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Burnham-On-Sea Motor Club

60TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

BOS - Steering Column Anniversary Newsletter – September 2013

Dear Members

Editor’s ramblings

60 years young. Wow, we should all be very proud of what the Club has become and achieved over the last 60 years and survives even when some of the big high street names have succumbed to the current financial climate. Still, we shouldn’t be complacent. The members are the lifeblood of such a relatively small club and without them and the many volunteers (who rarely get a mention by name) the situation would be completely different, I’m sure.

So what did you all think of the Birthday party?? There was obviously a great effort by many to make the day one to remember with faces old and new and a couple of display cars as well I hear. But really, what did YOU think. Feedback from members on an occasion such as this is invaluable to your Committee as it provides information on what went well and also, more importantly, not so well, so we can make the 65th celebration one to remember. Please send in your comments via your committee members.

Apart from the Birthday Party, what else is there to look forward to over the remainder of the season??Well for the sprinters, there is the Pegasus Sprint (19th October) and that is the last event of the season.Apart from the physical stuff, we have the second Natter and Noggin on October the 30th at the Red Cow, Brent Knoll, which is a Wednesday this time to accommodate those who aren’t able to make Monday nights, and of course the famous annual Christmas Quiz on Friday December the 6th. Lots of other events such as talks, a Scalextric night and plenty of winter events to get out and marshal on.

The Club Championships are close despite the hero of the season, Anthony Wright, gaining many credible class wins this year and finishing second overall in the ASWMC hillclimb championship. Anthony is closely followed by Mr Stiles (the younger) in second place.For the Rally enthusiasts, our Chairman is running away with the Club Championship for the navigator category, currently 13 points ahead of his closest rival, with just the Regency Stages Rally to go at Shepton Mallet showground.

For exact dates for the events, please refer to the Calendar further in the newsletter.

I am extremely conscious that it is only the hillclimb, sprint and rally participants who are regularly mentioned. I’m sure there are other classes in which our Members compete in which are not so well documented and I would be pleased to hear from them, if not just to promote their particular branch of motorsport. Please send me any information which I can publish, even if it is a brief synopsis and, perhaps, a few photographs. While I cannot promise to publish your article in the next newsletter, you can be assured that it will be retained for forthcoming issues.

I re-iterate, please provide us with feedback on any event which we run or even the newsletter itself. If we are perceived to be lacking in any area, we would rather know about it.

Further in this issue, we have some articles relating to the recent drainage modifications at Wiscombe, Rally Scrutineering, a birthday poem and the usual schedules of events and competition standings.

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS SPECIAL EDITION.


60th Anniversary Celebrations, Sanders Garden World 7th July 2013.Motor Club Nonsense

“We wondered if you would cut the cake?You are the President’s wife,It will be quite an informal affair and Matt will provide the knife.You see the Motor Club is 60 and we’re having a bit of a do,

The Andy Simm Memorial Classic followed by a cream tea…well, just for a few.”So came the day, the sun did shine and by golly it was hot, The classic cars assembled and looked such a handsome lot. We cruised through idyllic villages, along green and leafy lanes, Passed beautiful stone manor houses, drove over moor lands wide and plain.

We gradually arrived at Sanders where an English cream tea awaited Along with some Motor Club members from days that go undated. Memories were shared and exchanged whilst appetites were satedAnd Chairmen past and present gathered with friends, as the tea our thirst abated.

The ages of those present ranged from the 80s down to 13 weeks,Photographs of past events provided fading memories with gentle tweaks.But soon with speeches over it was time to cut the cake,A wonderful example from Wendy Ellis of how to bake and decorate.

With a Buncombe standing on one side of me and my husband on the otherI managed to cut the Motor Club cake, all without too much bother.Then all too soon the day was over, the celebrations drew to an endOnly the packing up to do then homeward bound we could wend.So as I went home (Wimbledon final to see), I thank you Burnham on Sea Motor Club, a great day (and for cutting the cake) – FOR ASKING ME!!

Thanks to Jane Warren for this fine contribution


The Presidents wife Jane Warren cuts the cake, with husband Dave on her right and club founding members son Jonathan Buncombe to her left.

Chairman Matt has a few words….

Which seemed to go down well.

Everyone enjoying a bit of shade and a cream tea.


Natalie Gilbert’s Ex works mini. A fantastic car steeped in History.

Jonathan Buncombe’s historic HRG (above & below)

A nice mix of old and new vehicles.


A HISTORIC DAY OUT

Here follows a personal review of events surrounding the Anniversary weekend through the eyes of our Chairman Matt Isaac.

