First of the Year Run - 2006 ........ FIRST OF THE YEAR RUN 1st January 2006 Sunday morning dawned dull and horrid, and the daily six-thirty excursion to fetch the paper suggested that any thought of an Austin Seven day was a stupid idea. By eight we were watching a slightly clearing sky, and by nine we decided that we wouild set out but might return! We did set out - at nine thirty - and apart from a couple of light showers around Winchester the weather behaved itself for the rest of the day. In fact lunchtime saw an almost totally blue sky.
Twenty-one Sevens and the mother-ship Windsor Saloon gathered at the White Horse at Otterbourne, and many, many 'Happy New Years' were exchanged. At eleven o'clock we set off in a very controlled manner, with the mother ship leading at a sedate pace. The maps and route cards were very well prepared, and contained some very interesting snippets of information as a bonus. We always wondered where John Pike went to school. It is good to relate that at one point during the run there was a loss of contact down the line, and the whole convoy came to rest within about half a mile - and nobody had mentioned convoy rules all the morning ! :) John Pike and his team had found a splendid route, and we saw very little other traffic at all. Happy waves were exchanged with several groups of ramblers along the way. The only slight trauma was at the entry to the Hatchett Inn at Sherfield English where we brought the whole of the traffic on the A27 to a complete halt whilst the convoy sorted itself out getting into the car park. Perhaps a lesson here, since this is the sort of happening which can bring the Austin Seven movement into disfavor. Quickly sorted however and we all went inside for a good 'nosh'. The Hatchett seemed well organised, and the very acceptable food arrived in reasonable time considering the sudden crush which we imposed upon them.
After the lunch break we set off once more, to the home of Bob and Eileen Spurr. They had bravely offered to feed us tea. Bob led us along another interesting route which included some totally unmade forest tracks, which proved the suspension and steering. It was all a deal of fun, and yes Bob I have now got the car clean again. But as I said to Granny when we got home, if you don't like the dirt then keep off the road at this time of the year. Have you ever been on a John Pike run and come home with a clean car? Good init !?. Thanks John and Bob, for a super run, and thanks also to Fay, Doreen, innumerable offspring, and friends, in putting together such a good day, and for the success of the negotiations with the Weatherman. Spanner. |
