Cornwall Austin Seven Club 

Event Reports
short reports of events, holidays and shows enjoyed
by our members in the past four months.

Our members are always out and about with their 'Sevens'

The main aim of CA7C is to encourage members to drive their 'Sevens' whenever possible, even throughout the winter months when, surprisingly, quite a few members do enjoy being out and about on the colder winter-time runs.  However, we do draw the line on the very wettest of days as there is no point driving in bad weather with the non-optional water entry around the ill-fitting windows and doors!   Mostly we are able to enjoy warm, sunny days with Cornwall's splendid inland and coastal scenery at its best whatever the season of the year.

These edited reports were written by members and are taken from our monthly magazine, Seven Focus.

More photos of each event may be found on our Facebook link.

A7CA Austin Seven Centenary Rally - 19 - 24 July 2022

The event attracted well over a thousand Sevens.  From 26 who entered for the event 23 members attended, with some volunteering to help run things.  Whilst some trailered their Sevens a few drove about 700 hundred miles altogether without any problems.  




Members met up with many old friends and made some new ones. It was an amazing event that exceeded expectations and is unlikely to be repeated in our lifetime.  









Wednesday Runs - West Cornwall



The Wednesday Runs continue meeting at different venues around Redruth the routes wander around the lanes of West Cornwall, stopping for a coffee break and picnic, weather permitting.  The group is usually made up of four to eigth cars.









Birthday Run - 18 June

Arriving at Ladock village hall shortly before the allotted departure time, we parked alongside 6 other Sevens, just as the rain started. “We’re just waiting for the Redruth area contingent” said the organiser and right on cue, they appeared, another 5 of them.  We were ready to go with ‘convoy rules’ the order of the day, sensible enough since we would be travelling through little used lanes, and it wasn’t a race, although each driver had a route sheet just in case of mishaps.

Meandering towards Mitchell, and heading eastwards towards Summercourt we drove through narrow wooded lanes across the A30, through more lanes and the obligatory ford to the level crossing on the Newquay branch line at Coswarth. A break down on that crossing would be a problem for it is on a very sharp curve and an oncoming train would have little or no chance of stopping in time.

After passing Colan village and its pretty little church, it  was a short run to go past Porth reservoir, up the other side of the valley and join the main road past Newquay Airport, turning off subsequently for St Mawgan village and our lunch stop.  A small number of us unfortunately missed taking a critical right turn, and ended up on the main road much further west, which meant navigating our way again eastwards to pick up the correct turning to take us round the other side of the airfield and down into the village of St Mawgan nestling in the valley with its pub and tea rooms and car park, where a lunch break was very welcome.

The afternoon section was fascinating, for immediately we left the car park we turned right over a hump bridge and straight through a ford followed immediately by a steep climb up the valley side.  Not the best place for my car to suffer blocked carburettor jets which seemed to clear at the top of the hill and enabled us to complete the run.  Again we lost the convoy briefly but with one of our party running low on fuel, our little sub group headed for Wadebridge, and having replenished his car rejoined the group at Trelawney Garden Centre for tea, after which the various cars (and crew) dispersed homewards. All in all an excellent run.


Birthday Run - another view

This was the day when all the restrictions of the past few years were put firmly behind the club members who gathered in the car park of the Ladock Community Hall in their many and varied Austin Sevens.

We had all waited a very long time to have a bigger 'Club Run' again and there was an air of anticipation amongst the members gathered there. Having handed out 'route sheets' the cars set off soon after 10.30am, turning left out of the car park. As there were several cars with just a driver it was thought best to adopt 'convoy rules' so it was a case of regular checking of the rear view mirror. After covering around half a mile the cars turned left again and headed along a narrow lane towards the hamlet of Trendeal. Passing through what was effectively a farm yard the route continued on to a T junction and a right turn signposted to Mitchell.

Before entering Mitchell a right turn on to a narrow, unmarked road led away past the Sports Ground and with a couple of twists and turns the route passed the Clock Garage and continued through Chapel Town into Summercourt. Turning right at the traffic lights onto the A3058 towards St Austell we eventually turned left towards Trefullock and followed the road through a farm and shortly took a left turn at a junction.

We followed the road through St Enoder and Troan, not named but a cottage on the right was named Troan Cottage! Taking a right fork then a left turn signposted Truro and Mitchell we journeyed approximately three quarters of a mile, over a small bridge and past Oakside Fishery, shortly turning right on to a narrow, unnamed road that led through quite a deep ford that flowed, at the side of the road through an ancient and very interesting bridge, assumedly used when the river/stream was too deep to ford though only suitable for pedestrians and maybe horses.