Despite the hard work, loads of paperwork and hundreds of emails, it was great fun being a part of the organising team who put on this year’s Tour and anniversary party. At the time of the event it washed over me generally, but in the following days it sunk in that I played a small part in quite a historic day. It may sound a little over dramatic, but when you think………..60 years, that’s a long time to keep any club going, just with a dedicated committee of an ever changing group of enthusiasts, all giving hundreds of hours of free time to keep its members entertained.Yes, things are difficult and a bit slow at the moment, but for sure they would have been many times in the past as well, and possibly worse. Think of the restrictions and disruption during the foot and mouth outbreaks!But I believe we are a strong club, and we will do our best to make it stronger and continue for many years to come.Here is my little story of the events which unfolded on the 6th of July.You never know just how much work is involved in anything, until you have a go yourself. Having taken on the role of secretary, seemed an easy task to carry out. Entry forms go out, entry forms come back, make list of entrants, give them roadbook and rally plate on day, and send them off. Easy Peasy. Was I in for a shock?Not a day passed when I didn’t think of something else which needed doing, from minor tasks like tweaks to entry forms or roadbooks, to suddenly remembering larger oversights or more equipment which would be needed on the day.As with all clubs, and I keep emphasising this, it was a team effort. No matter how big a task may lie ahead of you there is always another club member close at hand to assist and advise. As this event was a first for me, on this scale, I really did need plenty of help. I’m sure a few people dreaded my inevitable phone call, text or email, asking ‘where this comes from’, ‘how do we do that’ and ‘who do I have to see for this’, but they always responded and pointed me in the right direction.Of course, there are always a few areas that will be out of your control. One area for instance was applying for the event permit, but as soon as I asked our competition secretary the procedure, he just said ‘leave it with me’ and I knew the job was in good hands. Also liaising with the Glastonbury town council regarding the use of the car park as a start venue. Before I even realised we would need permission, Chris already had a letter from them, giving us the ok.A huge amount of advertising was done for the event, mainly in the form of getting to start and finish locations of other tours in the area, and handing out flyers. It’s the sort of event though which posters don’t work for. Most general public aren’t that bothered unless they’re ‘into that scene’. But despite our efforts, whilst we had a reasonable entry, we were hoping for more. I believe at that time of the year there are so many tours taking place in the area, as our event was one of the later ones, people had had enough by then and probably done one or two, or even three and felt that was enough. However it was more than enough to run the event successfully, and so we pressed on.

Sunday 7 th July 2013

I woke early, around 6am. I knew this was going to be a busy and very hot day.A quick breakfast, loaded up the last few bits and bobs of equipment and paperwork, and set off over to Glastonbury ready to meet everyone.I arrived at 8am in the start point car park, and to a perfect morning. Absolute peace and quiet. Already warm, but just right, as the sun gradually crept up over the tallest buildings surrounding the car park, and started to bathe the west side buildings of the square and Abbey Tea rooms in its fresh orange daylight, where we would soon all be enjoying our bacon butty breakfasts.Entrants soon started to arrive, and my assistant, Keith, and I signed them on, and distributed the all-important tour packs.As the steady flow of wonderful cars trickled in, the growing numbers of people became more interest, as well as several passers-by who were up enjoying the stunning start to the day. By 9am the town was starting to come alive, with lots of activity, including a couple of busloads of visitors to the area, some of which who took an interest in our little gathering.


Breakfasts were eaten and teas and coffees consumed by the forty odd entrants, and at 9.30am Anthony Isaac led the tour away in his Mark 1 Escort. We later heard that it wasn’t long before a few of the lead cars got into a bit of a muddle, and following each other around like lost sheep, took a while to get their bearings and set off on the correct route. But more stories were to follow later in the day. Chris House kindly offered to ‘bring up the rear’ in case anyone had breakdowns or got really lost.And so, after seeing Chris away and following all of the expected entrants, plus a few last minute additions, Keith and I loaded up the van and called over for a quick breakfast, and thanked Mary for her very kind services for another year, before setting off back to Sanders.We arrived around 11am, and set to work with several more volunteers, preparing the marquee, putting club flags up on site, as well as the fluorescent arrows guiding people in to our allocated area, and then setting up tables and chairs when they had been collected, and arrived from various locations. By now it was incredibly hot, even in the shade of the marquee, and with little breeze it only made things more uncomfortable.The cake was in place, air ambulance volunteers had arrived and set up a lovely table of gifts to purchase, and some pin boards with very informative leaflets and posters advertising the charity and how it works. Sanders staff, as arranged, came over to prepare for their first ever outside catering job. The cream teas and other refreshments were definitely needed in the heat, and they did a fantastic job of serving up all the scones, with ice cold cream, butter and jam from buckets of ice in very demanding conditions, but everyone commented how nice the spread was.The first car returned alarmingly soon, at around 11.30am. We were not expecting anyone back until around 12 noon or later, expecting people to stop for a drink or break along the way. Unfortunately we soon learnt that Natalie and Kris in the works Mini had suffered running issues due to the extreme temperatures, and shortly after their arrival, a few other competitors limped in with similar problems. Anthony’s Escort suffered brake fade and front end ‘rumbling’. The heat was certainly taking its toll. However as more crews made it back to us at the finish, even the few who got a little lost, seemed to agree that it was a great little route, with a few tricky sections, but very enjoyable.Meanwhile, our Sanders site was gradually filling with a very interesting array of classic, modern and even historic cars. This bought many interested members of the public over from the Sanders shop, who were able to enjoy the gathering, and chat to the committee and club members to learn more about the club.I’m not a great public speaker, but with help from some more experienced committee members, I was able to put together a little speech to mark the 60th anniversary occasion, including a few laughs along the way. Followed by a few words from Uncle Pete Isaac as well, who introduced Jonathan Buncombe, as son of the clubs founder members, and our president’s wife, Jane Warren, to cut the cake at this historic mark in the club’s history.The cream teas were going down a treat, and all the tour crews made it back without major issues, but the heat by mid-afternoon was almost too much. After everyone had received their birthday cake, they gradually started to depart, all seemingly very happy with the day’s events. The team of committee and volunteers started to pack up the site and load into vans, horse boxes! And trailers, and with plenty of help this didn’t take long at all.And so, to the next ten years. Who knows what that may bring, and what faces we’ll see on the committee? Not sure what the main event will be, but we’ve got a while to think about that one and work on an action plan. Hopefully our current members will still continue to support us, and celebrate the 70th when it arrives, but for now I’d like to thank those of you who attended and helped in any way to make it another memorable milestone for the club.

Best wishes.

Matt (chairman)


Social Events Update by Pete Isaac

Please see the next pages for the current schedule of events.

In all cases, if you have any queries on this information, please contact Pete directly:-

205A Berrow Road, Burnham on Sea, Somerset TA8 2JG – 01278 786377 or 07734 887726 or [email protected] .

Anyone Fancy a chat ???

Hello all, I hope you’re all having a great Summer, and you’re getting plenty of motorsport action in, whether it’s classic tours, championship speed events or marshalling. But it is with regret I have to inform you all that .................yes, the nights are drawing in rapidly and the temperatures are cooling.So there’s only one thing for it. Who’s up for a good old chit chat, or, often referred to as Noggin and Natter. Call it what you will, I definitely think it’s a great way of getting together as often as you like, for a very informal gossip about anything you like. Any subjects you want to cover i.e. work (yes, some people do actually have very interesting jobs, which may be of use to YOU), holidays, motorsport or any other category you may wish to mention.Let’s see how much interest we can get, and between Pete Isaac (social secretary) and myself (chairman), we’ll find some venues, to suit some mid-way locations and see what we can come up with.We don’t want to go down the road of projectors and huge white screens (unless anyone particularly wants to drag their own gear out), but I may bring a laptop and mid-sized flat screen TV just to show a few pics on, but that is really down to the individual.So I just need to know, who’s up for it, when you want to meet and where you are so we can find a central point to meet, unless anyone has a venue in mind. No reason why we couldn’t use a pub lounge (quiet) bar or function room. Please just ask their permission first, although most seem more than happy to get people through the door.So, thanks in advance everyone. Let’s have a laugh and get to meet each other a bit better over the autumn and winter, and see what we can come up with.The format is very simple and flexible for now. We will try and meet at the Red Cow at Brent Knoll to start with, for about 7.30pm, but really, whatever time you can make. Turn up and chat about absolutely anything you fancy! And that’s about it. No formalities, no costs except for a pint (and bowl of chips if you’re a bit peckish), and just meet everyone for a gossip. If anyone does fancy bringing along anything to talk about, bits of cars (name that part competition?), photos, magazines etc. etc., then please feel free.We’ve got an area of the bar booked for the meet, to sit quite a few, with the option of the skittle alley if numbers (or car parts) increase.We also want to hear YOUR ideas. Where else you’d like to meet, different venues, different nights of the week and how often, and ideas for bigger social events which your committee can go away and plan. We could have themed evenings, and could include proper talks if anyone has a particular hobby or interest. Got any interesting family members or friends? And don’t forget to bring along whoever you like. We will warmly welcome anyone, club member or not.So get your thinking caps on, and the social team look forward to greeting you on Monday. If you can’t make it, just drop me a line and a preferred time and date, and we’ll see what can be arranged for next time. Details will appear on the website, and Facebook and of cource will be emailed to you.

Best wishes,Matt Isaac (Chairman)

mailto:[email protected]


B-o-S MC Events Calendar 2013/14

Event Date/Time Arrangements CommentsAriel Atom Works, Crewkerne TBC Own transport/Car Share.

Please confirm ASAP in order that levels of interest and costs can be determined.Places limited to 15. Dependent on numbers, costs between £12 - £15 per head.

Contact Pete Isaac 01278 786377 or 07734 887726 or [email protected]

Whatley Quarry (Hansons), Nr Frome

TBC Own transport/Car Share.Please confirm ASAP in order that levels of interest and costs can be determined.Places limited to 15.


Bristol Port Company, Portbury Docks

TBC Coach only.Please confirm ASAP in order that levels of interest and costs can be determined.


Noggin and NatterThe Red Cow, Brent Knoll

30th October 2013 Own transport

Contact Matt Isaac 01934 750467 or 07799 065825 Or [email protected]

Castle Combe Pegasus Sprint

19th October, 2013

http://bristolpegasus.com/events-calendar/

Wales Rally GB 14th-17th November 2013

www.rallygb .com

Great Bustard Endurance Rally

30th November 2013

www.greatbustardrally .co.uk Contact C House (01458 833348) or [email protected]

Wiscombe clear up 30th November 2013

Own transport to Wiscombe hillclimb venue

An evening with Dave Franklin. Talk by Dave November 20th Own transport. Batch country Hotel, Lympsham. 7.30 for 8pm start


Exeter trial 1AM Sat 4th January 2014

Own transport to the Core hill stage (down behind the Hare and Hounds pub, in the middle of a forest, near Wiscombe)

Contact Dave Pearce on 01458 253756 or [email protected]


http://www.greatbustardrally/

http://www.rallygb/

http://bristolpegasus.com/events-calendar/


Event Date/Time Arrangements Comments

Le Jog 7th-10th December 2013

http://www.heroevents.euMarshalls required on Saturday 7th December. Contact C House (01458 833348) or [email protected] if you are able to help.

Contact C House (01458 833348) or [email protected]

Christmas QuizBatch country hotel, Lympsham

Friday, December the 6th

Own transport/Car Share.Please book numbers ASAP in order that teams and food quantities can be determined..

Contact Pete Isaac (01278 786377) or Matt (01934 750467)

Brean stages rally January 25th & 26th 2014 Own transport to Brean Leisure centre / Unity Farm

Contact C House (01458 833348) or [email protected]

Scaelextric night at the Red cow pub, Brent Knoll

Wednesday 29th January. 7.30pm Own transport / car share

Dinner and awards night Book early

March 1st 20147.30 for 8pm Own transport. Batch country Hotel, Lympsham. 7.30 for 8pm start

Contact Katie House on [email protected]

3 clubs charmouth hillclimb 14 &15th June 2014

Own transport / car sharePlenty of help needed to organise and marshal at this event, which this year is Burnham club’s turn to run.

Contact C House (01458 833348) or [email protected] Matt Isaac (01934 750467)





http://www.heroevents.eu/


ABSENT FRIENDS

It is with regret that I announce the passing of a Motor Sport Colleague who you may have known.I reproduce an email from his Son to whom all enquiries should be made.

Dear Geoff, Not too sure whether you knew my Father, Tony Greenwood, but I know a number of Clubs within your Association will have done. I write to ask whether you could advise Clubs within your Association that my Father sadly passed away yesterday morning, following a long illness. If any of his former Motor Sport colleagues wish to contact me, please could you pass on my contact details below. At this exact moment, funeral arrangements are not finalised. All I can confirm is that there will not be any restriction on anyone wanting to attend, but, it will be at my Father’s wishes, be in Chichester, West Sussex, where he has lived for the last 9 years. I have already thought about the distance disadvantage the majority of his former colleagues from the South West, Wales and Midlands will endure with this location, and as such, I am also planning a memorial service, probably in Exeter in a few weeks time. I am meeting with the Funeral Directors this coming Wednesday, and will know much more after then, and will email or call everyone with the details once confirmed. Kind regards, Richard GreenwoodPlymouthTel: 07854 841814/01752302730


NEW WISCOMBE HILL CLIMB DRAINAGE PROJECT

I just thought any club members who had not visited Wiscombe recently, may well be interested in our latest project recently undertaken.The really dreadful weather of last winter, with enormous volumes of water passing down through the Wiscombe valley, caused quite an amount of damage around Wis Corner and The Bridge.The force of water burst open the existing drain, collapsing the stream bank, and undercutting to within two or three feet of the track edge.If allowed to continue into another bad winter, it would also risk severe structural damage to the Bridge, which would of course, jeopardize access to the Start area and bottom paddock, as well as to the House!!Very fortunately, working in collaboration with the landowners, and using a truly excellent contractor, a large new drain system has been completed, which now takes the stream water under the road, and away from the Bridge. It was crucial that this should be done between the May events and the very important British Championship round at the end of July.The drain comprises of eight sections of 4ft square, eight ton culvert sections, placed end to end, which takes the water out into a newly excavated stream bed. The culvert inlet is now also situated well back from the right of track.This new waterway runs straight, but at a shallow angle to the existing stream, finally meeting together further along.Soil removed has been used to create earth banks, for safety reasons, both on the track side of the new stream beyond Wis Corner, and above the culvert outlet on the left after the Bridge.Additional improvements to these banks will be made in line with ongoing safety upgrades, which we are constantly carrying out on the course.With the filling in and landscaping of the ground levels on both sides of track, the appearance of the corner has been greatly improved, and can only enhance the overall standard of this superb venue.I have included some pictures showing the new layout for your interest.

