Monthly Newsletter December 2022

So, it’s that month of the year when we are encouraged by the advertising establishments to dig deep into our pockets  and buy our nearest and dearest all sorts of finery {or tools} when to be honest many people have got so much “stuff” you wonder how they are going to find room for more. It’s ok I’m not preaching to you the club have regalia available in a very fetching Maroon and Gold to reduce the load on your bank balance, alternatively you can read further into the newsletter of a couple more ideas to fill that yuletide stocking assuming it is still trendy to hang it at the foot of the bed or somewhere similarly useful.

I have a confession to make, many of you will have noticed there was no “motor”vational (did you see what I did there?)  chat from our chairman last month, this was due to the high level of technology employed in the production of this publication, or to put it another way I lost it in the juggling of the pages.

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Chairmans Chat

The Pete Cooper Memorial Tamar Trial was a fitting way to remember our former Chairman and for many years Clerk of Course of Course for the Tamar Trial. This year it was ably organised by Nigel Cowling, Simon Riddle and their team. Special mention and thanks must be given to Bob Slatter who for many years has been the Secretary of the Meeting. He has worked tirelessly, mostly behind the scenes, to enable this Classic Reliability Trial to run smoothly.

This year the weather was on our side and officials, marshals and competitors could enjoy a fine autumn day. As I am no longer able to compete my own involvement started early as Sean Lehni arrived at my house and we set off to run the first section, a special test, at Tresallack. This was new territory and the requirements for a successful clean and time were a challenge to many of the entry. Perhaps it was too early in the morning for some? There was some confusion regarding the restart with some missing it out, the bogey time was often ignored as was stopping astride line B. It kept Sean and I entertained and produced a variety of scores.

After a drive through the track, we continued on to officiate at Scarsick special test. However on arrival we were met by the farmer who was unhappy that he had not been informed that the event was coming through . As he had a contractor regularly going up and down the lane all day and had arranged to move 100 cattle along it for TB testing, I had no option but to cancel the section. Thank fully I had time to return to Tresmeer village hall lunch stop to make alternative route arrangements. With the help of the time control officials and the opening vehicle the competitors were informed and an alternative route deviation was put in place.

Later that evening your newsletter editor, who had carried out the PR for Scarsick returned to the farm and discovered that the member of the family who had received the details of the event had not passed them on to the farmer. All has ended amicably and in future the use of this section that has formed part of the Tamar Trial for many years and is also used by the MCC Lands End Trial is now secure.

I hope all competitors, officials and marshals enjoyed the day and congratulations to all who completed the course and won awards. Commiserations to those not so fortunate.

Don’t forget to support the club by purchasing merchandise, caps, polo shorts and sweatshirts are available – no doubt details will be available elsewhere in the newsletter.

Yours in motorsport
Joe Caudle
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Forthcoming Events

Ron Beer Sporting Trial

The above event will once again take place at Ashleigh, Lifton,  on Sunday 11^th of December. This is a round of the ASWMC championship, if you are not planning to compete then we would love to hear from anyone who is available to marshal, please contact Mike Wevill on 01566 784451.  Anyone wishing to compete the regs and entry forms are available on the website, for those who are not wishing to use the online system there is the good old paper version available.

Camel Classic Road Trial.  Camel Vale MC have their full road trial happening on the 4^th of December, for those not competing why not marshal, you’ll love it, details and who to contact on the CV website.

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At our recent committee meeting along with all the usual things discussed was the topic of next year’s AGM, and it appears a couple of committee vacancies are due to appear. The Chairman’s position will become vacant   Joe has decided it is time to stand down and let someone younger take the reins,  (thankfully that rules JT out), it’s certainly not the first time Joe has been “chair” so a rest from it is overdue. The next position becoming vacant is Club Secretary, since taking this job on Andy Prosser has done a great job in keeping us all informed as to what is happening and keeping a good record of the committee meetings etc, he has a lot of future commitments which are going to take up more of his time, not to mention the fact that the motorhome he bought a couple of years ago is more than a little under used and he really wants to make more use of it.

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Mr Toad and the Tamar Trial by Simon Oates

Tamar Trial 2022

The Tamar Trial took place this year on Sunday 16th October in memory of Motorsports sadly missed and great friend Pete Cooper. His presence, contributions and character were fondly remembered throughout the trial also with his wife Jan, waving the cars and bikes off from the start.

