The opening seasonal 1020 road run of the year, the ‘Winter Warmer’ on Sunday 12 February 2023 proved to be a big success with a large contingent of 32 cars taking the start – the biggest entry ever for the first outing of the year.
Although many opted to bring modern cars as a result of classics still being under wraps or having various technical troubles, there was still a wide selection of MGs on show from the usual ranks of MGBs and MGFs and TFs to an MGB V8 and an MGC plus an MG3, MG GS, a Midget and with new club member Kris Hudson, an MG ZS.
Everyone set-off from Hamworthy Sports Club after a warming cup of coffee on a 35-mile road route set by George Parrott that took in the New Forest villages and countryside around Horton, Woodlands, Haythorne, Edmondsham, Alderholt and Linwood before heading back towards the coast for the finish at Bransgore Village Hall.
There was universal praise for the choice of country roads, many of them being discovered for the first time by club members – your thanks have been passed onto George.
The destination was a change in venue after the kitchen at our planned venue at Sopley was put out of action. Thanks to event organisers Pip and Ursula Bonner for sorting out an alternative with just a few days’ notice.
The switch proved advantageous as it offered a larger car park (until footballers started to arrive) and more modern kitchen facilities.
It was from here that the catering team of Ursula, Helen Hurt, Pat Lodge and Jackie Cherrett supervised the distribution of the promised hot soup and bread rolls followed by tea, coffee and cakes – thanks to each and everyone for their hard work.
The venue proved to be such as success that the committee is hoping to use it again in the future – next year there is the suggestion of having pasties (with veggie options) at the finish instead of soup.
With the Winter Run still fresh in everyone’s minds it is already time to start booking in for the Spring Run which will take place on Sunday 23 April to coincide with National Drive it Day.
This time we will be heading into north Dorset and Bulbarrow Hill in particular where we hope that the bluebells will be in full bloom at the time – a 44-mile route has already been planned by Adrian Mullins that should ensure some spectacular scenery.
Finish will be at the Chequers Inn at Lytchett Matravers where there will be the option of a Sunday Carvery lunch.
Finally, make a date for our Summer Run which will conclude with the now traditional open-air BBQ – this will be on Sunday 25 June. There is lots to look forward to in 2023.