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David Mirylees

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  1. David Mirylees
    Dorset Area April Meeting
    AR Rumblings:
    Hi everyone, I hope you've been managing to avoid the April showers and have a bit of fun in your 7s.
    It was good to see a well attended club night this month and many thanks to Ian for the incentive to get to the pub (Blue rolls for everyone!).
    I also look forward to seeing Ben's 7 back on the road now that his head light issue is resolved 😃
    The action in Formula 1 is more exciting off the track than on it and I see that Adrian Newey is reported to leave Red Bull soon. Let's hope it improves the racing more than the last set of rule changes did!
    All the best
    Richard

     Out & About:
    310324 - Mirylees

    The Rainbow Garage Cafe's Carpark
    No other takers for an early morning trundle through the Dorset countryside on empty roads but maybe it was due to the particularly early morning start as the clocks had gone forward during the night and an hour's sleep was effectively lost!
    It was our first venture to this venue for about 4 years as the cafe has had a few different incumbents - some with little success - but it was getting good reviews on the dreaded FB.
    Very quiet when we arrived at around 0845 but the service was good and welcoming. Unfortunately the decor for some reason meant that it wasn't a terribly comfortable place to relax in - may of course just be us!
    The food looks good - menu shown below.
    Major downside for us was having to park in the rather unkempt parking area behind the cafe whereas on previous visits the Lotus was welcomed in the front.
    Good news though is that the place opens at 0830 Wednesday to Sunday.

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    Out & About:
    010424 - Phil:
    It was the first of April and these images appeared on-line 🙂


    Dave Lale, his daughter Fearn and I had great day out at the Haynes Museum with some fantastic traffic free roads. Fearn seemed to enjoy the drive shouting "faster!" and she loved the red room, spotting the Caterham as well 😁
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Out & About:
    Sturminster Newton Classic Car Show - 6th April


    This event is a regular one on the calendar, being held on the 1st Saturday of every month. Normally held during the winter months in a car park in the centre of the town, this one was probably the last to be held at the car park before moving to it's regular summer venue on the recreation ground.
    No 7's present but regardless, here are some of the vehicles in attendance  to give you an idea of what to expect if you ever venture this way 
    By the way, a great bonus apart from viewing the selection of machinery, is that there are a fair number of excellent cafe's on 'the doorstep' to take advantage of. 👍 












    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Out & About:
    140424 - Phil:

    4 to 5 hour blat around Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire.
    Stopped off at Wilton House for a quick photo, an Italian guy came over asking lots of questions and admiring the car, so I had to invite him to sit in it and take lots of photos with his phone. ☺️
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Dorset Area Meeting - 160424

    OK, so the weather radar was wrong for a change and initially the promised dry evening began with a little bit of hail!  Never mind, it didn't stop five hardy souls from enjoying their Sevens getting to and from the Red Lion.
    Unfortunately Phil arrived on his motorcycle as his series 2 Lotus is still off the road (just waiting for a new clamshell wing to complete the repairs).
    Justin, on his way to the meeting from his home in Yeovil, managed to get as far as the Shell garage in Dorchester where his K series Caterham then refused to start and yes, it was the starter motor solenoid. Sadly no amount of bashing the unit would free it and the RAC were called and eventually at 2230 the car fired into life after a bump start and Justin made it home safely.
    Plenty of banter throughout the evening with the ten owners until darkness set in and a little bit of 'tyre kicking' ensued in the car park whilst everyone made the most of Ian's kind offer of free 'blue rolls' and filled their cars with the goodies. Thank you Ian, they will come in very useful!! 

    Blue Rolls donated by Ian


    Banter, drinks and food

    Chris's 420R

    Robin's Series 2

    Mirylees' Series 3

    Colin's 160

    Nick's R500
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    Out & About:
    200424 - Somerset group on the Isle of Wight Blat.

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    200424  -  Five zero's for it's Lotus day event:
    Ray and Rachel plus Helen, visited the 5 zero's for it's Lotus day








     
    (Pics by Ray & Helen)
    Five Zeros Supercars, Kingston Farm, Holt Road, Bradford on Avon BA15 1TS  Link Here
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    210424 - Olly
    Olly's immaculate Caterham was on display at the Swanage Carnival Car Show.

    Just back from the Swanage motor show. Over 100 Cars had pre registered for the event. The car of the show voted for by the visitors was the green 911. Lots of cars I've seen before & a couple making a first appearance.


    Olly's Grandson taking over the Caterham









     
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    210424 - National Drive It Day:

    Heading to the Rainbow Garage Cafe bearing gifts
    (I know, captions on a postcard to...............☺️)
    Five Sevens assembled at the Rainbow Garage Cafe for an early breakfast where the owners (Bill and Emma Jane, Charles, Rhett and Richard plus the Mirylees') discussed too many 7 subjects and others to remember - just the way it should be! (although Richard's proposed head restraint may well be worth a look if it comes to fruition!).  Obviously the cafe was impressed with the array of 7's in their car park as the cafe bods were spotted taking pictures.
    Parking in the future may improve as, with prior warning, they may well allow us to park in the front of the cafe. (Kudos to Emma Jane for that)


    After the breakfast appetites were whetted four 7's (Rhett decided to drive via Weymouth) ran in convoy through Dorchester, then along the Coombe Road to Portisham, then along the coast road to Swyre where we enjoyed the beverages on offer at the Egg Cup Tea Rooms - A great find by Rhett which will get much use in the future - excellent service, plenty of room (inside and out) and plenty of parking.
    A super day out with great company! 

    Rhett pictured this line up at the Egg Cup

    Tea, Coffee and cake at the Egg Cup Tea Rooms 👍

    Mirylees' totally original series 3 😂

    Richard's very much modified Bike engined Caterham

    Charles' always immaculate Caterham

    Bill & Emma Jane's Caterham 270S

    Rhett's very modified Caterham

    Charles captured the 7's with Rhett's sole Alloy panel gleaming!

