The event will take place on Sunday 22nd August 2021 at Smithson Farm, Kelly, Lifton, Devon (MR201/414816) and will consist of a number of observed tests. Marks will be awarded for completion of each test or section correctly as well as times taken where appropriate. There will be a number of tests and rounds dependent on time and size of entry.
Taster Entry Details
Bring your own road going car, receive instruction & guidance & then attempt 6 tests twice in a mini competition.
Also open to 14 to 17 year olds – subject to parental consent & being accompanied at the event by a passenger with full RTA Licence who is experienced as a Car Trial Driver.
The Taster does not require club membership nor a MotorSport UK RS Competition licence.
Numbers will be LIMITED so please phone in advance to be sure of an entry [there may be places available on the day].
On Saturday 7th August as part of our club’s delayed Centenary Celebrations we are holding a display of Trials bikes and Cars, and other locally owned Competition cars,
in Launceston Town Square
from 10 am to 2,00pm.
Come and have a look and chat to us about what we do and how you could join in our Club’s grassroots low cost Sport
There are times when no matter how much planning you do somehow it will still go pearshaped, in this case I’m referring to the centenary celebrations. We had the bad news a couple of weeks ago regarding the Lawrence House Museum in that during heavy rainfall a large quantity of it came in through the roof of the museum and as is usual brought down a ceiling or two, whilst this is bad news for the club it is extremely disheartening for the museum in that it will not be opening this year. The repair bill will be into six figures and being closed during the Summer is a big loss in terms of revenue for the museum and as a tourist attraction for the many visitors to the town.
The museum had been whole heartedly in support for our centenary celebrations particularly in that we were planning a take over of one of its rooms to display a lot of club memorabilia including a vintage motorcycle, we have had special display boards designed to hang up showing different decades of the 101 years of the club’s heritage . Joe Caudle and Sandra Pollard have put in a huge amount of work to produce these boards, for which we are extremely grateful, the museum is hoping to possibly get use of one of the empty shops in the town so that they can create a “pop up” temporary museum so fingers crossed that we might get to see the finished results of the boards, in the meantime we are holding a display of trials vehicles (bikes and cars) in the town square on Saturday the 7th of August starting from around 11.00am to approximately 3.00pm so come along and show your support.
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Now over to our Club President Robin Moore
The Ramblings of RHTM.
Part 3 Of the Graham Paige Story.
I can’t help thinking that the editor and myself are rather like the cartoon characters, Tom and Gerry, me being Gerry of course. Occasionally Tom gets caught out and Gerry has a good laugh, but more often than not it’s me, (Gerry). When todays call came (3rd of July), “It’s that time again Robin”, I had to admit to John that I’d been caught out again, I hadn’t even given it a thought, let alone put pen to paper. So bang goes my weekend of rest and solitude, while he’s away enjoying himself with a bunch of Elevenseventytwoites,- It just ain’t fair.
Anyway back to the story of my Graham Paige. As mentioned previously XV4512 with its coachbuilt body was unique and something quite different of the standard offering of the Graham Brothers. But in all other respects it remained their basic 615 model, a 3 ¼ litre straight six sidevalve with their pressed steel Sedan bodies that would have been found swelling the ranks of the yellow cabs plying for hire on the streets of New York at the time.
For all that, there were a number of distinguishing and advanced features. I mentioned the steering lock in part 2. I was told the engine was originally fitted with cast iron pistons, although at some time in its life these had been replaced with “Ali” pistons, without any loss of balance in the reciprocating parts. I mention this, for when Colin Vincent replaced cast iron for ali in the engine of his veteran Belsize, a vibration occurred as the crankshaft counter balance weights were then cast out of sync.
Another novel feature for its time was that the oil level in the sump could be checked at a glance when raising the bonnet, (the yanks call them hoods) as the engine was fitted an oil level indicator,- no dipstick. Cast into the offside crankcase/cylinder block was a narrow open channel enclosing a rod which contained a ball bearing, held captive at its top end, whilst a float was attached to the bottom of the rod floating on the oil in the sump, therefore rising and falling, with the ball bearing doing likewise in its captive housing. One could see at a glance the level in the sump,- no mess, no wiping a dipstick for an accurate reading,- a novel feature sure enough.
