New Forest Run 2009

A couple of weeks prior to this year’s New Forest Run, it was starting to look as if the UK was finally gearing up for summer. Some of the hottest temperatures in the country were recorded in Hampshire and Dorset at the end of May, and we were all keeping our fingers crossed that the good weather would continue into June. At the start of June, we started keeping a close watch on the 5 day forecasts, and were horrified to see that “Heavy Rain” was the main theme across the whole region for the 7th June. All sorts of questions were raised - did we have enough gazebos? Could we do the booking-in and lunch distribution indoors? What time should we plan the raffle and presentations? How much water would there be in the fords along the route? Would people still turn up?

As 5 day forecasts turned into 3 days, the “Heavy Rain” was downgraded to “Cloudy with frequent showers”. On the day itself, it looked as though the worst of the rain might even miss us, and we dared to hope that we might manage a mostly dry day. Even the sun was shining as the willing volunteers began to arrive at Copythorne Scout Hut, where the run was scheduled to start.

In view of the current economic climate, we were delighted that the number of cars taking part was still in the region of 200. It was a fantastic sight to see cars arriving at the start, in ones, twos and small convoys, as our marshalls waved them into the entrance to the Scout field. There were some puddles across the field, but nothing too serious, and as the morning progressed, entrants were efficiently booked in, pointed in the direction of bacon butties, and, duly refreshed, they were waved on their way by flag-wavers Carol and Steph Ward, and Linda Taylor.

Entrants followed an 83 mile route put together by Lucie and Richard Cooper, weaving its way from Copythorne to Exbury via Nomansland, Woodfalls, Hale, Fritham, Godshill, Linwood, Stoney Cross, Minstead, Brockenhurst, Burley, Lymington and Beaulieu. Feedback on the route was very positive, with many entrants telling us it was one of the best yet. A small forced detour in Lymington caused some consternation, but the alternative was apparently signposted, even if it did render the last few mileage checks redundant - what great timing by the council to put those roadworks in place on the one day it would cause most congestion!

We understand that most people managed to complete the majority of the route in a state of relative dryness. Unfortunately, partway through the afternoon, our hopes of a dry day were completely washed out by heavy downpours, as the forecasted rain caught up with us. All over the display area, people hastened to put up their roofs, the raffle prizes were drawn slightly earlier than planned, and the representatives from our two charities got very wet as they toured round the cars to pick the trophy winners.

It was unfortunate timing, as a large proportion of the entrants had started leaving due to the bad weather, so that by the time the presentations were made, some of the winners had already left. Their trophies will be forwarded on to them in due course. Our two charities - the Children’s Friendship League (Hants) and the Honeypot Charity - gave speeches about their work, but their thanks for our support was cut short due to the conditions. However, both organisations have passed on their sincere gratitude for the funds raised by this event, and both will be putting our donations (in excess of £1,000 to each group) to good use with children from a variety of difficult and disadvantaged backgrounds across the region.

Ironically, as the last few participants left Exbury, the sun appeared once again, and our members were able to sit and relax in the sunshine before many of us adjourned to Exbury’s “Mr Eddy’s” Restaurant to partake of a delicious roast beef or chicken. The perfect way to round off the day!

Photos taken by Nathan Amos on the day are already posted in our web Gallery, but we are always interested in receiving photos, reviews and feedback from anyone who took part. You can send these to either editor1009@aol.com or to webmaster@1009mg.org.uk

There are so many people to thank for making the event such a success for the 11th year in a row: Our main sponsors Artisan Internet and Beaulieu Garage, whose financial support has been much appreciated; also Nigel Hedges of Bourne Engraving who again supplied trophies free of charge.

Tesco of New Milton were once again very generous in their support of this event. In addition, Seward MG were able to send a demonstrator of the new TF LE model, which took part in the run and was the subject of a great deal of interest at both the start and the finish.

Club members who helped out in the organisation of this event are too many to mention by name, as most people took some part in either preparing before the event or making sure the day itself ran smoothly. However the main thanks must go to everyone who came along in spite of less than optimistic weather forecasts - it is always nice to see familiar faces coming back year on year, but it is equally nice to see people taking part for the first time. We hope to see many of you again next year.

Report by Tania Horrocks - photos by Nathan Amos
Click here for more photos

Some comments from happy Runners...

"Just to say congratulations for the organisation of this years event.As usual the reception at Copythorne was excellent as was the catering before we left.The route was again excellent with some lovely views of the Forest. Lymington diversion was out of your hands and surmounted with a short diversion.The weather was kind as far as then but with only 10 miles to run we had had a good innings with the top down. Please pass on my thanks to all concerned for all of the hard work and organisation which I appreciate goes into such an event."
Geoff Mellett

"Just a short note of thanks from all of us at Runnymede for another superb run today. We really enjoyed it, and as usual you managed to find some pretty routes in out of the way part of the forest."
Russ Armitage

"Well done!! Many thanks for a very professional and well organised event. The route was lovely and well thought out. Please pass on our thanks to all involved for a most enjoyable day, the workload involved must have been enormous."
Graham and Danni Lowe

"I would like to thank you on behalf of the Epping MGOC members who attended the run on sunday. A great run and the rain held off  during the  drive . Once again thanks to all your members for  making it a great day."Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed the run yesterday.  Great route and even the sun shone sometimes!"
Peter & Ann Hart

"Please pass on my thanks to everyone involved in the admin and organisation, it was really well done."
John and Jackie

"A quick email to say thank you for the new Forest Run yesterday. The day was enjoyed thoroughly by me and my family. Please pass on my appreciation to all the organisers/assistants who helped make the day run smooth. There was obviously a lot of hard work went into it. Look forward to next time."
Lee Shinton

"Once again an excellent New Forest Run, brilliantly organised and a beautiful drive through the forest. Many thanks to all the organisers who obviously put in many hours and lots of hard work to achieve such a wonderful day. It was much appreciated. We were one of the 12 cars that came from the Wycombe Area MG Club and we all enjoyed the weekend in your beautiful National Park - looking forward to putting the date in the diary again for next year. Once again, many thanks."
 Shirley & Dave Townsend

"Just a short note of thanks to you and all members of the S&NF Owners Club for yet another  enjoyable and hopefully successful financial day. Although this was my eighth run you seem to be able to find different routes through the Forest for us to enjoy.  This year we decided to have our lunch at the finish in Exbury Gardens so made the whole run top down. Hope the subsequent heavy rain did not spoil others' enjoyment."
Bob Foster

"A very big thank you to all involved in the fantastic run through the Forest today. Once again a brilliant run! We thoroughly enjoyed it with more New Forest scenery to be admired, I don't know how you work out these routes, but I'm sure an awful lot of work goes into it. We look forward to the next run in 2010!"
Robin and Hilary Hackforth