    Rhett's image of the cars lined up at the Hitching rail!
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    210424 - Robin:

    Above Abbotsbury looking towards Portland

    Coast road towards Golden cap, Lyme and beyond Cracking views and quieter in evening, fantastic bluebells and more on verges of lanes 👍
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    New Event:
    June 22nd - Solent 7's Buckler's Hard 7 Event: 🙂
    A really great event, this year organised by the Solent 7's.  Plenty of food and drinks available in the pub or the cafe. Details below:

    Good morning everyone.   
    Solent 7s invite you to a day out at Bucklers Hard on the 22nd June 2024 positioned on the Beaulieu River in the beautiful New Forest, a chance to drive through the forest, park up and display your 7, catch up with or meet new friends, have a picnic or dine at the pub, enjoy some New Forest ice cream, take a walk or a river cruise and take in the history in the museum inside the cottages.
    Rally event ticket including Museum entry
    Adult (17 & over) £8.50
    Child up to 16       £4.50
    Under 5s for FREE 
    Postage                 £1
    To Pay email lee@bluefunnel.co uk 
    Thanks, Lee
    Optional on the day River Cruise special offer, normally £7.50 now £4.25, just mention Caterham Cars when you pay to board.  No booking required.
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    New Local Car Show:

    Not tried this one but it may be of interest. ❓
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Another Local Breakfast Meeting:

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Another New Event:

     
    The Lotus Cortina:

    No 7 content (well apart from perhaps the 'A'frame) but a fair insight into how things progressed within Lotus at the time of bringing the Lotus Cortina into the world. Words by Hugh Haskell who was the engineer in charge of the project.
    (from an article in Thoroughbred & Classic Cars 1991)
    PDF file: Cortina-Hot-Seat2.pdf
    (If the link doesn't work I can email the file upon request)
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    Caterham & Lotus 7 Club
    Ever thought of becoming a member of the club?   Well this might entice you, the club gives it's members discounts on a wealth of things from a large variety of participating companies.  Many owners join the club solely (at first) to obtain the discounts on insurance which in many cases pays for the membership fee in one fell swoop.
    Here is a list of the companies to whet your appetite. You will need your membership number to claim any discounts.
    Companies Discounts2024.pdf
    Upcoming Events:      May/June
    (Always check the web pages to confirm events)
    Car Related Events: May      12th Lulworth Castle Classic Cars Info 18th-19th 3 Oakefords Rally Info 21st Dorset Monthly Meeting @ The Red Lion Info 25th Club Lotus Track Day - Castle Combe Info 26th Wilton-Best of the Best- Supercars+RaceforMen Info       Non-Car Related Events: 27th Sherborne Castle Country Fair Info 30th-1st Bath & West Show Info  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Car Related Events: June     1st-2nd National Kit Car Show, Stoneleigh Info 8-9th West Dorset Vintage and Steam Rally. West Bay Info 9th DATE CHANGE! Oily Rag, Weymouth Info 9th Ilminster Classic Vehicle Show Info 18th Dorset Monthly Meeting @ The Red Lion Info 22nd Bucklers Hard 7 Meeting (Solent 7's) Info 22-23rd Thruxton Historic Racing Info 22nd Lotus Drivers Club. Fish 'n Chips Weymouth Info       Non-Car Related Events: 1st Bath & West Show - Shepton Mallet Info Recurring Monthly Car Events:     (Always CHECK on-line) When: Where: Info: 1st Sat. Classic Car meet - Sturminster Newton Info 1st Sun. Haynes Breakfast Club - Haynes Motor Museum Info 1st Sun. The Oily Rag car meet - Weymouth Football Club Info Variable: Wilton House Wake Up - Salisbury (Summer months) Info Local Area Meeting:  
    A very casual event from ~ 7:30pm - 10:30pm with non Lotus 7 club members always welcome. 
    Date: 3rd Tuesday of every month Location: The Red Lion, Winfrith Venue Link: Link 3 words location link: Link Links:
    Lotus Seven Club: Lotus Seven Club-Home Page Blat Chat: Lotus Seven Club-Forums L7C Dorset Area: Lotus Seven Club-Dorset Area Page Face Book Page Lotus Seven Club Face Book Page Caterham Club FB Caterham Car Club Face Book Page C&L7OG FB Page Caterham & Lotus 7 Owners Group Newsletter Content Send to: Dorset & Wessex 7s Newsletter Newsletter Archive Newsletter Archive Dorset & Wessex Area Representative:  
    Richard Skeets 07961 299 970 email: Dorset Area         Adjoining Area's:       Nick Westbrook 07711 640 105 email: West Hants Area Nick Hillman 07719 775 711 email: Somerset Area     W/Ap Somerset  


  2. David Mirylees
    The Club Stand at the Classic's at the Castle event 2024
    AR Rumblings: 
    Hi everyone,

    I'm happy to report that my 7 passed it's MOT with flying colours so it was out for the last club meeting!

    Holidays have meant it's not had much use since, but hopefully the weather will stay good for the rest of the summer, although to be honest it's been a bit muggy today, so a short sharp thunderstorm wouldn't be unwelcome.....

    I hope you're all enjoying the fine weather and I look forward to seeing you at the next club meeting.

    All the best
    Richard

    Out & About:
    300624 - Axminster Vehicle Extravaganza:

     
    Two Sevens at this annual show, Rhett Land and the Mirylees'. Absolutely packed showground with all sorts of classic and interesting vehicles, unfortunately it wasn't until most of the participants had departed that we realised no pictures had been taken 😞
    Great day spent talking to may people and a special mention to a really nice chap named Chris who parked next to us in his series one Elise (up for sale at £20k) and also informed us that he has a Lotus Seven series 2 at home soon to be back on the road again 🙂 
    Also, a surprise visitor was Mark Tredwin a local 7 owner who used to live in Lyme Regis but has since moved to Wales whilst competing in the Caterham Academy series.

