Meets second Thursday at the White Horse, Station Road, Broughton Astley LE9 6PT
Contact:
David Cochrane, 18 Russell Avenue, Dunchurch, Rugby, CV22 6PX
Tel 01788 522033 (until 7.30pm)
Email David Cochrane
SEPTEMBER 2024 REPORT
Fourth Run of the Year.
At least a dry evening, just so we managed to get away for a Run this month which was a treat after the disappointments of past months. As usual we met at the White Horse and set of the Bluebell Inn in Desford. It was a pleasant run and we managed find parking all over the car park. A table was quickly found and we enjoyed a pleasant evening. Congratulations to Chris who travelled 6 ½ hours from Cornwall and still got the Rolls out to join us. Apologies to a member who was delayed and missed the trip.
The evening was most enjoyable. Gary said he struggled with the lights on his Ruby on his way home and it was suggested that LEDs might help. Maybe he will change them?
Thanks to Joe for the photos.
Wistow Maze Coffee Morning.
A pleasant Coffee Morning was held at Wistow in lovely weather. John and Sue joined us from North Leicestershire which is a trip not for the faint hearted across Leicester. We also welcomed George, Dennis’s grandson. After our usual chat and caught ups, some of us spent some time in the garden centre and shops. Nobody braved the Maze, maybe next year.
Prescott.
Some of our members went to Prescott and had a very enjoyable visit. It was good to meet up with old friends and admire the vehicles on show and taking part in the trials.
Peter Stevenson’s Event.
Our thanks go to Peter who invited Midshires members to join the VSCC meeting at his place. Many people attended and quite a few of our Club. I managed to take my grandson for the afternoon and he had a great time. People were enjoying themselves having rides on the trains and Peter ferried people on the Victorian steam boat on the lake.
Looks like it only has 2 passengers.
David was there with his family and grandchildren who enjoyed the day. Joe and family enjoyed their day and were good company. My thanks to Holly who looked after my grandson for a while. It was good to see people having a good time.
Our thanks to Peter for organising a great day which everyone enjoyed. Thank you for the invitation.
Narrow Boat Trip.
The trip this year went to the Hawksworth Junction and pub.
Oadby Festival.
This time of the year there are many local events to visit. Some of the Club members went to the Oadby festival.
Golf Day and Just Giving letter.
I am pleased to say that we arranged the Golf Day which was given to me at the Christmas Meal. We had a good day and have donated money to Kidney Care.
Joe has received this letter from Just Giving. Thank you to everyone who has supported him with the fund raising for such a good cause.
He has also just received an email informing him that £200 was donated from Beaulieu. Many thanks.
August Bank Holiday Photo round up.
Member have been to many local events over the Bank Holiday . Here is a roundup of their visits.
Thurlaston.
FUTURE EVENTS
Sat/Sunday 31/1 September: The Victory show at Foxlands farm, Croft Rd, Cosby LE9 1SG. Pay
at the door entry.
Tuesday 3rd September: Afternoon Tea at Ullesthorpe Court. Details sent on a flyer.
Monday 9th. September: Meet at 10.30 for Coffee at Café 1911, Ullesthorpe Garden Centre,
Lutterworth Road, Lutterworth, LE17 5DR.
Thursday 12th. September: Meet at 7.30 at the White Horse. Last evening run. A short run
through the villages and back to the White Horse for a drink.
Saturday 21st. September 11.00 to 3.00. Meet at King George V playing Field, Mill Lane,
Enderby, LE19 4LH.
AUGUST 2024 REPORT
Beaulieu.
Well done to the Midshires members who went to Beaulieu and had a very good time. Joe completed the trip in the refurbed Box with his dad Paul and raised money for Kidney Care.
The ladies from Kodney care were very pleased with his efforts.
He has raised a total of £2500 for Kidney Care and £500 for the Renal Unit at Loughborough so far. Well done and thank you to everyone who has supported him. It was not just Joe and Paul who went. Madeleine, Gary, Bob and Trish, David and family as well as John and Sue. We are already talking about next year and hopefully we can organize even more people to go.