The weather gods seemed to be with us with clear blue skies and rain forecast from 16.00 later in the day. Earlier when I fed the dog, his bowl that had been outside overnight, told the story of a wet one, maybe 5-6mm, could be an interesting day. The Liege (class 7) had performed well the previous weekend on the Edinburgh trial and today I picked up Paul as my bouncer/navigator for his first taste of Classic Trialling at club level. Food and refreshments were available in Proper Ansome Café for those who needed extra ballast. With scrutineering and signing on done and pre ordering lunch at Tresmeer and Hog Roast at the finish, we were waved away by Jan, on towards Special Test 1 at Tresallack. A simple start on line A, do a restart on R line and astride line B in 25 seconds with 1 second penalty per second each side of target time. 27 seconds and a 2 second penalty wasn’t the best start – trying to over think it??

We moved on to Horse Bridge and a new venue with sections called Starsky (2) & Hutch (3). The words slippery and bumpy spring to mind weaving in between trees. Rear number plate was ripped off and gaffer taped back twice for the remaining sections. A promising new venue for the future which will improve as we explore the site and fine tune access and sections etc.

Barrett’s Mill (4) near Harrowbarrow is a steep slippery stoney lane with a tricky restart on the corner with a nice hole to catch the wheels in. None of this was helped with tyre pressure limits (16psi for class 7) that were checked at the start. Marshals at the ready and up we went and then on toward Danescombe(5) which is a similarly slippery lane and a restart for all classes.

Tanks Terror(6) saw the cars for the first time catching the bikes up. Notoriously difficult to get through. Class 8 and bikes had a slightly different route into a steeply banked field to the rest of the field with 3 class 8’s getting clears. By now we were the first class 7 car as Jon and Calvin Moores MG J2 had decided to expire. Our route was a little easier but the steep bank was the same. Numbers to the right and as much room on the left as you needed (I found out after finishing the section).

On towards Lewtrenchard and Lew Wood1 (7) and Lew Wood2 (8) where the Launceston Trial will be held on 26th March 2023. Two section in the woods with a deviation for bikes and a restart for class 8 on section 8. After the second section was completed there was a massive spine knocking bang to the car on the exit route which luckily didn’t break anything. Back to the main road and 3 miles on we arrived at Lee Quarry (9) and a few queuing class 8 cars. The section cut off a steep track in two different gaps for different classes.

We were with class 8 on the lower route and a lower restart line which was again cleared. Back to the main road and shortly on to Angel Steps (10) or as some of us now say “no steps”! Some trees have recently been cleared from the hill and one consequence was part of the slate slab has been flattened. Shouldn’t be a problem then should it? Oh yes, tyre pressure limits enforced again. Luckily ours were reduced from 18 to 15psi on the day. as we waited for the bikes to finish and the first class 8’s to conquer the hill, all we could hear was the roaring engines and burning tyres. All I remember about the hill was an interesting restart and smoke so thick I hadn’t a clue what was in front or where we were except we were going forward to eventually top the hill. We waited for Philip and Francis Thomas at the top to reminisce about the food and drinks we used to have in the church hall at Marychurch – great memories.

The bikes had an extra section at Hart’s Lane (11a) and then on to Park Impossible (11) which I have never got all the way up before. Phil and Francis changed their tyres (burnt off on Angel Steps?) and we made our way to the start and a 10 psi tyre pressure. I managed to stop in a hole on the restart and we bounced, wiggled and almost had to get the defibrillator out to keep us going, but we got up the first part only to nearly stop at the 2 on the corner further up, never give up too early is the lesson if you can remember it. Off to lunch at Tresmeer Village Hall, a pasty plus R & R.

We were running about 1hr 30mins behind schedule as we left Tresmeer on to New Langleys (12) after a second special test was cancelled. We had the longest wait so far as the final bikes completed the section and the class 8s started the challenge with 11 failing on the restart. This restart hasn’t been cleared for 6 years and has been moved down a few feet to improve chances. The last car, Josh Moss in his Cannon set off and had a cracking climb and cleared the section easily?? My go and a slightly lower restart for class 7. Up to the restart and the engine just didn’t want to pull, so my first fail. Had I let the tyres down too low or is it that intermittent engine fault showing its head again? That cost me 4 points and second overall. Up through the fields and farmyard to Trevilla (13) which is through an old overgrown quarry and trees with tight corners followed by steep climbs. The engine pulled well and cleared it all.

Back on the roads passing High Cliff (735ft high with dramatic formations) to truly impressive views including Lundy in the sea mist and on through Crackington Haven towards Crackington (14) known for its ‘interesting’ muddy qualities on the Lands End Trial. Most vehicles had restarts (and bikes a deviation) with 14psi limits for ourselves. Once completed successfully, we moved on to Trehole Farm with rain threatening not far behind.

Trehole1(15) proved narrow, steep and slippery with class 8 cars having a restart. Only Jack Selwood managed to clear the section with Josh Moss catching a pole. All other classes had a straight run at it but had to navigate around the restart boards. We failed to clear and had a 4. Trehole2 (16) was quite long with a muddy early climb going down through a gate on to a tight quarry incline followed by a tight right turn. This was only cleared by Aaron Haizelden in classes 7 & 8, the following lower classes?? managed 4 clears – who’s the daddy now then? Finally, 2hrs 15mins late we departed to the Frog & Bucket, South Petherwin for a well-earned pint and Hog Roast.

