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Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

I have attended and enjoyed the Austin Seven Rally at Beaulieu for 53 years now.

I have never camped there so cannot comment on the cost or facilities for that,

I have always driven down from Surrey early on a Sunday morning along the A31,passing through beautiful countryside, then via Winchester and Romsey on the A3090 and thence through the New Forest to Beaulieu. It is a glorious drive, with little or no traffic that early. A big part of the day continues to be the drive down and back in a Seven.

The rally itself is always well organised and friendly and there are old friends to chat with, some that are not seen from one Beaulieu to the next.

I cant comment on the cost to the 750 Club of the venue but I do know that I have never felt the entry fees too expensive.

I cant see me enjoying a drive up to Gaydon or Birmingham, even if there were a route avoiding motorways, and therefore wouldn't bother to enter or attend.

You could say Beaulieu has become a cosy habit, but its a habit I for one enjoy and look forward to.

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Hi Tony,
I appreciate that any venue can become tedious after a few years.
A few people have commented that the weekend could benefit from an activity or visit on the Saturday morning, so we have some ideas. Also the burger van didn't win any Michelin stars so we're looking at how this might be improved.
Many people like the location and the New Forest. Also, familiarity with the venue and its facilities, and the availability of helpful Dorset A7C members, means that the difficult and arduous job of organising this event is at least manageable.
Nick Salmon and I would be interested in hearing people's views.
Meanwhile we hope that entrants and autojumblers enjoyed the day.
Ian

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

I said to my wife on Sunday ( she was there but noted a lot of wives weren't )that Beaulieu, money making machine is getting boring, didn't attempt to go into the museum as it doesn't really change year to year and I would not bother to attend next year if it's held again there.Although I live in the South I would favour Gaydon or Warwick as a future venue.

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Somewhere in the Midlands, note the word "midlands" might be nice. Somewhere nearer the middle of this island of ours instead of the south coast.
Haven't been for decades as it's too far. And same for the Auto jumble.
Dave.

Location: Sheffield

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

I must admit I like the atmosphere at Beaulieu and have done so for the past 30+ years with its access to the National Motor Museum. However, even though I live on the South Coast (Worthing) I find the drive along the A/M27 very tedious and increasingly daunting unless you can keep up at least 50mph which I managed on the way in my Ruby. However, on the way back I had to stop at the Rownhams Service Area with a slight misfire at 45mph and couldn't face the prospect of trying to get from the inside lane to the 3rd lane for the A27 to avoid being sucked onto the M3. I purposely left the rally just after lunch in the hope that the traffic would be less frenetic but it was horrendous. Fortunately I found out what part of the problem was and with an AA van following me got up to the 'safe' 50mph again but was still not 100% happy and pulled off into Hedge End turnoff. Won't bore you with the rest of this saga.

Obviously, Beaulieu as a location has been going since 1963 would take some beating and I think any proposal would have to be fairly competitive with hopefully an equally important motoring theme/history. I also think that there should be a rally at Beaulieu by default at least every decade of the Seven's history if not every 1/2 decade to keep an important tradition going. However, like many others no doubt think that possibly a rotation of sites should be contemplated in the intervening years to accommodate those in more Northerly locations.

Location: Ferring, Worthing, West Sussex

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

I cut and paste my comment from the Theft thread

"I agree wiv 'I'm! The journey from northern counties is a bit of a pain, London is far enough and Beaulieu is miles beyond.
Stoneleigh or Peterborough or in fact anywhere north of Watford would make it easier, but not for the far south west!
Trouble is, you'd probably want to bring the museum too."


As a relatively recent enthusiastI have wanted to go for the last four years but every time I get the map book out I give up. Too far for me so I'm effectively excluded.
Gaydon is a good venue but there was little in the way of evening entertainment nearby when I attended a Front-wheel Drive club rally there in 2010 in my BSA Trike and the camping facilities were basic to say the least. There may have been improvements since.

Location: Ripon

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Quite understand the "long tradition" argument for staying at Beaulieu; I first attended with my Special in 1973. And used to go every year in the special or my '31 tourer. I've not been anything like a regular attendee more recently though.

Beaulieu is OK as a rally field, but falls down as a weekend venue with relatively expensive camping facilities where the toilets are a fair walk away from the camping area, and there being no showers available is a major minus point.