Coffee Morning.
Coffee morning at the Ullesthorpe Court was a success. We had tea, coffee and scones in the bar.
The purpose of the morning was to try out their food . As a result we have booked an Afternoon Tea Event there because the scones were very tasty. Details are in the Future Events section.
My thanks to Indi and Joe for photos.
Third Run of the Year.
After the disappointment of cancelling the Longest day Run we decided to put some miles in on our Third Run of the Year. Members gathered at the White Horse and we set off to find the inside of the pub because the weather was awful. Some members came in their cars but we decided to have a chat in the warm and sort out the WhatsApp group and plan the Afternoon Tea Event. The evening was a success because we managed to get things organized for the future. Maybe next month we will get on the road?
Narrow Boat Trip.
Time is running out to book the final seats on the Narrow Boat trip on Sunday 18th August .The cost of the trip is £10 each which is a donation to the Hargreaves Trust who organize it. Details have been emailed to members.
Please let us know if you would like to come?
The boat is powered by electric motors which are charged by solar panels and overnight top ups. There is tea and coffee and facilities on board and a ramp access if required. This year’s trip is going to the Hawesworth Junction. Don’t forget to bring lunch or book a meal at the pub.
The Trust raises funds for under 18s who are living with mental health problems, physical disability or growing up in poverty. It supports them through physical activities. A worthy cause. It is run by volunteers. Phil has provided a map of the journey and more information will be available on the boat.
Rainbows event at Stonehurst.
It was not long before our WhatsApp group became useful. A message on Monday prompted a group of us travelling to Stonehurst for the Rainbows Fund Raising Evening. Some of our members arrived in style.
The Heeley family came in the Rolls.
Brian was here with his son Guy. Brian is still driving his Volvo but has difficulty with the Box so his son brought him. He was giving talks about the car to younger visitors and sharing stories about the car.
These events are well worth a visit and are good fun. They generate lots of interests from spectators. A second visit took place later in the month and it was just as enjoyable.
Cosby Yarn Bomb Coffee Morning.
Cosby’s famous Yarn Bomb launched this week for its sixth annual festival with more than 50 unique textile art installations adorning the village. The free outdoor celebration of all things creative features the theme Fun and Games, Mischief and Mayhem and runs until 31 July. Members of the community, led by the volunteer team at social enterprise, Gather, Create, Grow, have spent hours knitting, crocheting and sewing to bring the streets of the village to life with creations inspired by games. Expect to see everything from computer games to the Olympic Games reflected in the tableaux.
FUTURE EVENTS
Afternoon Tea at Ullesthorpe Court.
We have arranged for an Afternoon Tea at Ullesthorpe Court on Tuesday 3rd. September at 2.30. The cost of the refreshments is £26.95 with a choice of classic or savoury. Please email me if you would like to go. Many thanks, Colin.
Monday 8th: Meet at 10.30 for Coffee at Wistow,LE8 0QF and a chance to do the Wistow Maize.
Sunday 18th: Canal Boat Trip. Details emailed to members. There are a few places left.
Sunday 18th: Invite to Peter Stevenson MVPS meeting from 10.30 onwards. Please note this is for Midshires members and we will be joining other car enthusiasts.
Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st. September: The Victory Show in Cosby. Details from www.thevictoryshow.co.uk or 07711430472.
Don’t forget to register for the Hinckley BID’s 13th Annual Motor Show via the link. www.hinckleybid.co.uk
JULY 2024 REPORT
Coffee Morning at the Tithe Barn Bosworth Fields.
The morning looked like it would be raining all day but we decided to meet up. Gary, Madeleine and I went together and when we arrived John and Sue were already there. As we parked up other people started to arrive as well.
It was good to see the 6 which was used as the wedding car at Joe’s wedding. It still had confetti in it.
Some members had not been here so they decided to have a good look round and Sue went off shopping.
It was good morning and it didn’t rain which was a bonus.
Stonehurst.
