The results for the Northgate Trial 2023 are now available to download below.
Congratulations to Thomas Bricknell for winning the Northgate Trophy and Alan Murton for winning the Blue Class Award.
Northgate Trial 2023 Results (1510 downloads)The next Sporting Trial is scheduled for Saturday 17th June ( Day before Camel Vale Calvin Trial) at Higher Frankaborough Farm, Broadwood, Lifton. The regs and entry form are on the website.
So another month has shot past me and it’s back to the keyboard to try and conjure up something interesting for you. Our recent David Ayers Sporting Trial held at Marshgate by kind permission of David Langley was well attended, the weather was also suitably organised, rain was not on the menu so the waterproofs were left well alone, I will give you a run down on the event later.
Our recent committee meeting was well attended with various items being discussed, Andrew Rippon gave us a résumé of the recent ACTC meeting, interestingly there is no official tyre list, the general principle is that tyres used in classic trials should not have a gap wider than 8mm, anyone not sure on their tyre eligibility should consult the ACTC website.
There is concern over the possible movement of dates for the 2023 season, in particular, the date of the Tamar Trial is under threat, hopefully, this can be avoided.
One item that has been discussed at the committee many times is first aid, we have on two occasions booked someone from an organisation to be responsible for this and both times they have failed to appear on the day. With this in mind we are attempting to get some of the committee members trained in the hope that we will at least have someone at an event with some knowledge of first aid. We cannot however guarantee that in the event of mouth to mouth resuscitation being required that the person administering it will have shaved that day.!
Should and members feel they want to attend a committee meeting they are very welcome to sit in, there is even a Bar, our next meeting is on Thursday the 6th October 7.30pm at Tresmeer Village Hall.
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No Chairman’s Chat this month unfortunately so here is a newspaper cutting of our esteemed chairman from 2001 at the water splash Knighton.
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Going back to our visit to Prescott in July, during the lunch break we visited the on-site Bugatti Museum . Although the museum is not huge it showcases a lovely range of the “Bugatti Products” , not just cars but all sorts of innovative engineering ideas which would not normally spring to mind when the word “Bugatti” is mentioned. The price tags are eye watering, several noughts follow a number but the cars themselves are both exquisite and possibly somewhat ostentatious, if one drove down any high street it could be the cause of several neck injuries as people turned in surprise at what was passing them, dream on.
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Forthcoming Events
POSTPONED. Our touring assembly booked for the 2nd of October has been postponed until the spring, unfortunately, it clashed with another one on the same day which was also being held locally, but at least the route planning is done so our chairman and secretary can sit back and wait until next year to enjoy.
7th & 8th October many of our members will be travelling north to take part in the MCC Edinburgh Trial, good luck and hope it all goes well for you.
16th of October we have our Pete Cooper Memorial Tamar Classic Trial, entries are already coming in for this so if you don’t want to miss out get yours in. The organising committee are working hard to make this a great event so please give it your support, yes, we need marshals so if you are available please contact any committee member or myself.
11th of December is the date for the Ron Beer Sporting trial to be held at Ashleigh Lifton, more on this in the November news
Back in 2000 Vivien and myself along with a trusty band of volunteers used to run the Launceston Trial as a full road going trial. Knighton was used as a special test, always a bit of an unknown element until the day of the trial as you could never be sure of the river level. It wasn’t unusual to see someone get out of their car in the middle of the river (Clive Calber, Sticker Martin?) and remove all their spark plugs in order to pump the water back out of the engine cylinders, motorcycle riders could also be dumped unceremoniously in the river after hitting a hidden boulder.
The photo below was produced in the Western Morning News , (photo by Peter Sentance) in 2000, Adrian Dommett and Judy Philps, pictured in the water splash at Knighton, Judy is already preparing herself for a dousing.
David Ayers Sporting Trial
With an entry of 14 on the day we all assembled before the start of the trial for a 2 minutes silence in honour of the passing of our Queen. Following this Warin Kelly gave a quick briefing to all congregated and then it was off to the hills on the lower side of David Langley’s farm at Marshgate. We were to complete four hills in the morning three times and a repeat of that but a different set of hills in the afternoon.
I was given the pleasure of passengering Andy Prosser, the car had recently had a change of ignition system which was proving far more reliable than the old one so it was a case of “all guns blazing”, or is it all ribs bruising? Section 1 wasn’t too bad with all the twists and turns expected on this type of event, sections 2 & 3 were like climbing grassy stairs with a loop around some gorse bushes and repeat, not only did you have to be quite quick to change positioning in order to get the best weight distribution but somehow manage to keep a grip or risk being thrown out, as luck would have it I did manage to stay with the car although on the last attempt of section 1 the only contact I had with the car was my backside , legs and arms were flailing helplessly before I managed anything that resembled the composure of a proper passenger. I once heard it termed as being an old man’s sport, to some extent this is true, if you aren’t at the beginning of the day you feel pretty much like it by the end of the day.
When lunchtime arrived we all travelled back up to the car park for a bite to eat and a chat and a chance to add more padding . Back down to the slopes, the afternoon hills were much more hidden whereas the morning ones were open to be seen much easier, I can’t remember an awful lot about the afternoon round with the exception of going up a hill leaning out as far as possible and realising I was staring into the lens of the MSUK photographer who had been despatched to the depths of Cornwall to cover the two day sporting trial festival jointly held with Camel Vale Motor Club.
Somehow I survived the full day even if I walked like a Robot for three days after. When the results were read out Andy and I had won one of the classes , well done Andy, all worth it.
Results
David Ayers trophy Thomas Bricknell
First Class award Andy Wilks
Blue Class award Jason Daniel
Frank Ayers trophy Andy Prosser
So it was a very enjoyable day, held in lovely weather and a great relaxed atmosphere, well done to all, organisers, competitors and of course a big thanks to all the marshals who without you we would be struggling to run these events and to David Langley who as landowner we are very grateful. J.T.
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Tailpiece.
So not much more to tell you, I managed on the 3rd attempt this year to attend a big scooter gathering over the last weekend but it’s alright I won’t bore you with that (yet). In a few days Vivien and I will be travelling North for a well earned break although I have been given the privilege by the MCC to take time out of it and be out on section at 4.00am for a marshalling stint on Middleton Moor, wherever that is!
All for this month J.T.
Newsletter contributions to billjan299@gmail.com
The Spry Trial 2022 Results are now available to download below.
Spry Trial 2022 Results (1101 downloads)<br style=”clear:both;”>
Congratulations to Jason Daniels who won the event and will receive the Spry Trophy. The runners-up were Jerome Fack and Nigel Shute who both won class awards.
Thanks to all the competitors and marshall for a great event.
I don’t know how many of you are really thinking of motorsport or jobs to do in the garage, at the moment there is a big focus on the Jubilee Celebrations with village halls buzzing and street parties taking over neighbourhoods, perhaps it gives people time to reflect and enjoy what they have, away from our little island there is more than enough turmoil to contend with.
The club recently had a stand at the Launceston Steam & Vintage Rally, an ideal showcase for us to show the general public what we are all about, we had a good variety of machines present 2,3,&4 wheeled varieties and several members on hand to talk to anyone interested to know more, thanks to all the committee members for giving up their time, in particular Andrew and Lorraine Rippon for coordinating everything and taking charge, well, except for the erecting of the gazebos which was confusing as always but Lisa sorted it out by reading the instructions, we men aren’t big on reading instructions.
Chairman’s Chat
I hope you are all enjoying the spring weather although the temperature outside today is more conducive to writing this contribution than some fettling in the garage.
Our last event was the Northgate Trophy Sporting Trial and this was unfortunately curtailed due to Roy Hartley having a heart attack. Thanks particularly to Andy Prosser and other club members for their assistance for Roy and to the ambulance crew for helping them gain access down across the field and difficult terrain. The ambulance took Roy post haste to Exeter where he underwent expert care and treatment. Following his treatment Andy collected him from hospital and reports that Roy is now recovering with his family. We all wish him well and look forward to seeing him in the not-too-distant future.
The club is assisting the MCC to run a number of sections local to us and I am liaising with Launceston Town Council and Cornwall Council to arrange the lunch halt. The competitors will be in the Cornwall Council Race Hill car park from 11.30am onwards. Pat Gomm is officiating at the time controls in the car park and would appreciate offers of help. They are then due to pass though Launceston town centre to be waved off by a dignitary. Hopefully this will give Launceston a view of classic trials vehicles and help to promote our sport.
We are now looking forward to the summer events on our calendar and I hope to see as many of you as possible at those. There may be more news of social events as well soon.
Joe Caudle Chairman
SPORTING TRIAL FESTIVAL 21/5/2022
The Midland Trials Car Club announced plans to run a festival to cover Heritage ,Historic, Post-Historic & Modern cars & it seemed like a good idea to take part. However, because it was scheduled for a Saturday , when Nigel normally works ,the plan was shelved. I think we have all become a little ‘can I be bothered ‘ over the last 2 years & the thought of a three & half hour trip was off putting . Then with just over a week to go Nigel comes back with’ I have the day off’, so we are going.
Up at 4.30 & left home by 5.00. Overtaken by Murt’s van between Taunton & Bristol. Stop at Gloucester services & there was Murt ,Gill & Nigel Hosken at the counter . We took a brief stop for a bacon bap & expresso.
On crossing the car park I heard ‘ that brings back memories’, so got talking ‘did you compete’, answer ‘No but my family did, named Penhale ‘ . Is that from Holsworthy ? Yes my Dad was Allin Penhale. Reply –‘ I competed with your brother Richard in Sporting Trials in the 1980’s ‘ What a small world. For course Allin Penhale will be remembered by members of my age and older as a very successful regular competitor in Classic trials winning many of our Trophies .Richard is now living in Denver having been in the USA for many years. Photos of me & car were taken to send to Denver .
We then set off for Long Compton with Murt in pursuit & arrived on site at 8.45 where a large number of competitors were already parked. There were many familiar faces ,some from the classic car world & others not seen for a good many years.
The format was- 3 Trials
HERITAGE ( entry 28)
Basically, 1950’s road going without fiddle brakes& including 11 Dellows & an Allard.
These tackled 6 sections on the lower slopes 3 times. Familiar faces included Dave & Anna Robinson, Pete Tudor & Roger Ashby
HISTORIC & POST HISTORIC (55 Entries )
Historics are NTF cars from 1953 to early 1970’s with fiddle brakes & there were 30 side valve Cannons plus other specials. These guys appear to have an emphasis on having a jolly good time & often dress in period attire –namely flat cap, tweeds & tie. Also look to have a good picnic.Definitely from another era.
Post Historics are NTF cars from early 1970’s to 1978 with mainly BMC A series , Imp ,Renault 16 & Ford crossflow engines & drum brakes.
Again these classes tackled 6 sections 3 times on the medium slopes
MODERN ( entry 34)
This was the Jacobean Trial being a round of the BTRDA Championship.
We tackled 6 sections 3 times on the steepest terrain & we ran on 8 psi.
There was a good local contingent comprising Murt ,Stewart Stamp, Jason Daniel, Duncan Stephens, Thomas Bricknell, Jerome Fack & myself.
I had 2 bogey hills which keep my score unnecessarily high but still kept in close contention with Murt & Jason ending just 5 points adrift but well down the field.
For the record the winners were-
Heritage Martyn Halliday Lotus
Historic Ian Wright Cannon
Post Historic Simon Kingsley Kincraft
Modern Thomas Bricknell Crossle
It was a privilege to take part in such a truly extraordinary event (117 entries) which was superbly organised by Josh & Elaine Veale & the MTCC team.
It was a pity that with simultaneous running we did not really have much opportunity to watch the older cars in action but I don’t think it could have been any other way.
All that remained was to load up after assisting a transporter beached on the corrugations of the field & start the long journey home followed by Murt . It was touch & go whether we could make home( 380 mile round trip )on a single tank so stopped for top up & expresso to keep awake Don’t know how we would manage such a trip in the future with an electric tow car ?
Someone said it was like a Goodwood for Sporting Trials & that was a fair observation . I will probably look to go again another year after all it’s the taking part that matters.
As usual many thanks to my long suffering bouncer Nigel as without his enthusiasm I would probably have stayed at home.
Mike Wevill.
GasGas 250cc Pampera Mk III For Sale
A rare opportunity to acquire a GasGas Pampera Mk III…recognised as one of the best long-distance trials bikes ever made. This bike is genuine one owner from new, and has recorded just over 3000 km. The original rear-wheel sprocket is still in place. It is one of the last two Pampera MkIIIs imported to the UK, and was purchased new from BVM of Stroud.
It is all original, except for Renthal trials bars and grips, nearly-new Pirelli trials tyres, security bolts, KTM handguards, and an Iris O-ring chain. Even the original speedo and indicators are still fitted and working. There is a good quantity of spare parts and consumables with the bike, including original type Vee-Rubber enduro tyres. All documentation is present, including the original bill of sale, handbook, sales brochure, and an information pack.
I’m selling because a Beta X-Trainer has replaced both it and my four-stroke trail bike. There is a small ‘ding’ in the front wheel rim (not a problem at MoT-time), and a small hole in the seat cover over the base. Apart from that, just a few little scrapes and scratches.
These machines only rarely come onto the market now.
Offers around £3000. Call Richard on 07812 402021
Future Events
12/06/2022 Testing / Production Trial at Smithson Farm Kelly.
Lisa Gregory is the entry taker and can be contacted through our facebook community page or you can enter online via the club website .
19/06/2022 Spry Sporting Trial. We have a new venue for this, Higher Frankborough Farm, Broadwoodwidger. Mike Wevill is your contact 01566 784451. Email j.wevill@btsupport.com
10/07/2022 Motor Traders Trial at Waterloo Farm North Petherwin.
MCC 3 Day Trial 24/25/26 June Our club is running hills on Day 2 of this event and as always any offers of marshalling help would be most welcome , contact myself on 07971 249783.
Anyone at a loose end on the 19th of June may want to come along to the Tresmeer Village Hall family treasure hunt. Starting at 2.00pm at the hall, all clues are done using the What 3 Words app, on completion return to the hall for tea and cakes.
So as you can see we are busy planning events for you the members to enjoy, in particular the Testing Trial is one that caters for all age groups in whatever form of vehicle you have, preferably not an electric one (only joking) as one of our Vice President’s Les Connect is yet to be convinced of the concept. Unfortunately his application to the local Council to turn his garage into a giant fuel store was refused, Les was last seen at a hardware shop in Newton Abott buying a pick and shovel with plans to excavate an underground fuel store under the veg plot in the garden.
All for this month, don’t forget to send contributions to billjan299@gmail.com
J.T.
The Results for the Northgate Trial 2022 are now available to download below. The Results are at the break after 16 hills.
Northgate 2022 Results (1048 downloads)<br style=”clear:both;”>
The next Sporting trial is scheduled for Sunday 19th June at a new venue a couple of miles north of Lifton, hope to see you there.
Regs & entry forms will be emailed out but also watch the Website & Facebook.
Mike Wevill Comp Sec
LNCMC
So here we go again, another month has shot past and I’m back on the keyboard. The recent Launceston Trial was very much a success and credit must go to Nigel and the team, we are very lucky to have members in the club who really do their utmost to put on events that everyone enjoys. This enjoyment is under serious threat though, there is a consultation document out at the moment which if it goes the wrong way ours and many other similar sports will be lost forever , we urge everyone to log on to the Defra site and make their point. Tony Ferrari of the Nomad Byway Project has done an excellent you tube video which can be seen on the MCC news of the week explaining how to fill in the form, we only have until the 9th of this month to respond so please do it NOW. You’ll need to copy and paste the link below into your browser…….
https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW9fX1pULUdyUWprbTJ
For simple guidance purposes you can fill in the questions as listed below.
Q1 answer No, Q2 Your name, Q3 your email address, Q4 your region, Q5 If you live in a National Park say so or you can just say “member of the public” , Q6 to 12 can be ignored, Q13 if unsure leave blank, Q14 is very important NO Q15 leave blank or ignore, Q16 NO, Q17 to 25 Ignore, you are now almost done add your e mail address for a response and that’s it you’ve done your bit.
If you have more time, instead of completing the questionnaire, you may wish to email your own personal response to landscapesconsultation@defra.gov.uk.
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Chairman’s Chat
Since the last newsletter the club AGM has been held. I am pleased to report that Warin Kelly was unanimously appointed as a Vice President. Unfortunately our Club President Robin Moore is still in hospital recovering from his recent stroke so was unable to attend. Warin took the chair as, the officers and committee were re-elected.
If the club is to be sustainable there is still a need to have a number of officers from our younger members in the future. Until then us “old timers” will do our best, supported by a committee with representatives from teenagers upwards. Congratulations to our most senior committee member Warin who recently celebrated his birthday, now he is officially an octogenarian and most definitely our most senior committee member!
Our last event was the Launceston Trial, ably run by Nigel and his team. Following some wild weather the previous day we were fortunate to enjoy a dry day for our sport. There was a good sized entry, particularly in the motorcycle classes, and the day was generally enjoyed by all. Thanks particularly to those who turned out to marshal as without you there would be no sport for the competitors, a special mention of thanks must go to Mr Peter Newman the land owner who over the years has been extremely supportive of our club.
If you haven’t already done so please give your views on the government’s consultation about vehicular rights of way. More details on the website “Another attempt to ban trials and green laning : what@s going on?” – the future of much of our sport will depend on this outcome.