But as others have said, any national rally really ought to be nearer the centre of the country than Hampshire. An interesting venue which is used for a couple of other weekend motoring events is the Shuttleworth Collection site at Old Warden; this is near Biggleswade in Bedfordshire. As well as surrounding parkland suitable for camping and/or use as a rally field, there is an large interesting collection of vintage aircraft there -many of which are in flying order.

Location: N W Kent

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Ian/Nick,

We had planned to email you but will use this thread to give our feedback if that's ok.

This was our 5th attendance at Beaulieu, and consider ourselves relative novices when it comes to A7's.

Of late, we have trailed our car to the event with a motorhome so take our own facilities. Staying within the grounds of Beaulieu for c£10 a night is good value.

We love the New Forest so make a long weekend of it as the area is A7 friendly.

We were dismayed and frustrated by the nearby "rave" on Saturday night and wonder if the property involved was within the Beaulieu Estate so that action might be taken.

Whilst we enjoyed the hospitality on Saturday night, it was not well supported compared with previous years. Many attendees seemed to have their own BBQ's etc. Maybe some form of Saturday entertainment would be worth considering.

Our perception is that the number of A7's attending is falling and many of the old hands tell us that the event is a shadow of its former self.

Given our preference to trail the car and have creature comforts on arrival, the future location of the "national" away from Beaulieu would not put us off.

As has already been suggested, maybe we should still visit Beaulieu once in a while.

Alan & Sally

Location: East Sussex

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Shuttleworth is a sound proposition IMHO.

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Good evening all. In the 'Beaulieu Thefts' thread I suggested Warwick as a potential location for an alternative to the National Motor Museum. I was not proposing the school but the location in the centre of England (even closer to Wales and Scotland). Warwick and its environs has terrific transport links and potential venues - for example the British Motor Museum (formerly Gaydon MM) which was used by the A7 fraternity in the year 2000.
However before a headlong rush north from Hampshire there are a number of considerations to be made principally infrastructure. Beaulieu now has half decent toilets (sadly no showers) but having been involved in arranging Portaloos the cost is horrendous if they have to be brought on site. Secondly the 2012 event at the school was in doubt for some time due to the wet weather and the prospect of the cars damaging their playing fields - I don't recall Beaulieu having this problem.
Perhaps fellow A7 enthusiasts could use their contacts with other clubs to see what venues they use and what facilities are available?
Regards
Stuart

Location: Staffordshire, the creative county.

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

I love the Beaulieu rally, even though I had to miss it this year, the rally, the museum, the house, the gardens, the abbey, I always go round them all, but for me it's a very pleasant 20 mile pootle. In fairness it should move from time to time. Gaydon and Shuttleworth are both excellent suggestions.

Location: Isle of Wight

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Beaulieu was a superb event. It is now a shadow of it's former self.
It still has many redeeming features, surely time for a change
Warwick however was a much better event and in the middle of the country.
Change in itself can be interesting.
Nothing is forever.

Location: The Centre of the Universe

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

IMHO, the Gaydon motor museum is the most depressing place. The graveyard of the British motor industry

Location: Sunny Sussex

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Barry
IMHO, the Gaydon motor museum is the most depressing place. The graveyard of the British motor industry


Do you find all UK car museums to be like that ?

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Another venue near Warwick is Stoneleigh Park.

This page shows the available spaces from a hall to open space.

http://www.naecstoneleigh.co.uk/make-an-enquiry/

Location: Oxfordshire

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

OK I've given this a bit of time-and thought.

Firstly I am under no Illusion that having a national rally on the south coast is not necessarily ideal. If the majority are happy to travel 100 miles, then an event in the midlands would effectively double the number inside a 100 mile radius. I would be very happy to travel to an event further away where numbers are much larger, even if outside of that 100 mile radius.

How about, rather than moving the 750MC rally, having a separate 2 day A7CA national rally in a central location? Either locate it as centrally as possible, or have it move each time to allow people further afield to attend, scotland, wales, south east, etc. The association has money that could be used to organise the event, which could even produce a return.

Things it would be nice for a venue to have.
-Space and Areas for driving tests, a parade of cars and maybe production car trial demos as well as static displays, traders, non 7 parking, camping etc.
-Located in scenic surroundings with organised trundle or navigation rally Saturday.
-Good quiet camping on site at reasonable cost with well organised evening entertainment options either on site or local.
-Good catering options (a range of local catering vans and food producers?)
-Not too expensive to use. Allowing prices to be kept reasonable for entrants and traders, to maximise numbers.

