Deserting White Rose country for the Land of the Prince Bishops
April 2010

The East Yorkshire Natter has wonderful touring country on its doorstep: the dramatic Yorkshire Moors, quiet scenic Wolds and the varied East coast. At the heart of it, the attractive market town of Malton has provided the ideal base for the Natter’s annual Social Weekend since 2003. In mid April it is a great season opener, combining three days of scenic and sometimes challenging driving with the chance to compare notes in the evenings.

From such an evening in 2009 came the germ of an idea to venture elsewhere and it grew into a plan for ten couples to tour the northern Pennines from a base at the Morritt Arms Hotel at Greta Bridge near Barnard Castle just in Durham - The Land of the Prince Bishops.

Although just over the Yorkshire border, we would be in a foreign land so we contacted the Tyne-Tees Centre. This dutiful observance of Club protocol triggered a fine example of the “Marque of Friendship” and added an extra dimension to the weekend’s enjoyment.

 Tyne-Tees Chairman, Peter Ebdon, and Secretary Barrie Hope shared local information before the event and arranged a party of six to welcome us to their area over dinner on the first evening. We were impressed by their enthusiasm and dedication.

The Yorkshire group Friday morning starting at Reflections Classic Car Hire near York,	Yorkshire and Tyne-Tees members at the Morritt Hotel on Saturday morning.	Group photo before18 cars from both centres start the 110 mile Saturday run	Grassholme Reservoir near Middleton-in-Teesdale was a popular parking spot	Barrie and Sheila Hope from Tyne-Tees in their ZBV Magnette
Weekend organisers Steve and Kate Trossell enjoying the fresh Spring air

click on image to enlarge
©Steve Trossell

Eight Tyne-Tees cars were mustered to join our Saturday run starting at Greta Bridge and touring the mountainous dales of Durham and north Yorkshire.  We gave them our road books containing three days’ routes and only at the last minute did we think to point out the “Saturday” title. An unlucky Tyne-Tees member might have used “Sunday” and ended up in York instead of back at Greta Bridge! Helped by fabulous spring weather, the day together was a social success. Naturally we argued over who lived in “God’s Own Country” but we all made new friends and vowed to organise a joint event soon.

For the ten car Yorkshire contingent the weekend involved over 400 miles of “open-top” motoring, mostly on minor roads and over steep hills, guided by tulip style directions painstakingly published by Natter Scribe Brian Rylance. We met on Friday morning and, after bacon butties at Reflections Classic Car Hire near York, set out following directions by Harry and Janet Hotchkin through the Howardian Hills and Hambleton Hills before crossing the Plain of York to Bedale, Richmond and our first taste of the winding narrow lanes and steep hills of the Dales before leaving White Rose country for County Durham and circling into Greta Bridge for a well-earned rest. 

On Saturday Steve and Kate Trossell’s route explored Weardale, Teesdale and the highest parts of the Pennines before re-discovering Yorkshire in lovely Swaledale, bathed in late afternoon sun. Only one more range of hills and we were back at Greta Bridge and we had climbed over 15,000ft in the day!  Sunday’s route maestro, Dave Carey, took us mountaineering again, this time visiting four of the Yorkshire dales. Much of the time we were on roads the average tourist would never find or dare to drive, before emerging at Ripon en-route for late Sunday lunch near York, weary but satisfied.  The beautiful weather, great driving in lovely countryside and enjoyable company had made it the sort of weekend that we own our MGs for!

Review by

Steve Trossell

Drive it Day
South Yorkshire Natter

25^th August 2010

A peep through the curtains on Sunday morning did not bode well for the South Yorkshire ‘Drive it Day’ outing.  We had planned our drive to end at the British Waterways Museum, looking at the road we had our own river right outside the door, but undaunted we set of in Julian’s beloved MGB GT for our meeting place – Wentworth Garden Centre, part of the old Wentworth Estate owned by the Earls Fitzwilliam of Wentworth. Not far down the motorway the sun broke through the clouds and sunglasses were donned – a good omen.

We breakfasted in the newly refurbished coffee shop, a light airy space that could easily pass for a restaurant.  Most of the group tucked into a hearty fried breakfast – Julian was delighted the toast was made of doorstops of real bread (where is that bread making machine?) then we set off for the drive.  There was just enough time for Debbie and me to buy Tumbling Tom tomato plants – no doubt we will be providing free tomato salad at this year’s South Yorkshire weekend event.

11 cars set off including two couples new to the club, Alan and Ingrid in their RV8 and Colin and his navigator in their MGA.  We headed off on a 40 mile trip through rural south and east Yorkshire passing through some very pretty villages and spotting late but beautiful wild daffodils.  The sun continued to shine and tops came down as we set off in brilliant sunshine.  There were some ‘time lord’ events though as John and Debbie left Wentworth in an MGF and arrived at the Waterway Museum in their MGA – time travel to equal the Tardis!

More pictures can be found on Gallery page

We arrived to a warm welcome at the British Waterways Museum at Goole docks where we enjoyed a boat trip for the Port of Goole history tour and saw the loading bays from the time when the docks were in their heyday, now sadly silent.    We visited the museum dedicated to those who lived and worked on the rivers and canals of Yorkshire.

We had a leisurely afternoon sitting in the sun by the side of the river enjoying refreshments from the little café before heading home after a very enjoyable day out.

A big thank you to Pauline and Geoff for organising the event and producing another perfect tulip route book – once again the South Yorkshire natter found another new activity for us all to enjoy!

 Review by

Marjorie Rogan

DAFFODIL RUN
4th April 2010

A Review of a Day Amongst the Daffodils with MG Friends Old and New

All that could be heard on an early Easter Sunday morning along the York ring road was the exhaust notes of over 70 MGs as they approached the start venue at McDonalds, Clifton Moor.

The cars ranged from a 1935 PA and a 1935 NB right through the Marques including TD, YB, TF Midgets, Magnettes, MGC, MGB, RV8, F, TF, ZR to the very latest TF that had only been delivered the previous day. A Morris Minor and a Mini Cooper also joined in.

The majority of the Yorkshire entrants were joined by far-travelled members from Midlothian, Northumberland, Stockton-on-Tees and Lincolnshire.

At 10.00am the cars were progressively away heading towards the A19 where they would quickly turn off onto the quiet country roads taking them through the village of Alne and on to Easingwold, which is named in the Doomsday book. Then on towards Coxwold and turning off towards Byland Abbey, which was founded in 1177. A sharp left turn at the Abbey, through a stone archway and onto a single track road heading for Oldstead and Kilburn then turning off for High Kilburn onto a further single track, the ones with grass for the centre line quickly turning the pristine cars from concourse to trials condition. Having passed the Mouseman Visitor Centre the cars turned up a rather steep incline to pass the White Horse of Kilburn. Here there is a car park where either car or crew can recuperate.

Continuing up the steep hill the cars crossed the A170 and headed towards Old Byland here they had the choice of either taking the scenic high road or, for the more adventurous, going via the ford. This is not one that you drive across but along, an excellent opportunity for those dirty cars to be washed.

Barrie and Sheila Hope made the excuse that their ZB Magnette stalled in the ford due to damp in the distributor. This was a ploy for a paddle as a fellow Magnette owner Tony Duffy minus shoes and socks joined the paddling pair to push the car onto dry land where it immediately started.

click on image to enlarge
©Jane Duffy

After the hold up by the Magnetters or Musketeers, I’m not sure which, the now convoy of MGs re-joined the route to continue via Laskill then diverting past the first Cistercian Abbey in the north of England, Rievaulx Abbey before the lunch stop in Helmsley.

After lunch, with trip meters re-set, the cars headed off East on the A170 towards Scarborough, but quickly making a right turn onto a quiet country lane to pass through the village of Harome and on to Nunnington Hall and Hovingham Hall, a more-or-less straight run on quiet roads back to Easingwold, passing through the market square and onto the villages of Husthwaite, Raskelf and Linton-on-Ouse to the finish venue at the Sidings Restaurant. A run of just over 90 miles in reasonable weather with only a short shower of rain on the final few miles.

As cream scones and tea were being served, Solosmo the head chef and a keen car enthusiast, chose his favourite car from the fine examples displayed in the carpark. First choice was the 1935 MG NB owned by Terry & Sue Hartley. His second choice, a more modern car, the 1952 MG YB owned by Dennis & Joan Greenwood.

A reluctant Terry Hartley (24/39 Group) was dragged away from his tea and scone for the presentation of a plaque for Best Car, a meal for two donated by the management at the Sidings Restaurant ( Happy Anniversary Sue) and an Easter Egg.
 

Terry Hartley	Joan Greenwood	Barrie & Sheila Hope	Martin Rogers

click on image to enlarge
©Photo's by Cliff Hobbs

The runners up, Dennis & Joan Greenwood (North Yorkshire), received a bottle of wine.

For entertainment value at the ford, Barrie & Sheila Hope (Tyne Tees), received a box of chocolates as did Martin Rogers (Tyne Tees) for completing the run with the cleanest car, a spotless white MGA.

