Past Events
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Brooklands Centre
Normandy Trip – June 2010
The Brooklands Centre holiday was the most relaxing holiday we have had in years, we sailed from Portsmouth to Caen and spent some time on the 2nd WW beaches before driving to the Suisse Normand region. Our base for the first 3 days was Clercy which is a delightful village near Falaise. The Hotel Au Site Normand was very comfortable with charming staff so if you are in the region it's a splendid place to stay, whilst there we visited the Castle at Falaise home of William the Conqueror. We travelled on to the Cherbourg Peninsula and stayed in the Hostellerie du Chateau in the centre of Bricquebec, this Hotel is a favourite of many car clubs and very comfortable. After a crossing from Cherbourg to Poole on Saturday we made our way home via the New Forrest for a last lunch together.
Peak Performance – 11th-14th May 2010
Would you go on a tour of northern moorland in open cars during the coldest May on record for 10 years with morning frosts? Probably not but 29 of the 750 Brooklands Motor Club did having been invited on the Peak Performance Rally organised by "Judicial Jaunts" with kind permission of Gertrude Lloyd Enterprises.
This was the 5th Rally under the "JJ" banner and having taken all of its rooms was based at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn at the foot of the Ladybower reservoir in the upper Peak area of Derbyshire being the first National park set up in Britain.
Using the very helpful detailed route instructions and maps provided by JJ which avoided motorways lunch was taken on the way up on the Tuesday at the Hedgehog Inn just north of Lichfield.
The participants having enjoyed the benefits of a blossoming economy during their lives, although retaining their much loved Austin 7's, came in cars of more capacity that they had acquired and in the main of the 50's and 60's. Indeed with so many MG's there is a risk of a change of title. They ranged from a 1931 Rolls Royce 20/25 Tickford cabriolet to a 1966 Alvis TF 21 though I am pleased to say that there were 2 fine examples of the Austin 7. Sadly in the event it was not possible to have the Gallic flair of the 2cv with us. In the harsh climate we now face under our new political leaders some may revert to their Austin 7's. All the cars displayed the official rally plate and the programme followed the details set out in the customary colour brochure provided.
This time a professional, very youthful and most amenable film crew were deployed consisting of a half Swiss (Capt. Mainwaring's grandson) a half Menorcan and a full Greek. Having done pre-event interviews on the Saturday/Sunday and filmed the area on Monday after lunch in spirited fashion they captured some useful footage on the journey to the YBI.
As usual on these occasions before dinner with JJ giving a donation to a charity of their choice we enjoyed a musical item by "Four to the bar" who gave us wonderful nostalgic numbers from the 60's, 70's, 80's and some earlier eras. Indeed they were so good that Konstantinos the Director of the Film/documentary has decided to use some of their performance as background music. Dinner taken in our own dining room set the standard for the delicious food in quantities that challenged the most hearty eaters. Full English at the YBI, in the words of modern advertising, gives you exactly what it says on the tin. Owner/Landlord in residence John Illingworth, who oversees a very well run ship, and his staff looked after us admirably and provided an excellent base for our activities.
Wednesday morning, sunny but decidedly sharpish, commenced with leisurely drive to the dams used for practice in WW2 by the famous Dambusters Squadron. Then a real treat. Escorted by John Illingworth we had a visit to a private museum in one of the towers of the Derwent Dam dedicated to the Dambusters. Unfortunately activities by Trent Water meant that we were not able to view the dam mechanisms. Despite his protestations to the contrary the creator and now curator of this museum has created a very professional layout with a wealth of exhibits including fascinating material on the making of the reservoirs.
