Midshires Visit Cornwall
I really like to use my ‘K’ when there’s a sense of purpose to the journey, so when I saw the 2006 magazine report of the Mt Edgecombe show in Cornwall. I thought Mmmm this would make a good run out. And when the newly re-titled area8 group (now known as the ‘Midshires’) asked about a summer short break, it was pretty obvious we could do both on the same outing. Andy Graves had previously recommended Mave & I to one of his local friends ‘B & B’, being the Mill at Hessenford of which we used on our personal holiday. It was ideal plus the pub next door also had B & B accommodation. Phone calls & emails sent, no chance of getting it in the mag to advertise as we immediately filled both the Mill & the pubs rooms ! Job done.
With Bavaria under our belt, a few local shows done (wet & soggy of course) it was fingers crossed for good weather as the date approached. We chose to make the break 5 days in duration (Thurs to Mon) . Only 1 crafty couple arranged to arrive on Wednesday. Thursday night is pub quiz night, so once bags were stowed & cars were bedded down (no incidents to report for our journeys down & good weather too) we all headed into the bar/restaurant for food & the quiz. Our ensemble, 6 local ‘Mids’ couples plus Ray & Val from ‘Beds’ (it’s a Shire !) split into boys & girls quiz teams. 3rd & 4th places were the final outcome, but the boys did win one round. I’m not saying how many teams competed!!
Friday was all in hand because Geoff Booth (local community bus driver) & Pcc member had booked a minibus to take us where ever we wanted (no Panthers reqd), Geoff was our driver. Plymouth was the joint decision, so we all headed off on the scenic route. A great 1st day out including sight seeing & some serious shopping. Back to the pub for our evening meal & drinks (you may see a theme developing !!) Saturday morning was free for all to do their own thing. I can’t remember what we did ! (oh yes…food shopping in prep for Sunday).
We had all arranged to meet back at the pub ready to travel to another meeting point to do a coastal road tour of the area together with some of the Devon/Cornwall locals….17 cars in convoy…….wow! We stopped for a stroll along Cawsands & Kingsands beach, including a visit to Andy’s isolated beach chalet, “brilliant”. And then onwards to Geoff & Sue Booth’s home for an evening BBQ. Panther parking pre-arranged by Geoff to be virtually on every drive in his street. Some serious eating (& talking) took place over the evening. Back to the pub for a night cap. Sunday was a get up early to attend the Mt Edgecombe Classic Car Show, our stand kindly arranged/organised by Andy Graves (& team), 18 cars now as one of the biggest stands on the field. New members were signed up or took details to consider. A grand day out in great company. Food provided by the hosts & us visitors alike. Up to now the weather had been terrific, so it was a bit of a shock to encounter rain, or was it sea mist on the way back to the Mill & pub. This was a long slow ride due to the traffic volume & country lanes. So we adjourned to the Pub for another (pre arranged) long table evening meal.
Monday was a ‘do as you please day’ unless you were one of 2 couples who were homeward bound. But as per usual with Panthering, one person suggests a place or places to visit, then most join in (we did that this time). Perranporth & Boscastle being our chosen locations to visit. But before that, we had promised Zak (the landlord’s teenage son) a ride in one of our cars. Zak choose mine, then another, & another, & another ! Until he had been in most of them. A pretty big grin was evident, so I think he liked Panthers. Off we went on our excursion. I’m not going to say who was pooped on by a seagull ! But it didn’t stop me from trying a local Cornish pasty.
The re built village of Boscastle was a delight to see but must have been a stomach turning experience to witness the storm floods of 2004. Back to the pub for one last drink (& food).
That’s it our holiday is over, just the drive home on Tuesday. The weather had been kind. The Midshire members are great company & I must give a very special ‘thank-you’ to Geoff & Sue Booth for their courtesy & generosity. Not forgetting Andy Graves for the Show & all of the other D & C locals who came to be with us during our stay.
Thanks, from all of the SST who were….
Colin & Di, Mike & Pat, Maurice & Edith, Ray & Val, Russ & Kay, Stuart & Lynne, Terry & Mave.
That’s Synchronised Swimming Team. Or was it Silly Sods on Tour.
TERRY BORTON.
