Kim Henson was there, and reports…
(All words and photographs © Kim Henson).
During the last weekend in May this year, the Austin A30/A35 Owners’ Cub held the organisation’s annual International Rally at the Stithians Showground, near Truro in Cornwall.
This year the event marked and celebrated 70 years since the introduction of the A35 in the summer of 1956 (this uprated model replacing the the innovative A30, first revealed to the public in 1951).
Owners and enthusiasts of the A30 and A35 models drove from far and wide to attend the Rally, which happily took place with dry weather throughout. Owners of other classic makes and models were in attendance too, making for a varied and fascinating line-up of vehicles.
All those attendees I spoke to agreed that this was a particularly well-organised, much-enjoyed event, and it had been arranged so that everyone in the family could have fun.
In addition to the displays of the ‘baby’ Austins (categorised in their different versions) there were spares for sale, illustrated talks on technical matters (notably, brake system maintenance etc.), picturesque local road runs, vehicle judging, team games and an impromptu very light-hearted ‘dog show’. This included awards for aspects such as ‘the waggiest tail’, etc. Evening events included a quiz and live music.
For those who wished to stay on site, camping was available.
Food, drinks and ice creams were on offer to all throughout the event.
The Club’s well-attended AGM, held at the Rally, provided the chance for members to have their say about admin. matters, which were discussed in some detail.
VERDICT
A very enjoyable get-together for owners and enthusiasts of these diminutive but big-hearted Austins.
I have attended many rallies organised by a variety of classic vehicle clubs, and feel that this was one of the best. I’d like to add my own thanks to the dedicated and enthusiastic small team of people who worked so hard to make the event happen, and to make it such a happy success for everyone attending.
Next year’s A30/A35 Owners’ Club International Rally event is scheduled to be held in south Wales over the late May Bank Holiday ‘long weekend’.
The Austin A30/A35 Owners’ Club
If you own, or are interested in, these Austins, the Club can help enhance your ownership experience. For more information please go to: https://austina30a35ownersclub.co.uk/