     
    070724 - Broadstone Classic Car Show:
    Olly and Ian both attended the Broadstone Fun Day Classic Car Show in Poole. (Olly in the Green and Alloy Caterham and Ian in the Black SV model)  👍
     
     
    Ian's Image - Luckily the rain stayed away!

    Olly's Image
    Olly: The organiser said he had 100 vehicles exhibiting today.
    (Phil arrived late in the day in his MX5 and spotted Olly leaving 🙂 )
    120724 - Skeetsy:

    Success! MOT passed 🙂
    140724 - Oily's Breakfast Club Meeting:
    Yes, the Oily Rag is no more - replaced by Oily's Breakfast Club!
    And the prize for the first Seven to appear goes to...

    Phil making an entrance in his Lotus 7 series 2

    Phil's Lotus dwarfed by this early 2-stroke Saab!
    140724 - Pride & Joy Event:
    Sean attended this Pride & Joy event on Sunday 👍



     
    160724 - Dorset Area Club Meeting:
    A beautiful evening merited a fairly good turnout of Sevens and owners at the Red Lion.  The downside was that the car park was full of the visiting cricket chaps vehicles meaning that our small cars had to park amongst the array of behemoth's.
    Regardless an excellent evening spent in the car park amongst our cars discussing anything and everything. Special mention and welcome to Sam Smith and his wife Lisa who arrived in his recently acquired yellow crossflow Caterham which looked the 'DB's'.
    Nick came along in his BMW bringing with him his lovely black labrador which obviously enjoyed the attention. 
    Pics by the Stafford's (and others)

    Couple of older chaps chatting with a young lady

    Ian and Skeetsy discussing all things 'K'

    Johnny passes on some of his wisdom

    Sam and Lisa by their Caterham crossflow

    The cause of the crowded car park

    Just park wherever you can...

    Johnny's Porsche 993 (still can't get in his HPC 😞)

    Skeetsy's Caterham (much modified) 'K' series

    Ian's Caterham SV

    Jim's Caterham crossflow

    Chris's Caterham 420R

    Graham's Caterham crossflow

    Robin's series 2

    Mirylees' series 3

    Yellow 7's don't just attract the fly's!  
    210724 - Supercars & Classics at the Castle:
    The forecast was for a dry but overcast day but just to make themselves a nuisance, the weather gods decided it would be fun to rain in certain areas when the exhibiting cars were heading to the Sherborne Castle grounds!
    We started off from Charminster in the dry but within ten minutes were driving through a shower which however passed quickly. Excellent dry drive along the empty winding open roads through King's Stag and Stalbridge and then back through a passing shower to Sherborne. As usual the Seven got wet but it's participants didn't and as the drive had been so enjoyable it mattered not a jot!
    We arrived to find Richard (Salisbury) and Olly already on the stand and whilst the others arrived we headed for the coffee tent.
    Not as much interest this year from from owners outside the Dorset area (1 Somerset and 2 x Wiltshire) but with a total of eleven cars on our '10 car plot' we had room to spread and the company was great plus, to top it all, after the initial fine rain, the sun shone through for the rest of the day and personally I came home with a very burned face! A really good day...

    Jon's Caterham Classic developed a squint on the way!

    7 owners relaxing in the sunshine

    Line up facing East

    The North and North East facing Sevens

    Olly was on pole

    Jon captured the Porsche by the Castle

    Another of Jon's pics.

    Mark captures the 7 stand
    Images below from Nick Westbrook:

    A genuine Stratos

    and the rare Aston Martin Valkyrie




     
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    Phil's Take:

    Blue skies, fantastic roads, early start, no traffic, loads of tight bends and a day out at Sherborne Castle, Supercar show with fellow Seveners, shame I had not got a working 7 to go in, the MX5 did the job and good fun but no way near a 7. Still had a very good day out.
    210724 - Somerset: Tim & Vicky's Barbeque:
    Some of the Somerset area enjoyed the hospitality of Tim Barber and his wife Vicky when they organised a barbeque for the area at their home.
    Eight 7's in attendance and enjoyed by all.

    A screen grab from Jonathan's drone video

    Here's a pic taken by Vicki from an upstairs bedroom, just as the sun/shadow swept across the courtyard. A Good action shot of the BBQ being replenished in the background!

    And this one is a favourite because it shows the drone in action, albeit at low level. 
    Out & About:
    280724 - 'Not the Haynes Breakfast Meeting':
    As is usual, a few Seven owners caught up with each other for a breakfast chat on the 4th Sunday of the month.
    We had a great drive to Haynes and back along some minor and empty real 'Lotus roads' to meet up with Richard Taylor, Rhett Land and Sean and Adi. Brilliant to have a long chat with everyone in the 'executive lounge'.
    Good to see that Haynes have extended their artificial grass and seating area and positioned an Airstream unit selling quick food and drinks.
    Bonus for us was that the display car park by the go-kart track was full of Jensens. 🙂
    A good day!

    Richard's bike engined Caterham

    Sean & Adi's Anniversary Caterham

    The 'Executive Lounge' 😁

    New outdoor area



    Jensen's on display

    Jensen's on display
    From this month's 7 Club magazine, Low Flying:

    A DATE FOR THE DIARY!
    Graham Nearn Memorial Blat Saturday 28th September.

    Make the most of the last days of this year's driving season to blat down to the Haynes Motor Museum for a national gathering in memory of Graham Nearn who passed away 15 years ago. 
    As well as celebrating the life of the man who set up Caterham Cars and was instrumental in ensuring the survival and evolution of the Seven, the event will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Caterham 21.