Tristan Barnicoat riding his Honda XR200R was the only bike from 42 entries to go clear on all sections and won the Dunheved Cup. Only one person on bikes managed the special test in the allotted 25 second time which was Andy Beveridge on his step through scooter.

The overall Tamar Trophy was won by Keith Sanders in his Reliant Scimitar with only 4 points dropped. Josh Moss and Aaron Haizelden both had 8 points with Josh coming second because of a smaller capacity engine. Overall there was a great mix of sections that proved challenging to all competitors. The route was clearly marked throughout and accurate route instructions provided. Every year it is kept fresh with old hills rested and new ones invested in. A brilliant tribute to Pete Cooper and testament to his important influence throughout Southwest’s Motorsport. A big THANK YOU to all competitors,
Marshals and organisers.

Above is Norton Selwood in his Liege
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Camel Vale Presidents Trial 2022 ( Mr Toad turns Turtle)
Next outing was the Presidents on Sunday 6^th November. The weather promised to be showery with a lot of rain the preceding day. I decided to drive to Gunnislake to pick up Simon Riddle for his first trip in a Liege. Roof up to the trial with torrential rain going past Duchy College and not much better until just past Castle Motors near Liskeard where the Trial started.

The trial is similar to our own Launceston Trial being set in woodland as a single venue event. The turnout was 18 cars with classes 1 & 3 amalgamated along with 6 & 7 due to low numbers entered in the classes. Signing on and scrutineering completed, we entered the woods to the first 2 sections which had to be completed before moving to section 3.

Windlake View(1) was first attempted by Andrew Dams in his now more modified Peugeot 106. Unfortunately, the ground was fresh and he only got an 11 (a long trip from Lincoln) but plenty more to try throughout the day. Eight more cars followed with no score better than an 8 and then Andrew Rippon in his very competitive Beetle flew up to a 6 followed by another 6 on the next section Colvase Top(2). We followed his efforts with a 4 on the first section (only Charlie Merson cleared the section) and a clear on the second hill. What a start, great bouncing by Simon Riddle and a bit of luck! Three of the class 8 cars also cleared the section. Bonyalva Corner(3) was the next hill and as we approached it we could see and hear section 4 to our right with James Vivian in his BMW 318 compact firing up the hill. BANG! Drive shaft broken and out of the trial. When we arrived at the section queue, we had lost two beetles that should have been in front (took wrong route). Once they arrived, we let them through with Andrew R powering to a 4 on the hill.

We managed no better than a 5 and the hill was only cleared by Charlie Merson again in his class 8 Ford Special. Unfortunately Roger Teagle broke their Class 8 car on the section and went for an early bath. On to Beast of Bonyalva(4) where the BMW had now been cleared from the section. We had a quick walk (allowed to no 6) to plan where we wanted to go on the hill and watched a few cars to the 8 & 9 markers. Andrew R went in front of us and scrabbled up to a 5 and then after a lot of back and forward, made a new exit through the undergrowth and on to the next section. Well, we had to do better than that and kept as high on a traverse as we dared and managed a 4. The next problem was getting out especially as I managed to get stuck at the front in a tree.

Once out we positioned ourselves to watch Phil Thomas in his Dutton Melos. Off he went and another BANG with the rear half shaft snapped and another retirement. He followed the marshal / competitor assisted route down the hill that the BMW took. On to Main Road Top(5) which looked like a simple woodland lane with a restart half way up the hill. We got to the restart but failed to progress any further. As it turned out Dan Keat in his Fugitive was the only one with a restart to conquer the hill, it looked so simple. On the way reversing down I somehow managed to lose control turning into the left bank and turned the Liege over jettisoning Simon R out with me remaining in the car landing on my shoulder, roll bar and front screen. It all happens so quickly and we’re still a bit shocked and so, so lucky with no serious injuries. Marshals and following class 8 competitors were quickly on the scene and did a cracking job. First point was to check Simon R was OK.

He’d managed to graze his head through his club beanie hat and a few cuts to his hand. I’m sure he must have cat like reflexes and a lot of luck. After a few minutes we turned the car on to its wheels, started it up, reversed further down the hill and drove straight up the section to the next one. With all three bodies battered we entered Seaton Rise(6) and drove straight to the top to promptly get ourselves lost in the woods (maybe it was delayed shock). Once we eventually found our way to the next section Love you one time(7) we were behind the class 8 car of Charlie Merson. Off he went up the hill to the 3 marker I think. As he was reversing down his hydraulic brakes failed and he luckily stopped sideways half off the section.

