Opposite, outside the Moot Hall at Aldeburgh, was the very unusual sight of two Austin Seven Countrymen with the internal petrol tank. These were only made from October 1960 to October 1961 so only a few remain in the whole Country. These two belong to Paul Southgate and Richard Mortlock. For more information on the early “Woodys” check out the web site listed below. If you have one, we would be very pleased to hear about it and if you check out the web site, you will see that there are people who know all there is to know about the history of these rare breeds.
The popularity of this run continues to grow each year and on April 18th 2010, the annual pilgrimage from Bury St Edmunds to Aldeburgh attracted a record 103 cars. This was despite 3 of the registered participants being stuck in Spain due to the volcanic ash. This year we had a new route to Aldeburgh, leaving Bury and passing through medieval Lavenham, then Bildeston, Barking, Needham Market, Stonham, Wickham Market, Snape and Thorpeness before ending up at Aldeburgh, a distance of about 70 miles. We always say “about 70” as you can drive it with three different Minis and get three different distances! This run is always an early season one to check out the Winter modifications and make sure everything is working for the long Summer season ahead. All thankfully arrived safely to line up on the seafront alongside the historic Moot Hall. The passing public enthused at the gleaming cars and the weather was cold but thankfully dry. There was the usual well supported raffle with about 50 prizes, including an interior makeover set from Newton Commercial and a years subscription to Mini Magazine. (Check out page 25 of the July edition for some more pictures). Participants could take part in the observation quiz on the way round and congratulations to Caz Warren for getting all but one answer right and winning the £25 prize. There was also the voting for the best car on display and it was very close this year. At the end of the day it was Richard Ashley’s ex-Geoff Mabbs 1071S rally car that emerged to take the award - well done Richard. Prizes were presented by the Mayor of Aldeburgh, Councillor Kevin Webster and thanks to him for turning out in full regalia on the Sunday.
Thanks also to all those who took part and we raised £1000 for our chosen charities. £600 will go to the Children’s Rainbow Ward at the West Suffolk Hospital, £200 to the Aldeburgh Combined Charities and £200 to ORCHID, the charity for fighting male cancer.
If you would like to look at a copy of the accounts, please click here
We handed over 6 portable DVD players plus tables, chairs and bookcases to the Rainbow Ward on 19 January this year.
Pictured above left are the tables, chairs and bookcases set up in the reception and pictured on the right is patient 12 year old Madeleine Storm-Rose Young alongside Hospital Play Specialist Leigh Baldwin, who is holding baby Oscar Devereux.
Some Suffolk Run 2010 pictures below (Thanks Laura)