I know a good number enjoy the Beaulieu rally of which I am one. From the perspective of someone who is local to Beaulieu it is a very enjoyable event. The driving tests are great for adding interest to a static rally, and fun to watch even if not participating. The stalls are always good to look around, even when there is nothing specific I'm looking for I invariably end up buying something. Having the stationary engines on the same day is also nice and we always have a walk round. I find the day to be very well run by the 750MC and the local club members who pitch in. I can only thank all involved for their continued hard work.

I was concerned though, this year especially so, that numbers seem to be dropping. It sounds like this is mainly down the experience of those travelling further and camping. I understand that the less that turn up, the less it will seem worthwhile for others travelling. It does sound as though Ian and team have some plans to make a difference to this.

How about a Saturday evening quiz and drinks? Or a timed head gasket changing contest? just a block on a stand, a head, 2 old gaskets and a spanner. It could be continued over to the rally day as a bit of fun?

Would publishing a list of entrants, cars and traders online, as entries come in, be helpful? How do individual clubs promote the rally? Do any organise a scenic run down together on Saturday to encourage participation?

Location: New Forest

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Well Timothy you have been giving it some thought, as have I . Your suggestion of holding a second event concurs with what I Was thinking, looking at the CARFEST scenario , CARFEST south / CARFEST north. If enough of brave volunteers can be found to take on the task it would seem like a reasonable idea. I also feel that Stonleigh would be a good location, plenty of room and facilities.
The moving away from Beauliue doesn't feel right to me, I don't particularly like the place. I think that they take too much of the entry fee, I'm not that bothered at the ammount but begrudge paying Beauliue . I know that I can visit the museum included in that price but in the twenty odd rallies I have attended I have never been in , there just isn't time. There is a lot of nostalgia in going there and it has taken some fifty years to decide that it's not what we want. It's a bit like moving the Chelsea flower show to Birmingham.
It's been mentioned that numbers are dropping off, if somebody were to do the math ,I reckon that the numbers of people turning up although fewer in number, probably represent the same number of cars as for previous years. Most people I talked too appeared to have multiple sevens in their garages. Perhaps a serious discount for the entry of second and third cars would see more cars on the field. I could put four.
And I agree the tannoy system is rubbish

Location: Oakley , hants

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Anyone that knows me, won't be surprised the hear that I love the event, the venue and all the people that make the annual trip.
In early days, the exodus to the South was absolutely, a positive, as so many people converged on the same roads, it was great fun seeing the sevens everywhere. With varying arrival and departure times these days, this is no longer a factor. But I still revel in driving into the New Forest - roads that were made for our beloved cars.

This rally hasn't always been called the National Austin Seven Rally, it adopted the name in recognition of its success. If any other A7 rally becomes more successful, then the title may be reconsidered. Every event organiser (normally) endeavours to grow their event, and I hope that there will be challenges to take over that mantle.

There are faults with Beaulieu, but the positives outweigh them by far. It is one event that (work permitting), I've never thought twice about sticking on my calendar. My biggest criticism is always the same - however long I spend there, it is never long enough. So much to do, within the grounds and the surrounding area, apart from the rally itself.

Regarding Saturday night. Timothy - great idea about the quiz night. I'd be up for that.

Location: Towcester

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Coming from the almost centre of England (geographically!) Beaulieu is a trek. One suggestion for the Midlands is Wroxall Abbey on the Birmingham toWarwick Road. They handle a number of clubs (Austin 10 this weekend, Riley & Alvis also) are very friendly & have a decent amount of space. A Downside is no on-site camping, but there apparently is a decent site very close. The hotel has 70 or so rooms (it was a girl's school, but no dorms now!!)
No connection other than a satisfied user from several MG Magnette events.
David

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Is the problem in the name? How many would no longer attend if it were not called the National A7 Rally? As one who attended the first event in 1963 going to Beaulieu is a tradition I thoroughly enjoy. My year would not be complete without it. I don't even think of it as the National Rally.
I would support Beaulieu whatever it is called and equally would support a new National Rally in a central location.
I would not like to see the Beaulieu Rally moved just to keep the National Rally title.

Location: North Hampshire

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

The argument for and against Beaulieu has rumbled on for many a year, but on balance, I'm with Colin on this.

