Michael Hipperson's tireless efforts turned this years' Elise Garden Party into yet another memorable and successful occasion, helped by the uninterrupted sunshine that beat down onto the Lotus test track at Hethel, kindly made available by the company for the occasion.

Some 272 guests on the day contributed by various means, whether they took part in the Lotus-On-Track trackday, enjoyed passenger rides, splashed out at the auction, bought a few raffle tickets, or simply put some change in the collection box in return for a coffee. But it all added up, the sum raised on the day for Little Havens Children's Hospice coming to over £13,000 – and that takes the grand total raised by Michael's annual event since he first ran it in 2004 past the £100,000 mark. Truly amazing.

Amongst the personalities present at Hethel was World Land Speed Record holder Andy Green, 'fresh' from a trip to South Africa where he had been checking out a possible track for the Bloodhound project. Former Grand Prix driver John Miles did take to the tarmac though. He was re-united with the beautifully restored Lotus 47A with which he enjoyed a successful sportscar racing season in 1968.

John Miles & the 47A

John Bolding has owned the car for seven years. Such was the state of the car when he acquired it that no one was even sure exactly which chassis it was. As good fortune had it, John Miles was asked his opinion at the outset and he was able to identify the car purely by the fact that it had unique seat mountings specifically tailored to accommodate his height, and they were still in place. Ever since then it had been Bolding's dream to see Miles back behind the wheel and that seven-year wish was finally granted on Sunday. "I've never enjoyed a day out so much" was Bolding's comment.

Lotus 58Lotus 30

Similarly resplendent in Gold Leaf Team Lotus livery was the unique Type 58 Formula 2 car, driven by arch Lotus enthusiast Malcolm Ricketts. Also out on track was Lotus 25/R5, a similar car to that used by Jim Clark to win the 1963 World Championship. It was driven at Hethel by Lotus collector Nick Fennell, who also got behind the wheel of Classic Team Lotus's recently restored Lotus 30, the powerful yellow beast being tended to by Team Lotus stalwart Bob Dance.

Other landmarks from Lotus history included examples of the Lotus 6 and 23, as well as an ex-Team Lotus Mk1 Cortina, a marathon rally Mk2 Cortina and a go-kart wearing full bodywork and Gold Leaf Team Lotus livery, once the transport of Clive Chapman! He's a little more grown-up now and he was able to drive his mother, Hazel, to the event in the 1965 Ford Galaxie that saw service as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car that year before passing into Chapman ownership.

Porsche 904

Ferrari 268 & Lotus 25

One or two non-Lotus products sneaked in under the radar, Terry Hoyle bringing along a fabulous – and genuinely unique – Ferrari 268 Dino. Could this be the first-ever case of a works Ferrari appearing on the Lotus test track? This experimental prototype was driven by Giancarlo Baghetti and Ludovico Scarfiotti at Le Mans in 1962, where it ran as high as third overall before gearbox gremlins brought about retirement in the 18th hour. The car is now owned by American collector and historic racer Bernie Carl.

Bringing things a little more up to date, Lotus Cars put several examples of the new Evora fresh from the recent press launch on display, including a crash test chassis. The cars were static only, but at least it gave guests the opportunity to sit in the driver's seat and inspect it at close quarters. Lotus Sport also their doors open and a stripped-down 2-Eleven could be admired.

After lunch – a barbecue sponsored by Essex Lotus dealer Castles – a lively auction raised £5,250 towards the days' total. Star item was a replica Type 72 'anvil' airbox in JPS colours that was knocked-down by auctioneer Clive Chapman. "I think we'll have to make some more of these! he quipped. Other items included Andrew Kitsons latest print of Lewis Hamilton and Hospitality tickets to World Touring Cars at Brands Hatch which includes support from the Lotus Elise Trophy.

An amazing day, then, enjoyed immensely by everyone present, but the last word should go to Michael Hipperson: "After the event was over I had a debrief with Nick Adams and neither of us could think of anything that we would have done differently so it must have been a success!

John Elwin
May 2009

Pictures by John Elwin & Mark Anderson

Elise Garden Party - http://www.elisegardenparty.co.uk/egp/

Little Havens Childrens Hospice - http://www.littlehavens.org.uk/