In future we hope to have more news about social events, and as before ideas and offers of help are welcome.
Joe Caudle
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Lanson Trial
On the following pages are a few of the photos I took whilst marshalling on the event, It’s a bit tricky marshalling and attempting to photograph a vehicle coming at you particularly when you are unsure of it’s direction ( whether it sticks to the section or heads in your direction). On several occasions I ended up dropping everything hastily in order to move to a safer spot, it’s a wonder my phone survived, then of course I would drop the score sheet in order to give assistance, after which I would be seen walking around the section trying to find the errant paperwork again.
All good fun.
J.T.
Lanson Trial Award winners
Newman Cup (class D) Alan & Patrick Keat
Class award Stephen Kingstone
Novice award Zak Ruby
Class B1 award Sennen Mildren
2nd Class award Ben Benyon
3rd Class award Gavin Hunt
Cycle Bowl Richard Maddern
1st Class award Jon Mildren
Class award Chris Barnicoat
Fulford Cup Ryan Tonkin
Class Award Andrew Martin
1st Class award Philip Thomas
Class award David Haizelden
Class award James Vivian
Class award James Shalcross
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Future Events
On Saturday the 7th of May we have the Northgate Sporting Trial at Ashley Farm Lifton, the regs for this are on the website but you are asked that you send in paper entries (you know that stuff you write on, used to be the thing to do) there will be no online entry for this event. As always marshals are needed so Mike Wevill would love to hear from you 01566 784451.
Werrington Speed Hillclimb. Once again Plymouth Motor Club are hosting this event on Saturday the 30th of April and Sunday 1st of May. They are in need of marshals, no specific marshal licence required and they do give you lunch and a small amount towards fuel costs. Speak to chief marshal Richard Brooks on 07877 004462 or you can e mail him
richbrooks20@gmail.com
They have a full entry list of just under a 100 cars each day ranging from modified production cars to single seat fliers.
Merv’s Lanson Trial Report
After a week of dry weather, we were all set for the 36th Launceston Classic trial. The evening before Richard and I had exchanged the usual texts about where to meet up, as both he and I have to ride to the events as we have no trailer or van. So we agreed at 7:45, plenty of time, and it was a fresh and dry morning, so what could possibly go wrong?
I lead the way and I thought I knew where I was going but unfortunately took a wrong turning and went down to Coryton church before realising we had gone the wrong way, so we turned around. Then I came across an ‘Unsuitable for Motor Vehicles’ Green Lane which I remember from the road trial last year where a couple of local riders were at the bottom of this section and about to go up it but suggested to us that we take the road route as they ‘knew this section. Well, I thought to myself this is a shortcut to the woods and we will go this way …what a mistake that was! I rapidly found myself stuck in a deep gully of broken slate and slurry. With our tyres still at road pressure, and dressed for the early morning commute our only option was to lift the bike out of the rut onto the high ground from where I was able to carry on and get to the top. I waited for Richard, then I waited, and I waited a bit more, and then I thought ‘Ah he must be in trouble!’
I headed off on foot down to the bottom and sure enough he was in the same spot I was. So rinse and repeat, and he went on his way. At this point, I was sweating so much I’ve got my jacket undone, and helmet off, and by the time I walked back to the top I realised I’ve lost a glove, so back down to the bottom once more. By the time I got to the top of the lane for the third time, we both felt we’d already done a day’s trial!
Sweating, flustered even more disorientated, I decided to ask for a drop pin in from my mate Chris, only to find we are about 500 yards from the woods, so we made it down to the yard, signed in, and I got myself a bacon bap.
Good to see loads of riders and lots of familiar faces and I join the queue to start the day chatting away, then Ben suggested my front tire was very low. Oops! I’ve let way too much air out of that one so off back to the van for my pump, back in the queue, and then I realised I’d forgot to protect my
headlight so back to the van again for the foam I usually stick across it as with an older bike these things are hard to find should you break them. So not the start to the morning I had planned, but finally we’re off !!
After a few sections I settled in nicely and hooked up with Chris, just Zach, the youngest entrant, to find now as his Dad, Darren had asked me to look after him Conditions were just absolutely perfect, And all the volunteers and marshals extremely helpful at the beginning of each section. As I wasn’t organised at all and I had forgotten to bring something to attach the map to the front of my bike. Unlike my friend George who was really organised.
Trying to find section 7, we were lost and turned up at 8: the special test; so we had to backtrack quite a way to get to the bottom. The funny thing is Darren had messaged me a week before asking if I wouldn’t mind looking after Zack, as he didn’t want to get lost, but in reality I should’ve been phoning Lisa and Darren to ask if we could ride with him as, once we had found him, he knew where every section was and how to get there without even looking at the map! Although between 7-8 we seem to have lost him probably because he knew where he was going and we didn’t!
The new section 7 Eastcott 1 going up the gully was interesting I like that one.
After completing 8 the special test Mike informed us that Zach hadn’t been through so we decided to wait and at this point it was a good opportunity to strip down and cool off.
Enter the enduro lads.
Not seen these lads before, oh my God they are fast! One amusing thing was the second lad that went through decided to take off at the STOP point and by the time he passed Mike at the START point he was probably doing 40 miles an hour! We were all laughing a lot. That’s a fail then!
Luckily enough Zak appeared next and we had our guide and mentor back. Then Richard turned up, just like us earlier coming up the wrong way looking for section 7
Back to the yard for lunch: coffee and double bacon baps, home-cooked by Chris this time. And a little bit of sunbathing. The section after lunch had the usual queue where many riders were straining their necks to see what
the hold-up was? That will be a deviation then! At this point I then realised I’ve got hardly any fuel left. I’m sure I filled up after the Holsworthy trial, obviously not then.
George kindly offered his services “Go to my van and help yourself Merv. Fill it right up if you want.” Well in today’s money that’s probably about £15! A very generous chap. At the next section Chris said he had some so Zach and I headed off to fill up. I really should be more organised.
If you don’t know me then you might know my bike: it’s an XR400, kickstart only and I could be seen many a time trying to get her started as it’s a bit hit and miss. At section 16 I was trying to fire her up and Chris Barnicoat said that if that was his bike he would be kicking it over the side of the hill. LoL! I think after that comment she actually fired! Although several times that day when at the front of the queue I had to suggest the next in line pass me and take my spot while I kicked away.
Eastcott 2 was interesting I managed to do a bit of filming there and realised hardly anybody got past number two, and looking at the results it even had Richard Maddern. The only person to clear this section was John Mildren. Well done.
On the final section: Up, Over and Beyond; the last-minute decision to change to a deviation caused lots of excitement and was a good move. However this was probably one of the worst episodes of my bike not starting and I was actually getting out of breath, there were various comments coming from behind me from the Enduro lads.
The one stuck in my mind was “You should have a grease nipple fitted to your hip ‘cause you’re gonna wear that out!”
That one got me laughing !! she eventually fired up, I raised my arms to the sky and the lads cheered from behind. This was the last section and I filmed a few of us coming up, but that deviation got a lot of victims.
Well that’s it what a fantastic day we had, the weather was absolutely stunning and I would like to thank land owner, club and all the volunteers for making this a truly awesome day. Time now to head home and make a list of what to bring and do for next time to be more organised. Although you probably guessed it I’ll have forgotten by then.
See you on the next one.
all the best, Mervyn Brown
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Tailpiece
Not too much to report from the garage this month other than that I treated the Dellow to a shiny new Crown Wheel & Pinion as the old one was getting a bit noisy after the Exeter trial so it’s fingers crossed for the Land’s End, and yes I did it by crawling around on the floor instead of using my shiny new scissor lift, Hey ho. All for this month J.T.
Newsletter contributions to billjan299@gmail.com
And the good news is……
I have just been speaking to Robin’s daughter Maria who tells me that he is now home from hospital and making steady progress, he’s still doing a couple of trips to the hospital for therapy etc each week but as with these type of illnesses it’s one step at a time. Give him a few weeks and he’ll be back to his Zumba classes, the man’s a fighter!
Everyone in the club wishes him well. J.T.
For Sale
This is my biggest mistake for some time and a somewhat expensive one at that, but it will make a few people smile.
Automotech Car Scissor lift, allows you to raise the vehicle up to 1300mm high yet lays very flat when not in use lifts 2800kg. I bought this for working on the Dellow but because of the shape of the Dellow chassis (being “A” shaped) it is a struggle, so as yet it hasn’t even had a car on it. I paid just under £1,800 for it a couple of weeks ago will take £1,500 J.T. 07971 249783 More photos are available.
We now have the final results for the Ron Beer Sporting Trial 2021. Congratulations to Roland Uglow for winning the event.
Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club would like to thank all competitors and marshals for making it a great day. We hope to see you all again next year.
Ron Beer 2021 Results (1179 downloads)It’s all happening , just had the David Ayers trial, in a couple of weeks we have the Tamar trial but before the Tamar many people will be getting ready to go “up north” for the MCC Edinburgh trial, yes the one which basically concentrates on Derbyshire, but Edinburgh is only a few miles up the road to a racing pigeon.
Hopefully by next weekend the latest barmy blot of the “fuel crisis” that isn’t will have eased and everyone will be able to concentrate on the event and not where they can fill up next. I am marshalling on Haydale, I theoretically have a chance to get a few hours sleep as I don’t have to be on section until 3.45am, luxury.
It was a feeling of “we’ve finally got there” when the clubs exhibition opened in the pop up museum, well worth a visit, it’s closed Sundays and Mondays but open the rest of the week, last entry is 4.00pm. There is everything from live rolling film to fully dressed manikins of what the best dressed trailers wore/wear and lots of interesting memorabilia, one of our committee members has already been twice to have a look , he’s impressed.
“””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” Forthcoming Events
Sunday the 17th of October is the Tamar Classic road trial, this is probably our biggest event, it takes a lot of organising by the team and will require a considerable number of marshals, if you are able to help in any way please contact Nigel 07902 542798, go on give him a call.
Sunday the 21st of November is pencilled in for the Ron Beer sporting trial, I haven’t heard too much about it yet but as far as I know it will be at Ashleigh Farm, Lifton.
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Now over to our Club President Robin Moore
The Ramblings of RHTM. Part 6 of the Graham Paige Story
As I mentioned at the beginning of this story, as purchased, the Graham was remarkably sound in all departments , and I had no reason to think that any item might be non original , and I never met anyone who may have questioned this. When I was able to see my old car a few years later I found otherwise. I knew that Derek Adams had placed it in a museum, and when I next clapped eyes on XV4512 and was delighted with what I found.
It was after attending the VSCC Welsh Trial a few years later that Marjorie and I stayed on for a few days after the event, as we often did, and we headed for the Garrison Theatre at Pembroke Dock. The auditorium had been turned into a small private car museum,- a far cry from the days of it’s use as a theatre providing relaxation from the rigours of WW2for those on coastal command who were based at Pembroke Dock. We discovered the museum was closed, but on making judicious enquiries at a small shop nearby we discovered a young lad who had the key whilst the owners were away. The owners, whose name eludes me at the moment, were away on a pilgrimage to France to pay homage and be with the people who had witnessed and been so kind and helpful when their son had tragically lost his life in a motoring accident the previous year. Having established our credentials we walked the short distance to the museum and to be let in and allowed to view our old motor car. I was truly amazed to find that it had been given a face lift in Derek Adam’s hands and was once again as Dr Flower would have been when attracted to the car on the 1928 motor show.
