SEVENS TO THE SEA - April Post - 2025

Sevens to the Sea 13th April 2025.

The superb 20th Sevens to the Sea event – although we are newbies having only done 5!

The weather was dry! An early start at Burton Waters and we were greeted by an amazingly efficient and effective team of ladies inside who sorted out all we needed. Then outside where the chaps were doing their effective bit in support, Paddy gave his final information on the route; tread carefully through the fords, avoid the potholes and please note he had managed to get part of the route resurfaced just to make your tyres sing for joy. Then the town crier resplendent in his Tricorn hat and white stockings (Oh … and his magnificent blue and gold coat!) who regaled us with another Paddy poetic introduction.

Then we were off – not long before we listened out for our tyres to sing, but they didn’t, so we did ! We were treated to wonderful views across wide open expanses of beautiful Lincolnshire and even the daffodils along the route seemed to be waving at us as we drove past. The route sheets crafted by our route masters Paddy and Ande were clear and easy to follow – quickly we arrived at the coffee stop at the Three Horseshoes , and then off again…… twisty lanes and the magnificent site of Austin's wending their way across the valleys took you way back in time.

The fords were gently traversed as instructed and enjoyed by all, the route felt like we were circumnavigating the whole of the Wolds. Lunch arrived at the most welcoming village of Walesby who had cooked up the largest cake selection ever seen, and they happily let us park our cars anywhere and everywhere;- fully refreshed we set off again- there were so many village signs noted on the route which were very reassuring that you were where you should be. It seems that Austins make everybody smile and wave – perhaps we should be on prescription to cure the countries woes? Then there was a really helpful off route note for a petrol station all carefully thought through to make things easy for the drivers.

Cleethorpes and we were waved onto the promenade like royalty by the proms team. Parked in a spectacular line up where we were admired by many people of all ages, and asked a myriad of questions- no problem for Austineers to talk about their cars and spread their love of Austin's. Again the team sprung into action collecting lanyards and issuing the finishers booklets showing photos from previous years, I am sure there are a lot of people who will be celebrating the 21st next year.

Just when you thought is was over – the evening dinner happened – such a warm and friendly welcome at the Kingsway hotel with superb food, and new and old friends reacquainted, not to mention our special guest Emma from RH insurance.

Finally a huge thank you to the Lincolnshire team who continue to make this special event happen, here we come 21!

Debs Comber (Oh and Roger the driver)

Leaving Woodcocks, Lincoln