John Davidson was kind enough to send me his memories of Stonehurst. Itappears the they had a very busy weekend.
They had a runabout on Tom’s 1910 Bus and enjoyed the Hog Roast on Saturday evening. John enjoyed looking at the Pre-War stall.
Midshires WhatsApp Group.
If you are interested in joining the Midshires WhatsApp, please email Madeleine at mafra@hotmail.co.uk with your contact details. This is a secure method of communication as it is encrypted. Any problems, contact me.
FUTURE EVENTS
Sat/Sunday 6/7th July: Vintage Vehicle Weekend at Quorn and Woodhouse Stations. More information at gcrailway.co.uk.
Sunday 7th. July: Market Harborough Show. Entry form is on the RHOCAR CLUB website www.rhocar.org. Contact Phil for more details.
Monday 8th. July: Coffee and scones at Ullesthorpe Court, LE17 5BZ. You will have a chance to see the new room we have booked for Christmas Dinner.
When we meet at Ullesthorpe we will be enquiring about an Afternoon Tea in either August or September. Watch this space.
Thursday 11th. July: Meet at 7.30 at White Horse for the Third Run of the Year.
Monday 29th. July: A Second Coffee morning in Cosby for The Cosby Yarn Bomb. Possibly visit the Cook in the Nook, Main St, Cosby.LE19 1RQ.
JUNE 2024 REPORT
LONGEST DAY RUN.
The Longest day Run will be a first for Midshires. We are planning to set off from the White Horse no later than 7.30 and travel to North West Leicestershire. Our route will take us to Cropston Reservoir and passing along the side road and then through Switherland Woods towards The Ridings. Finally arriving at our destination.
Rothley Court is a 16th Century Manor House with its own Chapel. The hotel has links with the Knights Templar and William Wilberforce’s work to abolish slavery. There are excellent parking facilities.
The Manor Glen Parva.
20 people turned up for our Second Run and soon the car park was full of Austins parked up. We decided to go to The Manor in Glen Parva.
The Manor was built in 1485 as part of the Medieaval estate of Glen Parva. The front part of the pub is the original building and behind are 19th and 20th century extensions. It is recorded in 1220 that a small Chapel stood nearby bur only the ruins remain. We sat in the courtyard of it. It was a great evening and enjoyed by everyone.
FUTURE EVENTS
Monday 10th June: Coffee at The Tithe Barn, Bosworth Battlefield, Nuneaton, CV1 0AD. A pleasant run to a new venue. Well worth the drive.
Thursday 13th June: Meet at White Horse no later than 7.30 for the Third Run of the Year. This is our LONGEST DAY OF THE YEAR RUN. A superb run through North Leicestershire arriving at Rothley Court for the evening. Rooms are available for people who would like to stay.
Saturday and Sunday 15/16th June: Ashby Magna Steam Show. Details by ringing 07780616 059.
Booking Form for Ashby Parva Steam Fayre, 15/16th. June. https://www.ashbyparvavintagerevival.com/booking-forms/?oxy=car-owner#
Saturday 22nd June: Broughton Astley Carnival. Contact Clive Grafton-Rees on 07709 657671 for details.
Sunday 30th June: National Austin Re PWA7 Rally at Beaulieu.
Sat/Sun 6/7 July: Vintage Car eEent at Great Central Railway. Details are on their website.
APRIL 2024 REPORT
Coffee at Okapi.
It was a drizzly morning but despite the weather, there was a good turnout for Coffee at Okapi. A few members got
their cars wet but enjoyed their trip. When I arrived, it was obvious that it had been a good morning because the table
was full of empty cups and plates and the conversation was in full flow. This was a new venue, and everyone was pleased
except for trying to get out of the booth! We talked about another visit and if we come again we would like to have a go
on the Crazy Golf Course and a meal later. We are going to discuss this and arrange a time later this year. My thanks to
the staff who arranged a secure parking area and booked an area for our visit.
Quiz Night at the White Horse.
Many thanks to David Dye who got in touch with David Cochrane. David C forwarded his email and I contacted him.