The car was now as originally presented and I was able to appreciate it that much more. There had been a number of items that had been missing or changed during my ownership, but I had been none the wiser. I suspect that Derek Adams had realized that a number of items were missing and assume he sourced these parts from the States,- probably not too difficult at the time. I noticed a number of small items such as the plug for the starting handle hole at the bottom of the radiator for example,- I hadn’t ever given this a thought. But the most striking thing which immediately struck me was that the wheels had been re-painted. During my time with the car the wheels had always been a pale green colour, where as now they were correctly painted in an Ivory shade to match the colour of the metal instrument panel set in the centre of the full width wooden dash. Also most striking was the addition of the correct bumpers,- the Yanks call them fenders,- and I must say this really set the car off in my eyes. All was now as it should be, I came away a happy man. The museum closed many years ago, and where the Graham resides I know not. I do know that Derek Adams died a number of years ago.
RHTM to be continued,
Ed I just did a quick DVLA search and the last tax due date was 1st January 1998. Last logbook issued (V5) 4th Feb 2019
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The newsletter continues to be a vital part of keeping you all in touch with the club so thanks to JT for reminding me that it is due out shortly.
Hopefully you are now all aware that the new Lawrence House Pop-Up museum is open at the Merchant House, 11a High Street (opposite the Co-Op in Launceston town centre. The exhibition celebrates the Dunheved Motor Club, North Cornwall Motor Club and subsequently Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club’s Centenary. It tells the story of our club and includes the many characters who have enjoyed their motorsport and contributed to our success and longevity. You can also discover the stories behind many of our trophies. It is currently open most days except Sunday.
Recently the David Ayers Trophy Trial was a very successful BTRDA Championship Trials Formula competition. It was good to see Andy Wilks winning the main award as he and his family have supported this event for many years. Congratulations also go to to Nigel Shute the winner of the Frank Ayers Trophy and to Colin Flashman for his class win. Thanks must go to Warin, Mike Wevill and all the volunteers who enabled this event that began in 1963 to continue to be one of the best on the calendar.
Last week I went to the Goodwood Revival historic motor racing with Andy Prosser. It was a privilege to be part of the tribute to Sir Stirling Moss It included 3 laps round the circuit behind Jenson Button in a Jaguar XK120 chauffeured Andy Smith in his FIA MGB that Stirling drove in the Pirelli Marathon in 1992, his last competitive rally, winning his third ALPINE CUP.
Our club’s next event is the Tamar trial and the organising committee are working hard under the leadership of Pete Cooper to ensure that it is a success. They really do need marshals to enable all sections to be included as planned so if you, your family, or friends are available please let us know as soon as possible.
On a purely personal note I would like to wish Simon Oates and John Werren good luck for the Edinburgh Trial. Simon has certainly developed and drives Torum well After they won best car on the MCC John Aley Summer Trial I wished there was a constructor’s award! Andy Prosser and I finished building the car in 1997 and it has seen a lot of competition since then but never had such outright success before.
Yours in motorsport
Joe Caudle
Visit to Prescott Speed Hill Climb. by Andy Prosser
Sunday 4th September found me at Prescott, near Cheltenham, watching my first ever hill climb. Well, I say first, but I suppose technically that was many years ago as I did once sneak in to the hill climb at Werrington Park briefly, just over the road from where I live. So, what finally got me to go to Prescott? Two things really, one it has the reputation of being one of the best hills in the country and also my friend Mike Turpin was competing there in his Vauxhall VX220. This is a car that was originally built for rallycross and which I did a lot of work on, from fabricating and setting up all the suspension, to sorting racing brakes, installing the engine and transmission, fitting variable rate electric power steering and numerous other modifications. The car is fitted with a 2.2 litre supercharged engine built by Martin Bowyer, producing around 400 horse power and a 6 speed Sadev sequential, flat shift gearbox. Having done some work on this gearbox I can honestly say it’s a work of art, everything is beautifully machined and the gears and associated parts would look good on any mantelpiece (although my wife probably wouldn’t agree).
I have lost count of how many rallycross meetings I have been to throughout the UK and Ireland looking after Mikes cars, going back to the end of his Metro 6R4 days in which he won the British Rallycross championship in 1993, through many years where he was highly successful in his space framed Vauxhall Nova and then the VX. Mike had only campaigned the VX in rallycross for a couple years when he felt that all the travelling and damage from other cars was taking the fun out of it, so around 10 years ago decided to move to hill climbing. He has been very successful with it, winning the Midland Hill Climb championship several times. His move to hill climbing meant, barring major driver error (which is virtually unheard of with Mike) that little mechanical support at meetings would be needed. This, together with a change of job for me, entailing a huge amount of travelling, meant I really didn’t have the need or the time to go along anymore so this was the first time I saw the VX in action at a hill climb.
Mike’s VX220 – pretty don’t you think?
Two cooling systems, one for the engine and one for the hard-working supercharger.
So, what was is it like at Prescott? I have to say it is a superb venue in a fantastic setting and the weather was perfect too. The hill itself is 1127 yards long and rises over 200 feet (it’s great after Brexit that we can use imperial measures again!). For those who maybe don’t know, it is owned by the Bugatti owners club, having been bought in 1937 to enable a few wealthy friends to have somewhere to race, having apparently been barred from racing at some of the other venues they’d been using due to making too much noise. These days a huge variety of cars compete from virtually standard road cars, rally cars, historic cars, through home-built specials to out and out hill climb single seaters and not forgetting Bugatti type 51’s! The acceleration of the top cars is amazing, achieving over 100 mph in the first 100 yards or so. The course record had been set by Sean Gould in his, yes Gould, in 2019 with a time of 35.41 seconds. However, Wallace Menzies achieved a new hill record of 35.12 seconds in the qualifiers in his 3.3 litre Gould. In the run off, you could see it was going to be an amazing run, Menzies was totally on it everywhere, the braking points were perfect and he seemed to be able to get on the power sooner than anyone else, plus the car goes like hell. He smashed the record with a time of 34.65 seconds, ½ a second quicker than his previous run, a truly astonishing performance and a privilege to be there to see. Before the run his crew were even using a hot air gun and paint scraper to get a new clean surface on the tyres – that’s what you call car preparation! Huge congratulations to him and his team.