Like it or loathe it, Beaulieu and its surroundings has a unique atmosphere that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else. True, the glory days and camaraderie cannot be recaptured now - alfresco camping in small groups anywhere in the Forest, the legendary pre-Beaulieu barbeques at Keith Roach's place, fuelled by copious quantities of 6x beer (all provided free if my hazy memory serves me right) and so on, but also the 750 Club hierarchy must shoulder some of the blame for allowing this once prestigious event to drift aimlessly to a low point a few years ago.

All credit to the few stalwarts who have managed to turn it around since then to something of its former calibre, but there is much more that could and should be done and the 750 Club is big enough and wealthy enough to put much more effort and resource into making Beaulieu great again (to paraphrase D Trump!).

By all means have a separate National Rally more centrally situated - the Clubs Association is the obvious choice to put this together and certainly have the means, but there will always be room for the Original, and once the best, Beaulieu 750 event for all those that love it and would not contemplate attending elsewhere.

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

wherever it is, it needs to have enough of a national/annual event feel to get enough cherished and specialist autojumble suppliers attending to bring us all in to window-shop as well as see cars.

It would be interesting to know whether Beaulieu really is so expensive as a venue that it results in (potentially) fewer trade stall attendees... in comparison to other potential venues like Shuttleworth that could cope with the scope of a large event and be cheap for businesses to support.

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Sorry guys I feel I need to add to this one.

It's good to see so many fors and againsts, it should give the 750 club plenty to make further decisions on.

My problem is not so much the Sunday, the small chances I got to out from the stall there seem to be plenty of people enjoying themselves.

Its more the weekend as a hole.

We all complain there are not enough new or younger members. But if these people were invited in on the saterday. Or even Friday afternoon. What would they do for a day and a half? My may even give up before Sunday.

As for moving the event, I not really bothered if it does or not. I think this suggestion has come up, and quite rightly so since the high fuel prices. So if it's a national rally, perhaps it should consider those who travel?

All things have to be considered when you see car numbers dropping.

I know I'm not coming up with many answers here,

So how this, I like the idea of the changing head gasket competition. I would even donat all the parts to do it. And if nobody else valenteers I'll even clean and paint them, I would also do the same thing for a valve changing competition. If trophys for both would help bring the winner back the following year. I'll even make a couple of trophy.

If you want to contact other traders to join in, here's an idea stollen from the scottish club. Many years ago John Barlow kindly started a new category for car needing the most improvement. They get a trophy and John gave a voucher for parts to the winner. I think this is such a good idea. As John has been unwell over recent years I now donat the voucher.

Maybe people could bring there restorations in on the saterday to add more interest. Get of your arses and ask the traders present this year if they would like to sponsor this.

Another idea stollen again, this time from the old 7 workshop. At the last anniversary dave handed out badges to his customers.

To make beaulieu a bit exclusive to those who can be bothered to attend. Perhaps one of the traders wouldn't mind sponsoring this.

Sorry for putting these things forward for the traders. As it's something I don't like myself. Useing the trade as a cash cow. But perhaps the club could offset things with advertising of thanks for the sponsorship.

Just one thing more, I know things have to be put throught a committee, so for my part it takes time to make trophys and games. So don't site round a table for 6 months thinking about it, them a further 3 months farting. Just to drop a decision on me at the last moment.

Some of this may not make sence, as I've not re read it through. As I'm only just back in from a 22 hour day driving round SCOTLAND. Tony.

Location: Huncote on the pig

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

I am really quite saddened by this thread, it used to be the must attend A7 event of the year, and I made the pilgrimage every year without fail. Biggest collections of sevens in one place, as others have said the last part of the drive through the new forest was magical and quite simply the best A7 auto jumble anywhere. On trips back to the Uk I have been along to Autokana which was a poor relation to the 750 Beaulieu that I remember, I have however not been down to the New Forest since 2002. It is a shame it has all stared to go wrong, I think the problem is that there was nothing like it in the past, once other events compete there is less and less reason to attend and once numbers start to seriously drop it is a tough road back. I had been thinking I would bring a special over for the 100th especially to go back to Beaulieu, it won a couple of times in the past, this time I might get longest distance traveled! lol.

Location: NZ

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

It's useful to see the suggestions and ideas. It's less useful to see incorrect comments so I'll start with noting some figures: Attendances have been growing slowly but surely from 521 people in 2010 to 600 last year and 610 this year. The number of cars on the rally field has been around 180 for several years. I think that's quite an achievement.