The engine was fed by a single updraught Schebler carburettor, and the electrics , if memory serves me right , by the North East Lighting Co, and were a 6 volt system. Brakes were hydraulic by Lockheed with external contracting shoes working on 14 inch drums, and the wheels had detachable rims carrying 500 x 19 tyres . The 4 speed gearbox was a little unusual , in that it was really a 3 speed with a reserve bottom gear, which to engage, one had to lift a catch just below the gear lever knob should this gear be required for any steep gradient restart. I never had to use this cog, (useful on Sims Robin, Ed) the box was a 3 speed for all intents and purposes, as this old Graham like most of the larger engine cars of the vintage period, had tremendous torque, and there wasn’t really much need for gearchanging. In the old favourites class at Camel Vale’s standing start ¼ mile it was basically 3rd and top gear only.
The other unusual feature were the shock absorbers, whilst the suspension consisted of the normal leaf springs all round but these were dampened mechanically . This shock absorber consisted of a strong flat coil spring contained in a circular housing and linked to brackets on the leaf spring by a heavy duty strap of webbing. I had never come across this type of damper before, but I must say , it seemed to work pretty well.
To be continued RHTM.
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For Sale Ford 109E (Anglia 1200 ? ) engine and gearbox . Both items are in need of a strip down and check over. Would otherwise be useful for parts. The engine is missing its rocker cover and a few other bits, but includes clutch and flywheel. Gearbox looks complete except for gearstick. £75.00 buys the lot, collect from J.T. 07971 249783. These items are no longer found in scrapyards and considerably cheaper than on that well known auction site.
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Forthcoming Events 11th of July. Motor Traders Trial at Waterloo Farm by kind permission of the Werring family, reg’s are on the website, get in quick or you will miss it. If it isn’t immediately obvious on the website click on the “more news” button.
25th of July. Spry Sporting Trial to be held at Ashley Farm by kind permission of Paul Webber, reg’s on the website.
Marshals are needed for both events so do please volunteer.
*************************** The rechargeable torch found on section at the Lanson Trial has still not been claimed, email the Ed to claim.
**************************** There will be the much awaited AGM followed by a committee meeting on Thursday the 12th August at Tresmeer Village Hall, everyone welcome, come and have a chat even if you don’t want to be on the committee.
Midlands Motor Club Heritage Trial held near Crewkerne 4th July 2021
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The Heritage Trial at Crewkerne last weekend was a very enjoyable event, the weather was mostly kind to us although it did decide early afternoon that it was time for us to go home, so gave us a gentle soaking just to encourage us to abandon camp. For sidevalve fans it was great to see 18 Dellows assembled , although I didn’t take part in the actual trial I took the car along as a chance to pose. There was also 4 big Allards there along with a few specials making it an entry of 40. Full credit to the organisers who had everything under control, all competitors and marshals were required to wear face masks as per MSUK recommendations, even the free cakes that Hilary of the Dellow register made were all individually wrapped (full covid compliance).
The site itself was perfect for this type of event, it was easy to view what was going on without needing to walk miles, the sections were non damaging meaning people who were not normally likely to trial their much loved vehicle were able to have a go. An extra bonus for Vivien and I was that our dog Thorn was on best behaviour and didn’t destroy anyone’s tent or awning, I’m sure he’ll make up for it though. Hopefully the event will run again next year and I will have the Dellow suitably “run in” and be able to compete.
The following picture is one which I had in my small collection of Dellow memorabilia, taken from a newspaper, possibly the Plymouth Western Evening Herald around 1972, certainly no later than 1973 showing Roger Brewer of Camel Vale M.C. in action. Having shown this picture to a couple of people in the register it turns out that it’s something of a missing car, the earliest history the register had was around 1975 when it belonged to David Wigley, it then went through a succession of owners in the Yeovil area with Stephen Hiscox owning it from 1993-95, it then completely dropped off the radar.
If anyone knows anything of this car or its whereabouts I would really like to hear from them, the DVLA have no record of it since 1993/4 but it was registered as being blue in colour, the register even knows its chassis number, but not its whereabouts.
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Tailpiece
Don’t trust the vehicles in your garage, they communicate to each other, it’s well documented the trials and tribulations that my Dellow has given me during the time of ownership with it. Recently it appears to be behaving itself, little did I know it would pass on its mischievous ways to one of my scooters I have been rebuilding. Just like the Dellow this bike has had its engine, removed, stripped, rebuilt and refitted back into its frame more times than I dare to admit, and still it goes on. I have come to the conclusion all vehicles should be kept on their own in isolation to stop this happening, you have been warned !!
The regulations for the Motor Traders Car Trial 2021 are now available to download below. Please use the online entry section of the website to submit your entry. We aren’t accepting paper entries for this event.
