Safety Fast! Notes for August 2004

Are you all making good use of your MG’s this summer? So far, SW Centre events have been well subscribed but with plenty of room for more entries.
Why not join in – perhaps with an event that you have tried in the past or something completely new?
Read on for details of a trial, social runs, autotests, a gymkhana and a hillclimb. Surely there must be something there to whet your appetite…? 

Last month’s photo came from the Wye Valley Social Run and Dave Coppock has set a chairmanly example by ‘phoning me with a report. The event, organised by Vic and Sandra Lockley, attracted 38 cars. I can confirm from studying the photos that ‘hood-down’ weather was provided!
The run started at Symonds Yat and headed off to Weston’s Cider near Hereford for lunch. Following a tour of the facilities (and the chance to stock up, no doubt), the cars headed for Benhall Farm near Ross and a cream tea. Dave didn’t tell me much about the cars, or the scenery – but the food and drink seems to have left a lasting impression!

I can report on the Bath Gymkhana myself, having taken part for the first time this year. Entries ranged from an 18/80 to an MGF, with a J2 Midget, four T-types, an MGA, three MGB’s and a ‘modern’ (ie 1970’s) Midget in between. The winner was Russell Morgan in his modern Midget, closely followed by Dave Mothersdill in his recently acquired TC. There were mutterings about the unfair advantages of five-speed gearboxes, but I have to admit that I didn’t get out of first gear. The journey back along the M4 and M5 confirmed that the GT is more than capable of keeping up with modern traffic – if not modern Midgets! I’ve no formal report on the Charity Gymkhana and Flying Day as I ‘go to press’, but I do have photos thanks (again) to Phil Archer. I’ll give you the formal report next month.

You shall probably see these notes before the last event in July: the Bristol Pegasus Motor Club Castle Combe Track Day on the 31st. Don’t bank on it, but John Delafield may be able to get you a last minute entry – his number is 01453 544497.

The Mendip Production Car Trial is on Sunday 8th August. Call Bruce Weston for details on 01963 440941.

The run to Shelsey Walsh Festival on Sunday 15th August is a new event for this year. Phil Archer tells me that the run will leave Michaelwood Services (on the M5 a few miles north of Bristol) at 8.30am, aiming to arrive at Shelsey Walsh for the 10am start. The Festival is featuring Lotus Formula 1 cars from the early days through to the Nigel Mansell era. Give Phil a call on 01454 633209 to book your ticket(s).

I plugged the Chew Valley Gymkhana last month – its on Sunday 22nd August and the organiser is Dave Coppock. Give him a ring on 01934 834429 for more information.

Our first event in September is the Wiscombe Hillclimb on the 11th. If you are a potential competitor then you will probably have the details already. If you are a potential spectator then we can offer you superb scenery, an open paddock (more like a field, really), exciting action and, wait for it, all for the knock down price of absolutely nothing! Just remember to take your MGCC membership card with you. Of course, the best place to spectate is from a marshal’s post. Bruce Weston has the details.

The Bristol Sunday Lunch Run is the following Sunday (19th Sept). I’m the organiser, and am embarrassed to tell you that I have settled on neither a start nor a finish. I can say that both will be south of Bristol, and one of them is likely to be near Portishead! Give me a ring for details, or simply enter and think of it as a mystery tour.

The Patchway Autotests on the 26th round off September – more details next month, but call John Delafield if you cannot wait.

Here’s hoping to see you at an event soon. And please don’t forget those event reports!

Neil Lock
neil@port-z.fsnet.co.uk
01275 817915 (before 9pm please)
SW Centre website: www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccsw