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Sunday, October 18th, dawned bright, with cold, ethereal clouds of fog prowling the valleys. The lazy sun slowly emerged, warming the fresh autumn air as streams of light illuminated the fall foliage. Alfisti started gathering at the lower parking area of Searles Castle located in Windham, New Hampshire, at about 7:30 AM for an 8:00 AM event start. Unlike many of our driving events, this was a cars 'n' coffee style event, including a tour of the private castle that was created by interior designer Edward Searles back at the turn of the 20th century. Now owned by an angel investor from California, it is being lovingly refurbished and updated. Club member Karl Dubay's engineering firm has been involved in the project and he was able to pull together what turned out to be a fantastic AONE event. Even though this event came together at the last minute, we had fifteen cars lined up to follow a narrow, winding drive up the hill to the newly renovated courtyard of the castle. Although the castle is located only a couple of miles from the Interstate, we were all transported to a different, better time when the king was benevolent and Alfas ruled. What a place! (I should say palace.) Once the Alfas were carefully positioned in the courtyard, over thirty attendees enjoyed each other's company while discussing all things Alfa. As we drifted into the castle (socially distanced and properly masked), we found a welcoming table of delicious sweets and piping hot coffee provided by event sponsors The Dubay Group, Inc. and Alfa specialists Veloce Imports of nearby Londonderry. After exploring the four stories of beautiful woodwork, antique wall coverings, and imposing fireplaces of the castle, we stepped back outside where we were greeted with warming temperatures and a courtyard inhabited by beautiful Italian machinery gleaming in primary colors against the imposing stone edifice of the castle. As Italian themed music played in the background, many photos were taken and many compliments exchanged. The event closed with a raffle of prizes provided by Veloce Imports that included a free oil service and a complete exterior detail (valued at $250)! The club extends thanks to Jo and his team for the generous prizes and support of the event. [And thanks go to new member Karl Dubay and AONE Director Greg Stidsen for pulling off this terrific event, especially on such short notice! Karl reports, "When all of the Alfas vacated, I did a drip check on the new courtyard stones and was very impressed: i only used one tissue for three small drops of fresh quality lubricant over the 18 vehicles. Nice job, owners!" — Ed.] Searles Castle Tour Attendees Matt Collins and Eileen Isison - '85 Graduate Representing Veloce Imports
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(Click on the thumbnails below for a larger view, and then |
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See the original event announcement
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