The afternoon was planned as helicopter flights for those who had chosen to do so and a free period for others who enjoyed such local attractions as Haddon Hall, still owned by the same family, the Cutlery Museum and the Plague Village. On the stunning drive to Owler Bar, our takeoff point, the Pooley DHC Alvis decided to give us all the reality check of a mechanical failure. The gear lever became more and more stiff making driving impossible which was very annoying as it had just been fitted with an overdrive by a specialist restorer. But worse was to come: the helicopter, which had just been serviced, failed to appear as it had rear rotor blade trouble and this major feature of the event had to be postponed until Friday afternoon. This was more than enough to considerably increase the blood pressure of Captain M. We all wondered if the same mechanics had worked on the Alvis and the helicopter!!! Still it is an ill wind as they say since the film crew were delighted at the drama of two breakdowns to add spice to the documentary including the Alvis being put on an AA low loader in the middle of dinner.
This trouble was soon forgotten when that other regular feature of these Rallies, the Event cake, was displayed. Hilary Ashby exceeded even her own previous best with an entirely edible wonderfully moist fruit cake confection which depicted Derwent Dam, a Wellington bomber complete with bouncing bomb on the surface of the water, the helicopter, the YBI with 3 of our cars in front and a tap dancing couple (see later for relevance). Martin Barnes' co pilot John Seymour as our most welcome guest did the honours with cutting the cake. We then retired to the Bar for a showing of a DVD, made by a Canadian Film Company, about the famous very early car race of 1908 from New York to Paris. Unfortunately the pace of the film about this epic journey at times was as slow as the cars in the snow and mud of the American wilderness and for some was as sleep inducing as an evening of television.
Thursday having removed the frost from the windscreens we all set off for a marvellous day tour of the area with full instructions for each junction and maps provided which made for very easy navigation. First stop was a trip down the Speedwell Cavern. The 104 steps down to the boat and back showed just what a fine job the 2 orthopaedic surgeons had done with new hips for Len an Jana. Our guides amongst much useful information told amusing anecdotes such as the man who asked if he could take his helmet off because his head kept hitting the roof!! Fortunately one camera had an infra red facility so this aspect will be on the film.
Next we very briefly sampled the Monsal Trail, including the old railway viaduct, immortalised by Julia Bradbury in her TV programme of Walks. When operative this railway line was travelled by Mollie Gray, the Curries and our Captain in their youth.
Lunch was taken at the "Cock and Pullet" with its collection of clocks and situated in the pretty village of Sheldon. Parking was a problem but a kindly Alvis owner living opposite the pub allowed us to park in his field. The afternoon showed just what a variety of terrain and motoring this area offers culminating in the famous "Cat and Fiddle" pub, the second highest in England with its fine views and then the run down into the Spa town of Buxton. The afternoon had provided excellent filming opportunities including our cars travelling up the Wynatts Pass whilst camera man Ian travelled down in the Alvis TF21 (which doubled as the film crew car) taking moving footage from out of the webasto roof.
Following a quick tour of the town those attending the performance at the Opera House went to the Old Club House for supper where we met by chance the "Four to the bar" group and another filming opportunity was provided by 8 dolly birds with flashing bunnies ears out on a hen night. Unfortunately the Captain's friends the Tuttons were not able to join us as they were grounded in Spain by the volcanic ash cloud. The marvellously restored Victorian Opera House gave us an evening of sheer energy and exuberance as its young troupe tap danced their way through from Fred Astaire to the music of the present day in show aptly entitled "Tap Dance Fever". We all marvelled at the way in which they moved their feet at an eye flickering speed faster than the exposed valves on a GKN at full chat. We assembled in the car park for a convoy home including some night filming. Whilst a certain Austin 7 provided entertainment by seeking when reversing to modify the front of the MGB the Polley ran back to the theatre to see one of the stars back stage on the thinly disguised excuse of losing his mobile phone which proved to be in the car all the time.