Thank you to every one who attended, the event raised £257.00 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.  To view thank you letter from Marie Curie Cancer Care click here

Review by

Carol Copeman

MGF ABINGDON TO GENEVA

COMMEMORATIVE RUN 3rd MARCH 2010

At 7.30am on Wednesday the 3^rd March 2010 9 MGFs met in the Market Place, Abingdon to start a run to Geneva in commemoration of 15^th anniversary of the cars launch in 1995 at The Geneva Motor Show.

Having spent all of winter being taken to pieces re-sprayed and put back together this was M6 FGS’s  first trip out for six months. Anita didn’t fancy the ferry crossing so a neighbour, Mike, who has just bought a 1996 MGF  VVC acted as navigator.

Once all the paperwork and route books were handed out the Lady Mayoress of Abingdon flagged us off,  and wished us bon voyage. First stop Dover for the ferry to Calais. Luckily the crossing was smooth, unlike the last time I went to Le Mans when the ship’s deck kept falling away from my feet. To ensure we met all our deadlines we used the peages where we could. This was fast but expensive, costing in excess of 100 Euros during the full trip.

The first night was spent in Rimes with sometime for sightseeing in the evening and early morning. Then on to Geneva for Thursday and Friday. Thursday nights meal was a bit of an eye opener for someone like me who very plain ideas of what I should eat. On the tables were oblong metal plates with meth's burners underneath. I thought they would keep the food warm. Wrong!!!!!!! We had to cook our own dinner on the burners, this didn’t stop the restaurant owners charge over 36 Euros for a two course meal. Stranger still in the restaurant was a glass cage in the centre of the room with a live pony, goat and four chickens watching us eat our meal.

click on image to enlarge
©Graham Saunders

On Friday we went to The Geneva Motor Show. This was one of the highlights of the trip. Seven huge halls with all the latest models on show. Many futuristic projects centreing on hybrid and purely electric cars, even Ferrari got in on the act with a green coloured hybrid. It was a shame the Chinese owners of our beloved marquee didn’t show up as promised.

The whole show was excellent value for money, park and ride to and from the Exhibition Hall 7 Euros return, entry to the show
8 Euros including  as superb programme in English. Our home grown venues to take a few tips from the Swiss on how to put on a show.  Last time I went to The NEC for a show £8 to park, £28 to get in £5 for a programme.

Saturday saw us leave Switzerland via the mountain route. Half-way up snow started to fall and covered the road fairly quickly, some of our group decided to turn back and go to Reims via the motorway, retracing our outward journey. However Mike and I carried on through the snow. After all we had had the hood down for the whole trip so far, so a bit of snow wouldn’t hurt would it? As we got over the mountain top and began the downward part traffic just stopped for some unknown reason and this held up for two hours. Mike and I thought our fellow travellers would beat to us Reims and be set in the bar enjoying themselves by the time we got out of the traffic jam. However the laugh was on them because they got stuck in Geneva for 3.1/2 hours with show traffic.

Sunday, time to pack leave for the return ferry, we called in at the slightly restored Reims Race Track. All that is left is very long straight road, still in use for everyday traffic, and some very dilapidated grandstands. We had a bit of fun and pretend we had entered a race by having a Le Mans style run across the road (when no other traffic was about) to our cars and blast down the straight and back. Great experience!

On to Calais where we just missed an earlier crossing, we had another hours wait for the next one. That will teach to play silly b’s (or should that be f’s) at Reims Race Track.

All in all Mike and I had great time on the trip, saw things we haven’t seen before, learnt Swiss food is expensive but their show are fantastic value and met some new friends from the MGF Register. Thanks to Tim and John for organising the event. We covered 1770 miles in all at an average 35 MPG which I think is pretty good considering the fun we were having.

Review by

Graham Saunders

14^th Woldsway Classic Run
10^th May 2009

Yes, this was the 14^th occasion that the organising team from the East Yorkshire Natter have put on this event for us and the 103 cars assembled at the start indicates just how popular this event has become over that time.

In the tradition of recent “Woldsways” the run was expanded to include entrants from non MG drivers as well and the variety of cars drawn included many enthusiasts favourites, among them, Jaguar, Wolseley, TVR and Triumph.

The suggested route of some 122 miles in total was clearly presented in a well produced road book issued at signing on, together with the rally plaques. Of particular interest was the note in the book acknowledging the “Woldsway Veteran Club”; those members that have supported the event for every one of the 14 occasions. There were four crews who qualified for this notable achievement and two of them, Bill & Janet Sharp and Graham & Anita Saunders went one step further by each using the same car for all the runs.

