Here we go again and a new year at that, happy New Year all, please please let it be a better one. I’ve just realised it’s the newsletter’s 3rd birthday in its electronic format. So the last couple of weeks have been a bit quiet on the motorsport front but that will all change on Friday the 7th when the hordes will gather at Haynes for the annual MCC Exeter Trial, just as the weather is set to get a bit colder, although after all the rain we’ve been having I’m definitely not complaining especially as the Dellow doesn’t do the “hood” thing.

Whilst the weather forecasters will I’m sure do their very best to give an accurate warning of what we are to expect in the weather department don’t take it as defo , having just turned on the camera on my the nest box just outside the office window I see a Sparrow has already started building its new nest so Spring can’t be that far off!
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Chairman’s Chat…….

As we look forward to 2022 it is time to reflect on the last year.   I would like to thank all the committee for their skills, enthusiasm and time to enable the Club to run successful events, carry out administrative tasks and communicate so effectively. Thanks also to the helpers and  marshals who work and officiate for us.  We are also grateful to the permission of land owners and local authorities that allow us to access the highways, byways and real estate where we  enjoy our sport. Finally to the competitors who enter our events and make all the efforts come to fruition – I look forward to seeing you and many more competing again next year.

2021 has been a year that has challenged us in so many ways and we must remember those who have suffered sickness and loss. Thankfully the club can also reflect upon many successes. Those events we were able to promote and run within new rules were well received and enjoyed by all involved. It was particularly good to be able to include competitors from all ages and generations. A number of our committee and members have represented us well at national level winning top awards.
We were also able, admittedly 12 months late, to celebrate our centenary as one of the oldest motor clubs in the country. Launceston was involved at the birth of long distance trials and we continue to maintain a strong presence in that branch of the sport and has  a colourful history as shown in the Lawrence House Museum exhibition. The Pop Up museum has been nominated for a Cornwall Heritage Award and I look forward to joining the Curator to attend the ceremony at the Royal Cornwall Museum in February.

Finally I hope you have enjoyed a great festive season and wish you all a happy, successful and healthy New Year.

See you dreckly.

Joe Caudle  Chairman
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Now over to our Club President Robin Moore

The Ramblings of RHTM     January 2022

I have a great number of interests, but it is fair to say in that the main, they are concentrated in the period of time between the two World Wars. Whether it’s motorcars, whether it is ships, planes, railways of Architecture and fashion, not forgetting music of course, all these things influenced no doubt by the surroundings by which I was brought up. The sights, the sounds, and the awareness of a world of change,- a defining point in history when the motorcar was taking over from horses and steam.
It has often been said, that “ Man and his Motor Car were the 20^th Century love affair”.  But this cannot be continued in any way, as comparable to the present age of change in which we currently find ourselves. A different exciting world which is embraced by the younger generation, but which I find disturbing and difficult to embrace.

Some time ago I started to chronicle for MCC Triple magazine , how I became “hooked” on classic trials, and how it had to be a pre-war car for me, Triple Editor Celia Walton has been waiting patiently for the rest of my story, so in all fairness  I’ll fast forward to the time when I was more so involved with competitive events.

I went in at the “deep end” , my first ever trial as a competitor being the 1958 Lands End, in which I retired but managed to limp home with a clutch that wasn’t up to the task demanded. It was 18 months  before my 1932 Wolseley Hornet was anything like competitive, and only then that local people became aware of my interest in old motorcars, and Trefrew Farm became a “mecca” for vintage enthusiasts. Many interesting motors and personalities have visited over the years, and still do for that matter, but particularly during the 1960’s and 70’s. one such person was Richard Farley.

Richard Farley, a member of the well known confectioners family lived at Darley House, an old mine Captain’s residence and not far from Deebles Garage at Darley Ford, were at one time we had a special test on the Tamar Trial called “ Robins Revenge” , but that’s another story ( and a slightly painful one at that, Ed). Darley House had a fine motor house wherein resided not one but two Hispano – Suiza cars,- a post vintage H6  6 cylinder fabric bodied saloon, as well as a vintage V12.

Richard was a very good friend of Anthony Blight the Callington Solicitor and great Talbot enthusiast, who was later to write the definitive history.- Georges Roesch and the Invincible Talbot, incidentally,- before Anthony Blight became so involved with his mission in life, to trace, collect and restore all the famous team cars of that marque, he would sometimes be found marshalling on one of our North Cornwall MC events, most likely at the behest of Nancy Parsons, our competition secretary at the time.

And so it came to pass, that, as all mechanical things are better for being used Richard Farley would exercise one of Anthony’s Talbots from time to time and on a nice Summer evening I would be honoured by a visit of one of these famous historic motorcars.  I well remember BGH 23 the ex Brooklands and Alpine Trial car driven by the legendary Mike Cooper in the early 1930’s , paying me a visit, but unfortunately I never recorded the moment by taking a photograph.

Anthony Blight kindly autographed my copy of “The Invincible Talbot”,- To Robin Moore, another 6 cylinder fanatic.