Oh, and how did Mike do? Second in class to a 3.8 litre Porsche driven by a guy who I believe owns around ten Porsches and who had been racing at LeMans in one the week before. Apparently when someone asked him what his favourite track was, he thought about it for a while and then said “Daytona” – playing in a different league perhaps?
So why don’t I do hill climbing? Unfortunately, I suffer with motion sickness, a problem with my ears I think, so after experiencing the “g” forces of cornering and braking on one run up the hill I am sure I would be parking my breakfast as well as my car in the paddock! I’ll just have to stick to trialling, a much more sedate form of motorsport.
What a lovely pair of Bugatti Type 51s.
Single seater anyone?
Now that’s what I call a front wing!
Wallace Menzies front wheel, functional, art or pornography – you decide!
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DAVID AYERS TRIAL 2021
On Sunday 12th September the Launceston & North Cornwall Motor Club organised the David Ayers Sporting Trial at Marshgate, by kind permission of the Langley family.
The event attracted 16 competitors from as far as Yorkshire , Shropshire & the Midlands because it was a round in both the MotorSport UK & BTRDA National Championships.
The conditions were ideal after heavy rain in the week but rain holding off on the day.
The event was closely contested but lunchtime leader Andy Wilks just held off local clubmember Colin Flashman (Blue class winner) to win by just 6 points taking the David Ayers Trophy. Local drivers John Fack & Alan Murton finished 3rd & 4th respectively.
Nigel Shute was into the silverware by winning the Frank Ayers Trophy in the clubman class.
Many thanks as usual to the marshals & organisers.
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Tailpiece……………
Back in the late 40’s , early 50’s when the Dellow was originally designed/constructed it was basically a simple car, starting with an Austin 7 chassis and soon followed by a chassis of their own design. Running gear was also simple , using a Ford 1172cc sidevalve engine, 3 speed gearbox and back axle that could be found in any junk yard under a Ford “Pop” body. In fact it was so simple that many special builders latched on to copy this design. Simple. NO IT’S NOT, if it’s simple why won’t my blooming Dellow start ?
To explain, on the day of the David Ayers trial I drove in it out to Marshgate, spent a happy day marshalling and drove home again , put it in the garage. The following Wednesday I have to go to Plymouth in the afternoon, so I say to Vivien I’ll take the Dellow after all it’s a nice day. Just before lunch I open the garage, start the car and park it outside, switch off , go in and have a sandwich. Return to car, switch on and it refuses to start, I then spend 10 minutes tinkering with it all to no avail, push car back in garage and trundle off to Plymouth in the campervan.
On my return I grudgingly remove the bonnet to further my knowledge of non starting cars, to date my knowledge of non starting cars has been greatly expanded because a week and a half later the bloody thing still refuses anything more than a heavy smokers cough. When fault finding it is all too easy to jump in at the deep end and overlook the obvious so I have tried to be methodical in my process.
Having removed the distributor cap I noticed a spark coming from a low tension wire, got it thinks I, replace wire (even with additional sleeving) attempt to start, will it start? NO!
Next fit my in line spark checker to check good spark, yes, lovely spark, go off to scratch head and various other bits of anatomy whilst battery is recharging – will it start? NO!
Next check fuel supply , fine , mop up fuel from garage floor. Will it start? NO!
Next remove number 1 plug that way I can see if valves are closed properly on compression whilst rotor arm is approaching correct firing position, all good. But will it start NO!
I am now beginning to run short of ideas, Next – replace rotor arm, throw money at it by fitting 4 brand new plugs, still no joy.
Maybe there’s a fault with the supercharger, disconnect inlet from charger, remove inlet manifold, replace with original twin carbs, recharge battery, nope engine is fully paid up member of “Dodo” fan club.
The car carries two HT coils, both giving the same result, get another one from cupboard, fit, same result. No Start!
Is it an earth problem? Fit additional earth wire from engine to chassis, you’ve guessed it, NO!
The only simple item not be replaced is the dizzy cap because as it turns out the spare one I have been carrying for the last 4 years isn’t compatible. Order new one and in the meantime recharge battery again . The saga continues……
Bumper edition this month so thanks to all contributors, certainly makes the job easier, will have to hold the scooter ride article off to next month. J.T.
billjan299@gmail.com for contributions
Please see attached the provisional results from Sunday.
Motor Traders 2021 Results (1356 downloads)
We hope you enjoyed the day – our next Production Car event is the Testing Trial on 22nd August, more details to follow soon.
Our next sporting trial is the Spry Trial on the 25th of July. The regs and entry form are on the website.
I’ve been caught out, Robin sent in his ramblings on time so no excuses I have to knuckle down and get this month’s offering done. The club’s Launceston Trial was just over a week ago, with thanks to Nigel, Simon, Pete and the team, not only for a great day out but also for organising the weather, it was lovely. The rain a few days before the event got the sections in prime condition, on the day it was just what we wanted, sun, and a lovely laid back atmosphere. The new regulations for car competitors to sign on electronically and the same for MSUK marshals meant that on the day it was merely getting the marshals to sign on for the bikes and for the motorcycle competitors to sign on, much easier.
Although there were 13 non starters we still had 50 competitors battling it out on the day, The Fulford cup was won by Ryan Tonkin, the Cycle Bowl went to Richard Maddern. What was very interesting is that Roger Ashby’s sidevalve powered Coates Opthera came a close 2nd to Ryan, good to see a classic old style special in the mix for the points. To say that this event appealed to all ages is almost an under statement, with the youngest competitor being 11 years old and the eldest in his mid 80’s you could say there was something for everyone. The day ended on time and by around 5.00pm all the organising crew were exiting the woods allowing the tame Ferret to once again roam in peace.
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So now it’s over to our club President Robin Moore. The Ramblings of RHTM. Part 2 of the Graham Paige story.
