As a change from walk + lunch this time we branched out: a visit to D T Mathewson’s auction room in Pickering. Classic Cars. The antidote to William Shakespeare. Time to drool over times long past – Austin Allegro anyone? Or perhaps your chance to pick up a 1955 Split-screen Morris Minor convertible complete with 803cc side valve engine, in really good condition. Or relive your first car with a 1955 Austin A30 four door, again with that 803cc engine. 45 miles per hour top speed, or 55 mph down hill if you dare. Ours was dark green – this one a less attractive black with red upholstery.

You could have your choice of the vast range of dud cars the British Motor Corporation produced in the 1960s and early 70s; Allegro, Mini Countryman, Mini Cooper – the only ones missing were the Maxi and the Morris Marina. Of course there were plenty of MGs, Austin Healeys, and early models – even an Austin Atlantic. Are we boring you…?

Anyway, a great morning out with even the Mr W Shakespeare fans succumbing to a little emotion remembering early Citroen 2CVs and VW Beetles [immaculate one with a guide price of £8,000…]. Still, we kept our hands in our pockets and came away happy but without having to repent on an impulse purchase.

Such at Mannion & Co in Helmsley. We arrived in the nick of time before the place filled up. Very friendly staff [good tip…] and excellent White Onion soup, followed by a selection of cakes and scones, washed down with very good coffee. Helmsley is quite upmarket in a quiet, restrained Yorkshire way [never…Ed] and the house and shops beautiful. Not twee…it’s not the Cotswolds you know.

Café Mannion and Co Helmesley

…and D T Matthewson – you know you want to

Helmsley is quite stylish…

Some of the many, many cars at the auction…

2CV van…

Excellent VW Beetle…

Triumph Dolomite…seats for the children out the back…in the rain

Probably the nicest care there – Jaguar 140 modified original at about 30% of the unmodified price; immaculate