Anthony Blight  /  Callington, 22/5/80                                                                              
 to be continued  RHTM.
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On Wednesday the 8^th of December our club along with several other clubs and organisations turned out in force to say a last farewell to Pete Cooper at the Glynn Valley Crematorium, Bodmin. As you would expect it was standing room only as he was given the send off he deserved. Many of us were somewhat surprised at Pete’s accomplishments during his long and interesting life, I for one never knew he was a helicopter pilot, he was modest of his many achievements which I think summed him up rather well.

For Sale:- Triumph TorumClass 8 car for sale

Shortened & strengthened Triumph Spitfire chassis.
Steel tube spaceframe with aluminium and GRP panels.
2.1 ltr Pinto engine with Kent hi torque cam, 2 x Twin 40 Dellorto DHLA carbs.
Competition clutch, Rocket gearbox, 5 link fully adjustable rear suspension. 
Strengthened English axle with open Quaife diff.
Adjustable coil overs all round.
Premier Car Award in John Aley Trial 2021.
Comprehensive parts package including recon Rocket gearbox, wheels/tyres, Springs, manifolds, spare Webber carbs, bearings, Minx/Rapier 15inch wheels with Tyres and and many, many other parts that may require a van to remove them all.
MOT and Tax exempt although MOT’d every year of ownership for peace of mind.
This car is ready to Trial and will prove to be great fun.
Price £5,000
If interested, please call  Simon Oates 01566 785255 / 07768 781256 or a.oates@btinternet.com
Spare Trial ready 2.1 Pinto engine available separately.


Membership  Simon Oates would like to remind everyone that their membership sub’s are now due, either contact Simon on 01566 785255, email  a.oates@btinternet.com or just go on to the club website and renew online. The best £10.00 you will spend for a long time.

PROVISIONAL YEAR 2022 EVENTS CALENDAR    

Tailpiece

With the Exeter Trial fast approaching I thought I had better get out there and test the car , I had already spotted Simon Oates earlier in the week out testing the recently acquired Liege so I didn’t want to be caught napping. I did a mixed run of main road and lanes for about 25 miles (how far is far enough?) and on returning home double checked all the bits required to work on the Dellow, were working, after all having reached a certain age I was now told I could go and play with the “big boys” , class 2 in the main trial (foolish I know) . On extricating myself from aforementioned vehicle something became apparent to me, the car was probably fitter for the trial than its driver.

There’s not a lot of leg room in a MK2 Dellow even for someone as vertically challenged as myself which means the left leg struggles to find somewhere comfortable, basically sitting as if on the floor with one leg virtually tucked under the other is not ideal, several minutes passed before normal walking was regained. In light of this, I have sent an urgent email to the makers of Nurofen (painkillers to the unafflicted) to see if they wish to sponsor me for the event, I’m sure a catchy slogan could be found.  Not that I’m holding out much hope as it is a bit short notice, if push came to shove I suppose I could always buy some, but let’s not rush things.

All for this month J.T.        you know the contact details,   billjan299@gmail.com

Greetings all from a somewhat chilly Cornwall, fortunately though we have managed to escape storm Arwen as it sweeps across the northern parts of the country. Last weekend we had the Ron Beer sporting trial at Ashleigh Lifton which was a very pleasant and relaxed event. OK the entry wasn’t huge but everyone  was enjoying themselves with big smiles on their faces and plenty of time to chat, in fact it was very much like we expect it to be. Roland Uglow was the overall winner, John Cole won the class award and Mike Wevill gained a first class award.

In the last couple of months I have marshalled at four events and as I said earlier people are definitely enjoying getting back to participating in their chosen sport/hobby. The last 20 months have been difficult for all, being unable to get out and pursue your chosen enjoyment causes frustration and is damaging to peoples mental health often causing depression. November is the month when men grow moustaches (known as Movember) in support of men’s charities for cancer and for mental health which hopefully reduces the cases of suicide in men, let’s face it men are not that good at talking about the things in life that hurt them, particularly mental anguishes. The Movember idea was started by two guys in a pub in Melbourne Australia in 2003 and is now a worldwide recognised charity, by 2030 it aims to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%, to me it sounds like a worthy charity.

Sorry if the last paragraph seemed a little dark but sometimes these issues need to be aired, bringing things into the open is often the start to recovery.

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Now over to our Club President Robin Moore
The Ramblings of RHTM  The Graham Paige story Part 8

I conclude my history of the Graham story by travelling through my copy of “The History of Brooklands Motor Course 1906 – 1940” written by the late Bill Body, and published in 1957. I have been able to extract much of the racing exploits of G.L. Baker, 1931 to 1939. There are five Bakers named in the comprehensive personality index, one of which is listed with no initial, but I have reason to believe this to be G.L. Baker’s father who is mentioned earlier in the narrative as having raced a 6 litre sleeve valve Minerva. It cannot be a coincidence that G.L. started his racing exploits with exactly the same make and models.

It was in the 1930’s that a significant number of improvements were made to the track, also for the spectators to view the racing. At the spring meeting in the Essex Long Handicap the first mention appears regarding the Graham Paige. “The race was won by Vernon Balls Amilcar Six winning easily at 92.28 mph (last lap at 97.27 mph) ahead of the Graham Paige.