    The Haynes Motor Museum was started by John Haynes, founder of the hugely successful Haynes Publishing Group. As an avid collector of cars and most things related to them, creating his own museum was perhaps inevitable; it was opened in 1985 and the collection has now grown to nearly 400 vehicles in a series of collections from  'The Dawn of Motoring' through "Wheels Around the World", "Great British Marques", the "Hall of Motorsport", "Ferrari: The Man & The Machine", an exclusive Williams F1 exhibition and the evocative "Red Room" which features sports and GT cars of just that colour (including - it should be said, a 1990 Caterham Seven...) The museum is located in Sparkford near Yeovil,. just off the A303 and 30 minutes from junction 25 of the' M5. Further details, including how to book your tickets, to follow when available.

     
    Castle Combe Autumn Classic - 21st-22nd September 2024:




    A brilliant event with always a great attendance by the Caterham & Lotus 7 Club.
    The racing is second-to-none with tail-out close racing throughout the various classes. This year it's a two day event so have a look at the Castle Combe web pages and decide which (or both) days that you wish to attend.
    If you are a club member the details are here and you'll get a really good reduction on the normal ticket prices.
    Autumn Classic details here.
    Caterham Tour:
    A tour around the new Caterham factory.

    Link Here
    and even more Here.
    AF Seven 360 Unveiled at the British F1: 

    Caterham are making a special appearance at the 2024 British Grand Prix at Silverstone with the RAF. Unveiled today, Friday 5th July 2024, is a special one-off car built using exterior and interior components from a Puma HC2 helicopter, paying tribute to the remarkable aircraft.
    Link
    So, you thought you had problems...:

     
    Barnfind Lotus 7 series 2
    Link here.
    Upcoming Events:      August/September
    (Always check the web pages to confirm events)
    Car Related Events: August     3rd/4th Beaulieu Supercar Weekend Info 11th Breamore House Classic Car Show Info 11th Steam Punk at Yeovil Junction Info 18th Clayesmore Supercar Sunday Info 20th Dorset Monthly Meeting @ The Red Lion Info 23rd/25th Silverstone Classic Info 24th Wings & Wheels - Henstridge Info 25th Sherborne School - Historic Vehicle Rally Info 25th Classics at Party in the Park - Ilminster Info 28th Seaton Fish 'n Chips Run Info       Non-Car Related Events: 14/15th Gillingham/Shaftsbury Show Info 22nd Melplash Show Info 24/25th Stock Gaylard Oak Fair Info 29th/31st Bournemouth Air Show Info        -----------------------------------------------
    Car Related Events: September     6th/8th Goodwood Revival Info 14th/15th Beaulieu Autojumble Info 17th Dorset Monthly Meeting @ The Red Lion Info 21st Castle Combe Autumn Classic Info 28th Graham Nearn Memorial Blat - to Haynes Info       Non-Car Related Events: 7/8th Dorset County Show Info 28th/29th Somerset's Festival of Transport Info            Recurring Monthly Car Events:     (Always CHECK on-line) When: Where: Info: 1st Sat. Classic Car meet - Sturminster Newton Info 1st Sun. Haynes Breakfast Club - Haynes Motor Museum Info 1st Sun. Oily's Breakfast Club - Weymouth Football Club Info Variable: Wilton House Wake Up - Salisbury (Summer months) Info        
    Local Area Meeting:  
    A very casual event from ~ 7:30pm - 10:30pm with non Lotus 7 club members always welcome.
     
    Date: 3rd Tuesday of every month Location: The Red Lion, Winfrith Venue Link: Link 3 words location link: Link Links:
    Lotus Seven Club: Lotus Seven Club-Home Page Blat Chat: Lotus Seven Club-Forums L7C Dorset Area: Lotus Seven Club-Dorset Area Page Face Book Page Lotus Seven Club Face Book Page Caterham Club FB Caterham Car Club Face Book Page C&L7OG FB Page Caterham & Lotus 7 Owners Group Newsletter Content Send to: Dorset & Wessex 7s Newsletter Newsletter Archive Newsletter Archive (post April 2024) Newsletter Archive Newsletter Archive  (pre May 2024) Dorset & Wessex Area Representative:  
    Richard Skeets 07961 299 970 email: Dorset Area         Adjoining Area's:       Nick Westbrook 07711 640 105 email: West Hants Area Nick Hillman 07719 775 711 email: Somerset Area     W/Ap Somerset          
  3. David Mirylees
    Sixes and Sevens at Castle Combe
    AR Rumblings: 
    Hi everyone, 

    The summer seems to have made an appearance and I hope you've all been enjoying your sevens!

    As some of you will have seen, I managed to let the MOT lapse on mine so am awaiting a date to get a new one! 

    It was a great turn out for the June meeting at the Red Lion with plenty of 7s in attendance, plus a rogue 911.

    Make the most of the good weather and I'll see you soon.

    All the best

    Richard 
     Out & About:
    230524 - New Member:
    Sam Smith
    Hello all! I’m Sam but I tend to use the 'Felix Klein' moniker online. I recently bought a 1996 Caterham SuperSprint 1600. After a little frustration while trying to source replacement calipers for the front brakes, I’ve been able to take it out for a short drive around Poole today.
    I look forward to attending the meet up next month

    This was take a little while ago - pre-service. Since then, it’s had new tyres, new steering rack gaiters, new calipers and pads for the front brakes, new shoes and cylinders for the rear brakes, a new fuel filler hose, a new oil filter and a change of all fluids 
    ------------------------------------------------------
    250524 - Club Lotus Track Day at Castle Combe:

    Great start to the day after an early morning traffic free blat via Sherborne and Wincanton to Bradford-on-Avon where we found the first Caterham of the day at the Five Zero's where we stopped for coffee and Tiffin before heading off to Castle Combe. 
    The Five Zero's was a brilliant place for enjoying a beverage and food whilst surrounded by Supercars of all makes and ages - well worth a visit if you are headed that way (Link).

    Sample of the Five Zero's menu (Note the Caterham Classic!)

    A beautiful day meant that there was going to be a cracking turnout of Lotuses at the annual Club Lotus trackday held at Castle Combe. This free entry event always attracts a wide range of the marque from the very early Six's to the latest Emira's and pretty well all the road cars in between.