With a rope and six of us we managed to get him down and also homeward for another early bath. Jack Selwood also had a car failure to join the 8 retirees out of 18 entries!! Love you one time was cancelled for class 8. The final retirement was Andrew Dams in his Peugeot 106 on Classic Camel(10) but I’m sure we’ll all be back for more. I guess that technically we didn’t break down, we just decided we’d pushed our luck far enough for one day. Of the 10 cars that finished, Simon Groves had a class win in his Troll with 63 points, closely followed by Ross Hancock in his Buggy on 64 points. Overall winner of the Presidents Cup 2022 after indexes were applied went to Andrew & LorraineRippon in their Beetle with 69 points. It was a long cold wet drive home in the rain, praying that there wasn’t a police car waiting en route.

A big THANK YOU to Camel Vale Motor Club, its organisers, Marshals and land owner for all your time and effort to put on such an interesting and testing trial, carry on the great work.

Do not make the mistakes I made when reversing down a section
1 All sections have the potential to hurt you – never underestimate the hazards
2 If you fail a section, listen to and follow the Marshal instructions to the letter
3 Apply the handbrake a few notches (enough to just hold the car) and reverse down the hill with the footbrake off.
4 If you have a hydraulic handbrake, make sure you use it
5 Alternatively, switch the engine off and put the car in 1^st, 2^nd or 3rd gear with the clutch out allowing the engine compression to gently brake the car back to the bottom of the hill.
6 Please, please don’t get in to bad habits.
Simon Oates
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Just seen the results of the Allen Trial as held by Bristol Motor Club
Committee members who travelled up from Cornwall made it a very worthwhile trip.
Allen Trophy went to Phil Thomas , Ford Escort.
Rootes Trophy went to that man again , Simon Oates, Liege.
2^nd in Class award Andrew Rippon, VW Beetle.

Also noted a Dellow driven by Andrew Isherwood won the Dacy Trophy (Heritage)

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Andy Prosser is thinking of going to the Autosport Show  at the NEC, the show is on from the12th to the 15^th of January, if you are MSUK licence holder you can get access to the show on the 12^th which is a slightly quieter day, if enough people are interested in attending Andy is prepared to hire a minibus, contact Andy at  probilt2005@yahoo.co.uk  could be a very interesting show.

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Below Richard Simpson gives us an idea for that stocking filler at Christmas or is it “Glove at first sight”?

Like most trail/trials motorcyclists, I struggle to find suitable gloves.

Motocross gloves are the obvious choice, but frankly, they are overpriced and most seem to offer little protection other than to the tops of the fingers…the falls I have had onto tarmac or rock while wearing them have shown them to be pretty flimsy.

On the other hand, the protective quality of road motorcycling gloves has improved considerably over the years: they now have to pass relevant CE tests against impact and abrasion.

But they can be hot and clumsy when you ride off-road. I’ve found an excellent compromise…and they were in a bargain bin at B &Q!

Ladies and gentlemen…I present the Mechanix Wear M-Pact glove. From the name, you might think it was designed for changing oil etc, but it’s really not. It provides good hand protection in a variety of hazardous environments, such as tyre fitting, without being excessively hot or clumsy. Washable in cold water too. The gloves are certified to provide protection against abrasion, impact and vibration, and they appear to do this very well in use. Even the wrist strap incorporates protective padding.

All-day comfortable on the bike, and also for operating power tools etc.

I don’t know if you can still get them in B&Q, but they are available on-line at
https://www.mechanix.com/gb-en/mechanics-automotive-gloves/  

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Here’s your second stocking filler option a couple of books.

Rice & Dirt is basically a travel story, get over the fact that it is accomplished on a Vespa scooter with 10” wheels, it’s a journey of epic proportions. The start of the Journey is at the top end of Africa, the goal is the bottom end, en route there is just about everything, border corruption, frustration, attacks from vigilantes, wild animals, even the offer of a bride. Read it and you will look at scooters in a new light. (Even if it is a bloody Vespa)

Frank & Stan’s bucket list There comes a time in everyone’s life when they say “I wish I’d” !!!! This is a story of just that but they actually go and do it, to the point of getting deeper into it than intended, some parts are poignant, others are hilarious, if you want to sit back and read a book that will make you laugh out loud and annoy everyone else in the room then this is the book for you.

My third offering of a stocking filler is a little more expensive, although it has a lot more joys to behold.

Reluctant Sale

Dellow Mk2b , Fitted with rebuilt 100E engine and Shorrock Supercharger, electronic ignition, low ratio Ford 8 gearbox, fully rebuilt back axle with uprated half shafts. Ready to trial, complete with number holders and electric tyre pump, even a Dellow umbrella. £15,750 to include a quantity of spares.

