SNAILs? That’s Stroud and Nailsworth Austins In the Locality - but not just Austins. Thirteen cherished cars – eight 1930s Austins, ranging from 7hp to 12hp, three noble Armstrong-Siddeleys, a Riley Nine Monaco and a 103E Ford Popular.

They set off on Sunday April 8th to drive 36 miles from the Daneway Inn at Sapperton, Gloucestershire to finish at The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton, passing fifteen pubs on the way. It turned out to be quite a party – there were 27 of us on the road, including drivers, passengers and navigators.

Gone to lunch seven, tens and 12/6 at Charlton

SNAILs organiser Kevin Bown had prepared a delightful route winding through Gloucestershire lanes and passing through several picturesque Cotswold villages. We stopped for coffee at the welcoming White Hart in Ashton Keynes and then enjoyed Sunday lunch laid on for us at the Horse and Groom in Charlton.

To ensure that our navigators stayed awake, Kevin had set a 30-question observation quiz. The answers were revealed when we all gathered at The Old Lodge. Bill and Jenny won with 28½ points – they’d come up from Bristol to join us in their handsome 1935 Ripley Sports.

We have donated all the entry fee proceeds (plus some top-ups) to the charity Orphans in the Wild to benefit and educate children in Tanzania orphaned by HIV/Aids.

Our next event will be a lunch meet-up with the Wiltshire Austin Moonrakers group on Sunday April 22nd, National Drive-It Day, at the Bell Inn, Yatton Keynell, Wiltshire (near Castle Combe).

Details on all SNAILs events and our regular pint-and-natter meetings from Kevin Bown on 01453 882223 or kevinbown@gmx.co.uk.

Pip Dade