    The Historic Lotus Register always has a good display of cars on show which this year included the famous Clairmont (which may have been the forerunner of our Sevens) plus Malcolm Rickett's type Nine. There was also a good display of early Seven's and type 14 Elites. 

    The HLR stand (Note Robin Cheeseman's Red S2)

    Malcolm Ricketts with some early 7's

    Six's, Seven's and an 11

    Charles Help's Lotus 6

    There were plenty of Seven's this year 😃:

     




     
    Entry to the paddock etc is free but if you want to get on the track to test you car and skills against other Caterham's/Lotuses you will need to be a member of Club Lotus and pay the required fee.
    All in all an excellent day enjoying the cars and catching up with old friends.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    250524 - Olly:
    Olly attended the 7 event at Gurston Down 😃



    ------------------------------------------------------
    250524 - Greg:
    Meanwhile, Greg was hillclimbing his Caterham at Shelsley Walsh!
     
     
     
    ------------------------------------------------------
    260524 - FaceBook:
    Rowland Casebourne, a much liked and well known character to the Dorset area 7 owners (who sold his 7 and moved to Sussex some time ago), was spotted by Graham Baker who posted the following on FaceBook
    Graham Baker:

    Yesterday I was at the Bexhill 100 Motoring club display on Bexhill seafront the gentleman seated next to my 7 has owned three Caterham's and only gave up as he can no longer get in and out of the car spent sometime talking with 90 year old Rowland (that’s the correct spelling) and as he lives right opposite when I was parked he went to get his photo album full of Sevens and other interesting cars. Great to meet you sir!

     
    It really is a small world!
    ------------------------------------------------------
     010624 - Sturminster Newton Classic Car Show:
    Sunny dry day, great company and a mass of classic cars - what's not to like? 🤣

    The very first Caterham 7 was spotted 😂

    Bill & Emma-Janes's Caterham with Robin's S2

    Old chap looking at old 7 with Colin's VX220 behind 
    (Colin also owns the Caterham 160 that has often joined us at the Dorset meeting)

    Interesting Austin 7

    Time to compare of old and new!
    ------------------------------------------------------
    020624 - Breakfast Meet
    Once again the weather gods were in our favour for a breakfast meeting just off the Weymouth/Bridport coast road at the Egg Cup Tea Rooms.
    Only one 7 but 3 owners in attendance.


    The Bike Engined Caterham belongs to Richard Taylor from Chard
    ------------------------------------------------------
     
    040624 - New Forest 7's Monthly Meeting:

    Nick Westbrook:

    Quiet as usual, me and Josh in Caterhams, two 7s failed to make it due to issues. Pub was fine, food good, big carpark. I have been asked if I put anything on FaceBook to reach other owners who may like to join in but personally don’t really put much on Facebook. 
    ------------------------------------------------------
    060624 - Nick Westbrook:

    Just had the engine, gearbox and brake fluid changed on the R500 at Miltech Auto Performance at Axis 31, Three Legged Cross. Great job! Ian has a great attention to detail being an ex Porsche technician 👍




    They have a nice coffee bar too called Torque & Grind
    BTW Ian is more than happy to work on other 7s. He is not a Caterham expert but has many years experience working for Porsche and BCA as a problem solver and in my view is a very competent technician. Charges £75 per hour
    ------------------------------------------------------
    060624 - New Member:
    So, today on the Dorset WhatsApp group, it went something like this ...
    Olly: " Sitting with Sarah at Bovington Tea Rooms who has a caterham - can she join our group please?"

    Skeetsy: " Of course, welcome to the Dorset 7s."

    Sarah: " Thank you for adding me! I’ll pop by on Tuesday and get my lovely car back on the road ASAP. (Inherited - don’t know much about her I’m afraid...)
    She’s (the Caterham) is a well travelled girl - currently in a barn in Wales but now I know there’s a local club I’ll break her out of SORN and get her down to Dorset!"

    Welcome to the Dorset 7's Sarah

    ------------------------------------------------------
    060624 - Somerset Area Meeting:

    Pics and text from Tim Barber:

    Great turnout this evening and good to see everyone.
    Here are a few pics for those who weren't there.
    7 x 7s although late arrivals didn't get pole position. Sadly, we don't have a dedicated parking area!
    Sharing all of the car pics but sadly none of them particularly stunning.




    ------------------------------------------------------
    080624 - Olly:

     
    I'm doing the Minehead motor club tour of Devon tomorrow, currently parked at my brothers garage ready for a early departure.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    160624 - Phil:

    Currently at the brewery in Blandford. Yes, the 7 is back on the road again! I'm the only 7 here, but some nice cars.

    ------------------------------------------------------
    160624 - Rhett:
     
     
    Rhett took his Caterham out for some serious exercise on the coast road (more than once...) before joining the Mirylees' for breakfast at the Egg Cup Tea Rooms.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    180624 - Olly:

    MOT just passed, catch you later 👍
    ------------------------------------------------------
    180624 - Dorset Monthly Meeting:

     
    An excellent turn out of Sevens and their owners at the Red Lion to enjoy a beautiful evening plus good food and drinks.
    A great line up of 12 cars although we did manage 13 in all as Paul left early in his green 7 and was replaced by Ben arriving later in his green 7!
    As usual plenty of Banter on 7's plus Bucklers Hard, le Mans and goodness knows what else! 

    Great to see Bill making his first appearance at one of our meetings - not easy as he spends a great deal of his time away with his job covering the F1 Grand Prix.

    Ian has his Black SV back and it is now running sweetly 👍
    Good to see Keith who came from Chideock in his Lotus 7 series 2
    Justin arrived in his Elise and Johnny in his Porsche so a really good number of owners present.
    Plenty of pics were taken:
    These were from 'the Twins':







    These are from Nick Westbrook:






    These from David:





     
    ------------------------------------------------------
    190624 - Poulshot Green:
    Some of the South Wiltshire group attended the annual Poulshot Green (Nr Devizes) Vintage meet.
    Helen says "A massive turnout....don't think it wasn't expected to be that big!"
    Pics by Helen:





    and Chris took this at the Bath Arms:

     
    ------------------------------------------------------
    200624 - Somerset Old Boys:
    The Somerset Area Old Boys group met up at the Aviator cafe, Dunkeswell for a lunchtime get together.