Cars began their journey leaving the spacious start venue at the Humber Bridge viewing area at about 9:30 and were soon out in the country roads so suited to MGs and other classics. For those who followed the suggested route the first part of the run to Sledmere House covered 64 miles and took in varied un crowded roads with really good scenery and time to stop and take a look around for anyone who wanted to. No doubt everyone has their own opinions of the sections they enjoyed most, but surely the Millington area would rate among the best?

After a picnic lunch at Sledmere we encountered our only drop of rain in the day as we left to begin the second leg of the run. It was only a five minute shower and certainly no reason for us to put the hood up!  We motored on in the company of other MGs and at various times during the day came across other classic cars enjoying a run out, mostly in the opposite direction to us, but one Morris 8 was travelling the same way as us, how does that work? Was the driver lost? Was he not involved with the other run at all? This leg of the run took us through the edge of some forest roads with suggested viewpoints to stop at, adding further to the variety of scenery.

Our final destination was Sewerby Hall where everyone assembled mid afternoon to enjoy the surroundings and see a cheque be presented to Yorkshire Cancer Research, this was money raised from the event.  The organisers from our East Yorkshire Natter are to be congratulated for putting on such a good event and at such good value for money, well done and thank you.  Attending the 15^th running of the event is definitely recommended!

CHILLY WILLY RUN - 1ST JANUARY 2009
(Organised by South Yorkshire)

For Marjorie and I this was a new experience being our first MGCC run in the BGT and our first time on the Chilly Willy run. We arrived at the Langsett Café near Stocksbridge at around10 o’clock where we managed to find the last space in the car park, the age of MG’s parked there spanned several decades up to the present day.

After a hearty breakfast the cars set off following minor roads into the Derbyshire Peak District. Because my speedometer had mysteriously stopped counting the miles and we didn’t trust our own navigation, we thought it best to follow Denise and Malcolm in their BGT. From the start, the scenery was magnificent and the sight of the hoare frost on the trees wouldn’t have looked out of place as a Christmas card scene.

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We passed the Ladybower reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley, famous as the site where the “Dambusters” practiced their bombing runs in 1943, and eventually drove down through the Hope valley, travelling through Castleton before ascending Winnats Pass.

After following many more minor roads in the Peak District we crossed into Staffordshire and eventually arrived at Tittesworth reservoir where we enjoyed a comfort break, stretched our legs and had a coffee and cake in the excellent cafeteria at the visitors centre.

We then headed back into Derbyshire, where we eventually finished the run at the Peak Village Outlet where Pauline generously gave us all a much appreciated serving of mulled wine before we ventured into the Outlet.

All in all, we had a splendid day out, travelling on many roads we would never have dreamed existed, including single tracks and two fords! Well done Steve and Marie for organising such a splendid event.

Thank you to Denise and Malcolm for your excellent navigation skills and for allowing us to keep up with you on the run and to Pauline for the delicious mulled wine.

Apologies to Geoff and Pauline for having to travel through my smokescreen (must do some work on that engine).

 Review by

Julian Rogan

 

The Inaugural "Tyne Tees Old Speckled Hen Run"
31st August 2008
Organised by Tyne Tees Centre

The participants in the run assembled on 31^st August at the George Hotel Piercebridge for this first running of the event and hopefully the first of many. 

The organisation was impressive from the start, as we were met at the car park entrance we were given our start numbers and sent to our designated parking place, marked by individually made wooden blocks displaying the start numbers (how long did it take to make all those?) and in date order!

There were plenty of Tyne Tees members at the start, signing on, handing out the well presented route books and information, directing parking and generally ensuring all was running smoothly.

The Route Book was neatly presented in a clear plastic wallet and besides the tulip style navigation contained "welcome" notes, information on places of interest, a comprehensive guide to eating places along the route and even the words to the song "Grandfather’s Clock," click here said to have been inspired by a clock at the George Hotel.

The event was well supported by the Club with the Star Car MGBGT present and Vice President Ron Gammons waved the Union Flag to set everyone off at one minute intervals before enjoying the run himself.

Among the 50 plus entrants the Yorkshire Centre was represented by four cars, an MGA, ‘B roadster, ‘B GT and a BGT V8.

The run was split into two stages over a total distance of 74 miles. We set off in good, if cloudy weather that enabled all the soft top drivers to go hood down. The roads were very scenic, generally very light with traffic and provided interesting landmarks such as Raby Castle on our way to the end of stage 1 at Middleton in Teesdale. Here a market was in progress in the town centre and a car park was provided at a farm with a free bus trip in a 1930’s single decker for market visitors.

Suitably refreshed and exercised after our leisurely stop we rejoined the route for stage 2.

This section took us on scenic, sometimes steep and narrow roads past the reservoir at Hury and seeing such varied warning signs as "Beware frogs crossing the road" to "Beware army tanks on the road". The finish of the run came at The Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle where again our numbered (those impressive wooden blocks again!) parking spaces were provided for us.

