Safety Fast! Notes for April 2005

SW Members, I am assured, will find their programme card enclosed with this copy of Safety Fast! I've got a couple of updates to tell you about - the Charity Gymkhana and Flying Day is confirmed as being held on the 26th June, and the Castle Combe Trackday will be on the 16th of July.

Our first 'competitive' event of the year is the Cheddar Valley Navigational Scatter on 10th April. For the serious minded, this is a navigational rally where accurate map plotting and optimal route planning are pre-requisites for a winning score. For the less serious, it is a glorified Treasure Hunt with a decent Sunday lunch at the end. With the arrogance of youth, I foolishly threw down a challenge last year that paid out free beer to anyone who was able to beat the crew of Lock and Cooke. I was taught a valuable lesson when we were soundly thrashed by an MGF and an MG-ZS (although I didn't pay up, falling back on the "it's not a proper MG" argument that was put to me when we won a couple of years ago in my Vectra). Anyway, this time it's a beer to anyone who beats us in a car with carburettors (and without Satellite Navigation)... More details can be had from Dave Coppock on 01934 834429.

Our next event is the Kimber Classic Trial on 23rd and 24th April. The route of the trial takes competitors along approximately 80 miles of charming rural lanes with splendid views. The sections and the special tests provide that competitive spice beloved of all true MG drivers, yet remain suitable for all cars whether concours or "well used". In addition to classes for all types of MG, there is a class for non-MG's. As last year we have striven to provide a route that is non-damaging for all cars. The event is the oldest in the MG calendar, established in 1937 when clubmen drove to the event in their everyday cars - mainly Midgets - and expected them to still be available for work on Monday morning. If you cannot compete, then why not spectate? The best views are likely to be from the marshals' posts, so there is even more incentive than usual to offer your services. Andrew Owst can give you any further information you might need - his number is 01761 221893. As usual, application forms can be downloaded from the website if you have internet access.

Next up is the Wessex Sprint on 2nd May, organised in conjunction with the Bristol Pegasus Motor Club. The Sprint is long and fast, being based at RAF Colerne. I've driven there myself, and can tell you that it is a surreal experience - haring along at 100+ mph on a runway wider than both sides of a motorway. Bruce Morgan is your contact for application forms on 01275 790855. Spectators are not allowed onto the airfield, so marshalling is the only way you will get to watch.

Finally for May, Sunday 22nd is the date for the Wye Valley Social Run. This is a very popular event with many MGs making the trek over the old Severn Bridge to enjoy a well-organised run in scenic countryside punctuated by very interesting refreshment stops. Please contact Terry Davies on 01989 562366 for further information.

I'll close this month with a picture of Tony Blake presenting a cheque for £600 to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, raised at the Charity Gymkhana and Flying Day in June 2004. Almost as much again was donated to the local charities. Well done to Tony and his team of volunteers, and thanks to everyone who took part. See here for details of the 2005 event.

Neil Lock
neil@port-z.fsnet.co.uk

01275 817915 (before 9pm please)
SW Centre website: www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccsw