A forecast of high winds and torrential rain failed to deter 1020 club members coming out in force for our first seasonal road run of 2022 – the much anticipated Valentine’s Run on Sunday 13 February.
Two dozen club assorted cars assembled at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum at New Milton – a few hardy crews even venturing out in their classic MGBs and even an MGC – where they were joined by regional secretary Nigel Knowles in his MG GS and area secretary Chris Adamson in the latest extended range all-electric MG ZS which attracted a lot of interest.
Most took the opportunity of an early arrival to indulge in tea and cakes in the Bashley Tea Rooms before setting off at 10.30am to tackle the challenging, puddle splashing, 33 mile road route through the through the New Forest which had been devised as ever by George Parrott.
Although the event was called the Valentine’s Run it should have been re-named the Snowdrop Run as virtually every verge and ditch was illuminated by a sea of white flowers bursting into bloom.
Having first headed into Brockenhurst across the open forest, which seemed popular that day with ponies now sheltering where they could from the increasingly intense rain, the route then passed the entrance to Rhinefield House and across the unusually quiet A35 onto the narrow track Bolderwood Arboretum Drive.
More open heath led to Nomansland, Landford and Hamptworth before aptly passing through the tiny village of Lover where most local residents had decorated their gardens with huge red hearts.
The final leg traversed the village of Downton which will be the location of the traditional Downton Cuckoo Fair at the end of April when 1020 will have a club stand at the associated classic car show.
After some 90 minutes of careful map reading the crews finally arrived at Whitsbury, north of Fordingbridge for a Sunday roast at The Cartwheel Inn – a venue the club has used in previous years and where a warm and hearty welcome is assured.
While some had opted out of the lunch, 38 club members sat down to lunch followed by a selection of mouth-watering desserts and heart shaped chocolates.
Once again thanks must go to Pip and Ursula Bonner for organising the day with their usual friendly efficiency.
Our next seasonal outing will be the Spring Run on Sunday 24 April – National Drive It Day.