David told me that he had made our Quiz Trophy in the 90’s and also made a Grasshopper Challenge Trophy at the same
time. He was working at Nottingham University and found some teak in one of the workshops. The brass plates were
engraved in the Physics Department. The conrod was polished and plated at Badillies. It was used for some time with the
Loughborough group for trailing and we managed to acquire it. It has an engraving The Pre-War Austin 7 Club, Midshires
Group, Christmas Quiz. We have used it for our March Quiz Night and it will be up for grabs at Christmas when we have
our Christmas Quiz at Ullesthorpe Court in December. We are going to put a sticker on the bottom in recognition of his
workmanship.
The Quiz Evening was a success, I think. Some people found the questions a bit different than usual and sorry for that.
Eventually the winners were announced with 37 points so congratulations to Paul and Chris who won the trophy. I told
them they have to do the Christmas Quiz and make it a bit easier! We will have to wait and see?
My thanks to Bob who brought some interesting Austin memorabilia which he auctioned off. Joe took some more items
and has sold them In total £161 was raised towards his Kidney Care Fund. Many thanks for everyone who bought items.
MARCH 2024 REPORT
I am pleased to let you know that we will not be making any changes to our meeting times. The recent poll showed that people wanted it to remain the same. We will meet for Coffee on the second Monday of the month and the evening meetings on the second Thursdays. Thank you, all the people who contacted me.
On the 13th of June, we have planned The Longest Day Run. This is a first for the Club and we hope as many people as possible will attend. The plan is to meet at the White Horse and set off to North Leicestershire. We will travel past Cropston Reservoir and into Switherland Woods arriving at Rothley Court. The journey will be about 40 minutes through great countryside. If it is fine, we can use the terrace at the back for a drink (if not the bar) and some of the group are planning to stay the night. More details and room prices will be forwarded to members. Please make a note in your diary.
FUTURE EVENTS
Monday 8th April: Coffee at the Toast Office, High St,Fleckney,LE8 8AJ.
Friday 11th April: White Horse 7.30. Bonnets Up then First Run of the Year.
Sunday 14th April: Daffodil Sunday at Newnham Paddox, Monks Kirby,CV23 0RA 11.00 am to 4pm. Details from www.revelgroup.org/daffodilSunday. Please note bookings must go to carsdaffodilsunday@gmail.com.
Sunday 21st April: Drive it Day. Details from www.driveitday.co.uk. Fund raising event for NSPCC Childline
Thursday 9th May: White Horse7.30. Second Run of the Year.
Monday 13th May: Coffee at Fardon Fields, Mkt Harborough.
Sunday 26 May: Visit to Industryandsupply , Building 14, The Depot, Weedon, Northamptonshire,NN7 4PS. Contact Joe for details.
Friday 31st May to Sunday 2nd June The Austin Rally at Stonehurst. Booking at PWA7C.co.uk or lincs7events.com
Monday 10th June: Coffee The Tithe Barn, Bosworth Battlefield, Nuneaton, CV1 0AD.
Thursday 13th June: White Horse 7.30 Third Run of the Year. This is our LONGEST DAY OF THE YEAR RUN. A superb run through North Leicestershire arriving at Rothley Court for the evening. Rooms are available for people who would like to stay.
Saturday 15th June: Ashby Magna Steam Show. Details by ringing 07780 616 059.
Saturday 22nd June: Broughton Astley Carnival. Contact Clive Grafton-Rees on 07709 657 671 for details.
Sunday 30th June: National Austin Re PWA7 Rally at Beaulieu. Details on the Pre-War Austin Seven Club website. www.pwa7c.co.uk This will be Joe’s Fund raising Run for Kidney Care.
Sunday 7th July: Market Harborough Show. Entry form is on the RHOCAR CLUB website www.rhocar.org.
Monday 8th July: Coffee and scones at Ullesthorpe Court.
Thursday 11 July: White Horse 7.30 Third Run of the Year.
Monday 29th July: Second Coffee morning in Cosby for The Cosby Yarn Bomb. Possibly visit the Cook in the Nook, Main St, Cosby.
