What have you done today with your Austin Seven

[Steve kay]

   
The Ruby was the only Austin Seven in paddock or car park at Shelsley yesterday. Pram Hood owners were present, but the Chummies sans engine or in Wiltshire. Spectators were temperature checked before being allowed admission, the cheerful person with the ray-gun told me that he had yet to turn anyone away. The forum has reported varying amounts of Seven use this year. For this machine, not a single competitive event. A Colnbrook apparatchik correctly identified Sevens with LEDs as the greatest threat to civilisation, and by banning the likes of us from the Measham ensured a wholly safe, complete and trouble free season across Britain. Well done Colnbrook. However the Ruby was the recce car for what amounted to one and a half Scatter rallies, all cancelled. In the course of researching and checking historic tours it ascended 15 historic hill climbs. Seven of these comprised the Salopian Ascents, the date  earlier in September just a whisker before having to cancel it.  We regard the Ruby as the perfect recce car. Maps and note books stay dry, enough room for rations and emergency supplies of fizzy water, plenty of ground clearance for when the navvy mistakes disused railway lines or canal towpaths for yellows. Whilst the Ruby first gear regularly allows it to go up the side of houses, we work on the basis that if going down a steep hill is not terrifying, then other cars including those with rear wheel brakes will find it a doddle. And ahead, no Cheshire Rally, no Cotswold Trial. Even if I changed the Ruby headlights I was listening to two old ladies outside the chippie in Leominster talking about Brightwells having sold their sale site so no Measham from Leominster if at all. Thank heavens for our cherished suppliers, all still very much in business and keeping us maintaining and improving our mighty machines.