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Ad. Hoc. 20th January
Friday 19th - grim, glum and gruesome. Wind, rain, fog, fog and
more fog. Usual conversation - "doesn't look good for tomorrow,
oh lets just go for the coffee and a chat. Could go in a mod"
That could result in excommunication! Saturday dawns, wet and
windy, but seemingly cheerful. Mod, Ruby or Chummy. Ruby seems
like a true British compromise.
We did as we were bid - Tesco's, Helston, 11 am. Co driver states
quite firmly "I am not hanging about in the car park"
(as per last time) "I am going straight in for coffee".
Everyone else had the same sensible idea.
Ten cars. A variety of RP Boxes, an RK Saloon, the Red Van, two
seater and four seater Tourers and one Ruby. It was good to meet
James Axe on his first outing with the club in his workman like
1932 (I think) Box. This car must look much as a well used Austin
7 did in the 30's. During the course of the day James many quick
sprints from starting handle to drivers seat were also impressive.
Plenty of lively chat, good and reasonably priced coffee, a little
shopping and the wander back to the cars began. We were assured
by Nigel that a freshly purchase sliced loaf is not a sliced loaf
at all. It is in fact (with a few mods) a bread pudding. Decision
made, we then set off to the Lizard with every intention of patronizing
Ann's Pasty Shop.
A swift(ish) run to the Green at the Lizard was accomplished
in some quite heavy rain and buffeting winds. Once again Rainex
proved itself. At one point someone sitting on my left and not
a million miles away came out with the remark that 'watching your
windscreen wiper is like watching paint dry!' This totally put
and end to friendly conversation for the next ½ hour. What
a slur!
Parked up and into the pasty shop. Gorgeous smell and did you
see the grey haired lady in the background hand crimping the pasties?
Such speed and skill. She must have been a champion pasty crimper.
Complete with pasties we made our way down to the lowest parking
place on the Lizard near the start of the path down to the old
lifeboat station.
By this time the sun was shining and there was enough blue in
the sky to make a sailor some trousers. The sea looked magnificent
as we sat for a munch. An after munch walk took us down to the
beach. On the way down some of us nearly went parascending due
to the strength of the wind. The light on the waves was beautiful
and the rocks were silhouetted in the strong sun. The tide was
out exposing all the rocks and one thought what heroes the R.N.L.I.
crewman must have been to launch from here in bad weather.
The run after lunch took us via Ruan Minor and Goonhilly. The
satellite dishes looked impressive in the sun as did the many
wind turbines wizzing around at high speed. Through Gweek and
then a pause at James' to admire his 1898 Aveling & Porter
agricultural tractor. What a machine! If you thought an Austin
7 or two or maybe even three was a commitment you should think
again. James mentioned a 30 year project. What a shame I would
love to have seen it in steam and on the move!
The final run took us back to Ann and Tony's at Stithians for
a most welcome cup of tea or two and more chat. There seemed to
be lots of plans in the air and a very ebullient group of ladies
were apparently planning a ladies only run. Whatever next?
This was an enjoyable informal day that went really well. Mostly
good weather, good company and good cars going well. With our
usual luck we seemed to have caught a weather window between fronts
marching in from the West. Currently as I write heavy hail is
clattering against the window accompanied by thunder and heavy
gusts of wind.
Our thanks must go to James, Ann and Tony for their kindness.
Stephen Lewis
Next Ad Hoc is Feb 17, Bacon Buttie raid.
Meet at Blackwater Layby at 10.30....Be there!!
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