1933 brought a record entry at the Whitsun meeting when for the first time women drivers were to be allowed to race against the mere male, but in one short and one long handicap race only.   The second short handicap of the August meeting held by the B.A.C.R deserves mention as Boddy quotes“ Baker’s 5 ½ litre Graham Paige, re handicapped 4 seconds, probably because it now had two carburettors, lapped at 95.78mph and averaged 91.51mph, winning by four fifths of a second from  Hughes Frazer Nash “.

The October meeting of 1935 was held in very rough conditions with the high wind making it difficult for competitors, with Esson-Scott’s 2 Litre Bugatti being blown sideways at the Vickers sheds when lapping at 123.28mph in the long handicap race, allowing Fallett to win in his 2.7 litre Alvis at 95.51mph, comfortably clear of Baker’s Graham Paige, which lapped at 105.97 mph.

The first day of August in 1938 the Race Meeting of the BARC took place in sweltering heat . Boddy records, – A big crowd sweltered in a real heat wave, but there were not many new cars in the paddock to distract attention from the ladies sartorial ventures – Boddy goes on to describe the First August Long Handicap race which attracted 20 entries and 18 starters, and which mentions the Bowler Hoffman Special, which didn’t do very well on this occasion , having to be towed in. I mention this myself as this was a 4 1/2 Litre Bentley Outer Circuit car constructed by Harry Bowler and Fred Hoffman, WO Bentley Specialists whose works were under the railway arches at Alberton near Wembley. My mother’s stepfather Chester Reeve worked for them for many years from the early 1920’s to post World War 2  and I visited their premises quite often with my father, more of this another time.

The 1936 season opened early with the BARC meeting on March 4^th  when Bakers Graham Paige came second in the First Short Handicap. The Bank Holiday meeting was abandoned, the Steward deciding it too wet to be safe.

Moving in to 1938 , the 1^st of August saw the BARC,- Bill Boddy noted that Bakers Graham Paige re appeared. I cannot be certain which model Baker was campaigning, but it was most likely to have been the 6 cylinder, 6 litre model, for at the Whitsun  meeting of 1939, Boddy writes and I quote,- “The seven lap Locke King Trophy Handicap over the outer circuit came next , Baker old Graham Paige with four Solex carburettors, and exhaust pipes longer for cylinders two and five than the other four, led until displaced by Sumner’s Jackson tuned MG.

The BARC August meeting took place with the war clouds rolling up uncomfortably fast,  with tension and anxiety being uppermost in everyone’s minds. The world was about to be turned upside down and changed forever, although not known at the time, the last race of the day was to be the last ever at Brooklands.

To close I quote Bill Boddy’s words, “So on that August afternoon, with many thoughts elsewhere, as in 1914, Brooklands ran it’s last race. Thirteen multi-coloured cars lined up for the Third August Outer- Circuit Handicap and Baker’s old Graham Paige won at 99.46mph, in a magnificent finish, holding off B Burton’s  2,970 cc Talbot, which had started with it, by one- fifth of a second , the Graham Paige lapped at 105.97mph the Talbot at 104.19mph.

RHTM
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Lanson Hillbillies on Tour (Goin’ Fer Gold)

Back in the early part of the year I was asked what are you doing on Oct 1/2^nd and can you get time off,  fancy a trip to do the Edinburgh ? Now there’s a question, only one not done, see what I can do, leave it with me was my response. The answer, yes no  problem Edinburgh here we come.

The week leading up to the event was well interesting, a new windscreen needed due to the bonnet flipping back over, how did this happen you ask ? Ashley Ruby , he’s your person. With Darren working late most days , so lots of last minute prep on the car beforehand.

Friday 1^st October set off in good time to meet Rob Holden and dad at Exeter services, spirits high off we go, 2 BMW’s on their way (on lorry) journey up was interesting at one stage going at a crawl, only to look out of driver’s side of lorry and to see a white Scimitar with Blue lines, “morning”  came the shout, a few hundred yards on and  and pull in for a chat with two regular marshals/competitors Dave and Ann Robinson.

Continuing our journey we get separated from our other crew , drove past the JCB factory (what a place). Arrived at the Duke of York finish venue where we are leaving the lorry at 6pm, unloaded the car, booked into services at Tamworth for well earned rest and tea. How far away is Tamworth ? Only an hours drive, tea booked for 7.05pm , oh dear…..

 Arrived at Tamworth 7.05pm to find the place booked up, tea is now on the other side a mile away. We sit down to eat at 7.15pm to be told that table was booked for 6.45pm and there’s a 45 minute delay on food, oh well time for a chat with Brian Hampson who we were joining for tea.

Fed and watered  we were back to our rest stop by 10pm , we needed to be at start for 12.30 so agree to meet at reception at Midnight. Luckily only a short journey to Lichfield rugby club for the start, club is just closing so no chance of  a cuppa.
Allotted start time off we go, only to be told one minute before the 1^st bike away that the bridge we had to cross had collapsed so follow the arrows, we saw one arrow and  then got lost just like a lot of other competitors but got to our first section ok, we had now teamed up with our 3^rd BMW members the Copplestones, Martyn and John.