Following the road over Coswarth Crossing we turned left at a T junction onto the A392 towards Newquay. Immediately after the Mountjoy sign the cars went right towards Bosougham and Colan. Taking a left turn and continuing past Bosougham Farm we continued on through Colan. Turning right at a T junction the route passed a sign for Porth Reservoir and on through Melancoose Mill towards Trebarber then after approx 100 yards turned right onto the A3059. Continuing on this road for about one and a half miles we passed the Aerohub Business Park and the Air Ambulance base then took a sharp left signposted Newquay Airport and Mawgan Porth. Soon after, a right turn took us down the hill into St Mawgan. Turning right by the Cafe we drove into the car park and parked around the perimeter.

It was then discovered that four cars had not arrived. Whilst discussing what was best to do down the hill and into the car park they came, having taken an ‘alternative’ route. A few folk went off to find sustenance and those who had brought a picnic, and had hoped to sit out on their chairs in the sun but had to content themselves with sitting in their cars as there was a keen wind blowing and swirling the fine dust of the car park into 'dust devils'. When it was time to leave and head on to Trelawney Garden Centre via Tredinnick and St Issey and with potentially heavy rain forecast a few members decided to head homewards after what was a very well researched and organised outing. 



Manaccan Open Day - 29 May

A farmer from Manaccan kindly opens up his farm for all classic vehicles. Those who attended last year will agree that this is sure to be a splendid day, not to be missed.   An early start of 09:45 saw three Sevens gather at Morrish’s chippy car park, Redruth (we did have permission) to run down to Sainsbury's car park Helston, to meet up with any other members.  Only one other car turned up, so at 10:00am we set off after a consultation on which way to go. 

As we pulled in to the farm we found a row of very large vintage cars lined up with other smaller ones, so we were not too overpowered. Some of the larger cars must have filled the lanes on the way there and back. We could have parked two Sevens in the space taken up by one or two of the larger ones.

Tea and biscuits on hand we soon got to meet our hosts, Ken and Amanda, and look around the gardens and talk to the owners of the collection of cars there. After a picnic lunch in the sunshine watching some of the cars departing and new ones arriving it was time to think of making our way back home. 

As the clouds were gathering we put the hood up on the Chummy, which was a good move as, as we got towards Helston, the rain started.  With a vacuum-fed wiper, driving for a while was tricky, however the rain stopped as we left Helston and made our way back towards Redruth.




Scotland Tour - 27th April to 21st May.

Having taken up the invite to join the Scotland Austin Seven Club’s Annual Rally a few of us decided to make the trip to Guildtown.  Being such a long way from home we toured Scotland for nearly 4 weeks.  

On the way we visited the Falkirk Wheel a rotating boat lift that connects the Union Canal with the Forth & Clyde and the Kelpies standing 100ft tall and weighing 300 tonnes each. The Kelpies are named after the mythical water horse said to be in Scottish lochs and rivers.



We arrived at Guildtown on the Friday greeted by the Scottish members to a bring your own meats bbq.

Saturday took us on a 40-mile drive through superb countryside and towns enjoying stops along the way for coffee and lunch.  On returning to the Rally field in the evening we were treated to a Ceilidh with a very friendly group of people enjoying the event.




Sunday more than 60 Austin 7s of many different models turned up to enjoy the event, some from Wales, Ireland and Cornwall.  After the Rally finished those that stayed on enjoyed a bbq and some local ales, Whirling Gears@4.3% and Overhaul the Box @4%, left over from Saturday evening.

Monday took us to Aberfeldy where the Cornwall group toured the area for a few days enjoying many outings  including driving to a height of over 2000ft above sea level with cream teas,  various points of interest and snow still visible on many mountains.


The next site took us to Grantown on Spey to visit that area with great views of the countryside with many challenging hills although the roads seem very empty.  The climb to Cairngorm mountain ski resort over 1200ft was special.  Grampian Transport Museum made us very welcome and let us park within the compound area.

Our next area took us to the Isle of Skye for a few days with a mixture of weather but it didn’t dampen the feeling about it.  Whilst out we came across St Columbia’s Island an Ancient Burial ground from 1079 and site of the Cathedral Church surrounded by water only accessible by a bridge.





The drive to the Quiraing Pass 856ft above sea level with steep gradients and tight bends passes through natural scenic landscapes was a little challenging both up hill and down for the sevens.  It seems to be a very popular place to visit with magnificent view over Quiraing and Saffin Bay. Another popular place to visit was the water fall at Elishader.