     
    ------------------------------------------------------

    200624-Somerset Meeting:
    The Midsummer hard-core!!



     
    ------------------------------------------------------
    210624 - Sam Smith:
    Sam asked via What's App for help!:

    Does anyone know someone who can weld stainless steel? The mount for my 7’s exhaust has just fractured, leaving it hanging from the primaries images/Archives/Smiley-Aghast-18.jpg  
    I’ve spoken with Redline Components who have advised me that it’s a custom mount (presumably that a previous owner made in their garage). Happy to be given second/third/fourth opinions!

    Update: 230624:
    Update: Ian came to mine this morning and fixed the mount. I… err… had to test it by taking the car to Sandbanks and back 🤣
     
    ------------------------------------------------------
    220624 - Bucklers Hard:
     

    Image by Charles
    Been looking forward to this event and it didn't disappoint!  We had Chris and Ken Conley driving up from Cornwall to stay with us on the prior evening so our driveway was graced with their beautiful Caterham Cosworth HPC for a while.
     

    Ken Conley and his Cosworth HPC

    Luckily the damp start that was expected didn't materialise and the day dawned dry and sunny ready for our departure to Picket's Post where we then drove though Burley and Brockenhurst to Bucklers Hard where we were half an hour too early. 
     

    Ready for the 'off'.

    For future reference we have earmarked the Shappen Cafe (situated on the right as we entered Burley) for a tea and wee stop if we are early again which is what Charles did this time and gave the cafe his nod of approval images/Archives/ThumbSs.jpg
    The organiser, Lee Rayment, arrived just after us and we were allowed in where we were able to watch the other 7's arriving.
    Not quite the full house expected as there were 5 Caterham's short of the expected 27 but a great turnout just the same. 
    great for us to catch up with local owner Charles and regular event attendee, Lee in his Innes Ireland Caterham 160.
    All in all a great day and company, thanks Lee for organising it (and the weather!).

    Image by Charles

    Image by Lee Rayment - Even the happy couple wanted the cars to be included in their special day!

    Another image by Lee.

    ------------------------------------------------------
    220624 - Nick Westbrook:
    Nick is on an Alpine tour with some other Caterham's.

     
    Finally into Switzerland!
    ------------------------------------------------------

    230624 - Dan Moors:

     
    One lonely 7 at the Thruxton Historic today (Two including mine in the car park)
    ------------------------------------------------------

    230624 - Pete Gorry:
    After yesterday's dive off Swanage Pier I camped at Norden Farm, Corfe. 


    After breaking camp, I went to Compton Abbas airfield...
    Me: "Hello, what time do you open?"
    Coffee Lady: "10 o'clock. What time is it now?"
    Me: "9.05".
    Coffee Lady: "Give me a minute, I'll switch the machine on".
    Yay for good old-fashioned customer service!
     

    Then, after Compton Abbas, drove home to Bedfordshire along A-roads (A338) via Porton, Tidworth, Wexcombe, Hungerford & Wantage. Superb fun, flying up & down the rolling hills of Dorset and across the roof of Wiltshire 👍
    ------------------------------------------------------
     
    240624 - Nick Westbrook:

    Top of Karlesjochbahn pass 

     
    Weather has been good where we’ve been but we met a guy with a Merc up from Italy that had a badly damaged car due to hailstones!!
    ------------------------------------------------------
    Supercars & Classics at the Castle - July 21st 2024:

    Always a really great event - don't miss it!
    Link to Show here
    Upcoming Events:      July/August
    (Always check the web pages to confirm events)
    Car Related Events: July     6th/7th Chickerell Steam & Vintage Show Info 7th Portesham Car Show Info 7th Broadstone Family Fun Day - Car Show Info 13th/14th Historic Vehicle Gathering - Powderham Castle Info 14th DATE CHANGE! Oily Rag, Weymouth Info 16th Dorset Monthly Meeting @ The Red Lion Info 20/21st Somerset Steam & Country Show Info 21st Supercars & Classics @ the Castle Info       Non-Car Related Events:        ------------------------------------------------------
    Car Related Events: August     3rd/4th Beaulieu Supercar Weekend Info 11th Breamore House Classic Car Show Info 11th Steam Punk at Yeovil Junction Info 18th Clayesmore Supercar Sunday Info 20th Dorset Monthly Meeting @ The Red Lion Info 23rd/25th Silverstone Classic Info 24th Wings & Wheels - Henstridge Info 25th Sherborne School - Historic Vehicle Rally Info 25th Classics at Party in the Park - Ilminster Info 28th Seaton Fish 'n Chips Info       Non-Car Related Events: 14/15th Gillingham/Shaftsbury Show Info 22nd Melplash Show Info 24/25th Stock Gaylard Oak Fair Info       Recurring Monthly Car Events:     (Always CHECK on-line) When: Where: Info: 1st Sat. Classic Car meet - Sturminster Newton Info 1st Sun. Haynes Breakfast Club - Haynes Motor Museum Info 1st Sun. The Oily Rag car meet - Weymouth Football Club Info Variable: Wilton House Wake Up - Salisbury (Summer months) Info       Local Area Meeting:  
    A very casual event from ~ 7:30pm - 10:30pm with non Lotus 7 club members always welcome.
     