The run included entry to the museum where we witnessed the working of a 240 years old mechanical Silver Swan. This was the last showing of the Swan, run normally twice a day, before it was taken from the display for renovation.

Sports and Classic Car Weekend 11^th to 13^th July 2008
Sledmere House

We've had rain on the Sunday Show Day for the past 3 years.  We were owed a dry day the members of the East Yorkshire Group of the MGCC Yorkshire Centre claimed.

This was the second Sports and Classic Car Event, but the 32^nd year the MGCC Yorkshire Centre had held their annual event at East Yorkshire's Premier Stately Home, Sledmere House with the kind permission of  the 8^th Baronet, Sir Tatton Sykes. 

The fee of £10 per car not only covered the entrance into the show, but also included admission for 2 persons into the magnificent Sledmere House full of treasures and history, the Wagoners Museum, the beautiful gardens and the extensive deer park. This made an affordable, grand day out for all the family. On the show ground there were craft stalls and trader stands with musical entertainment from an original fairground organ.

On the Thursday of the show weekend, the club trailer was taken into the grounds of Sledmere House only to find a pond formed at the entrance to the camp site area after heavy rain.  Not a promising start!  The Friday morning was dry and the pond had drained away, but by lunch time, down came the rain again.  Steve and Chris Moore decided that their Landrover 110 V8 was the best option  to drive around the area erecting the directional signs to the show.  Wouldn't be good for their MGB GT to get stuck in a muddy verge. It was thought that not many would be camping that night, but MGCC members are a hardy lot and by 7 o'clock the camp-site was half-full with the  majority  being in tents.  Orders were taken for fish and chips which was collected from the well- known chippie in nearby Wetwang.

The roads across the Yorkshire Wolds are ideal for touring in an MG, many of single track and a lot quieter than on the Yorkshire Dales or Moors.  Wonderful views of rolling countryside and beautiful villages and pubs with good beer and food are to be found along the way. On the Saturday morning the Tour of the Wolds commenced in sunshine and 24 cars, hoods down, set off across the Wolds towards Castle Howard and the Howardian Hills, on a circular route covering some 90 miles.  For those who wished to spend the afternoon at Castle Howard, a shorter return route to Sledmere had been planned.  The main route carried on towards the White Horse of Kilburn cut into the side of Sutton Bank.  It was always a relief when the first car returns from the run.  Steve and Chris have been planning such routes for over 10 years and have not lost anyone yet, so they believed!

In the evening the communal barbecue was lit and after supper entertainment in the marquee was provided by DJ Darren  including a great laser light show. 

On Sunday we welcomed the sunshine which brought out sports and classic cars of various marques to the show.  Invited car clubs; Porches, TVRs  Alfa Romeo, were positioned in the centre of the competitors entered for the Concours and Pride of Ownership and, by early afternoon, the show area provided a good selection of cars all gleaming in the sunshine.  Umbrellas were up again but this time required as shading from the hot sun!

Welcome guests of the show was the North Humberside Motor Club who ran an extremely well organised Auto test, held under the MSA rules. It was the first time many spectators had seen an auto test competition on grass, so we hoped that it may attract competitors of the future.  The club also brought along several classic rally cars for the spectators to view.  

Click on image to enlarge
©Chris Moore

Our thanks to Steve Johnson of Exclusive whom provided a car for the test in which MGCC member, Wayne Dawson won the FWD class

Congratulations to the class winners;

A MG Sports car of interest was Steve  Moore's and Steve Johnson's Sprint and Hillclimb, MGB GT V8.  This car has a RV8 engine and gearbox with several permitted modifications to run in the road going class competing in the MGCC Luffield Northern Series.

Janet and Harry Hotchkin had worked extremely hard organising the Concours and Pride of Ownership competitions.  The 33 cars entered into the Concours or Pride of Ownership were of exceptional high standard.   Several of these cars had entered into the Tour of the Wolds the previous day and had returned from the run very muddy especially Steve Pountney's MG ZT V8.   A lot of very hard work went in for getting them ready for the show. 

Judge, Giles Peacock, remarked at the prize giving ceremony that the entrants were of national if not international class standard.

Congratulations to the class winners;

The Best MG of the Show was awarded to Les Davy - MG TD, a truly, exceptional example.

The winner of the vouchers kindly donated by Rimmer Bros for guessing the number of nuts and bolts in the jar was Geoff Norcliffe.  Thank you to Dave Carey for providing and counting all 412 of them.

