Storm Ashley (the first named storm of the winter) blew away any hopes that club members would risk taking their cars out for last month’s Autumn Road Run and pub lunch.
However, the brand’s more recent offerings were represented by three more modern examples of the marque: the sports utility ZS of Bob and Wendy Richmond-Jones, the SUV GS of regional secretary Nigel Knowles and the five-door ZS of area ecretary Chris Adamson.
A total of 16 cars made it to the start at Hamworthy Sports Club where run organisers Les and Jackie Cherrett were handing out the road books and rally plaques as well as reminding everyone of their roast lunch orders.
Many braved the elements to take in the full 50-mile route while others chose a more direct route and the lure of the comfort of the log burning fires at The Thimble Inn, the ultimate destination.
Those who followed the route instructions were taken on a journey that first headed south towards the Jurassic coastline via Wareham and Wareham Forest and then ventured along single-track roads towards Turners Puddle and Affpuddle – sadly the inclement weather meant that the viewpoint at Culpeppers Dish offered no view this time.
Next the cars passed Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum and Athelhampton House (familiar to everyone as our regular Summer venue) before passing through Troy Town on the way to Dorchester and Poundbury.
The final leg took in Cerne Abbas (famous for the chalk giant) again shrouded in drizzle, prior to turning south through the pretty villages of Piddletrenthide and Piddlehinton, where The Thimble Inn provided a welcome sight.
Some 29 diners sat down for a generously proportioned roast lunch and desserts before heading home when thankfully the weather had relented a fraction.
Many thanks to Les and Jackie for organising the day.