    Date: 3rd Tuesday of every month Location: The Red Lion, Winfrith Venue Link: Link 3 words location link: Link Links:
    Lotus Seven Club: Lotus Seven Club-Home Page Blat Chat: Lotus Seven Club-Forums L7C Dorset Area: Lotus Seven Club-Dorset Area Page Face Book Page Lotus Seven Club Face Book Page Caterham Club FB Caterham Car Club Face Book Page C&L7OG FB Page Caterham & Lotus 7 Owners Group Newsletter Content Send to: Dorset & Wessex 7s Newsletter Newsletter Archive Newsletter Archive (post April 2024) Newsletter Archive Newsletter Archive  (pre May 2024) Dorset & Wessex Area Representative:  
    Richard Skeets 07961 299 970 email: Dorset Area         Adjoining Area's:       Nick Westbrook 07711 640 105 email: West Hants Area Nick Hillman 07719 775 711 email: Somerset Area     W/Ap Somerset         You are receiving this email from Dorset & Wessex 7's to keep you informed of news and events.
    If you wish to unsubscribe from these emails: Please click here  
  4. David Mirylees
    Ben - Lighting up the Coast road
    AR Rumblings: 
    Hi Everyone,

    We're almost at the end of another month and disappointingly after a lovely sunny 3rd Monday of the month it rained on club night and so my 7 didn't venture out....

    I have had some 7 related fun, however, as Phil made me aware of a pair of lovely carbon tillets on Facebook which were being sold for a great price!

    It was, however, too good to be true and within a short while of chatting with a so-called fellow 7 enthusiast I was convinced that it was a scam, so instead of parting with almost £1,000 I started checking with others who were also messaging the guy for various bits he had for sale and found out he was using different locations (he was based in Manchester for me and Leeds for Steve Shaw...) and different bank account details, his profile suggested he was based in the good old U S of A and everything was very fishy so I got him blocked by the group admin.

    Be careful out there folks as it seems there are plenty of unscrupulous people looking to rip you off!

    Hopefully the sun will be shining for the rest of the summer and my 7 can get some blats in!

    All the best
    Richard

    Robin Cheeseman's Series 2 'Beano':
    Here Robin gives an insight to his Lotus 7 series 2.

    HLR-Beano-Spring2024.pdf
    Link to PDF file Here (only works if viewing the on-line newsletter. If you would like a copy of the pdf email me).
    Out & About:
    Following on from some of the Dorset area getting out and about on the National Drive It day recently, here are some images taken by Emma-Jane (Bill's wife) as they brought up the rear of our small convoy.

    Richard - with aero's and helmet ready for the off

    Leaving the Rainbow Garage Cafe

    Heading down to Portesham

    The Right hander in Abbotsbury

    ...and along the coast road.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
     020524 - Somerset Area Meeting:
    Good turnout for the Somerset meeting.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    040524 - Ben:

     
    After an age off the road caused by a seized headlight Stembolt (the hollow threaded support stud), Ben took to the coast road to try out the new lights.
    The dramatic image was taken above West Bexington looking towards Lyme Regis. Ben says "good to be back behind the wheel of the 7 finally!"
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
    040524 - Mirylees:
    The weather forecast promised a dry and Sunny so it we decided that we would be heading for the Sturminster Newton Car & Bike meeting being held in the town centre (probably the last before moving to the town's recreation ground for the summer months).
      
    Sure enough by 10 o'clock it was a glorious day but we had set out at 0830 to ensure a clear run along the really good roads and have some fun. Well fun was definitely had but there was a great deal of mist/low cloud around which sometimes made visibility a tad restrictive.

    As always a large gathering of interesting vehicles - some of which were a rare sight such as an original Porsche 356 which was 'well used' and an immaculate Ferrari 412.  

    Good to catch up with Robin who had also made an early start through the mist from Beaminster in his Lotus 7 series 2 followed by his friend Keith in a TR6.

    Robin's S2 with Keith's TR6 behind

    Mirylees' S3

    There were some other 7's there as well! 🙂

    Spotted in one of the Sturminster's Cafe's 🙄
     
    On recommendation of local 7 owner Bill, we stopped off at the King's Stag Coffee House on our way home. Well, this is a 'hidden in plain sight' gem.  I can't count the number of times we've passed the Green Man public house en route to Sturminster and Compton Abbas etc and never realised there was a cafe in front of the pub!
    The Coffee House, King's Stag, Sturminster Newton DT10 2AY Opens at 10 on a Sunday (0900 rest of week) plenty of parking so a really good venue for a blat and meet up.

    The Coffee board inside the cafe
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    050524 - Charles:

    Bit of rain but traffic wasn't bad. Road side greasy spoon open 👍
    Saw a yellow 7 parked up in Tolpuddle

    The Tolpuddle Caterham
     
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    120524- Mirylees:
    Cartgate Lodge Cafe

    Well, another interesting venue located that we've been driving past for a good many years and never knew existed!
    Discovered this place on Google maps and when Richard Taylor mentioned meeting up for a coffee after an early morning trundle we decided to give it a go.
    Massive space to park, food and drink relatively inexpensive and good, seating inside and outside where there are bench tables. Constant changing of customers but it never got too busy. Oh, and did I mention that it opens at 0700 👍  
    Now that's got to be a good meeting venue.


    Cartgate Lodge Cafe A303 Yeovil TA14 6RA Link
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    120524 - Lulworth Castle:

     

    Lee's Caterham 160 drew a lot of attention
    Whilst Richard continued straight from our breakfast meeting to Lulworth, we made a leisurely trip an hour or so later.
    Unsurprisingly (with the really great weather) and there being a fully booked display area of classic and interesting cars, it was very busy. However it only took 5 minutes queuing to get in and parked up.
    We saw Richard's bike engined Caterham but sadly didn't manage to see him amongst the crowd but great to catch up with Lee and his immaculate Caterham 160 and Olly with his super-polished Caterham Zetec. Olly said Charles was there but we didn't see him either! Also crossed paths with Phil around mid afternoon as we were leaving!
    All in all a great day and the Dorset Blind Association received a record breaking £29k.