Our thanks go to everyone who organised and supported The Sports and Classic Car Weekend.  See you all next year at the magnificent setting of Sledmere House situated in the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds -  one of Yorkshire's best kept secrets. 

Review by

Chris Moore

  Caledonian 3 Day Scenic Tour 2008 - 3rd - 5th May

Friday 2nd of May surprisingly started sunny and warm. We loaded up the "B" with clothing to suit all climates, and hood down set off to a lay-by near Settle to meet up with North Yorkshire members Granville, Pat, Jack and Barbara, plus Roger and Angela who although they now reside in Cheshire, we regard as Yorkshire folk.

Shortly after our arrival, who should appear but David and Carol Copeman, who joined us for a few moments before roaring off in a cloud of dust. We followed at a more sedate pace, and made our way via the M6 to the cafe at Shap, where we joined up with another North Yorkshire couple, Don and Eileen Dalton in their "new" BRG B Roadster, out on it's first run. After coffee and Bacon sandwiches, we were back on the M6/M74 all the way to Abington. From here Roger led us across country on A and B roads to our overnight stop at the Falkirk Travelodge, where we met the final part of the team, Mike and Val ,and Colin and Miriam.

After the fairly dire weather forecast, Saturday dawned dry, if somewhat cool and cloudy, as we made our way to the start at the Westwood Hotel Cumbernauld. Here we renewed acquaintances with many old friends from Caledonian Tours of the past, and after refreshments, including more bacon sandwiches, we were off on the 123 mile run to Pitlochry.

The route, taking us past Stirling Castle, and as usual featuring some wonderful scenery, took us on many of those narrow twisting unclassified roads, known only to those with that vital local knowledge, surely the very essence of enjoying MGs. A coffee stop on the shores of Loch Earn was made in preparation for the most spectacular section of the run. The road from the Bridge of Balgie, past Ben Lawers, and through the Great Glen. Fortunately, the weather remained dry, and most of us kept our hoods down, the black clouds, and the remnants of snow on the tops adding to the dramatic landscape, as we continued to our base for the next two nights at the Scotland's Hotel Pitlochry.

click on image to enlarge
@Paul Croft

After a quick tour of the hotel's facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, we enjoyed the traditional Saturday night banquet, followed by a stimulating inter table quiz, just the thing to get you brain working after a long day at the wheel. How is it that the table occupied by West Yorkshire contingent always manages to win?, is it Carol, Cliff, David or Janice that's the brains behind their success ?.

Sunday's Weather started dry, but overcast, and following a hearty breakfast, and some quick sponging and leathering, we were off again on the day's 130 mile journey.  Almost immediately, the dramatic scenery began again. Starting with Queens View and Loch Tummel, the route took us up to Rannoch Station, one of the remotest in the U.K., and the day's first stop. After a short pause for tea and biscuits, and a chat with fellow travellers, we were off again, soon passing the mighty Schiehallion, known as the "Fairy Mountain" and believed to hold magic powers, and on past Castle Menzies. Soon after this, we diverted from the suggested route and stopped for coffee beside the river Tay in Aberfeldy, next to an impressive monument to the famous "Black Watch" regiment. A local woman, who stopped to admire our cars, pointed out a large house on the other side of the river, and explained it was one of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling's properties.

Rejoining the route ,we continued through more unspoilt countryside down the B898 to the A9, making our way to the Scottish Trust of Nature's reserve at Loch of the Lowes to see the Osprey's nest, Red Squirrels, and many other species. For those who missed this, you can see the Osprey's live on the internet at "The Scottish Wildlife Trust" site. As we prepared to leave, the weather deteriorated, so we put the hood up and made a dash for the hotel bar, well I did, Rosemary took advantage of the pool, and went for a swim, as I joined Mike and Colin and Co, putting the world to rights over a beer or two.

As usual, following the meal on Sunday night, our hosts provided some excellent Scottish entertainment. This year it was the Stirling Highland Dancers, a trio of Scottish Lasses interpreting several Highland dances, and accompanied by a marvellous female Piper. A bit of community singing between the dances, added the evening's enjoyment.

What a difference a day makes weather-wise!, we arose on Monday morning to clear blue skies, and never looked back. Warm and sunny all day. Fuelled up and ready, after another Scottish breakfast, and all set for the 118 mile run back to Cumbernauld. The route took us along the south side of Loch Tummel towards Kenmore, and down the dramatic Glen Quaich, and along the south side of Loch Earn to join the A84 for the final leg to the Westerwood Hotel for coffee, pastries and farewells.

