Six weeks out and already over sixty Lotus are confirmed for the fourth Historic Lotus Register Summer Gathering and Picnic — and your invitation is open. Hosted, as ever, by Richard Hinton at his home in East Hertfordshire (between Standon and Bishops Stortford), the event runs from 11:00 on Sunday 21/06/2026 through to late afternoon, in a meadow setting beside the lake that has become one of the friendliest fixtures in our calendar.

The timing could not be more apt. 2026 is a year of Lotus milestones, and Richard has chosen to make this an informal celebration of all of them at once: 70 years of the Lotus Eleven; 70 years of Club Lotus itself; 60 years of the Elan S3 and the Europa S1; 50 years of the Lotus Drivers Club; 50 years of the first Esprit S1 deliveries and of The Spy Who Loved Me; and 30 years of the Elise. Early and rare cars, competition machinery and restoration projects on trailers are particularly welcomed for the centrepiece display.

A few practicalities. There is no formal admission charge – a £10-per-car cash contribution at the gate covers the marquee, toilets and rally-field set-up. Bring your own picnic chairs, a table and a gazebo if you have one; the permanent wooden seating area has been extended but covers only about a third of expected numbers, and the meadow rewards a well-pitched parasol. Children and dogs (on a lead) are welcome. There is plentiful parking for tow cars and trailers. If you wish to set up a small stall to sell parts, books or memorabilia by the lake, do mention it at booking; the pitch is free of charge.