Peter Isaac Wiscombe Ltd.


A WORKERS TALE

For those of us who are involved with the maintenance of the Wiscombe hill climb venue, we wait in fear and trepidation when opening e mails, to see one from our leader (the infamous Peter Isaac - He of the classic bike and classic rider fame) saying he is planning a working day (usually the following week on a Wednesday). This seems to be the favourite day.When some of us few silly old fools reply ok, we get taken or drive down to where he gets out his list and decides what needs doing and who's doing what. There is always something that needs doing to keep the hill up together.This week was not good as it decided to rain! Never the less we carry on (a stalwart lot) checking walkways and chopping back bushes and small trees, repairing a bank near saw bench (which was damaged at the last meeting). There was also broken fencing to mend where we fitted new posts and rails.At mid-morning coffee break and doughnuts (supplied by management) we usually have a laugh and wind up, then back to work in the rain.We managed to get a lot done this day and then stopped for lunch. It was still raining at this point so the decision was made to have an early finish, put the gear and tools away, and then home for a shower.This ended one of many days spent by the band of volunteers keeping the hill up together, but not always in the rain and often not home till late.

A behind the scene look at what goes on to keep motor sport alive for competitors.


An Apprentices’ Tale (Part 1)Just been thinking about what many call "The good old days of motoring" This started me thinking about the early years of, “Dave Pearce Apprentice”!! So where did it all start? It all started on April 13th 1971, in a small town garage in deepest Somerset.Being on the eastern fringe of the Somerset levels, many of our customers were from the Farming community. The majority of these customers always wanted to have robust vehicles that they could chuck a bale in the back, tow a cattle trailer and attend church on a Sunday in. The vehicle of choice always seemed to be the good old Morris Oxford and its many BMC derivatives. Often the driver’s seat would have been a sagging affair, mainly due, I'm sure, to the large lunches the rosy faced farmers wife would have provided her husband with!Now, as a youth, I would have often have to move these vehicles around the workshop and yard, the best way of describing how to pilot the said automobile would be to hang on to the top of the large Bakelite steering wheel with both hands, pull myself up and peer through the letterbox sized aperture between top of wheel and top of the vast vinyl topped dash board, whilst adjusting throttle and clutch to aim the car, hopefully in the desired direction. It didn't matter too much if you got it wrong because they had solid chrome bumpers with over riders to stop you!!As time went on I was allowed to carry out many responsible tasks, such as standing on tip toe down the pit whilst supporting the rear of a Hillman Minx gearbox, whilst the mechanic went for his cup of tea!! I was instructed to not let it drop as it would almost certainly break the gearbox! The holding of the rear of the box was only part of the process, stopping the gear oil from spilling out of the gearbox by acting as a human sponge, was also important. That sensation of warm gear oil trickling up your arm, turning the corner at your elbow and eventually forming a small reservoir at your arm pit was a sensation to be hold!! Forget Brut 33, embrace hypoid 90.On a Wednesday it was bin day. Now some of the facilities at the garage were a bit basic to say the least. One of these was the sanitary facility. To describe it as basic would do it a glorification! Certain facilities were available on site, others were available a short distance away in the town square. To enable the use of the said Town Square facility a Honda C50 was available (providing you were 16) now as I was 15 I had to look 16 to use the Honda!! Which of course I wouldn't have dreamed of using as that would have just been Illegal!! Anyway if you were planning to pop up the town it was always wise to take your own roll of Izal, who remembers that? It always had "Now wash your hands" printed on it. So that was ok, unless you had a dodgy tummy whereby the Honda had to go faster than it was designed for!!Anyway back to bin day. On a Tuesday one of my late afternoon duties was to carry the rubbish bins around to the forecourt for the dustmen to collect on a Wednesday morning, in amongst these bins was, well how shall I term it? I know, the "Fluid Receptacle". This process involved lifting a manhole cover on the forecourt and pouring said fluid down the hole. Well one Tuesday I was on the forecourt just having removed the lid, when the guy across the road (who ran a taxi service and used a Mk4 Zephyr), reversed into the garage to turn around. In doing so, his rear bumper collided with the fluid bin, knocking it over and spreading its contents all over the forecourt. As if this was not sufficient he then continued to proceed backwards until his rear wheel dropped down the manhole and his car stopped abruptly. Nonchalantly, he engaged a forward gear, gave it huge amounts of revs and the good old V4 engine burbled and he shot off down the road completely oblivious to the mayhem he had left in his wake! Guess who had to clean up the mess!!!Being the apprentice has its moments, as the greenest member of staff you are always the butt of the jokes, and of course you get to do such things as going with a wheel barrow about a quarter of a mile to the local agricultural engineers to collect six 6" post holes! When you get there, they are very apologetic as they only have 5" or 4" ones. Remember this is before the age of the mobile telephone. So I pushed the wheel barrow back and explained that they only had 5" and 4", no1 mechanic said "Ah best go back and get eight 5" ones. So off I duly trotted, wheelbarrow to the fore, and upon arriving they were even more apologetic as they had sold out whilst I was away!!! Now I was starting to think there was something going on as they were all stifling laughs. Hmmm thinks I, perhaps someone has been winding me up here.Anyway being an apprentice back then in the 1970's was always exciting.