Another triumph for David Reid and his hardworking team was the verdict from us all on this years event, overshadowed as it was by the threat of fuel shortages and poor weather forecasts. As it turned out, petrol was never any problem, and apart from the very end of day two the weather was fine.  Monday in particular, was superb, adding to the fantastic scenery we have all come to expect as normal on the Caledonian Three Day. Thanks Guys, from all of us at the Yorkshire Centre, and see you next year.

Review by

Paul Croft

On 23^rd March it was time for the traditional Easter Sunday run around the scenic North Yorkshire countryside supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care, once again organised by David and Carol Copeman. A new route was planned connecting the traditional start point at Clifton Moor retail park to the finish at The Sidings Restaurant via a lunch stop in Helmsley, with a total of 84 miles of mainly B roads with some single track unclassified roads thrown in. The early Easter this year brought it’s own challenge in the form of snow and ice throughout Yorkshire, however fears of difficulties on route were unfounded, even on the very steep Chimney Bank towards Hutton le Hole.

This year we were joined by two guests who had made the highest bid in a charity auction for the privilege of a passenger ride around the route with David and Carol Copeman. Simon and Angela Medd bid £175 in aid of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Aiming to make the most of the chance they both insisted that David took the hood down on the MGF, putting many "hardened" MGers (ourselves included) to shame! Hopefully they enjoyed the experience, and who knows they might be back?

Guest Simon and Angel Medd

The run finished at the Sidings Restaurant where there was the Pride of Ownership event, the cars were admired and votes cast. The eventual and very deserving winner was John Page with his 1966 MGB with Phillip and Sylvia Kent’s MG TF second and the Duffy family’s 1973 MGB GT third. Congratulations to all of you.

John Page	1966 MGB	Phillip Kent	MG TF	Duffy
1973 MGB GT

 

All that remained to do was enjoy a cream tea and listen to the tales of the day, including the flying antics of the Duffy's MGB GT!

Thanks must go to David and Carol Copeman for planning the route, to Colin & Miriam Brear for helping out on the day and Simon & Angela Medd for their enthusiasm and generosity. The event raised £208.45 in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and £175 in aid of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Review by

Tom Norcliffe

 

On Saturday 2^nd February the Dukeries rally club held an early season trackday at Blyton Park, a disused RAF airfield near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. I was lucky enough to have been invited along by Steve and Marie Dobson who were going to be there with their new toys, a 1600cc Rover 200 (MG ZR replica) and an 1800cc MGBGT, both recently acquired tarmac spec rally cars. Steve plans to use his ZR on single venue rallies and Marie intends to compete in hillclimbs and sprints in her GT. Today though Steve had offered me a ride in his ZR on the concrete airfield roads making up the days "special stage", obviously I’d leapt at this chance, owning a ZR myself and besides, any opportunity to go fast and get the adrenaline pumping is too good to miss in my view.

On arriving at the airfield I gingerly crept along the crumbling surface through the park, past the rally school towards the cars parked in the distance, as we neared the makeshift service area I could make out the familiar nose of a ZR poking out from beneath an awning. From a distance the car looked like a stickered up road car, not surface skimming like a circuit racer or jacked up like a forest spec mk2 escort. However once closer it became obvious that the car was built for a purpose, 17inch wheels chosen because smaller ones would not cover the enormous front brakes, the carbonfibre roof scoop feeding two vents into the cabin. The cabin itself reinforced that this was no road car, stripped as it was of all comforts, painted black and fitted with a complex and tough looking roll cage. In place of the standard ZR rear wing there was the same item fitted to the MG Sport and Racing Super 1600 cars that ran in the junior WRC.

After a few hellos and a brief chat I was taken to sign on as a passenger, with the paperwork completed I donned my borrowed helmet and climbed into the car. I was helped to adjust and fasten the five point harness which securely held me in the seat, itself gripping my hips, torso and unexpectedly, my shoulders. As the door shut I felt an aura of safety, created by the seat, harnesses that stout roll cage and my helmet. I felt calm in this environment, the dashboard was familiar from my own car, heater controls, gearstick and handbrake all seeming perfectly normal. Suddenly a sharp "beep" rang out, making me jump. Steve points out the horn button mounted on the navigator’s foot rest, and assures me that everyone finds that when they first get in, I think it’s the car warning me not to be so relaxed from now on.

The next tell-tale that this isn’t like my road car is when the engine is started, the starter churning over for a long time before a misfire pops out of the exhaust, then on the next turn of the key the engine fires into life. The idle is steady but the engine sounds harsh, chuntering its displeasure that the throttle is not wide open. We set off, moving towards the entrance to the track, straight cut gearbox wining. Steve recounts how he clipped a tyre earlier in the day and went onto two wheels. If this was a ploy to make me more nervous it worked.