Fort William next on the list took in more spectacular views of Glencoe where water flowed down the mountains in such force.  A trip to Ben Nevis by cable car was unfortunately cancelled due to heavy wind.  The Glenfinnan railway viaduct built from 1897 to 1901 was very interesting place to visit being in the Harry Potters film.  Waiting for the train to cross got a little boring so decided to make our way to the station for coffee and sticky buns in a revamped railway coach.

 

Lochgilphead was our next place to visit with more drives through the countryside which seemed more gentle.   Along Crinan Canal was very picturesque with a coffee stop at the end.   A round trip to Tarbert took in many blue bell fields, coffee stops and lovely views along Loch Caolisport finishing up with a picnic and ice cream.

Our last site in Scotland was at Luss with our pitches overlooking the Loch.  Some took the opportunity for a boat cruise on Loch Lomond and afterwards a gentle drive out over the tops via Faslane (Naval Base) on the Gare Loch finished our Scottish tour.

It was time for all to get home to God’s country with a stop at the Lake District and a drive to Windermere to finish a great time.  




Run for Pearl - 27 April


Wednesday saw an early 8:30 start from Wheal Busy for four cars to head to Quintrell Downs to meet up with Essex Club member, Trevor Fleuty. Trevor drove a Big 7 from Chelmsford to the Gold Centre in Portreath to collect a pearl - See www.questforpearl.com. His trip from Chelmsford was escorted by all the county clubs he passed through. We finished the last leg through Goonhavern, Perranporth, St Agnes and Porthtowan to arrive at Portreath at 11:00 am. Another good day out.  





FBHVC Drive it Day run to Lanhydrock - 24 April

There were a few start points across the County with the aim of meeting at the NT Lanhydrock House.  One group from the west set off from the Blackwater area.

A 10:30 start from the Chiverton Arms car park found five A7s heading for Goonhavern, St Newlyn East then on to the old A30 via Fraddon and St Columb.  We crept on under the old iron bridge then on to go round the back off Lanivet to join 17 other A7s lined up in the car park. It was good to spend a few hours catching up with club members not seen for a long time. The drive home took us on a run via Golant and St Austell. A good day out.  






End to End Centenary Run - Easter 2022




The South Wales A7 Club organised a run from John O'Groats to Land's End.  Entrants travelled at their own pace over several days - there being no attempt to complete the run in less than 24 hours with 5 days being allowed for the trip.  One of our members took part leaving John O'Groats on Saturday 9 April and arrived at Land's End on Friday 22 April .










Run to Flicka Donkey Sanctuary - 9 April

Having had to be cancelled on 19th February due to forecast bad weather, the visit to the Donkey Sanctuary at Trenoweth near Mabe took place on Saturday in fine but chilly conditions. Eight various Sevens gathered at the Carnon Downs Garden Centre where some drivers and passengers took advantage of the coffee shop for a warming drink.

This occasion was the first major club run since the onset of the covid pandemic so route sheets were handed out to the 'co-drivers' and, splitting the eight vehicles into a five (who went off first) and a three (some minutes later) the cars set off in the direction of the Bissoe valley then climbed out of the valley in Grenna Lane, a long, steep hill. Passing through Frogpool and the Cornish Arms the route made its way onto the A393 and into Ponsanooth.

Just before the Stag Hunt pub a right turn off the main road took the cars away towards Stithians but not into it as we headed towards Longdowns on the A394 instead. Passing along a pretty, tree lined road and passing a quarry the route eventually arrived at a junction on to the A394 that, as usual, was horrendously busy with fast moving traffic. Very luckily, everyone made it on to the main road then shortly left again turning off towards Halvasso then through the hamlet in the direction of Penryn.

Having passed Mabe Church, the route went left towards Trenoweth where soon the sign for the Flicka Sanctuary came into view. Having parked in the car park, other visitors coming and going paused to take pictures of the little Sevens basking in the sunlight. Having had a wander around, the club members either made use of the cafe or used the picnic tables for home made picnics.  






Easter on Exmoor  - 14-19 April

A trip to North Devon over a sunny Easter weekend was enjoyed by lovely runs and good company. Once again finding the views over the moors spectacular and driving through many tucked away hamlets including a couple of fords to test the driving skills of some drivers.  

Porlock Hill was a must to drive to the top is known to be the steepest A road in the Country. Countisbury Hill a average gradient of 9% and 3.2 km over looking the Bristol Channel was the next on the list to attempt.  



Many picnics and coffee stops in the sun with great views over Exmoor were enjoyed by all, afternoon cream tea at Stocumber train station where we had VIP parking.  All the cars performed well in very demanding circumstances.     

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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