Friday morning the film crew en Alvis went ahead to film all the cars crossing the famous bridge into Chatsworth House seat of the Duke of Devonshire. The cars were lined up at the foot of Lodge Hill but unfortunately the Duke was called away and he was not able to judge the cars as arranged. However another Judge in our party stepped into the breach and chose the fine Norman's MGTD – awarding them the JJ prize of a book about seminal cars – as much for their contribution to the Club as for their MG. The very good guided tours of the House, still the home of the Duke and his family, revealed accumulated treasures and wealth that even the most successful "Dot Com" entrepreneurs and Russian billionairs of today could not match.
Having to miss the other delights of Chatsworth the helicopter group then scrambled again to Owler Bar and boy was it worth it. Stunning views of the outcrop Stannard Edge the reservoirs the dams and the YBI. Footage taken from the front seat of the helicopter by Ian will be a highlight of the documentary. We all received a certificate of our flight.
The Pooley Alvis was collected from the Restorer on our way home. Nod was correct it only needed half an hour's work to lubricate the gear stick ball joint. We could have cured it in half an hour before dinner on Wednesday.
And so ended another extremely enjoyable and successful trip marred only by the low temperature and those stalwarts Mollie and Robin Gray being unable to attend because of car and logistical problems. Also Jim Robinson's back giving way on the Friday morning so that he and Sue missed Chatsworth and the Helicopter. Still at least Mollie and Robin will be with us in just over a fortnight when we all yet again enjoy Robin's great annual holiday to the Continent.
Stephen Lloyd, 20th May 2010
Cobham Austin 7 Trial 2010
You can download the results of the 2010 Cobham Trial here.
Courtesy of David Southcott, photos taken at this year's trial can be seen at Bonzer Photos.
Lunch on a Train
Sunday 2nd August, the day of L.O.T. (Lunch on Train). It was glorious weather, so with hood down, we set off to Northiam, where we were due to board the Kent and East Sussex railway for lunch. On arrival, we noticed a few vintage / classic cars in the car park and our group gathered on the platform impeccably dressed, not a pair of 'jeans' T-shirt or trainers in sight and all wearing (as requested by K & ESR) ties. On entering the platform, we were served with complimentary drinks by two young uniformed volunteers, before boarding our carriage. At the blast of the whistle, the train started its journey, wending its way through the lovely countryside of Rother Valley whilst we enjoyed a wonderful 3-course meal which had been freshly prepared and cooked on board the train, (the sweet trolley was eye boggling!) The journey took us from Northiam to Bodiam, back through Northiam then onto Tenterden, passing through Wittersham Road and Rolvenden Stations before returning to Northiam. That special smell of smoke that only steam trains can give, along with the tiny smuts of soot that landed on the white table cloths truly gave us more than a hint of 'time gone by'. The staff (all volunteers) were authentically dressed, extremely polite, happy and obviously took great pride in recreating levels of service seldom enjoyed in today's busy world.
After the relaxing train journey and bellies full, we drove to Bodiam Castle for a quick visit. Bodiam Castle was built in 1385 and is the perfect example of a late medieval moated castle. As the weather was still hot, we decided just to walk round the moat, whilst others investigated the interior. On leaving the Castle it had been arranged for us all to meet at the 'Spotted Dog' in Smarts Hill. This P.H. was apparently frequented by Stephen and his brother in their younger days! The evening was still very pleasant, so with drinks in hand, we wandered outside to sit in one of the tiered beer gardens, overlooking what could have been a spectacular view if there were less trees! As the sun started to fade, and glasses now empty, we decided to make our way home after what was a very enjoyable day.
Stephen
Virginia Water Run
April 1939, it is 70 years since Bill Boddy and friends sat down at the Wheatsheaf Public House in Virginia water Surrey to discuss the formation of a motor club.
The club was to be centred around the Austin 7 and was not to be a club to encourage trips to the seaside or tea and cake on the village green, but a club to gather together the ordinary man in the street and make it possible for him to take part in competitive motoring by modifying and tuning the Austin 7 as cheaply as possible using innovation, ingenuity and "scrounge". Of course the Austin Seven had already taken part in racing hill climbs and intense competition, ever since Lord Austin announced it to the world in 1923, but in the main these activities were carried out by wealthy individuals, such as the works cars driven by Austin's son-in-law Arthur Waite, Gordon England, Boyd Carpenter and many others who lived in the big houses at the best end of town.