The trial will take place on Sunday 11th July 2021 by kind permission of John Werren and family at Waterloo Farm, North Petherwin, Nr. Launceston, PL15 8LL (MR 190/285880).
I’ve been caught out, Robin sent in his ramblings on time so no excuses I have to knuckle down and get this month’s offering done. The club’s Launceston Trial was just over a week ago, with thanks to Nigel, Simon, Pete and the team, not only for a great day out but also for organising the weather, it was lovely. The rain a few days before the event got the sections in prime condition, on the day it was just what we wanted, sun, and a lovely laid back atmosphere. The new regulations for car competitors to sign on electronically and the same for MSUK marshals meant that on the day it was merely getting the marshals to sign on for the bikes and for the motorcycle competitors to sign on, much easier.
Although there were 13 non starters we still had 50 competitors battling it out on the day, The Fulford cup was won by Ryan Tonkin, the Cycle Bowl went to Richard Maddern. What was very interesting is that Roger Ashby’s sidevalve powered Coates Opthera came a close 2nd to Ryan, good to see a classic old style special in the mix for the points. To say that this event appealed to all ages is almost an under statement, with the youngest competitor being 11 years old and the eldest in his mid 80’s you could say there was something for everyone. The day ended on time and by around 5.00pm all the organising crew were exiting the woods allowing the tame Ferret to once again roam in peace.
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So now it’s over to our club President Robin Moore. The Ramblings of RHTM. Part 2 of the Graham Paige story.
And so it was, on a dry but overcast day a few weeks later, I left Trefrew to collect the Graham Paige from Somerset. I walked the mile to Camelford station to catch the first up-train of the day at 9.10 travelling the Southern line to Yeovil junction, where I picked up the short link to Yeovil Pen Mill, and so to reach the GWR line to Castle Cary. All this journey hauled by steam locomotives, apart from the link which was diesel.
Mr Norris was there to meet me when I arrived at Castle Cary, with the Graham Paige standing outside awaiting its new owner. Mr Norris drove the short distance to Castle Cary explaining one or two things that I needed to be aware of. I was surprised to discover this 1928 motorcar had a steering lock activated manually by key , and fitted on the inner side of the steering column near to the dashboard. Instructions and advice was minimal and soon dealt with , and I immediately set off to drive the 115 miles back to Cornwall with confidence, more faith than sense comes to mind, but youth knows no bounds. Surprisingly I had no problem, and trepidation turned to confidence. On reaching Honiton I stopped in the High Street for refreshment at a café.
Having satisfied the inner man I came out to find a gentleman waiting by my car, patiently waiting for the owner to appear. It was my first acquaintance with Colin Shears, who was later to assemble the large collection of commercial passenger transport vehicles homed at the old wartime airfield at Winkleigh, and subsequently the mecca for enthusiasts on the annual open days weekend.
“Mr Shears ,- did I wish to sell my motorcar, adding that he would very much like to buy it”. “ Mr Moore, thinking there’s nothing wrong with a quick profit, and the time to sell is when someone wishes to buy, I replied thanking him for his interest, and no, I didn’t wish to sell,- I’ve only just bought the car, and haven’t reached home yet.” I suppose it’s not every day that one would find a Graham Paige parked in Honiton High St. I eventually reached home safely, and the old girl never missing a beat.
Now those of you who are connoisseurs in the old car movement, will have already noted from the picture of XV 4512 in last month’s newsletter, that this car was not of the standard offering of Graham Paige Motors Ltd, of Brixton Rd, London SW9 1929-1931 . These American automobiles would normally have the standard pressed steel saloon bodies, whereas XV has Mulliner Weymans coachwork, (Not to be confused with HJ Mulliner). The Mulliner Weyman firm patented the use of graphited linen placed between the wooden joints of the coachwork to eliminate squeaks which often became a problem over a period of time. I only discovered at a later date that a chassis had been supplied to Mulliner for them to showcase the work, and the car that I had purchased had been exhibited on their stand at the 1928 London (Olympia) Motor Show as an example of what could be offered by this renowned firm.
The fabric covered coachbuilt body was finished inside with a top quality leather hide throughout, with the front bucket seats able to be adjusted to recline by straps with buckles fitted, each side of the base. This early type of reclining seat was to be found on other prestige coachwork of the period. The large squab of the rear seat was generously filled with best “down” feathers.
