Cornwall Figaro Tour – Sunday 25th/Thursday 29th September 2022
Words, Pictures and Video Kevin Fagan
Time flies as it was 3 years since Pat and Sarah Light’s Cornwall Rally back in 2019. They were keen to create the event again in 2020 but Covid scuppered the plans, so two years on, at last, the event went ahead. In fact, this is the third rally they have organised, the first being in 2017.
And it was certainly worth waiting for as over 30 cars made their way in the sunshine to the hotel which had stunning views of the Cornish sea. Pat had pre-arranged reserved car parking which meant we all parked together, a pre-requisite of any Figaro event.
After dinner, we all moved to the hotel lounge where we enjoyed a brief welcome talk which was followed by the distribution of the very impressive rally packs. Everyone was told to make sure they had enough fuel, the flag was secured on the passenger side (so we all matched) and we must be ready to push off at 9:30 on the dot.
Monday morning was dry but very windy as we set off to Tintagel in convoy, where cream teas at the Camelot Castle Hotel would be waiting. unfortunately, one of the roads was closed off causing some chaos but that was all part of the fun. Pat had arranged parking on the grass which created some fabulous phot0 opportunities. Unfortunately due to wind both the castle and bridge were shut so like Sue and me, after refuelling with the cream tea many made their way down the clifftop walks and headed for the pretty walks some of which ended up at the beach below the hotel. Back in the hotel and after dinner, we made our way to the lounge to enjoy the very popular rally quiz!
On day two we woke to dark clouds but dry roads for our drive through some clay villages on our way to Blackpool Pit which Pat had been given special permission to have a look at as this is not open to the public. With such a stunning backdrop we lined up on either side and took a whole bunch of pictures. After this brief stop, it was time to head onto Wheal Martyn which is a China clay museum. Pat had organised two guided tours which were so worth it as the venue had the most interesting history. It was also interesting to hear more about China Clay and where it is used today. The evening was another fun event. Pat had asked beforehand for everyone to bring and donate prizes for the raffle/quiz. £1,338.33 was raised for the local hospice.
MONEY RAISING TOO
The evening was another fun event. Pat had asked beforehand for everyone to bring and donate prizes for the raffle/quiz. £1,338.33 was raised for the local hospice.
The last day was another lovely drive to The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Again pat had organised Figaro parking and we took our traditional group photo. It’s Europe’s largest garden restoration and worth a visit if you are ever in Cornwall. Sue and I took the opportunity to have our Cornish pasty fix before exploring the venue where we came across a very tame robin! The weather was great so we decided to pop down the road and check out Mevagissey Harbour. The last evening was a right cracker as we all came down to dinner in our Disney-themed fancy dress. There were some fantastic outfits see below.
PARTICIPANTS
Pat and Sar Light, Martin and Debbie Isted, Nick and Helen Robinson, Chris and Anne Sorensen, Kim and Sally Jones, Philip and Sharon Parsons, Steve and Janet Lenihan, Rob and Lynette Parsons, Trevor and Helen Sherwood, Alan and Sheena Harvey, Ian and Zoe Collier, Dee Davies, Chris and Helen Crowter, Colin and Leslie Bullock, Mark and Tracy Hill, Shirley Axford, Tony and Sue Wright, Amanda Langard, Phillipa and David Hamblet, Mark and Gwyn, Heiko and Gabriela (Germany), Charlotte Curtis, Mandy and Chris Hall (Australia), John and Pam Heath, Steve and Julie Janes, Ian and Pauline Poole, Judith and Burnadette Collins, Tracey James, Scarlette and Karina, Andy and Carol Richards plus two others that joined for the day Mary (America) and Thomas and me and Sue.
A huge thanks to both Patrick & Sarah Light who must have put in so much unpaid time and effort to pull off this brilliant event. There is a rumour that they may do it all again in 2025 and if that is the case then we urge you to attend, you will not be disappointed.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Thanks to Roger and Kathy Woodley