Seventy-five Porsches from throughout the UK assembled at Garstang Golf Club for ‘Porkers in the Trough IV’, an annual scenic drive through the Bowland countryside to raise funds for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, based at Royal Preston Hospital.

‘Porkers’is the nickname given to Porsches by enthusiasts in the UK and, with this being the 50th Anniversary of production of the iconic Porsche 911, there were examples of all variants from most years of production. In addition, there were examples of the earliest Porsche model made, the 356, first manufactured in the 1950s, the first front engine water-cooled model, the 924 and the later 944, right up to the latest 911s and even the latest 4x4 SUV, the Cayennne.

Cars were flagged away in groups of five by Garstang Mayor, Chris Ryan, following a set route which had been agreed by the RAC Motorsport Association. The route headed towards Bleasdale before turning off towards Chipping with wonderful views of Parlick Hill, beyond Whitewell, and Dunsop Bridge and onto Clitheroe. In Clitheroe we encountered emergency repairs to a water main burst which had only happened that morning, with no diversion signs and, after checking our route and looking for road signs, we rejoined the original route to Downham. We drove around Pendle Hill into Barley and Sabden before heading to our lunch halt at Samlesbury Hall where we were greeted by the Mayor of South Ribble Council. We then took a scenic drive back to Garstang Golf Club for prize-giving and a meal.

The award for the highest mileage went to a 944 owned by Trevor Roberts with 169,000 on the clock; highest age of car, driver and passenger went to Gary and Cathy Protheroe with 192 Years and the best family group was awarded to the Brindles. The event, supported by Porsch-Apart from Ramsbottom, raised £700 for the charity.

They’re driven

With 13,000 enthusiastic members, Porsche Club Great Britain is one of the country’s largest motoring clubs, providing members with a wide mix of activities from regular regional gatherings to high-profile, national events. The Club also organises a full motorsport programme, allowing both the enthusiastic amateur and the dedicated competitor to test their cars to its limits. It is the only British Club recognised by Porsche and is open to all enthusiasts whether or not they own a Porsche. www.porscheclubgb.com 01608 652911