    Olly's Caterham getting lots of admirers 

    Phil's 'Loads of Carbon' K series Caterham

     
    Lee was asked to park here & then they put everybody elsewhere!!
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    So, out of 250 cars including a great display of Lotuses, a few Ferrari's, a Lamborghini, a few Aston Martin's, a few Jaguar's, about thirty Porsche's plus loads of other classics, guess who got singled out for the Special Mention certificate for Best Car in Show?
    Yup - Lee Davis with his Caterham 160 👍

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    120524- Rhett:
    Rhett Land is in Switzerland...

     
    Stopped, in Switzerland, on route to our hotel and this RHD, German reg 7 appeared. Brief chat with the driver. They're on a tour, France, Switzerland & back to Germany. They looked like they'd had fun. 👌
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    180524 - Tafia Fish'n Chip Run 2024:
    The annual Fish and chip run from Chepstow to Aberdovey organised by the Tafia area of the Caterham & Lotus 7 club took place on Saturday 18th May and was attended by 7 owners from all over the country. 
    The following images are by Helen Lambert.





     






























    and from Tim Barber who captured Nick Hillman, the Somerset AR!:

     
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    190524 - Compton Abbas:
     Glorious morning so an early morning blat along the quiet 'B' roads to Compton Abbas for a coffee was definitely on the cards!  Excellent drive but when turning into the airfield car park we were confronted by a few hundred motorcycles amongst which we saw a lone arm waving to us to park.  Thank you Olly and really good to be able to have a beverage and chat amongst the bikes.
    The bikes were part of the Gentleman's Ride it day and they were en route to Wilton. (according to Monday's paper there were appx. 1000 bikes taking part locally)


     
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Dorset Area Meeting - 210524
    Ghastly weather plus a few owners getting the date wrong meant that the car park was devoid of 7's and our area of the pub was just a tad on the quiet side. However, those in attendance enjoyed the food and beverages and as usual we sorted life in general and it was a happy band of owners that headed home later in the evening.
    Special thanks for Ian who distributed the last of the free Blue rolls 👍


     
    (Thanks to the Stafford twins for the images)
     
    June 22nd - Solent 7's Buckler's Hard 7 Event:

    A really great event, this year organised by the Solent 7's.  Plenty of food and drinks available in the pub or the cafe. Details below:

    Solent 7s invite you to a day out at Bucklers Hard on the 22nd June 2024 positioned on the Beaulieu River in the beautiful New Forest, a chance to drive through the forest, park up and display your 7, catch up with or meet new friends, have a picnic or dine at the pub, enjoy some New Forest ice cream, take a walk or a river cruise and take in the history in the museum inside the cottages.

    Rally event ticket including Museum entry
    Adult (17 & over) £8.50
    Child up to 16 £4.50
    Under 5s for FREE 
    Postage £1

    To Pay email lee@bluefunnel.co uk 
    Thanks, Lee

    Optional on the day River Cruise special offer, normally £7.50 now £4.25, just mention Caterham Cars when you pay to board. No booking req'd.
     
     
    Supercars & Classics at the Castle - July 21st 2024:

     
    We have a club stand secured with the required 10 cars booked at this brilliant event and as usual we can probably manage to fit more 7's in the allotted area if required.
    If you want to be included just let me know here and you will receive payment details by email. Tickets are £15 per car and that includes the driver and a passenger. 
    (Obviously places are limited)
    Link to Show here
     
    Upcoming Events:      June/July
    (Always check the web pages to confirm events)
    Car Related Events: June     1st-2nd National Kit Car Show, Stoneleigh Info 8-9th West Dorset Vintage and Steam Rally. West Bay Info 9th DATE CHANGE! Oily Rag, Weymouth Info 9th Ilminster Classic Vehicle Show Info 18th Dorset Monthly Meeting @ The Red Lion Info 22nd Bucklers Hard 7 Meeting (Solent 7's) Info 22-23rd Thruxton Historic Racing Info 22nd Lotus Drivers Club. Fish 'n Chips Weymouth Info       Non-Car Related Events: 1st Bath & West Show - Shepton Mallet Info        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Car Related Events: July     6th/7th Chickerell Steam & Vintage Show Info 7th Portesham Car Show Info 7th Broadstone Family Fun Day - Car Show   13th/14th Historic Vehicle Gathering - Powderham Castle Info 14th DATE CHANGE! Oily Rag, Weymouth Info 16th Dorset Monthly Meeting @ The Red Lion Info 20/21st Somerset Steam & Country Show Info 21st Supercars & Classics @ the Castle Info       Non-Car Related Events:        
    Recurring Monthly Car Events:     (Always CHECK on-line) When: Where: Info: 1st Sat. Classic Car meet - Sturminster Newton Info 1st Sun. Haynes Breakfast Club - Haynes Motor Museum Info 1st Sun. The Oily Rag car meet - Weymouth Football Club Info Variable: Wilton House Wake Up - Salisbury (Summer months) Info       ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Local Area Meeting:  
    A very casual event from ~ 7:30pm - 10:30pm with non Lotus 7 club members always welcome.
     
    Date: 3rd Tuesday of every month Location: The Red Lion, Winfrith Venue Link: Link 3 words location link: Link Links:
    Lotus Seven Club: Lotus Seven Club-Home Page Blat Chat: Lotus Seven Club-Forums L7C Dorset Area: Lotus Seven Club-Dorset Area Page Face Book Page Lotus Seven Club Face Book Page Caterham Club FB Caterham Car Club Face Book Page C&L7OG FB Page Caterham & Lotus 7 Owners Group Newsletter Content Send to: Dorset & Wessex 7s Newsletter Newsletter Archive Newsletter Archive (post April 2024) Newsletter Archive Newsletter Archive  (pre May 2024) Dorset & Wessex Area Representative:  
    Richard Skeets 07961 299 970 email: Dorset Area         Adjoining Area's:       Nick Westbrook 07711 640 105 email: West Hants Area Nick Hillman 07719 775 711 email: Somerset Area     W/Ap Somerset          
    HLR-Beano-Spring2024.pdf
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