Breakfast Meetings
On 11 December 2007 High Wycombe Round Table held its annual Breakfast Meeting where the Tablers meet for breakfast rather than in the evening. After the full English breakfast some Tablers had to go to work which left five Tablers and two guests to enjoy the daytime activities that had been planned.
Mercedes-Benz World is a purpose built building in the grounds of the historic Brooklands race track. We enjoyed a journey through the heritage and innovation of Mercedes-Benz and a virtual experience of what it’s like to be a car built by advanced robots. Within the Gallery we enjoyed historic cars such as the Gullwing and a replica of the first ever car built by Karl Benz. To finish our guide tour of Mercedes-Benz World we browsed every new car that is available from Mercedes-Benz including every AMG, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and Maybach. We decided not to order anything on that occasion!
Afterwards we took a look around the adjacent Brooklands
Early afternoon we reported to the Drivers Briefing Area to be given details of our afternoon’s entertainment. We were all given the opportunity to drive a Mercedes AMG (costing new about £67,000.00 including VAT) on the Mercedes-Benz World facilities. We experienced the Handling Circuits, the low-friction surfaces on the Wet Skid Circle and Wet Straight and experienced the benefits of ABS and ESP, and more excitingly what happened when they were turned off! We were also allowed to take a M-Class 4×4 onto the off-road course where slippery slopes, rocky terrain and deep, muddy water was experienced. Never before have I been stationery in a vehicle with two opposite wheels off the ground!
During the sessions we were accompanied by qualified instructors who gave direction and kept a lid on all that male testosterone!
Having enjoyed a fabulous day, thanks to an ex High Wycombe Round Tabler who works for Mercedes-Benz, we left talking of Formula One careers and asking “who is Lewis Hamilton?”. The most scariest moment of the day was (other that spinning uncontrollably in a Mercedes AMG whilst in the driving seat) was when Immediate Past Chairman, Peter Saunders, stalled the mini bus in one of the middle lanes of the M25 and took what seemed like hours to get it started! Safely back in High Wycombe a few beers were enjoyed before a meal with some of the Tablers who were not able to join us for the day. And did we keep reminding them of what they had missed! Many thanks go to Michelle our host for the day at Mercedes-Benz World and Suzanna Purcell who arranged our visit. For further information about Mercedes-Benz World visit www.mercedes-benzworld.co.uk . Entry to Mercedes-Benz World is free but for price details on Driving Experiences and entry to the
Details of the Brooklands