First few hills interesting but no problem, dry night is a bonus, on to Middlemoor for the 1^st timed test and we were fastest time of the three BMW’s (just).  On to Haydale  where we had a 30 min delay, but clear it  and  on to the Ditch, again a clear and another at Calton after 30 min delay. The off to Duke of York breakfast stop for 45 min, in at 8.20am so we  depart at 9.05am.  On to Swann which  was an extra special test, that was once a go kart track. Darren was  champing at the bit to blast the course, which we do no problem but we did watch a few to make sure we got it right before attempting it. Petrol situation ok so we continue to Ladder Hill, no waiting here and a clear. Then on to  Hob Hay for another successful climb to be followed by  Brand Top restart. We reckoned it  must be easy because it was a  ‘O’ class restart as well, we didn’t bother to let the tyres down.

 By now it was raining and we were at  Booth Farm, if only it had been on video! The other two BM’s failed, so we drop tyres to 6psi (a first) as we attempted to drive across the grass to go through gate car started sliding towards tape and poles, hang on we’re going through, through up and out, yes a clear but  we had taken not only the tape and poles but the tree the tape was tied to, marshals not sure if we get clear or fail, but we’re happy despite the rain now pouring down.

Back to the road and not sure which way to go, we take the wrong turning so double back on ourselves, turn around only to be stuck in a queue. There was Formula 1 stock car racing on at Buxton raceway and they were all waiting to get in, with the help of Greg Warren and cooperation from the stock car guys we managed to make enough room for ourselves and fellow MCC competitors could pass.  We had now lost our fellow BMW’s so travelling solo , never mind we’ve got the route map to guide us. We  arrive at Hollinsclough control wet but in good spirits only to see the other BM’s leaving.

Next it’s Excelsior, seen this one on You Tube so fingers crossed.  We do clear it!   Fuel required, one minute none, next, full tank, oh dear not good, petrol found , fuel cap off, on let air out sorted.

 Clough Wood/Mine cancelled so we are able to catch up with fellow beamers,  Dudwood 2 very wet & sticky so we fail this one  (believed later to be cancelled). Special test another favourite for Darren, foot down go for it and we achieved a  good time. Drive to Old Hall to be told by Dave M rest of sections cancelled for us so no getting to see Litton Slack.  Oh well we’ll just have to wait for results, so it was back to the finish  and sign off , back to Tamworth for tea then home.

Arrived back at Boyton to be met by Lisa and chief marshal Zak. Ashley and myself had crashed asleep on way home, how Darren stayed awake I’ll never know, and our award at the end of the event was  GOLD.   Forgot to say the back suspension had collapsed on the way to Tamworth.  And the tune that kept going through my head (All Creatures great and Small) the original, yes I know it’s set in Yorkshire but Derbyshire scenery reminded me of it.

Nigel Cowling
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Chairman’s Chat
Since I last wrote we are still coming to terms with losing our friend Pete Cooper.  At the Ron Beer Trial there was a minutes silence and at the recent committee meeting everyone stood and drank a toast to his life.

The Ron Beer Trial  was a successful event with a small but enthusiastic entry.  Congratulations for a comprehensive win to  Roland Uglow.  Particular thanks to Mike Wevill for all the work he puts in to facilitate our Trials Formula activities.
The day after saw Mike Wevill, John Turner and Andy Prosser helping me to take down the club’s centenary display in the Lawrence House Museum pop up premises.  I am now working to return all items to their owners.  Thank you for your patience if you have not heard from me yet, you will asap.

The last committee meeting was well attended and we were pleased to be joined by Bob Slatter, so it was combined with the postponed Tamar wash-up.  That event was deemed a success with a lot of positive feedback from competitors.  The assistant Clerks of Course have been well prepared by Pete and will take the reins of the event next year.  It is proposed to run the Tamar Trial 2022 in memory of Peter Cooper.

Following the meeting Andrew Rippon has agreed to be the club ACTC representative, his enthusiasm, experience and knowledge has been a great asset to our committee and there is no one better for the role.

 It is a privilege to Chair a committee with such commitment,  breadth of knowledge and experience.  Hopefully we can look forward to lots of activity and events next year, and plans are being developed to expand the social side of our club.

Joe Caudle
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The funeral service of Pete Cooper will take place on Wednesday the 8^th of December at 3.30pm at Bodmin Crematorium, please note family flowers only. Donations to the Cornwall Air Ambulance.  After the service everyone is invited to return to the Frog & Bucket public house at South Petherwin  for refreshments.

