Mike Robinson's Run - 2006 ........ The Churchillian Run 18 June 2006 Nine o’clock on Sunday morning saw your scribe sitting on the top road, along from the forts, looking out over a misty Portsmouth, having had a good early morning run through uncluttered roads. In fact by the time of the ‘off’ the mist had cleared and the Spinnaker Tower was very evident in the distance. By the time of the ‘off’ however what was not in view was that little blue Ruby belonging to the President. It was decided to wait for a few minutes, and sure as ever the Westmobile shortly hove into view, looking as if it had had a spirited run from Clewers Hill.
Thus we set off from the Churchillian pub, headed on this occasion by the Standard Nine of Hillary Bagshaw, whose Seven had decided to take a day off. Mike and Joyce Robinson had found us a splendid route, and had found some lanes which seemed to be new to everyone. Certainly it was a wonderful choice of archetypal Austin Seven roads, which we all enjoyed. The route took us up over the Old Winchester Hill mountain range which we had recently experienced on the evening run, but this time in the opposite direction. The visibility this time was too misty to see the coast as we had done previously. We headed on up the map (northwards that is!) and were travelling along a leafy lane in the vicinity of Teglease Down, when the Convoy Rules were tested. The whole column was at a halt within sixty seconds and less than half a mile. Solent Austin Seven Club does seem to have got this bit right at last – it must be all the training! The cause of the halt was to render the bi-monthly maintenance to Dave Burrett's ‘s pompe essence which Ray West so freely and joyfully provides. It was an idyllic spot, and we all enjoyed the break.
As we were running a little late for lunch it was decided that a small circuit around the north of Alresford would be abandoned, and Hillary Bagshaw, who was doing the map reading in the Standard, re-routed us to join the A31 and thus to the food. It was a good choice of venue, and we all eat heartily; but if anyone is travelling down the A31 in the next few weeks will they please drop in and see if Trevor has got his omelette yet.
Mike and Joyce, thank you both for a great morning. It was obvious that all concerned had enjoyed themselves immensely Spanner. |
