Portway News May 2025
Monthly Meetings
We had another very well attended and lively meeting at The Base in April but unfortunately several had to park down the road. Further discussions were held on possible alternative venues more suited to taking the Austins. We currently have two possibilities – Hilliers at Aldermaston and The Swan at Newtown. Hilliers was reviewed by those on the Drive It Day event. We discussed the possibility of having our monthly meetings there. The parking was ample and it would probably be possible to gather 15 people together but holding a conversation would be no better than The Base. It was also further for most people to travel.
Having spoken to someone who uses the Swan they said it was now really a restaurant and they did not feel the landlord would be amenable to a load of people turning up to sit and drink coffee.
The Way Forward
We discussed possible options whilst chatting at Hilliers and came up with a proposal which you will have received by email to vote on.
Basically most people seem happy with The Base meetings which are very well attended but not really suited to taking the Austins. An option to solve this is to have additional Summer meets at suitable cafes where we can take the Austins. This could be from May to September.
In reply to my email I have received a very positive (unanimous) response and further ideas.
So, this is the outcome:
We continue with The Base meetings on the third Wednesday.
We have additional Summer meets from May to September at suitable venues for taking the Austins. These will be chosen by whoever wishes to do so. It does not have to be central to our area or even within it if you feel it worthwhile to go further afield. It could be a garden centre café, a pub or any other suitable gathering place with a café.
The minimum you have to do is say where and when you would like the rest of us to meet up. If you wish you can arrange a run to the venue from your location which people may join or make their own way. It can be any day of the week or weekend for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. You do not have to do anymore as details will be on the Events page and I will add a reminder on that month’s Latest News. I will also do the necessary emails so simples!! Just give me the info and I will do the rest.
This will obviously not work if no-one volunteers a venue and date so, please put your thinking caps on.
If you just want to choose a month for now and fill in details later that’s fine. I can reserve that month for you.
I have put each months on the Events page to ‘be confirmed’ for the moment and will fill in the host and details as I get them.
Local Events
We seem to be losing some of our local events previously attended by Portway Austineers. There was no Daffodil Run this year presumably due to it no longer being feasible. Last year due to the drop in entries and increased cost of using the Quay at Christchurch the event was shortened to finish at Kings Somborne village hall. Popham Classic Car Show was not held but will possibly return next year. The Ellis Journey having been taken over by new organisers last year is not being held this year.
Hopefully our new runs to cafes will replace these to some extent.
Drive It Day
We did however have a very enjoyable Drive It Day run to Hilliers at Aldermaston thanks to Sue and George. Unfortunately, only two Portway Austins could join us for a very pleasant scenic drive to Aldermaston. We were joined for coffee and lunch by Peter and Jackie in their Bently. See our Past Events page for report and picture.
VE Day
Following the success of our Austin WW2 display the Red Lion Overton for their D Day celebration last year, we have been invited back again for their VE Day celebration. This will be Saturday 10th May at 12 noon. Instead of blackout trim and WW2 uniforms there will be lots of flags and bunting to celebrate the end of the war.
Please let Chris Surtell know if you intend going as space has to be allocated in the car park. (chris.surtell@gmail.com)
That’s all folks. Please send me anything you think others would like to know for next month.
The next meeting at The Base is May 21st.
Gordon