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MSUK

As of 2022 the requirements for your car fire extinguishers are to change for classic trials, the new requirements are : either 2.4L AFFF or 2.0kg Dry Powder, whichever one you choose it should be accessible from the driving seat to aid your escape in the event of a fire.  Many people are also carrying a Fire Stick, this hand held device is extremely effective in putting out fires.                                    
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Tailpiece

For several years now I have been a Platelet donor which necessitates me to attend Derriford Hospital every 6-8 weeks, on my journey in to the hospital last week I couldn’t help noticing the very large queue of ambulances outside the A & E department waiting to off load their patients, the car park was completely full and one ambulance was having to park in the road outside.  On leaving the Hospital I decided to go into Machine Mart at Embankment road in Plymouth to get my fix of all the tools and machinery I either didn’t really need, couldn’t afford or just didn’t have space for, having made my token gesture purchase of £7.42 for a couple of small items it was back in the car and head out of town. I made my way up to Cattedown roundabout and up Tothill Road in the direction of Mutley Plain, window down in a queue of traffic doing about 25 mph with a similar queue also coming down the hill, all of a sudden my eyes focused on a strange sight hurtling down the middle of the road overtaking the traffic coming down. It was a second or two before I realised what it was, a cyclist was giving it all he could, pedalling furiously to overtake everything but with the front wheel of his bike at least two feet off the ground at the same time turning the handlebars left and right as if steering, as he shot past me loud vocal growling noises could be heard as he was also imitating an engine much as a three year old would in a pedal car,  I watched in my rear view mirror as he continued down the road and couldn’t help also thinking of the large queue of ambulances at the hospital, I hope he didn’t come to grief because there might have been a very long wait for an ambulance to come and recover him.

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

Once again I am sat in the office looking out longingly  at the sun but I know you are all eager to read my monthly offering, well that’s what I tell myself. The club has been pretty active with events and meetings so much so that at this rate given the average age of a lot of us we may be needing a “little something” to keep us going, after all we have had 18 months of not a lot happening and it comes as a bit of a shock.

We finally managed to have an AGM with real people all in the same room and a good turnout it was too, some new faces and some regular ones, so much appreciated. After the usual appraisal of the previous year by the various officers it was then down to electing new ones. I have managed to step down as Chair, I took the job on in December of 2020 from Pete Cooper who had done sterling work as chair but as previously mentioned he was exceptionally busy with work and something had to give. As I said at the time my being in the chair was only to be temporary  and now Joe Caudle has stepped up and will take over the reins. The full list of officers/committee members are as follows.

President:  Robin Moore.      Vice President:-  L Connett     J Caudle:- Chair.             J Turner:- Vice chair / Newsletter  .   M Wevill:- Competition Secretary,       P Wevill:- Treasurer       .                          R Simpson:- Motorcycle secretary,              N Cowling:-  Social secretary,      S Oates :-Membership secretary,                     A Prosser :-General Secretary     Lisa Gregory:- Facebook,       
J Kelly:- data and Website manager.                ACTC:-    P Cooper.
Committee members : W Kelly, P Gomm, S Riddle, J Cooper, A Rippon,
L Rippon,  A Murton,  D Ruby.                       
Junior members:-  Ashley Ruby, Zac Ruby.  Uncle Tom Cobley has stood down.

Chairman’s contribution.

As your new Chairman I am reprising the role I had about 20 years ago.  Since then we have had a few new people join the committee but most of those are familiar faces, some  I have known since I joined the club 40 years ago.  During that time I have enjoyed officiating and competing in Our events and have also been, at various times, Competition Secretary, Newsletter Editor, Public Relations Officer and Vice Chairman.  I am currently also the Club Safeguarding Officer.

Our last event, the Testing Trial, was a great success and it was wonderful to see a good entry and in some cases 3 generations of families in attendance with many of the youngest competing.  It would appear that there are many new and  younger members now.  Very positive for the future of our club. 

However these events need organisation.  Clerk of Course Nigel and his team did a great job laying out sections etc.  There were just enough marshals on the day and all ran smoothly. 

The part of the running of the club and such events that is less obvious but enormously important is dealing with the bureaucracy.  Mike Wevill is our Competition Secretary who ensures permits are in place and all Motorsports UK and AMCA requirements are met.  For the Testing Trial he was also Secretary of the meeting, dealing with the online entries, those who needed to complete entry paperwork on the day and also ensuring signing on of competitors and marshals (thank you Lisa for your help) was all in order.

Mike has been Competition Secretary for many years and we now need someone to learn from him with a view to taking over next year so he can have a well earned retirement from the job.  Without a Competition Secretary the Club cannot function.  Whether you are currently on the committee or a member who would be able to take on this job please let us know.  It would be great to know the future of the club is secure.

I look forward to our next events in September – the David Ayers Trial and the opening of the ‘pop up museum display that will run to the end of November. 

Joe Caudle

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Now over to our club President Robin Moore.

The Ramblings of RHTM . Part 5 of the Graham Paige story.
I re-called in part 4, the weekend away in the Graham when I drove to VSCC Silverstone for the race meeting, and didn’t return home to Trefrew before driving down to Sherfield English (Romsey) until 48 hours later, having covered 455 miles in this 32 year old vintage car. But to me that’s nothing new, I’ve never purchased a new car , nor have I been inclined to do so, in spite of having a hundred or so motor cars over my lifetime, and at least 15 different marques.  It reminded me of the heading to a C & D (Cornish & Devon newspaper)  press report of 60 years ago stating, “32 year old car wins again”. It referred to Wolseley Hornet MV 2718 that I was campaigning with some success at the time.