Contact the editor billjan299@gmail.com  or on 07971 249783

That’s just about it for this month apart from my tale of woe. I went in to our local garage to fill up as I was registering empty on the gauge, having filled I went in to pay I was horrified when the lady on the till said that’s £115 , I marched out and drove off without paying, needless to say I soon had a knock at the door from you know who. Before I knew it I was in court and fined £75 , result !!  Watch this page next month for more money saving tips. 😊

Don’t forget to keep them contributions coming     billjan299@gmail.com

Panic, Emergency meeting. At a recent visit with the club treasurer and secretary to Prescott Hillclimb we were all admiring the beautiful cars on display, I turned my back to talk to someone and on turning around again I caught the Treasurer and Secretary writing out a club cheque for a large amount of money for the car pictured below.

Ok so the purchase didn’t come to fruition, it was valued at much more than what is in the club account and it also wouldn’t fit on Mike’s trailer but I have to admit it would have been fun using it on the testing trial.

The Prescott meeting was held in beautiful sunshine which had me running for the shade, I like to see the sun but I’m rubbish at actually being in it, if the school careers advisor had said “Turner why don’t you become an explorer” I certainly would not have chosen the Jungle, more likely the Arctic. Enough digressing the theme of the day was for people to drive their own car up the hill {not timed} so Mike very kindly took Andy and myself for a ride up the hill in his MG and after lunch Mike actually let me drive it up the hill, it was a tentative drive with me thinking, no heroics, this thing is worth too much, but I can now say I’ve driven Prescott, thanks Mike.

Chairman’s Chat

Since the last newsletter 25 of our members competed in the August Testing Trial. The rain on previous days had dampened the ground sufficiently to allay fears of fire risk. The day was enjoyed by all who took part and thanks must go to the officials and marshals for putting on another good event.

It is my turn to organise a social event and so I have been working out a route exploring the highways and byways of East Cornwall and West Devon. It will provide the opportunity to ride or drive along some in-teresting roads and visit some landmarks and places of interest along the way.

This will be a Touring Assembly on Sunday October 2nd and will start at Race Hill Car Park in Launceston at 2.00pm and should take about 2 hours to complete with the incentive of the opportunity to purchase re-freshments including a cream tea at the Strawberry Fields finish venue. (Jam first)

The overall distance is approximately 50 miles and is all on tarmac county roads. It is suitable for all vehi-cles from classic cars and motorcycles, family cars, motorcycles etc (not commercial vehicles) so come and enjoy a non-competitive Sunday afternoon drive and the opportunity to socialise.

The entry is open to all, not just club members and although you could just turn up on the day advance notice would be appreciated so we have enough directions etc for all. Initially there will be a limit of 20 entries. That may be increased if there is sufficient demand. Please click my chairman’s email link on the club website, message the club via our Facebook page Facebook or send a text to me – 07495 358904

The entry fee is £10.00 to raise money for Launceston Voluntary First-Aid Service.

To receive more details about this event please look for updates on the club website or Facebook.

Joe Caudle
Chairman

Past Event, August Testing Trial

Results :
Overall car              J Sandercock       Novice             J Cobbledick
Best FWD              A Seward          Class win              J Moores
Overall bike            M Bowden       1st Class award       R Baker
Under 12 award       H Baker Over      12 award               Z Ruby

Once again well done to the Gregory/Cowling team for organising this well supported event and thanks to David Langley at Marshgate for the use of his land.

Next event David Ayers Sporting Trial

We return to Trevilla, Marshgate on the 9th of September for the David Ayers Sporting Tri-al, this is one of our flagship sporting Trials events with a chance of seeing some of the top drivers in the country along with an assortment of very interesting and unique cars. Once again we will be needing marshals to enable the smooth running of this popular event. If you are able to help please contact Mike Wevill 01566 784451

See website for regs and entry form. https://www.lncmc.co.uk

Tamar Classic Road Trial

On October the 16th we run what has become our biggest event, in honour of our past chairman and club stalwart it will this year be named the Pete Cooper Memorial, Tamar Classic Trial, the event is also a round of the ASWMC & ACTC so points to collect Plan-ning is at fever pitch, that’s approximately two levels above “dreckly” and all is set for what is hoped is a cracking event, hopefully by then there should even be a drop of rain to soften up the ground, and yes you’ve guessed it we need a large amount of marshals please do give it some thought, no marshals = no event.

Testing Trial Photos
Courtesy of Jonathan Kelly

A bit serious 🙂

Looking determined

Going for it !

Mind that pole !