From The ArchivesThe following item has been kindly submitted my Mr Stiles (the older) and parts are probably just as relevant now as 20 years ago, particularly with the weather being experienced at Wiscombe this month.


2013 Club Championship RegulationsGeneral Rules

1 The championship year runs from the 1st January to the 31st December.2 All club members are eligible for points without needing to register, but please name Burnham-on-

Sea as your club in event entry forms whenever possible, both to help the championship secretary and to publicise the club.

3 Points for events organised by this club alone are given without needing to be claimed. For all other events, even if this club is a co-organiser, points need to be claimed by sending the championship secretary a copy of the results within one month of the event. This is to stop anyone suddenly claiming fistfuls of points at the end of the year and making a nonsense of things.

4 All championship categories are subject to more than one event taking place. There is no minimum number of contenders, but if there are ten or more scorers in a category there is an award for the runner-up as well as the winner. Certain categories have additional awards, as detailed below.

5 Points for competing are scored for the first ten positions in class, but with two bonus points for an overall win or FTD. Class positions are taken to include everyone who competed in the class, even if one of them won an overall award. In events without class divisions the scores are for the first ten places overall. When there were less than ten starters in the class (or event) the points are adjusted as follows :-

1st 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 52nd 9 9 9 9 8 7 5 33rd 8 8 7 7 6 4 14th 7 6 5 5 3 15th 5 4 4 3 1 Plus the two points for an

overall win6th 4 3 3 17th 3 2 18th 2 19th 1

6 The current Championship Secretary is Hugh Mackey, 1 Ashleigh Road, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 2XG (Tel. 01934-632290). His office e-mail address of [email protected] can also be used.

Championship Categories

CompetitorsPoints are scored for driving or co-driving on any event promoted or co-promoted by the club. There are additional awards for the highest placed lady, and for the second highest if at least six ladies score points.

MarshalsA point can be scored for marshalling on any event which the club promotes or co-promotes. Points can also be scored on certain other specified events for which the club officially provides marshals (for example, this usually includes Brean Stages and “Le-Jog”). On major club events such as the Somerset Stages extra points can be scored for helping with the setting-up. The marshal’s category is unique in having awards for the first three places.


Speed EventsPoints can be scored on specified events only, with a maximum of six scores to be counted from the nine meetings listed below.

April 27/28 Woolbridge Wiscombe Hillclimb*May 19 Wildlife Wiscombe HillclimbJune 15/16 Three Clubs Charmouth Hillclimb*June 22 Castle Combe Dick Mayo SprintJuly 27 BARC Llandow SprintSept. 7/8 Five Clubs Wiscombe Hillclimb*Sept. 21/22 Woolbridge Charmouth Hillclimb*Oct. 19 Castle Combe Pegasus Sprint

*For two-day events you can score points on either day, but not both.

Stage Rallies There are ten qualifying rounds from which a maximum of seven scores can be counted which, provisionally, are as listed below. As you cannot score on every round there is one date which has a choice of two events. There are separate awards for drivers and co-drivers.

Jan. 26/27 Brean Stages Feb. 09 Wyedean StagesMarch 16/17 Bovington StagesApril 20 Somerset StagesMay 18/19 TSH StagesJune 23 Three Counties StagesJune 23 Caerwent Mid-Summer StagesJuly 21 Coracle Stages

Please get in touch if you have any queries.

Hugh Mackey

Club ChampionshipsAt the time of writing (mid-August) I have quite a number of event results but the marshalling details are lagging a little behind. The information I have is reflected in the following tables for each championship category.

CompetitorsThis category is for events promoted or co-promoted by our own club, which are usually 3 rallies of various sorts and 5 hillclimbs (counting each day separately). The following points are from the Somerset Stages, the Wildlife Wiscombe hillclimb, and the two days of the 3 Clubs Charmouth hillclimb.

Anthony Wright 28 James How 5Peter Stiles 15 Geoff Taylor 4Dave Evans 13 Judy Green 3Natalie Gilbert 8

MarshalsThis table is as published in the last newsletter, showing those members with two or more points at the time. There will be major changes when I have the details from the Somerset Stages, the Wildlife Wiscombe hillclimb, and the 3 Clubs Charmouth hillclimb.

