Centenary Event - meeting people

[Mike Costigan]

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the event was bumping into people - people that I hadn't met for years, or even putting faces to familiar names on this forum.

But one of the most remarkable incidents for me was meeting Peter Hennell, from whom I bought my first Austin Seven back in the 1960s; the name tag immediately caught my eye as a name I knew, but it took a few minutes for the grey cells to activate! What was even more remarkable was that I had in my possession the original Exchange & Mart advert and his letter (no emails of mobile phones in those days) inviting me to inspect the car! I had anticipated perhaps bumping into the present owner of the car - in the event it wasn't an attendee - but it never occurred to me that I would meet Peter again.

As a result I now have some photos of the car before I owned it!


  `1966 Welwyn 1.JPG (Size: 111.48 KB / Downloads: 518)


  1966 Welwyn 2.JPG (Size: 96.44 KB / Downloads: 519)


  1966 Welwyn 3.JPG (Size: 110.53 KB / Downloads: 519)

[Nick Salmon]

Great story Mike!

[cwchrisp]

One of my memorable meetings was bumping into you, Mike and your help and time looking around assembled RM saloons, understanding the roof and interior that I have inherited.

It is probably the only chance I will get to see so many 7's in one place, an invaluable history lesson, so thank you so much!

Thank you to all the organisers for putting on such a wonderful event, one to cherish   and be talked about for some years.

Best Regards, Chris

[Mike Costigan]

Just to complete the story, here's that original E&M advert:

   

...and the car on its way home:

   

[Bill Dixon]

CV 1508 still around. The A55 van not on dvlc list.

[Tony Griffiths]

..and, eventually, I was to own the van shown towing the A7. Registration 32PNU - I still have the log book. It must be worth a fortune.....

[Ruairidh Dunford]

Daisy enjoyed dressing up for the picnic, her own style. ?

She and her sisters enjoyed the event so much that they asked to have some driving lessons afterwards.

Here she is driving the car I learnt to drive in, in the same garden at the same age.

Legacy is strong in this one.

   

https://youtu.be/n8TPOS2np-o

[Bob Kneale]

Lovely bit of film Ruriadh. 
At least she had enough space to manoeuvre freely without crashing into  the greenhouses
Garden looks much bigger than I remember it in the early '70s....
Bob

[charlie carpenter]

Well done Daisy.

[Tony Griffiths]

Daisy enjoyed dressing up for the picnic, her own style. ?

She and her sisters enjoyed the event so much that they asked to have some driving lessons afterwards.

Here she is driving the car I learnt to drive in, in the same garden at the same age.

Legacy is strong in this one.



https://youtu.be/n8TPOS2np-o

Do you remember the very first time you engaged the clutch of a powered vehicle and moved away? I certainly do - and the other day I wore myself out teaching four of the five grandchildren to drive an A7 - their first experience in a car. I hope the moment stays with them for life - and so encourages them to get into the hobby.