It was June 1966 when Dave Hilliard, ( Camel Vale President at the time) decided to sell the Singer Le Mans LM9, which he had purchased in 1946 whilst still serving in the RAF. Dave offered me first refusal as promised, and I was keen to purchase JB 4387. I decided something needed to go, and as Derek Adams of Okehampton Motors had expressed interest in the Graham it seemed the opportune moment to part company. I had met Derek Adams previously when he and his father owned the garage at the top of the rise leading to the town on the old A30. It is no longer there, having been developed into a housing estate some years ago. I remember calling there when it was a garage and filling station, at the time they had a Wolseley Hornet for sale, which I didn’t purchase.

Derek Adams came to Trefrew to have a look at the Graham. I remember he had a friend with him who owned a 1929 Hillman 14 at the time. Derek agreed my price for the Graham but wanted me to take a Mk 1 Ford Zodiac in part exchange, to which I agreed as I already had someone who would be pleased to take the Zodiac off my hands, and which balanced the books. Everything was “on the button” and a week later I drove the Graham to Derek Adams home at Octon House, in Station Road  and changed mounts to return in the Ford. This was the one and only Ford Zodiac that I had  experience of, but  I must say it drove well, and would be much sought after today.

I have recorded a little of this story many years ago when I was writing under the title “Did You Know” for the Reluctant Publishing Company. I doubt there are many who recall Derek Adams and the garage he ran with his father, but Derek was well known for having a very large collection of Suede shoes.I’ll  conclude this Graham Paige story next month, but you will recall that I mentioned in part 4 of the VSCC Welsh Trial and the famous section “The Snatcher” . This hill rises off the A44 just outside New Radnor.

The photograph below was taken by myself near the foot or the hill on one such occasion when the last competitor had tackled the hill. I couldn’t resist taking this snap of Bill Body, editor of Motor Sport Magazine , together with his wife Winifred, and “Jenks” , seated, his famous “Continental Correspondent”.  You know the rest.

RHTM to be continued.



Centenary event. 7^th of August saw a very good display of cars and bikes take over the square in Launceston, the weather wasn’t exactly on our side but everyone turned up and helped put on a display which did our club proud. There was quite a bit of interest from the public some of whom looked a little surprised but enjoyed the variety of vehicles on display, special thanks to David Uglow for driving  the HRG from Callington in poor weather. At 90 David is still competing and enjoying the car!

The “Pop Up” museum is due to open in a couple of weeks time, all being well the date is set for the15th of September it will be situated just off the square in the  High Street opposite the Coop store. The club display will be on show until the end of November with posters depicting each decade from the 1920’s up to present day, also on display will be artefacts, trophies etc belonging to the club.  Well worth a visit but check the museum website for opening times.  https://lawrencehousemuseum.org.uk/

Testing Trial & Taster event  Sunday the 22^nd of August saw a very good turn out of both cars and bikes for this event, in total we had 30 competitors for the main event and 4 people signed up for the “taster”, this time the weather was definitely on our side so the factor 50 sun cream was a necessity. We had 8 in the junior event on motorcycles and they were loving it. To watch these youngsters, one was only 6 years old, bobbing across the field and doing their very best to be competitive was great, even if parents and family members were all at strategic points of each test to make sure no one got lost, it was fun and it gave them a taste of what can be done if clubs like ours make the effort to include them.

Some of the tests were quite complicated so it meant being focused or getting lost, yes some people did the latter but in general it wasn’t a problem. Well done Nigel for laying out a good course, which I think I can say was enjoyed by all, even if there was a couple of “dishonourable dismounts”.

Forthcoming Events

Sunday the 12^th of September is the date of the David Ayers Sporting Trial  at Trevilla Farm, Marshgate by kind permission of Mr David Langley. This is a round of the BTRDA and ASWMC championship, we are hopeful of a good entry and as always marshals will be needed, this is a chance to see some of the top sporting trials drivers in action so please give it your support.
Sunday the 17^th of October we hold our Tamar Classic Road Trial  covering  West Devon and North Cornwall, I’m told there is a completely new route this year so should be a very good event, yes once again we need marshals. This is a round of the ASWMC and ACTC championship drawing competitors from far and wide with the usual eclectic mix of machinery on 2,3 & 4 wheels.
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Well once again I have somehow managed to come up with a reasonable size newsletter for your indulgence, especially if like me you are a slow reader. A word of warning, if I don’t have sufficient content for next month’s epistle I shall tell you all about my 180 mile Lambretta ride around the lanes of Cornwall & Devon, photos too !

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

So we are gradually travelling back to normality in the world of motorsport, Easter Saturday saw had several members of our club out marshalling for the MCC ”Pop Up Trial” . As mentioned in last month’s newsletter this was somewhat of an experimental event with signing on and route etc. all done remotely, there was even an app for recording the score on the hills on your mobile phone although old fashioned score cards were still being used as well. Each section had its hand sanitising point and marshals were reminded to socially distance.

