The Austin 7 Centenary Event 2022

[Tony Press]

I thought it was the Chinese, or even Russian !

Rarely UK (or Australian).

We seem to have drifted from the topic (again !)

[Nick Salmon]

A quick note to say that the organising committee intends to open the bookings process for the Centenary event from September 2021.

This will ensure that all major aspects of the event will be in place, there will be clarity about what is on offer, and hopefully we shall have a much better understanding of the situation surrounding the Covid crisis.

With 10 months between the opening of bookings and the event itself there will be plenty of time for everyone to make their plans for travel and accommodation.

   

[Bob Olive]

Tony, 

The Smithsonian* was the brainchild of, and funded by, a certain James Smithson - an Englishman. Of course that was in the days when GB 'ruled the world' and had most of the world's dosh - unlike today!  Just thought you'd like to know...

He presumably adopted the suffix -ian* as he couldn't compete with Thomas Bodley who, in 1602 re-founded The Oxford University Library as The Bodleian Library (which even then dated back to the 14th century). 

Sorry, this is all a bit off topic, but interesting in its way.

[JonE]

Ok, just tuned into the Centenary event website for the first time to see what the key day to be there is.
I realise a weeks worth of activities is great, but not everyone can do that sort of stuff.
Is there one of the days which WILL equate to the Beaulieu Sunday?
Is it wise to have (from the FAQ) a single £36-48 ticket encompassing, solely, everything over the whole week?? Beaulieu seems to handle that well by having select-in options if you want to come to more.
I'd be interested to know how many others would be wanting to attend but are potentially restricted by school term-time and so on and are likely to just come on a single day.

[John Cornforth]

Hi all

We wouid love to attend this event, but due to the "no dogs" rule we won't be coming, which is a shame. And no, dog sitting or kennels aren't an option for us due to our dog's medical needs.

We have stayed at the nearby (1.5 miles) Caravan and Motorhome Club site in the past, and it is of a good standard. But I recommend you book early if you want to stay there. Batsford Arboretum is also worth a look.

[Nigel Ricardo]

As per Johns post above, no dogs stops us from going.

[David Cochrane]

The Fire Service College is also used for training sniffer dogs, so understandably they can't allow any other dogs on the site.

[Nick Salmon]

The latest newsletter (10th July) about the Centenary event has now been published (you will already have it if you subscribed through the event website).

https://a7centenary.com/news/

It contains news about the planned Archive displays; the cost (or rather the lack of cost!) of trade stands at the event; the car loan scheme for those coming from abroad; a note about when the bookings will be opening; the success of the National Austin Seven rally; and a plea that rumours should not necessarily be heeded...

Whilst mentioning trade stands for the Centenary Event, it is worth noting that this applies not only to our 'cherished suppliers' but also to any individuals who want to sell Austin Seven-related bits and pieces. A great opportunity to have a garage clearout.

[Chris KC]

Nick, is there any plan to have a 'bring and buy' stall like the one at Beaulieu? 
It's a boon to members with odds and ends to sell but not enough to justify a stall.

[Nick Salmon]

Chris - It's a very good idea and a possibility. But it will need some volunteers to step forward and help to run it. By all means contact me if any Friends would like to get involved.