Thursday 8th August: White Horse 7.30 Fourth Run of the Year.
Monday 12th August: Coffee at Wistow for the Wistow Maize.
Sunday 18th August: Canal Boat Trip Madeline is organizing the bookings
Sunday 18th August: Peter Stevenson MVPS meeting invitation. Picnic at venue to be decided.
Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September: The Victory Show in Cosby. Details from www.thevictoryshow.co.uk or 07711430472.
Monday 9th September: Coffee at Palmers, Ullesthorpe Garden Centre, LE17 5DR.
Thursday 12 September: Fifth Run of the Year which is the last evening Run.
Hinckley BID Show in Hinckley www.hinckleybid.co.uk. Date to follow when it is
confirmed.
24/25th September: Great Central Railway Vintage Vehicle Show.
Thursday 10th October: Skittles Evening? Venue to be decided.
Monday 14th October Coffee at Gilmorton Village Store, Main St, Gilmorton,LE17 5LS. This is a new venue.
Friday 8th November to Sunday 10th November: NEC Classic Car Show.
Monday 11th November: Coffee at Attfields, Countesthorpe Rd, LE8 6LD.
Thursday 14th November: Indian or Chinese Meal at venue to be decided.
Monday 9th December: Christmas Jumper Coffee at Tithe Barn. This year come in your jumpers BUT bring
a decoration for a Christmas tree.
Thursday 12th December: Christmas Meal in the Woodland Suite, Ullesthorpe. Booked.
Other dates will be added to the Calendar each month when details are available.
Local Fetes and Garden Fetes will be attached monthly.
FEBRUARY 2024 REPORT
We had a good turnout for our first meeting at the White Horse. Only one member braved the elements and came in his
car, the rest of us came in our ‘moderns’. After a catch up and chat, we managed to collate lots of new ideas for the
coming year. As well as our usual standard events, we are going to try some new ones. We are planning a Longest Day
Run in June. This will be a run to a venue and a possible stop over for those members who would like to stay the night.
Afternoon tea was suggested and maybe a trip on the Steam Boat at Rutland Water. A picnic at a National Trust place or
Park was another. We planned an additional visit to Great Central railway in August for the Vintage Vehicle Weekend. It
now looks like it will be the only planned visit to GCR because we have received an email which informs us that the
1940s Weekend earlier in the year has been cancelled. It is hoped that it will be re arranged for 2025. This is a shame
because we enjoyed our visits there.
It was good to hear all these options from members and thanks to everyone for your ideas.
We had a review about the Christmas Meal at Ullesthorpe Court. Most people thought it was a great place and enjoyed
the venue and food. A few of us stayed and we were very complimentary to the staff who looked after us very well indeed.
I have emailed the Events Co-Ordinator and sent our thanks to the whole staff. There were a couple of issues mentioned
and I will look into them and report back. I will contact the Hotel and enquire about other rooms available and possible
dates for this coming year.
We had a discussion about the days we meet. Sometimes the second Monday and Thursdays fall in the same week.
Various suggestions we put forward and here are three options which we devised:
- To keep the current arrangement of the second Monday and Thursday of the month.
- To change it to and still have the second Monday but change to 4th Thursday of the month. This means we will not
meet twice in one week. - To change the Monday and meet on the 1st. Tuesday. (More places are open) but we would keep the 2nd. Thursday
which is the normal meeting date. Many venues are closed on Mondays so by changing it, we will have access to
other places more interesting venues.
FUTURE EVENTS
Monday 11th March: Meet at 10.30 for coffee at Okapi, Blaby Golf Course, Lutterworth Rd, Blaby, LE8 4DP. This is a new venue. There will be an area reserved for us in the carpark and a booth at the bottom of the café.
Thursday 14th March: Quiz Night at the White Horse. Meet at 7.30 in the pub for a fun night.
Saturday 16th March: Back to the Track at Curborough. It is the 750 MCH750F meeting. It is nearly full booked so be quick if you want to go.