The two pictures above are what I took at the centenary celebrations in the Town Square August 2021, what a difference a year makes. Last year we were all tuck-ing into pasties and hot tea and coffee to try and keep warm and dry, had it been this year it would have been ice creams and cold drinks. One thing is for certain you can never be quite sure of the weather despite all the best laid plans, alt-hough it was wet we still made a success of it (dry would have been nicer though).

Last month I put in a plea for correspondence about your summer travels, I can only assume that none of you have been anywhere worth mentioning, if you did why don’t I know about it?

All for this month J.T.

Contributions to billjan299@gmail.com

So we are now officially into the second half of the year and in terms of motorsport what an improvement over the last two years, last month was a particularly busy month, our own club was involved in running three events and many members were also busy doing their bit for the Jubilee celebrations so in all a busy time.

Chairmans Chat

I hope all our members are having a good summer, although today feels more like autumn.  The recent Spry Trophy Trial took place at a new venue at Broadwoodwidger, thanks to Alan Murton for facilitating this new venue.

 Last weekend many of us were involved in the MCC Dick Peachey 120th Anniversary 3 Day Trial.  Many were officiating and marshalling on local hills and all seems to have gone smoothly. 

Your Chairman was Chief Official at the lunch halt and time control at Race Hill car park in Launceston.  Thanks to the support of the Town Council employees and an excellent team supporting me all went well.  There were a lot of spectators to see the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Town Crier giving the competitors a good send off.  Our club literally flew the flags and it was another opportunity to publicise our existence.  I enjoyed meeting many old friends old and making new acquaintances.

Many spectators were also present to see the sights of a wide variety of vintage and modern motorcycles and cars both at the car park and as they passed through Launceston.  Local cafes and purveyors of refreshments did good business throughout the afternoon so the local economy benefited.

It did feel slightly incongruous to see a classic reliability trial taking place in the middle of the summer.  However those competitors I spoke to were enjoying the event.  I think that Clerk of Course Dave Middleditch and the MCC are pleased with this innovation.I

Now we look forward to the Motor Traders Car Trial and the second Testing Trial of the summer.  Both are enjoyable and sociable occasions and I look forward to seeing you there.  Watch this space as it is hoped to have more news about a social event later this summer.

Joe Caudle

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The “Dreckly” Testing Trial  As Nigel named it.

Smithson farm at Kelly proved a superb venue for this event, it’s all very low key and laid back with the emphasis on enjoyment. Once again there was a very good Junior entry with a varying age range and great to see kids being allowed to give it all they’ve got on the field, all helps to improve the riding skills.

In the adult (old folks) class the entry was quite diverse from the usual trials machines, to the Step Through squad, to Pete Turner on his recently acquired Greeves Trials bike.  The cars also were at their most competitive, particularly with Kath Shute and daughter Emily competing with each other in the little hatchback. Calvin Moore was doing his best to scare his passenger/mother in the J2 MG, it’s ok though as he’s since passed his test, congratulations Calvin.

On the section that I was marshalling I was the start marshal, a little lad pulled up beside me on his bike  with his dad keeping an eye on him, I explained to the  little fella what he had to do and then said if you start your engine  I will count you down, at this point dad intervened and said “it’s ok it’s electric” , it raised a good laugh anyway and with a twist of the throttle he silently shot off around the course.  

Overall winner John Sandercock – Carr Cup.  Luke Fry –  Motorcycle Trophy

Well done to Nigel and the team for yet another enjoyable event, particular thanks to Lisa Gregory on her debut as entry taker.

J.T.

Spry Trial – Sunday 19^th June – by Andy Prosser our Roving Reporter

Sunday the 19^th June saw the annual Spry sporting trial being held at Higher Frankaborough Farm near Lifton for the first time, by kind permission of the Harvey family.  The arrangements had been made thanks to club member Alan Murton who lives locally and a few of us joined him on the Saturday to lay out the sections.  With steep grass fields and rain showers in prospect for the Sunday there was general concern about how difficult the trial could prove to be, how wrong we were on several counts!  A total of 11 competitors competed on the day with three sections being run four times in the morning and a further three, four times in the afternoon.

It soon became obvious that due to no significant rain overnight that the mornings sections were going to be a lot easier than we thought, so the tyre pressures were upped from 5psi on leaving the paddock to 8psi before the first hill was attempted and the sections were significantly tightened. Despite this Duncan Stephens, double driving Jerome Fack’s MSR, was clean over the mornings 12 attempts with several others only picking up low single figures scores. 

After a break for lunch it was decided to leave pressures as they were and see what the afternoon would bring – one thing was still no rain.  It was amazing how little grip there was on the second part of the field compared to the first with many bemused faces wondering what had happened!  Jason Daniel had a good morning only dropping four but really came in to his own in the afternoon, showing everyone else the way in his Crossle, with a final score at the end of the day of 28, the next nearest being Jerome on 40.  What makes this particularly special is that Jason was being passengered by his daughter Grace for the first time and it was her 14^th birthday that very day (this is the youngest you are allowed to be a passenger in a sporting trials car) – what a brilliant effort and result by the both of them.  The club was also very grateful to Jason’s son Toby for helping marshal on the day.  