Chris House 3 Lyn Noble 2Pete Isaac 3 Steve Noble 2Nigel Winkworth 3 Ed Norman 2Colin Ellis 2 Hilary Norman 2Anthony Isaac 2


Stage RalliesMatt Isaac looks hard to catch in the co-drivers' section after great results at Brean and on the 3 Counties, with just the Regency Stages and Fat Albert still to come.

Drivers Co-DriversDave Phillips 4 Matt Isaac 18Paul Sutcliffe 1 James How 5

Tim Bagg 1Hannah Sutcliffe 1

Speed EventsI must apologise for omitting the April Clay Pigeon sprint from the qualifying events the last time I published the regulations for this category. The more sharp-eyed among you might have noticed that while they spoke of counting six scores from nine rounds there were only eight on the list! The following scores include all events up to the Llandow sprint, with 5 Clubs Wiscombe, Woolbridge Charmouth, and the Pegasus Castle Combe sprint to come.

Anthony Wright 30 Paul Mackey 5Peter Stiles 24 Geoff Taylor 4Dave Evans 23 Judy Green 3Natalie Gilbert 8 Hugh Mackey 3

Hugh Mackey


Comps Sec Mutterings Sept 2013For all you Rally fans - why not give Rallyday a go - Castle Combe Circuit - September 21st Back to its usual spot in the calendar. You can see cars, celebrities and action.www.rallyday.com

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTThe forestry area of the Brendons has seen a rapid and extensive return of Phytophthera Ramoram. The disease has the effect of killing Japanese Larch trees within one season. It previously had affected many forests in the South West in 2010.In the last three weeks confirmed infections sites have been found in the Croydon Hill and Timberscombe woods area. Access to these areas is now not possible, as restriction have been put in place to try to prevent further spread to neighbouring woodland. The infected timber will be felled within weeks. This logging operation will make many roads impassable.All forest access is subject to washing and disinfecting on entry and exit (including access to non-infected areas).These woods make up 80% of our selectifs and 20% of our road rally section.Since we were informed of the extent of the infection in the woods just over2 weeks ago we have tried to find a solution to keep the event up and running. But with no short term solution to the problems we cannot get the forestry usage, and therefore the test miles, we need to run a viable event.With the felling taking place over this summer and autumn we have every hope and intention of being back in the forests next October for the 2014 Exmoor.Georgina, Chris and the Exmoor Teamwww.exmoorendurancerally.com

For bigger things – Wales Rally GB this year runs in North Wales – based in Llandudno – with main service on Deeside at the Toyota factory. It sees the return of some of the Classic Stages – Great Orme- Clocaenog- Penmachno. The dates are November 14 – 17 www.rallygb.com

The Great Bustard Endurance Rally will run on November 30th. This is a departure from its recent time of year in April. It is likely that BOSMC will assist by running tests on the Glastonbury Festival site.www.greatbustardrally.co.uk

Finally for December we have Le Jog. This year it will visit Somerset via the Porlock Toll Road as part of a regularity section. A driving test will be run at BCA Bridgwater. BOSMC will need to provide marshalling effort for both venues. The date is Saturday December 7th Please contact me if you can help.CHRIS HOUSE 01458 833348 [email protected]


http://www.greatbustardrally.co.uk/

http://www.rallygb.com/

http://www.exmoorendurancerally.com/

http://www.rallyday.com/


Proposed MSA rule changesAs a rally Co-Driver, it is just as important for me to keep up to date with the rules and regulations, as it is for the driver, some would say more so.So it is with interest I spotted this, at the moment, PROPOSED rule ADDITION to the MSA blue book for RALLYING ONLY for the start of 2014. Although reading it and knowing what they are, really makes sense. Such a small and cheap bit of equipment could also be a life-saving item. I don’t see why sprint and hillclimb vehicles shouldn’t’ include them as well. I’ve just ordered three off eBay for £1.99 each including postage and the holder / mount for it. We shall have to put two in the rally car, but I’m then going to stick one in the van. At that price you’d have to be daft not to kit out any vehicles really. Or put a couple on your Christmas list!!Matt.

R48.10.11. Two belt cutters must be carried on board at all times.They must be easily accessible for the driver and co-driver when

seated with their harnesses fastened.R49.9.6. Two belt cutters must be carried onboard at all times.

They must be easily accessible for the driver and co-driver whenseated with their harnesses fastened.

Reason: To enhance competitors’ opportunities to extricate themselves following an accident.


