war.

On behalf of the Talbot Owners' Club, we would like to thank the festival organising team for putting on such a superb event, with special thanks to Ralph and Judith Genée. Long will be remembered the warm welcome extended to us all from the Jersey community.

Diana Ward.

Results from the TOC class hill climbs and the Island treasure hunt below:

Jersey results.

VICTORIA AVENUE SPRINT
Class P.V.T. over 2500cc - Talbot results

1st timed run 2nd timed run
C. Schumacher 20.60 20.23
T. Ward 20.47 20.51
L. Slijpen 21.55 21.70
M. Salmon 23.60 22.15

WEST MOUNT HILLCLIMB
Class P.V.T. over 2500cc - Talbot results

C. Schumacher 42.95 42.37
T. Ward 42.73 45.22
L. Slijpen 47.49 45.19
M. Salmon 45.24 45.73

MOUNT BINGHAM HILLCLIMB
Class P.V.T. over 2500cc - Talbot results

C. Schumacher 48.21 46.69
M. Salmon 49.20 49.04
T. Ward not entered
L. Slijpen not entered

John and Lucinda 1st prize for visiting winner of the Island Treasure Hunt.