Jason and Grace Daniel heading for another clean.

The novice award was won by Nigel Shute, very ably passengered by his wife Kath – as regular club competitors it was nice to see them pick up an award too.  Several competitors had come down from as far away as the Forest of Dean which was great to see and everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed the day, with the added pleasure of everyone sharing Grace’s birthday cake at the end – a great event all round. 

Nigel and Kath Shute on their way to winning the novice award.

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Future Events

10^th July Motor Traders car trial at Waterloo Farm, North Petherwin by kind permission of John Werrin. Regs are on the website, car drivers of 14 years and above.

21^st August Testing Trial, Marshgate TBC regs to follow.

An Invitation from Minehead Motor Club   4^th September

Minehead Motor Club would like to invite members of Launceston & North Cornwall MC to the 51^st running of the Derek Merson Exmoor Clouds Classic Trial, being held on the 4^th of September. Following the successful 50^th running of the event last year, in Headon & Periton Woods, we are delighted to announce that the Exmoor Clouds returns to a full road trial this year, open to entries on 2, 3 and 4 wheels. After the landmark event last year, a new organising team has come forward, ready to take the Exmoor Clouds into its next 50 years.

The event will return to its base at The Rest & Be Thankful Inn, at Wheddon Cross, from where competitors will head out on a route of approximately 75 miles across West Somerset and Exmoor, taking in around 15 sections and 2 Special Tests. The new team have worked hard to bring together a mix of new sections, while reviving some classic hills that were once cornerstones of the Exmoor Clouds in years gone by.  

Entries can be made on the appropriate form and be either posted or emailed. Alternatively, if you would like a set of regs sent in the post, contact Event Secretary Norton Selwood on 07949 926621. 

We hope you can come and join us for a day’s motorsport in the September sunshine! 

(Regs will be available on the ACTC website from the 6^th of July. www.actc.org.uk )

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Tailpiece

 As chairman Joe mentioned our latest marshalling outing was for the MCC 3 Day Trial, with many club members out doing their bit and running hills, the Saturday of the 3 days was very much in our area so it was no mean feat to get volunteers to run all the hills. Thanks to everyone who supported and gave up their time for  this significant event.

I was elected (by myself) to run Ruses Mill our motley crew arrived at the Mill around 10.00am  to be greeted by other volunteers including one team from Barbrook ! They had left home at 6.30 am to get there, now there’s keen.

Once we had done all the deliberations as to who was manning which end it was down to getting familiar with operating the radios, somehow Dad’s Army came to mind, I think I was probably Captain Mannering although nobody said don’t panic to me.  To my surprise the radio system worked very well with only a couple of minor hiccups. The competitors came through in a somewhat irregular fashion as it was a break from the norm in that cars and bikes were interspersed so you never knew what was going to arrive next, although it was a little later than expected by the time the course closing vehicle came through to close the hill.

Once we had picked up everything it was back home and open up the Trials App Live on the phone to enter all the scores, with Vivien reading them out and me inputting,   this actually didn’t take as long as I feared it might and about an hour later it was all done and dusted.

  J.T.      All for this month         Don’t forget contributions to billjan299@gmail.com.

I’m writing this the day after our very enjoyable awards evening at Trethorne Leisure Centre, organised by Nigel Cowling, it ran like clockwork. So nice for people to be getting back to doing the things we used to take for granted, along with the fact that quite a number of the award winners were there to receive them, not that any of the recipients gave any long agonising speeches just a big smiley face for the camera was enough.

For the first time since I’ve been a member it was noted that our club President Robin Moore was absent due to him suffering a stroke a few weeks ago. Robin was in Derriford Hospital for a couple of weeks and has this week been transferred to Bodmin Hospital where they have a specialist Stroke unit and  will be able to assess his condition and treat accordingly. He’s a tough one and despite having difficulty in walking is otherwise making reasonable progress, as his daughter Maria said to me his mental capacity is unaffected and he is certainly keeping up with day  to day events and checking all his correspondence, we all wish him a speedy recovery.

There’s lots more photos on the club facebook page and most probably Jonathan Kelly will be putting them on the website, I do have more photos including some of the children receiving their awards but as I forgot to ask the parents for permission I haven’t published them.            
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And now it’s time for our Chairman Joe Caudle to write a few words

I write this after an enjoyable evening at the club awards presentation event.  It was good to see another gathering after 2 years of challenges and restrictions.  Most of the silverware went home for temporary custodianship and to be enjoyed by successful competitors.  Thanks to Nigel Cowling’s hard work everything went smoothly in a relaxed friendly gathering.  It was particularly pleasing to see so many families and young people there this time. 