Motor Sports Council confirms FIA homologation requirement for all Stage Rally seats

At its September meeting this week, the Motor Sports Council confirmed that from next year all stage rally cars must be equipped with seats that have a current in-date FIA homologation. The requirement for FIA homologated seats to be fitted in stage rally cars was first communicated to the sport in October 2007, after a fundamental overhaul of the regulations governing stage rally vehicles – colloquially referred to at the time by its then regulation number: K37. When the regulation was brought into the Blue Book the following year, competitors were given four years until 1st January 2012 to comply with the new requirements. During 2011, the MSA introduced Regulation (R)48.10.6.1 which allowed dispensation for all cars during first 2012 and then 2013, in order to permit time to complete further investigative work on the subject. This week’s decision follows detailed consideration by the Council of this specific research project that had been undertaken on behalf of the Motor Sports Association to assess the issue of lifing. The full report can be found on the MSA website and by clicking here. The decision will bring the MSA in line with FIA regulations and the vast majority of National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) around the world who have adopted the requirement in their domestic rally championships. From 1st January 2014, all stage rally cars will therefore have to comply with Regulation (R)48.10.6 which states: “[Cars must] Be fitted with front seats that are currently FIA homologated complying with K2.2, with appropriate seat mountings and Section K Appendix 2 Drawing number 32.” MSA Chief Executive Nick Bunting: “This has been a matter of concern for a number of years; competitors have been understandably reluctant to discard what they considered to be ‘perfectly good seats’, so we delayed the introduction of this regulation for the past two years in order to allow us to complete further investigations. “The MSA’s technical team has undertaken extensive research to assess the likely structural integrity of a stage rally seat after five years and the findings are conclusive. When faced with such overwhelming evidence that supports the position advocated by the world governing body, the Motor Sports Council felt that the correct course of action is now to implement the regulation as originally agreed back in 2009. “There is no doubt that lifing is an imperfect approach, but having considered all the options to monitor usage rather than time, we have not found a solution that offers a compelling reason to go in a different direction to the rest of the world. “Now that we have the full information to hand, it would be indefensible for us not to act and pass that knowledge on to the competitor. We recognise that this may cause significant expense to those rally competitors who must now change their seats, but the governing body’s role is to make tough decisions for the right reasons, even if they might not be popular.” Q&AWhy has the MSA made this decision?The Motor Sports Council – the sporting commission made up of the representatives of the sport – has made this decision, based on consideration of all the evidence available. The MSA – as the Executive function – is now implementing the relevant regulations.

http://msa.informz.ca/z/cjUucD9taT0zMzk3NjImcD0xJnU9OTAwODQ1MTY3JmxpPTE2MTE5NDI/index.html


Is the MSA concerned that people will stop competing rather than change their seats?We have to recognise that some people may decide not to continue rather than spend the money on new seats, but we also have to be clear that our responsibility is to make all competitors aware of the information that we have to keep them as safe as possible in their sport. How much is a new seat?As ever, it is possible to spend a great deal of money on motor sport equipment, but there are FIA homologated seats widely available at under £200 each. Given the money spent throughout the sport on items that offer performance improvements, the cost of this significantly improved safety protection seems to be more than reasonable. Can the MSA not extend the life of the homologation?No, this is not within the MSA’s gift. There is provision within the homologation regulations for seats to be presented to the original manufacturer for inspection. If the manufacturer is satisfied with the integrity of the seat, they may extend its life by a further two years from the date of expiry of the original five years. This test costs in the region of £75-100. What are the alternatives to lifing?It is true that lifing is not a precise tool – it looks at the balance of probability over the course of time. Both the MSA and the FIA have looked closely at duty cycles and usage, but it is simply not possible to measure them with any degree of certainty. A log book / bar-coding system would only record use in official motor sport events, so testing and other usage would not register. Have there been fatal incidents that would have been averted by this regulation?In UK rallying, there has been at least one incident with life-changing injuries that we know was a direct result of a seat failure, but there have also been many serious injuries caused by a failure in the seat/mounting/harness system. It is important to recognise that the seat itself is just one component in the personal protection system – a system that is only as strong as its weakest link. We have already mandated FIA homologated harnesses throughout the sport and having now undertaken the research into seats, we must ensure that the knowledge is used to increase further the safety of our competitors. The FIA regulations are aimed at WRC cars. Is that really appropriate for clubman rallying?An accident in stage rallying tends not to differentiate between the permit level of the event or the calibre of the driver. Furthermore, the life of a clubman competitor is no less valuable than that of an international driver. Why can’t the MSA bring this in more gradually?These regulations were first publicised in 2007, with implementation scheduled for the beginning of 2012. Since then we have extended the period by a further two years, so by any measure we have provided a great deal of time for competitors to prepare for this change. How many cars are likely to be affected by this?Every rally car that has been log-booked since 2009 already complies with this regulation and anyone that competes on an International rally will already have been using FIA homologated seats. A number of domestic championships have already mandated the use of homologated seats in their regulations and many competitors have already taken the decision for themselves, in order to maximise the safety of their vehicle. We are now giving everyone else as much notice as possible that their seats must be FIA homologated before the first event of their 2014 season. Isn’t personal safety a matter for the individual?This is an interesting point and one that to a certain extent holds true; certainly the MSA always stresses that the ultimate responsibility for safety lies with the individual. Nonetheless one of the functions of the governing body is to create regulations that minimise the risk inherent in motor sport to an acceptable level.

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