The next fact is about logistics: the current rally team live mainly in Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, Sussex and Herts. A rally needs a team of people, which means it is much more practical to have this rally where the team can easily get to. I would add that the preparation for the rally means a huge, and I mean huge, amount of work by the organiser. Luckily for all concerned I am a mug, which means that I do this happily with great support and encouragement from a great team - all happy volunteers.

Then there's the question of costs, which no-one likes paying. It's easy to take for granted the hundreds and hundreds of pounds spent on each of: programme design & print, marquee, metal plaques, trophies for over 30 winners, postage & stationery, and VAT. Not very exciting but you can't have a rally without these.

I think it would be a great idea to have an extra rally in the midlands/north. All I would ask is that the organisers don't have it on the same weekend, or either side, of Beaulieu otherwise attendees and autojumblers will be deterred from one or the other.

Location: Surrey

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

IAN,

Not surprised if things are steady.

I don't know what adverting is done for non members and public,

I know things like classic car can work out expensive over the year. And probably cost more than you get back from them.

A cheaper thought ive seen people use. Is to list items for sale on eBay.

Listings are free. Just put on every now and then car entry ticket for one car at 750 beaulieu. Or one entry ticket.

Even if you don't sell tickets on there, it's a huge advertising to people who wouldn't normally think of going.

It's worked for auctions I know.

I don't use face book personally, but could the same thing be done on there, and probably simular sites.

Tony.

Location: Huncote on the pig

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Over the last 51 years I've enjoyed going to Beaulieu about 20 times (work prevented more visits) the 200 odd miles is part of the event particularly with the Seven friendly route I've perfected. The venue is good but expensive and lacks facilities but doesn't turn to a quagmire in the wet like Gaydon or Longbridge. Warwick was excellent but could have been a disaster if it was wet. While it is on the south coast and not central it is centrally placed if you take into account our continental friends. What's happened to the long haul award which hasn't been awarded for the second year?

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Firstly Ian I must apologise for suggesting that numbers of car attending seemed down. I can only try to explain why it felt like there were less cars this year if numbers were roughly the same. I can only guess that many people brought their jewels, meaning numbers in many (not all) of the other classes were less. This combined with the fact that all of the jewels were moved out of main rally field to the feature display, made the main rally field look a bit bare in comparison to previous years where there have been less feature cars. Last year I think had a similar effect with the racing cars. I don't know if keeping all of the cars on the rally field would be of benefit, maybe making the front row the feature display and having the feature cars do a parade of the driving test area?

Again I have only massive thanks for all of the hard work you and your team put in to make Beaulieu a magical day. I completely agree if there is to be an extra central rally, then the dates would need to be far enough apart to maintain participation at Beaulieu and ensure good numbers at the new event.

Tony,
Some great suggestions there. The valve changing contest is genius, trying to get the cotters in under pressure, brilliant. I would be happy to pitch in with any part of the project if you wanted to spread the load Tony. I would also volunteer a couple of hours on Sunday to help run it if it goes ahead. Trophies would be great to get the winner to come back next year, a simple card certificate for the winner to keep as well would be good.
Like the idea of the most improvement needed class for projects. Great place to get advice on your project as well.

Would having more people around generally on Saturday be of help to the atmosphere? I don't know how it all works, whether local entrants would be able to bring their cars on site after the run, just for the evening food and entertainment, without paying to camp?

All the best
Timothy

Location: New Forest

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

In response to the comment that thee was no long-haul trophy award, this trophy was indeed awarded to Tony Hudson in a 1928 Chummy who took several days to drive his car from Spain.

Two other relevant facts: we had 21 autojumblers (including a day trip jumbler from France) despite the Seven Workshop being unable to attend. The 750 club signed up 6 new members.

Could I suggest that people look at Nick Salmon's great selection of photos - these reflect many people's experience of the rally, ie lots of happy smiling faces. (Admittedly these omit pictures of unhappy campers disturbed by the awful noise at a neighbour's 21st party on Saturday night).

Location: Surrey

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Hi Timothy,

Any changes or additions, will have to be ok'd first by the 750. Of course.

But if they do take on change, and ask for these things to be done. Yes I welcome help.

I think the tent needs livening up, and yes as you say something outside the tent on saterday evening could help.

