I, together with several hundred others, went along to the Lions Summer show at Waldegraves on Saturday August 8th. I had hoped to travel in style in a vintage Eastern National bus but being unable to get there until late I only managed a short trip from the car park to the show ground.

My particular reason for attending the show was to see the Austin 7 Chummy car which was originally owned by West Mersea ironmonger Edgar Potter Digby. With the closure of the business in 1983 much of remaining stock and vehicles were sold off by auction in April 1984 and the Chummy was bought by Mr David O'Connor from Lincolnshire.

David has done a splendid job of restoring this lovely little car and I was determined to get a good look. On the showground, the local vintage car enthusiasts soon directed me to the car.

I introduced myself to David's daughter as one who could remember Mr Digby driving the car around Mersea delivering paraffin. She was naturally very interested. I then went off to look at other stands, when someone found me to tell me that David was offering me a ride in the passenger seat of his car.

I had heard over the sound system that the Chummy was to be winner of its class and I was delighted and honoured to be riding in Chummy on its lap of honour.

From Mersea Life, September 2015, Local page 10.