The V.S.C.C. had been formed a few years earlier and it could be argued that this worthy club catered for the aims of Bill Boddy's club; however the V.S.C.C. members tended to wear expensive suits and ties and have a "Man" prepare their cars thereby keeping their finger nails clean.
Bill and friends decided to call their club the 750 Motor Club as the 750 was near enough the cubic capacity of the Seven engine. It is not in dispute that the 750 Motor Club had great influence, indeed it could be argued that the 750 Motor Club gave birth to the motor racing industry of today. Many famous names have cut their teeth within the Club including Colin Chapman of course, Mike Costin, Keith Duckworth and Bruce Mclaren, whose Seven Special still has pride of place at the Mclaren premises in Woking to this day.
Remarkably the sound of drills, lathes and hammers can still be heard behind closed doors and lock ups all over the country as many Austin Seven specials take shape, even in 2009.
Motor Sport May, 1939 Club News reported the event:
The "750" Club held a most successful opening Rally at Virginia Water on April 16. Twenty-seven cars followed Boddy's late-type Austin Saloon on a 50 mile follow-my-leader run organised by the club captain, Mr. Kipps. Apart from two Morris saloons, an open Morris, and a f.w.d. B.S.A. three-wheeler, all were Austin Sevens, and three "Ulsters", a special "Brooklands" two-seater, a 1934 two-seater, an "Army"-type two-seater, a converted Army two-seater, and early saloon; three "Chummy" four-seaters; Brown's special sports two-seater; an "Arrow" two-seater, a very well-preserved Stadium two-seater; two "65" two-seaters, a special four-seater and two late saloons took part. Fifty-one persons took tea together after the run, and they were addressed by Messrs. Hunter Williams and Kipps. Several new members were enrolled on the spot.
70 years on Brooklands Centre decided to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the first run and Nigel Coulter gathered together 53 Austin Sevens, that is Nine Chummys, one Top Hat, ten Box Saloons, seven Tourers, one Boat Tail Two seater, one Gordon England Cup. one Gordon England Stadium, two Type 65's, one Speedy, two Nippys, one Ulster Replica, two Ulsters, three Pearls, two Rubies, one Mulliner Sports, eight Specials and Bob Smith's 1936 Morris Eight Tourer. Among the Nippys was Peter Richards driving the ex. John Moon BXE 603 which took part in the inaugural run in April 1939. Graham Fullalove brought along the Harold Biggs Special WMF 5. Harold and John were both founder members in 1939.
Reg Nice came along with his Hot Ulster accompanied by Bill Boddy's daughter Nondus Banning Boddy and Janet Edroff and Gill Davis entered with their Super Accessories Special OC 7336. Janet and Gill had just completed the Lowerstoft to Lands End Run the previous week.
Sunday April 19th produced a beautiful spring morning as the 53 entrants lined up at Savill Gardens in Egham, (a stones throw from the original meeting place) for the start of the fifty six mile Commemoration Run. The route took the cars through the beautiful and quiet lanes of Surrey, stopping for a brief but very enjoyable coffee stop at the Manor House School in Effingham.
This stop was generously organised by Brooklands Centre member Stephen Lloyd who was helped by the school staff. Our thanks to all concerned.
Our tour ended at Brooklands Museum where after assembling by the famous Club House we were escorted by Brooklands Donna Hopton, in a convoy, onto the Members banking.
After a photo shoot we assembled again for a farewell speech by Ken Cooke who thanked Nigel Coulter for a superbly organised and most enjoyable Commemorative Run.
Bev Keable
Cobham Austin 7 Trial 2009
You can download the results of the 2009 Cobham Trial here.