And so it was, on a dry but overcast day a few weeks later, I left Trefrew to collect the Graham Paige from Somerset. I walked the mile to Camelford station to catch the first up-train of the day at 9.10 travelling the Southern line to Yeovil junction, where I picked up the short link to Yeovil Pen Mill, and so to reach the GWR line to Castle Cary. All this journey hauled by steam locomotives, apart from the link which was diesel.
Mr Norris was there to meet me when I arrived at Castle Cary, with the Graham Paige standing outside awaiting its new owner. Mr Norris drove the short distance to Castle Cary explaining one or two things that I needed to be aware of. I was surprised to discover this 1928 motorcar had a steering lock activated manually by key , and fitted on the inner side of the steering column near to the dashboard. Instructions and advice was minimal and soon dealt with , and I immediately set off to drive the 115 miles back to Cornwall with confidence, more faith than sense comes to mind, but youth knows no bounds. Surprisingly I had no problem, and trepidation turned to confidence. On reaching Honiton I stopped in the High Street for refreshment at a café.
Having satisfied the inner man I came out to find a gentleman waiting by my car, patiently waiting for the owner to appear. It was my first acquaintance with Colin Shears, who was later to assemble the large collection of commercial passenger transport vehicles homed at the old wartime airfield at Winkleigh, and subsequently the mecca for enthusiasts on the annual open days weekend.
“Mr Shears ,- did I wish to sell my motorcar, adding that he would very much like to buy it”. “ Mr Moore, thinking there’s nothing wrong with a quick profit, and the time to sell is when someone wishes to buy, I replied thanking him for his interest, and no, I didn’t wish to sell,- I’ve only just bought the car, and haven’t reached home yet.” I suppose it’s not every day that one would find a Graham Paige parked in Honiton High St. I eventually reached home safely, and the old girl never missing a beat.
Now those of you who are connoisseurs in the old car movement, will have already noted from the picture of XV 4512 in last month’s newsletter, that this car was not of the standard offering of Graham Paige Motors Ltd, of Brixton Rd, London SW9 1929-1931 . These American automobiles would normally have the standard pressed steel saloon bodies, whereas XV has Mulliner Weymans coachwork, (Not to be confused with HJ Mulliner). The Mulliner Weyman firm patented the use of graphited linen placed between the wooden joints of the coachwork to eliminate squeaks which often became a problem over a period of time. I only discovered at a later date that a chassis had been supplied to Mulliner for them to showcase the work, and the car that I had purchased had been exhibited on their stand at the 1928 London (Olympia) Motor Show as an example of what could be offered by this renowned firm.
The fabric covered coachbuilt body was finished inside with a top quality leather hide throughout, with the front bucket seats able to be adjusted to recline by straps with buckles fitted, each side of the base. This early type of reclining seat was to be found on other prestige coachwork of the period. The large squab of the rear seat was generously filled with best “down” feathers.
I later, had the good fortune to meet a gentleman named Bill Vaux and his father. These two gents resided in Ilchester in a large house with a motor house attached in which their cherished giant chain driven cars resided, yes, there were two housed there , and both in pristine condition. We had made arrangements to visit, and Marjorie and I were invited in and found ourselves in a large room where Mr Vaux senior was seated by a very large circular table on which was displayed a fabulous collection of antique paper weights and other small collectables of great value. My wife spied a small glass with a handle on it and intrigued as to what it was. Mr Vaux told her that it was a custard glass.
When I originally discovered the Graham Paige, Mr Norris had told me that the car had been purchased new by the late Dr Flowers a Somerset GP, and from whom Mr Norris had purchased when the doctor replaced it with another car, Mr Norris using the Graham as a hackney carriage until replaced by the Austins. It was on meeting Bill Vaux which later led to us meeting at his Ilchester home, that I was able to meet Dr Flowers widow, for Bill Vaux was a personal friend and able to introduce me to the lady.
Mrs Flowers lived with a companion in a house at East Coker, and Marjorie and I were able to visit her subsequent to our meeting the Vaux’s at Ilchester.I remember as a very charming lady who was very interested to learn about our acquisition of her late husband’s old car. She (Mrs Flowers) was still driving herself, her car being a P3 post war Rover 12. I return to Ilchester and our meeting with Bill Vaux and his father. As we prepared to leave after having had a lengthy conversation of mutual interest, Mr Vaux senior rose from his chair, picked up the custard glass and turned to my dear wife Marjorie, and said, “I would like you to have this my dear”,- I’m sure readers can imagine the rest, but I can tell you, this gift was very much treasured and became, Marjorie’s sherry glass for the rest of her life on God’s Good Earth. RHTM To be continued.
Future Events
11th of July is the Motor Traders Trial, a single venue event for cars to be held at Waterloo Farm, North Petherwin by kind permission of the Werring family, reg’s should soon be on the website.
25th of July is the date set for the Spry Sporting Trial, venue to be confirmed.
Marshals will be needed for both events please, to sign on as a marshal go to the club website and click “event entry” and it will follow through .
Now that we are nearing getting back to hopefully having face to face meetings we are endeavouring to organise the club AGM, once we have the green light and a venue booked it will be announced.
The Centenary planning is coming along well, we have the town square booked for a static display and most of the display boards for the Lawrence House Museum are now completed, all in all it should be a good un, once all is finalised we will be making a full announcement.
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Found on section 2 at the Launceston Trial, a rechargeable LED torch, slightly muddy but still appears to work.(Only driven over a few times) If you have lost it get in touch with the Ed and we will somehow get it back to you.
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The garage is fairly quiet at the moment with just a bit of two wheel fettling, the Dellow is getting the occasional run out to gradually run it in and at the time of writing it’s probably the best it’s been for some time, mustn’t get too confident though , it has a habit of biting you just when you drop your guard. I have been keeping my eye on the Dellow page on facebook where there are a couple of absolutely beautiful restorations taking place, when these cars hit the road they will probable look better than when they originally left Dellow Motors, I think it’s the grandad’s shovel approach.
All for this month J.T. contributions to billjan299@gmail.com