The entry for the event was lower than expected but it proved the system could work, given that this was the first event to run in this format I think the MCC should be applauded for taking the initiative. Obviously there was little of the social enjoyment side of things, cars did not have passengers which must have seemed somewhat strange for the driver to do his/her own navigating and the real downside was no one to blame but yourself if you took a wrong turning. We were treated to Geoff Westcott putting on a nice display on our section as he grappled with the outfit snaking around the trees in the woods, very entertaining.

I’m not sure technology will completely take over for long distance trials but as a taster it was thought provoking, personally I think both the old established method can run along side the new, I think they call it progress .

Talking of progress we had another zoom committee meeting earlier this month, this zoom thingy is now feeling almost normal, in olden days you had to go out on cold nights and physically meet people, often at a thing called a “Pub”, now you do it from the comfort of your own home, it’s not all bad but the pub did have a wider selection of ales. All the usual topics were discussed, finances, membership, events, AGM etc , will cover the events later.
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So it’s over to our Club President Robin Moore

The Ramblings of R.H.T.

Well, that’s a new title to start with. Thirty years ago my monthly piece for our newsletter was headed, “Did You Know”, and recently I have been sorting through many of my old copies and it made me realise that much of what I have previously written may not have been seen by our present day readers. Either, because they are of a younger generation, or, that circulation of the newsletter was less at the time. With the advent of email there appears to be a far wider readership, so perhaps it would not be out of place to reprint some of my previous offerings.

Apart from the years of the two World Wars , I cannot recall the MCC Lands End being cancelled for two consecutive years, and disappointment is very much of an understatement for all concerned. As I have previously written , it is very much a red letter day, something not to be missed. To put it mildly, I think we are all somewhat depressed with the restrictions imposed by Covid, and the question remains of what the new normal will be. Will it ever be like we were used to, or will that become part of history? Therefore I thought it might be appropriate to re print a piece I submitted for the newsletter almost 30 years ago, and which first appeared in the magazine of the Wolseley Hornet Special Club 60 years ago, written by member Tony Reed I hope it lifts the gloom a little for you.

RHTM.

Editor’s Note

It is good to see an old LNCMC newsletter first which I first cobbled together nearly thirty years ago in 1992 and courtesy of the Reluctant Publishing Company Ltd.

Reproduced here in authentic form warts and all, time constraints do not allow for digitally reworking !
JT

Tony Read’s Hornet when we first met in 1960.

This Sallow Bodied Hornet Special has its original Devon registration number but the Pico
headlights are incorrect and never original equipment. The car now resides in Italy and Tony
Read is deceased.

Thanks to Warin Kelly for the contribution below which must surely warrant a Caption Competition.
Send in your ideas for an amusing caption and receive an amazing prize in return………

Future Events

Saturday the 8th of May , Northgate Sporting Trial to be held at Ashley Farm, Lifton, with thanks to Paul Webber for use of his land. The reg’s and entry form are up on the club website, don’t forget we will be needing marshals please, as always Mike Wevill would love to hear from you 01566 784451.
Sunday the 30th of May is the date for the Launceston Trial to be held at Eastcott and Lew Woods, although a fixed venue it will be run on classic trial regulations, entry forms and reg’s will be up on the club website shortly.
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I ventured out in the Dellow last Saturday in order to marshal for the “pop up trial” it was a tentative if somewhat sedate journey after the last outing when things went somewhat pear shaped, pleased to say the journey there and back was uneventful, long may it continue, although I feel I know something of how the driver in the photo above felt .

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

Here we are again, that time of the month and the waiting is over the newsletter has finally arrived in your “inbox”. Motorsport seems to be a bit like buses, wait for ages while nothing happens, then all of a sudden it’s all go. MSUK have given a green light as to motorsport restarting albeit in a slightly tentative manner, the ACU have given the ok for motorcycle combinations/outfits to recommence as of the 29th of March.

The MCC are running their Easter trial on the 3rd of April, it’s a somewhat different event as to what we are used to at Easter but a start it is. The event being restricted to 80 vehicles starts at Minehead , with a 150 mile route it will end at Lewdown, car drivers will not be permitted a passenger, everything such as entries and scoring will be done electronically. It will be interesting to see how car drivers get on without a navigator, which I’m sure will be fine otherwise it might be dubbed as the “lost souls trial”. Our club has been asked to help with marshals in the Eastcott area, as it’s the last of the hills of the day we are looking at late morning to lunchtime, if you are able to help please contact Mike Wevill 01566 784451.

A week later on the 11th of April Torbay Motor Club will be running their trial with the start and finish venue being in Ashcombe Woods. Once again everything will be done electronically and cars will be driver only, for more information go to the Torbay MC website.

We are planning to start running our own events as of the 8th of May with the Northgate Sporting Trial, obviously we are still unsure what restrictions will be in place but all things being well it will run. On the 30th of May we expect to be running the Lanson Trial at Eastcott / Lew Woods as per normal classic trial reg’s . More on both these events in our next newsletter.

There was a committee meeting by zoom on the 25th of Feb, very well attended , as always we chewed the fat on various issues and future plans, although at that point in time not much could be decided upon other that of the previous paragraph. Once Covid restrictions are lifted we need to have a much overdue AGM, it’s one of those meetings which are better face to face.