I later, had the good fortune to meet a gentleman named Bill Vaux and his father. These two gents resided in Ilchester in a large house with a motor house attached in which their cherished giant chain driven cars resided, yes, there were two housed there , and both in pristine condition. We had made arrangements to visit, and Marjorie and I were invited in and found ourselves in a large room where Mr Vaux senior was seated by a very large circular table on which was displayed a fabulous collection of antique paper weights and other small collectables of great value. My wife spied a small glass with a handle on it and intrigued as to what it was. Mr Vaux told her that it was a custard glass.
When I originally discovered the Graham Paige, Mr Norris had told me that the car had been purchased new by the late Dr Flowers a Somerset GP, and from whom Mr Norris had purchased when the doctor replaced it with another car, Mr Norris using the Graham as a hackney carriage until replaced by the Austins. It was on meeting Bill Vaux which later led to us meeting at his Ilchester home, that I was able to meet Dr Flowers widow, for Bill Vaux was a personal friend and able to introduce me to the lady.
Mrs Flowers lived with a companion in a house at East Coker, and Marjorie and I were able to visit her subsequent to our meeting the Vaux’s at Ilchester.I remember as a very charming lady who was very interested to learn about our acquisition of her late husband’s old car. She (Mrs Flowers) was still driving herself, her car being a P3 post war Rover 12. I return to Ilchester and our meeting with Bill Vaux and his father. As we prepared to leave after having had a lengthy conversation of mutual interest, Mr Vaux senior rose from his chair, picked up the custard glass and turned to my dear wife Marjorie, and said, “I would like you to have this my dear”,- I’m sure readers can imagine the rest, but I can tell you, this gift was very much treasured and became, Marjorie’s sherry glass for the rest of her life on God’s Good Earth. RHTM To be continued.
Future Events
11th of July is the Motor Traders Trial, a single venue event for cars to be held at Waterloo Farm, North Petherwin by kind permission of the Werring family, reg’s should soon be on the website.
25th of July is the date set for the Spry Sporting Trial, venue to be confirmed.
Marshals will be needed for both events please, to sign on as a marshal go to the club website and click “event entry” and it will follow through . Now that we are nearing getting back to hopefully having face to face meetings we are endeavouring to organise the club AGM, once we have the green light and a venue booked it will be announced.
The Centenary planning is coming along well, we have the town square booked for a static display and most of the display boards for the Lawrence House Museum are now completed, all in all it should be a good un, once all is finalised we will be making a full announcement. ********** Found on section 2 at the Launceston Trial, a rechargeable LED torch, slightly muddy but still appears to work.(Only driven over a few times) If you have lost it get in touch with the Ed and we will somehow get it back to you. **************** The garage is fairly quiet at the moment with just a bit of two wheel fettling, the Dellow is getting the occasional run out to gradually run it in and at the time of writing it’s probably the best it’s been for some time, mustn’t get too confident though , it has a habit of biting you just when you drop your guard. I have been keeping my eye on the Dellow page on facebook where there are a couple of absolutely beautiful restorations taking place, when these cars hit the road they will probable look better than when they originally left Dellow Motors, I think it’s the grandad’s shovel approach.
All for this month J.T. contributions to billjan299@gmail.com
We are pleased to announce that the results for the Northgate Trial 2021 are now available to download from this website. Please click on the link below to view or download them.
Congratulations to John Fack who won the Northgate Trophy also congrats to Darren Underwood and John Firth who both won Class Awards.
Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club would like to thank all competitors and marshalls for making it a great day.
As with last year, the online entry system is available for this event and can be accessed here www.lncmc.co.uk/online-entry/. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, we can’t accept postal entries for this event.
This single venue classic trial for both motorcycles and cars is held in Lew & Eastcott Woods, Near Lewdown (approx. 10 miles from Launceston), and will take place on Sunday the 30th of May.
As with last year, the online entry system is available for this event and can be accessed here www.lncmc.co.uk/online-entry/. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, we can’t accept postal entries for this event.
This single venue classic trial for both motorcycles and cars is held in Lew & Eastcott Woods, Near Lewdown (approx. 10 miles from Launceston), and will take place on Sunday the 30th of May.
We’re pleased to announce the return of our events after a year-long hiatus due to a certain virus that you may or may not have heard of.
The first event we’re putting on is the Northgate Trial 2021. The Trial will take place on Saturday 8th May at Ashley Farm, Lifton (MR201/395842) by kind permission of Paul Webber.
The Regs and Entry form for the event are available to download below.
