Event Details
Date: 13th August 2023
Location: Whittington Castle Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 4DF
Event Report
We squeezed a new event into our busy summer calendar when we were invited to Cats at the Castle – a Jaguar meeting at Whittington, near Oswestry. Organised by Adrian Rhoden from the recently formed Shropshire Jaguar Group, it was a sell-out, attracting more than 150 cars to the grounds of Whittington Castle. Our grassy area below the castle walls began to fill up quickly with cars from the local Areas, mainly Cheshire, Lancashire and South Staffs. It was good to see our Area 18 representative, John Birchall, there with his wife Elaine and a group of friends celebrating his birthday.
The weather was kind – even if the long, wet grass didn't take long to soak our shoes – and it was good to chat to members whom we only see at these occasional gatherings. Gaynor and Steve Hawke were in charge of the Club van and gazebo and sales of merchandise were not only good, but we also signed up a few new members.
The current buildings at Whittington Castle were constructed in the 13th century to replace an older motte-and-bailey castle. Being on the Welsh Marches, on the border of Wales and England, the castle is very close to the historic fort of Old Oswestry and is owned and managed by the Whittington Castle Preservation Fund.
The castle's 12-acre plot is an ideal site for a car show and there is talk of them clearing some of the overgrown areas to make even more room for us next year. There is also an excellent tea room, which was busy all day. We look forward to returning in 2024 and maybe getting involved with some of the other Shropshire Jaguar Group's events.
PHOTOS: 1. Great bird's-eye view of some of the JDC cars at Whittington Castle 2. Cats at the Castle attracted quite a mix of cars, classic and modern 3. Gaynor primed and ready for action 4. John and Elaine Wray enjoying a picnic beside their stunning, red XJR
Jaguar Driver Magazine Report
Event Photo Gallery