Again these decisions are the 750s

I used to do a stall at Enfield padgent, and the years I done it. Many people talked about the quality of the stalls dropping each year. However the evening beer tent and entertainment pulled a huge crowd.

One thing that drew everyone to the beer tent wasn't necassarily the beer. They parked two steam engines outside, running. Brilliant.

Sadly as usual the few spoiled it for the many. With fits breaking out.

I've attended this event since they stopped the entertainment, and I'm sorry to say, unless you go to bed at 6pm, there is nothing.

Tony.

Location: Huncote on the pig

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Repeating the links for you.

p.s. Great to see practical ideas being put forward to enhance the weekend - and even better to see volunteers stepping forward to put those ideas into practice. I am sure the committee will meet and discuss these very soon. Thanks everyone.



The images from the weekend are now online in four albums. Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested.

Clicking on the first image in an album montage opens the photo and then you can use the scroll arrows to navigate through the rest. These are at relatively low resolution and if anyone wants a hi-res version just let me know the number/s.

WINNERS:
Link

PEOPLE:
Link

DRIVING TESTS:
Link

CARS & DISPLAYS:
Link

Location: North Herts

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Andy Lowe's suggestion of Donnington is very attractive...

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Good evening. I would certainly support an event at Donnington and probably still go to Beaulieu!
As an aside my late father in 1940/41 was stationed at Donnington whilst in the REME and his job was dismantling A7 scout cars.
Regards
Stuart

Location: Staffordshire, the creative county.

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

FYI
Andy Lowe's suggestion from the thefts thread

Another suggestion as an alternative to Beaulieu could be Donington Park racing circuit. The 750MC have their offices there. They have classic car clubs in the centre for the Historic meeting, which could be used for camping. There is already a campsite attached to the hotel next door. Maybe it could be combined with a 750MC race meeting with an A7 race. There is the museum on site, and an airport next door to encourage overseas club members(!)Handy for the motorways.

Location: Ripon

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Its a great idea from Andy and should be given serious consideration by whoever looks after these things.
I'm repeating my view from the 'thefts' post as its more relevant here.
I would consider traveling from Edinburgh to near Nottingham but not the south coast!
What do others think?

Paul N-M

Location: Midlothian

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Thanks Ian, I was beginning to think it was discontinued. A second check of the 750MC website revealed that the list of winners was for 2016.

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

Thank you, Duncan!

Location: just going out to the garage

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

I think the idea of investigating new venues is worthwhile.

The Triumph Register frequently uses The County Showgrounds at Malvern and Harrogate, both interesting towns in their own right.

Camping and showers basic but OK and other accommodation options available in or bear the two towns.

Great giant Sheds at both locations which the traders like.

On the other hand I've just come back from 4 days of corporate hospitality at Goodwood Festival of Speed, along with 200,000 other!

The FOS does themes, can we apply for 2022 , 100th anniversary
Of the Baby Austin ? Perhaps that year it could be Festival of Slowness? The only Austin 7 there this year was Mrs JO JO who cast a sprocket driving the supercharger. The 999 cars there were mostly all a lot, lot faster, faster .

Check out Malvern, nice side trips to the Morgan factory and some Testing hills too!

Regards
Bill G
Scottish Border

Location: Scottish Border

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

probably too far south, but Lord March has a strong Austin 7 connection from his ?grandfather racing - I bet he'd jump at the chance of getting a big Austin meet at Goodwood sometime when the FOS isn't on.

Their Sunday morning breakfast clubs once a month are very successful - free entrance, communal, and they just make their money on food sales and publicity for events.

Re: 750mc beaulieu stay or move

I enjoy beaulieu and have been doing it every year for the last 17 since I restored my 1925 chummy,usely stay from Friday till sunday afternoon,sat always have a drive out around the new forest,used to camp in a tent but now have a motor home which is a lot easier,there have been some good years and some not so are group are getting smaller and I notice lots missing who used to go.The drive up this year took over 5 hours with lots of slow moveing traffic on the a361 a303 and through Salisbury early July being peak holiday time.Ive always wondered why the Austin rally is at Beaulieu as shurely the home of Austin is Birmingham and longbridge still has Cofton Park,closer to the center of the country plenty of rooms/pubs shops etc and where they were all made.
worth thinking about?The rally there in 2005 was good and why not have the rest of the Austins there as well

Location: North devon miles from anywhere