Sunday January 27^th - St Dwynwen Annual Run

What is it with you people?

We organise a quiet little run for some friends and almost 60 of you turn up!!
This was our annual Saint Dwynwen’s day (really the 25th) run, the first run of the year and the weather gods seem to have forgiven us for whatever it was we must have done to offend them so grievously in 2007 and decided to let the sun shine on us for the day.

How Many?

We met at Sarn Park Services for a 10am start, but there were so many people attending that it took us until 10:30 to finally sort all the lunch orders and contact details out before we could finally set off in a 28 car convoy.

Errr.. excuse me

I was about to go through the story of the Maid of Sker which was our romantic theme for this year’s run with everyone but when I got out of my car, everyone was already in theirs, engines running and champing at the bit. So rather than delay it all even more, we set off.

If anyone hasn't seen the story or seen the notes they are available here in Microsoft Word format

The run took us under the M4 and across the valley to Pen-y-Fai before making a long loop through the lanes past Court Coleman and into Laleston. Then it was down the A48 and into Porthcawl for an opportunity for everyone to show off their shiny bodywork and noisy exhausts as we cruised the Promenade before going on towards Rest Bay and then into Nottage. From Nottage we followed the coast road into Kenfig where we made a potty stop and a chat. Then it was on towards Cornelly before turning left into Water Street towards Margam Park and then on to Aberavon where we stopped at the excellent Remo’s Café for a coffee and bonnet-lifting session.
I met a couple there who plan to buy an MX-5 in the near future and go touring through Europe. “Hello Charley and come and see us all when you get your new baby.”

In my prime

It was at Remo’s that a terrible piece of car-park rage almost saw me mown down in my prime by a green MX-5. You know who you are and even though it may take me a while, I’ll get my revenge! On leaving Remo’s we had a very appreciative audience of a group of young lads stood at the car park exit saying “I like your car, and I like your car, and I like your car…”

He did us proud

Then it was on to the Abbot’s Kitchen for a great three course lunch for 52 people. Parking at the restaurant was a bit of a challenge but a bit of bunking-up saw us all sorted. The food was excellent and the staff as helpful as ever and they coped admirably with the extra meals we needed on the day. Although they did seem a bit annoyed that Ray wouldn't eat his soup.
I didn't order it, I didn't want it ..... and that was never orange juice! - Ray

A new beginning

It’s always fascinating to see how many people turn out for this January run. In the past it has been run in torrential rain and freezing temperatures, but it always seems to be one of the best attended runs of the year. Is it mine and Michelle’s charm or probably more the fact that as the first run of the year it’s a chance to blow away all the Christmas cobwebs and meet up with the gang again?

I don't think we lost anyone this time, in spite of an attempt by Clive Evans to form a breakaway group in Nottage. It was nice to see some new faces, some old faces we haven't seen for a while and some long-standing members who we'd never met before.

A special mention to John Smith for getting up after a night shift to drive all the way to Sarn Park for the start of the run only for us to lead him practically all the way back home for a coffee on Aberavon seafront two hours later.

The shiniest wheel award goes to Paul though he cheated by fitting new ones.

Thanks to Glenis for organising all the names, menu choices etc. If this is a sign of things to come, the club is in good hands for 2008 and beyond.

Don't forget Green car driver, you'll get yours…
Hi Ho Silver