As The Saab Owners Club celebrates its 60th anniversary throughout 2023, several additional meetings are planned, one of which is the opportunity to display your cherished Saabs on the ‘showground’ of what is probably the ‘best’ open-air museum in Britain.
Although this is a one-day event, Saturday, 17 June 2023, there is the opportunity to camp overnight (basic facilities) on an adjacent overflow car park either the night before or the night of the event.

SOC members are asked to book by email with Derek Best This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – in advance so that directions to the Showground can be forwarded. Access will be by cash only, £5.00 per person (under fives free) in each car.  (Iain Hodcroft who was looking after this is currently unavailable.)

So where are you being enticed to?
Only the ‘Living Museum of the North’ at Beamish, near Stanley in County Durham.
For the princely sum of £5.00 each adult and child, you’ll have the whole day to explore the world famous themed areas that bring the history of North East England to life at Beamish, in its 1820s Pockerley, 1900s Town, 1900s Pit Village, 1940s Farm, 1950s Town and 1950s Spain’s Field Farm exhibit areas.
You’ll ride on trams and vintage buses, and the steam railway and new trolley bus circuit may also be operational by June.
In return you agree to park your Saab in all its glory on the showground between 11.00am and 4.00pm to allow other visitors to see our modern day Viking invaders.
Entrance (2022 prices) is normally £21 per adult, (Children £12), so this is a super-discounted experience and a grand day out for the whole family.

Highlights include
A 1900s north-east township in the years leading to WWI; Herron’s bakery – watch bread cakes and biscuits being prepared, and sample the finished offerings; The Motor and Cycle Works, inc. a replica 1900s garage; The Co-operative Store – grocery, drapery and hardware departments; The Dentist’s Surgery, the Solicitors and the Music Teacher’s house; William Smith’s Chemist Shop; The Sweet Shop; Tea Rooms; The Sun Inn serving traditional ales; The Bank and many more.
A 1900s pit village: Francis Street cottages; Davy’s Fried Fish Shop; Village School; Silver band Hall; Pit Pony Stables; Chapel.
Visit the colliery including Mahogany Drift Mine; Lamo Cabin; Winding Engine House; Colliery railway.
Head to Spain’s Field farm – an 1870s Weardale farm owned for several generations by the Raine family; Traditional rural skills; Farm kitchen produce. 1900s north-east township in the years leading to WWI; Herron’s bakery – watch bread cakes and biscuits being prepared, and sample the finished offerings; The