The Centenary (+1) sub committee had a meeting on Wednesdsy 3rd of March, yet another zoom meeting. This was very productive, we are currently looking at getting large display boards printed which will be on show at the Lawrence House Museum in Launceston showing various photos of the club’s past, we have also got the town square booked for a display of vehicles, 2,3 & 4 wheeled along with the drivers at hand to be able to engage with the public. Joe Caudle has made very good progress with the book on the club but in all honesty this is a mammoth task and unlikely to be in print in time for the celebrations especially as Joe is still wanting more material to add in order to fill some of the gaps, so feel free to send in your anecdotes etc.

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I will now pass you over to our club President Robin Moore

Alvis and the other lady in my life Part 10

It is very much of a coincident that I started this potted history of my involvement with Alvis at the same time as the start of the Covid pandemic and the measures taken by HM Government to contain the spread of the virus and conclude the series ten months later, when the tide has turned and for our restrictions gradually eased for out return to something like normal.

I was previously writing about the history of the LNCMC, but was hampered to a degree with my research, by lockdown, and had to change course for a while. Oddly enough, I have recently unearthed much older material that I had written before, also noted that I had made at the time. Those of you with longer memories will recall that I have been contributing articles for this newsletter for many years, and 30 years ago these were titled “Did You Know” ; The editor then , and still is, John Turner, who also continues to print it, although in the past it was printed in A5 size and published by “The Reluctant Publishing Co”.

I sometimes wonder whether or not my musings are of interest to those who receive it, but I do know that Pat Toulmin picks it up and it is forwarded to the Historic Archive Centre based in Norfolk, where they are preserved for future generations, when researching bygone years. Recently I was talking to an old Alvis friend of mine, Robert Moor who lives at St Clements, Truro, and during our conversation he mentioned that he found my Alvis story very interesting. I said how come you have seen it? His reply was that he receives our newsletter electronically each month, because on occasions he has marshalled on one of our club events, and is thereby on the mailing list. Furthermore my articles have found their way to the Alvis Owners Club magazine. Well it’s a small world !

My Alvis Grey Lady TC 21/100 registered KDL 892, an Isle of Wight registration was purchased new by a John Charles Gould of Newport I. O. W but came to Cornwall in January 1959 when purchased by William Arthur Whetter of May, Whetter & Grose, the St Austell Auctioneers. After three more owners it ended up with me, and that was in 1966 when my Alvis story began.

I will conclude by saying “Did You Know” ?

The Alvis slogan was “Master of the Kings Highway”. The company produced the first British front – wheel drive car, the first British production model with independent front suspension, and the first British all – syncromesh four speed gearbox, – and that Major C M Harvey the company’s leading works racing driver for 10 years, is buried in St Keverne churchyard on the Lizard ?

R.H.T.M
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For Sale.

Ford 109E (Anglia 1200?) engine and gearbox. Both items are in need of a full strip down and rebuild, alternatively useful for parts. The engine has its rocker cover missing and a few other bits, but does include the clutch and flywheel, the gearbox is mostly complete except for gearstick. £75.00 for the lot, buyer to collect from J.T. 07971 249783.

Ford Escort “sport” rear axle case with differential, but no half shafts or brake drums . £125.00 Contact John Hadwick 01803 528761.
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We have had a request from Paul Stephenson to possibly trace an MG Midget:-

I’m still on the hunt for more history on my 1962 Almond Green Midget.

868 EUW which can be seen on Instagram 62Mk1AlmondGreen

I just want to know more about the origin of the number plate and perhaps clues as to the first owner / dealer etc. There were 13 made. Mine was part of a run of 12 and I now know that NOO 284 was the other car made out of sequence. So 1 of 1.

This car, or what was left of it, was up for sale in 2013 and listed as being from Sturminster Newton. The owner had it as Old English White but was informed that it was originally Almond Green and advised to get a heritage certificate. I understand that he did so it’s curious that the museum didn’t have any knowledge when I asked but that’s another story.

If it exists still then I’d love to get in touch with the present owner and learn more. The registration is still on a white mg so it’s probably listed in club records somewhere as OE White.

Can you help please contact 07740 355555
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One of our recent dog walks was to a trials section near us called Fruit Lane, we used this section on a Launceston Trial back around 1998 (ish). The section is accessed past a farm and some houses on the outskirts of Egloskerry, after passing the last house you drop down to the river and follow the track of about 400 yards to the tarmac road, it’s a lovely old track with hedges both sides of it affording lovely views of Badharlick and Egloskerry. At the time of using it the lane was in quite good condition and was used as the opening section as it was not regarded as a “stopper”. Fast forward 20+ years and the difference is quite staggering, the ravages of time and tempest have taken their toll of this lovely lane, it is well rutted just getting to the stream, the other side is even worse with large gouges of some 30 inches deep, as a trialler you try to work out how you would attempt this hill in its current form, unfortunately nobody told the bad weather gods to “rut” in a straight line so they meander left and right, even solo motorcycles would have their work cut out, outfits would just be lost in the abyss with no hope of straddling them. Another one lost I’m afraid, but lovely to walk still.

All for this month. J.T.

Please send your contributions to billjan299@gmail.com