Safety Fast! Notes for June 2004

Just as the spring sunshine arrives and I finally manage to get the car started, disaster (well, misfortune at any rate) strikes. Having been advised by our erstwhile Chairman that my car was probably a bit too low slung for the Kimber Trial, we then lose the front spoiler on the Cheddar Navigational Scatter - organised by one and the same erstwhile Chairman!

The Cheddar Valley Navigational Scatter on 18th April, organised by Dave Coppcock, was yet again a well supported event. I've organised a NaviScat myself and know that it takes many, many hours of effort - so thanks very much, Dave. The winner was Richard Lucking in his MGF, closely followed by Cliff Hatcher in his MG ZS and me in my MGB GT. The roads across the Somerset Levels have deteriorated badly over the last year so the event may have to be reclassified as a PCT!

As I write, it is the weekend of the Kimber Classic Trial and therefore I haven't as yet got a report. I can tell you, however, that the weather is absolutely glorious so it is reasonable to assume that a good time is being had by all!

We have a couple of events in June. As I mentioned last month, the Bath Gymkhana will be held in the afternoon of Sunday 6th June - please call Peter Jones on 01225 837545 for details. I also told you about the Charity Gymkhana and Flying Day on 27th June, at Oaksey Airfield near Malmesbury in Wiltshire. This promises to be an excellent day out; give Tony Blake a call on 0117 969 0650 for details and to enter the gymkhana.

I cannot believe that I am going to tell you about July's events next - doesn't time fly?

The Dorset Social Run is on Sunday 11th July, starting and finishing at Canford School in Wimbourne. The school was originally a medieval manor and the grounds are said to be beautiful. The Run is billed as a scenic tour of Dorset - the countryside around this area is truly fantastic and is well worth a visit. Mark Rathbone is the organiser; his number is 01202 692908.

MGCC SW committee member Jon Pittard will be organising the Pucklechurch Gymkhana on 18th July. A gymkhana is a whole bunch of fun, whether you are a novice or a seasoned competitor. Give Jon a ring on 01275 879632 and he will no doubt persuade you to enter, or to marshal, or both.

Safety Fast is no doubt chock-full of information about MGCC Silverstone. Please don't forget that our Centre organises the California Cup Autotests. Entry forms are in last month's pullout section, but Clive Holloway on 0117 985 7309 is sure to have spare copies.

The last event in July is the Castle Combe Track Day on the 31st, organised by our friends at the Bristol Pegasus Motor Club. I've done this event myself in the past - the organisers managed to arrange the proceedings such that track time was maximised, but traffic was minimised. John Delafield has the details - his number is 01453 544497.

Finally, you may recall that last month's notes featured a picture of Mike Hawke and his J2 Midget. A couple of weeks after submitting the copy, I received a letter from Mike telling me that he was retiring as leader of the Lacock natter. Mike says that, at approaching 70 years old, he doesn't project the youthful image that ought to be associated with a sports car club! I disagree wholeheartedly. Anyway, Max Tyler is taking over as natter leader. Max, and his wife Sarah, are perhaps best known for their efforts in the MGCC Speed Championship with a Montego Turbo although they currently compete in a Midget. Max is well experienced in natter matters, having (according to Mike) first attended meetings in the sixties - in his carry-cot! The Lacock natter is held in the Bell Inn on the second Tuesday of the month.

Neil

neil@port-z.fsnet.co.uk

01275 817915 (before 9pm please)