 Nigel was the recipient of the inaugural Pete Cooper award to recognise the huge role he has played for our club in keeping our profile high across the local motorsport community and for his leadership and enthusiasm in getting many of our events back up and running in difficult circumstances.  In future this award will be presented to the best performance in a car by a club member on the Tamar Trial.  A fitting way to remember our friend and a great clubman.

Our club secretary, Andy Prosser, arranged for the proceeds from the raffle and a donations box to raise funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal.  Thanks to the generosity of all present a large sum was raised.  I quote from Andy’s email to the committee:-

“I have applied for Gift Aid, so this brings it up to £323.75. The £259 which we raised will be matched by the government so in effect we raised £582.75 for Ukraine – a real bonus to what was already a great evening.  Thank you to everyone.”

Another high point for me this week was receiving the news that the Tamar Trial has been awarded the ACTC Trial of the Year for 2019 and 2021.  A great tribute to Clerk of Course Pete Cooper, Secretary Bob Slatter and Deputy Clerks of Course Simon Riddle and Nigel Cowling.  Also, all the committee, club members, marshals and landowners who have made the events so successful.

Our club’s success is due to the commitment and hard work of the committee.  There is a lot of work behind the scenes that ensures the bureaucratic requirements and practical challenges are all tackled to ensure we can enjoy our sport.  This fine group of individuals will meet next Thursday evening for the AGM to elect the officers and committee for the next year.  If you would be interested in joining us or just want to come along and meet us, you would be most welcome.

One notable absentee from the awards evening and unable to attend the AGM this year will be our Club President Robin Moore who is unfortunately in hospital having suffered a stroke.  I am sure we all wish him a good recovery.

I hope to see as many as possible of you out on the Launceston Trial on March 20th.  

Yours in motorsport

Joe Caudle

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Forthcoming events

Club AGM on Thursday the 10^th of March 7.30pm at the White Hart Hotel Launceston all welcome.

Launceston Trial on the 20^th of March at Eastcott & Lew Woods , the online entry system is open so if you are thinking of entering don’t delay. Marshals needed.

Easter Friday/Saturday  MCC Lands End Trial, considered by some as the biggest classic of the year (other trials are available) always good fun to watch.

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Tailpiece      
When you are an old codger like myself the government like to remind you of it by making you re apply for your driving licence at the  age of 70.  I started this process last August as my birthday at the end of September would put me in the above mentioned category. I was also aware that as you are deemed by many at this age to be incompetent in as much as the DVLA also see fit to remove certain categories from your licence, mainly the right to drive anything over 3500kg classes C & D  unless you make a specific additional application.

I considered this ruling to be somewhat unfair so I started the process of attempting to retain said categories by getting all the appropriate forms, this then leads to you also needing a medical from your GP which is basically a form filling exercise for which I was relieved of £96. Next came a visit to the opticians, another fee, given the all clear and told I met fighter pilot standards despite having a long term Glaucoma condition.  With all the forms filled out I sent my application off, about 7 weeks later they send the doctors medical back as an extra section needed filling out, got this done bearing in mind my licence now technically expires in a few days.

Time drifts by October no news November , December likewise. As the new year approaches I get my proof of identity paperwork back and a letter saying my licence will follow in about two weeks, I’m almost excited, unfortunately they come up with another hurdle, they won’t accept my Optician’s  eye test I have to attend a test at their approved one. So I  make the appointment, do the test and it is sent straight off to DVLA. Roughly two weeks later and due to yet more silence I decide to phone, coffee in one hand phone in the other I am ready for the long drawn out process. I make several attempts to phone them and after about 40 minutes someone actually answers the phone, this person can’t deal with my enquiry so get put on hold for 10 minutes, next person, sorry you’re through to the wrong department, back on hold with the same boring music which I can’t decide if it’s meant to relax you or just irritate me  for  having  interrupted  their day, for me it was the latter. New person speaks to me I then have to verify who I am for about the third time and says “Oh yes your case is being looked into but we aren’t able to divulge anything more but  you will hear soon.”  so that wasted about an hour and a half of my life which there is no retrieval system for.

A couple more weeks go by and I receive a letter to say they have refused my application for classes C & D as my visual field of scope doesn’t match their requirements, so any thoughts of being a fighter pilot are dashed.  Today I received a one year  driving licence which I am told is standard practice so some consolation I suppose .  But  after 8 months and much time and considerable cash wasted,  codgers be warned life at 70 can be more than a little challenging, particularly where bureaucracy is involved.

All for this month  J.T.                      contributions to    billjan299@gmail.com