I notice that the car’s suspension seems rock hard as we pass over the ripples in the road surface, I wonder how this will feel at speed and fear that I’m about to lose my fillings at best and will need a chiropractor at worst. I’m about to find out though because the marshal has waved us out onto the track after a Peugeot 205GTi has passed. I feel Steve press the throttle, or rather I hear the engine roar and feel the push in the back as we accelerate onto the track and towards the first corner, a 90 degree left hander.

As we approach I see the tyre just to the inside of the apex and the large concrete kerb marking the apex, I brace my self for the shock as we bounce over it but it doesn’t arrive, the suspension soaking it up as if it isn’t there. We are now on the fastest part of the track and the throttle pedal is pushed right to the floor, we take third gear and keep piling on the speed, the engine does not seem to notice the gearchange as we accelerate at an unabated rate. I can see that the next corner is a right/left chicane marked by tyres and we are approaching it fast, just as I am expecting us to slow Steve takes fourth gear, seemingly proving that although I can see the chicane he can’t. Perhaps this is why pace notes are used? What seems like far too late the brakes go on and we slow, a bit, change down and jink through the chicane without any fuss, proving that Steve did know it was there after all. We were now heading towards a hairpin right, changing back down to second gear before turning in, this corner tightens in the second part and we exit more than 180 degrees round from where we entered, jinking left before heading parallel to the main straight towards another chicane, braking hard and flicking left/right this time. Just after this Steve lifts and turns through a 90degree right hander, getting the power on early for the following straight. Another 90 degree right takes us past the entrance to the track and completes the lap. Another two laps pass, each slightly faster than the one that preceded it before we are waved in by the marshal. Steve explains that the club’s van goes out frequently to check the track and put all the tyres marking the circuit back where they belong. We trundle back towards the awning and park up, as soon as we have stopped Steve changes his mind and decides we should queue up and go out in the next session.

As we wait I tell Steve how surprised I was about the ride of the car over bumps and broken surfaces being very good, contrary to my initial impression. Steve explains that the wheels remaining in contact with the road at all times help the car to grip so strongly. He also explains that the reason that this car is so good over bumps is the high quality Ohlins dampers fitted front and rear, and that the previous owner of the car had recently paid £1500 to have these dampers rebuilt. He also added that he dreads to think what the replacement cost would be…

Our second session starts off fast, the tyres and brakes are still warm from the earlier laps, but when we turn right to start our second lap the push in the back is more insistent, and the cornering forces stronger as we take the first left hander without reducing speed at all, I brace myself once more for the shock as we drive over the concrete kerb but again it never comes, only a small correction at the steering wheel needed to counter it’s effect as we pass over it. We are really accelerating now, Steve takes third gear then fourth at 6000rpm on the straight before braking even later into the first chicane, a quick right left through and we are accelerating again in third towards the hairpin. Slowing and taking second gear before turning in with increased alacrity reveals that when the semi-slick Pirelli competition tyres are up to temperature the whole balance of the car is different, the understeer of previous laps at this point turns to oversteer as the throttle is re-applied and the front wheels drag us around the second half of the corner. The increased grip allows us to reach even higher speed towards the second chicane, Steve hits the brakes harder this time, as they too are up to working temperature, and I can feel myself being thrown forwards in my seat and the harnesses pulling back at my shoulders. I can also feel the rear of the car slide to the right, far from being a problem this is encouraged on a rally as it has helped us to turn into the first part of the left/right chicane. On exiting we now approach the next 90 degree right which is taken smoothly and very quickly, no sliding for this one, and accelerating hard from the apex down the following short straight. More hard braking and another 90 degree right at the end of the lap, the rear slides again and allows Steve to exit the corner tighter than the previous one to give a faster entry into the first left hander with its concrete kerb. Another fast lap follows before we catch up with the 205GTi from earlier, though it doesn’t matter as the session is now over, the club’s Transit seeing more action.

As we trundle back towards the parking area I express my amazement at the brakes and Steve confesses that he is only just getting used to how late and hard he can brake in this car. We park up and Steve stops the engine, I twist the buckle to release the harness and open the door. I pause briefly and look at the roll cage cross bracing next to my seat, "feet first" Steve helpfully suggests. I clamber out and walk around the front of the car, removing my helmet as I go. I stop and run my hands through my hair, still in awe of what I have just experienced. "At least he’s smiling" somebody remarks.

Many thanks to Steve and Marie Dobson for giving me this opportunity, and good luck to both of you with the events you enter this year.

Review by

Tom Norcliffe

Chilly Willy Run 2008
by Edward Duffy (aged 8).

CHILLY WILLY RUN 2008
WHISBY PARK, LINCOLN