The Quarterly Bulletin of the Classic Trials World RESTART RESTART

The official newsletter of the Association of Classic Trials Clubs Volume No: 12

Issue 2, June 2001

The Fack Trials Differential

A bolt in conversion for Escort & BMC ‘A’ Series axles Now well known in classic trials as well as sporting trials where it originated, this unit has solve the diff problem for those cars using Escort or BMC ‘A’ series axles. Made entirely of racing quality materials, it has four star wheels, instead of two in the standard differential, and all moving parts run on roller bearings. No production components are used, and the superb new casing is machined from solid high grade steel.

It is not cheap at approx. £465 (no VAT) but what price can you put on having the confidence that your differential will not let you down? Your results are bound to improve when you can “attack” the hills without worrying, and still be able to drive home after the event! Ford units only from stock (as of Feb 2001)

NEW – Roller diff pin conversion for Morgans using the 7HA Salisbury axle (most 4/4s), may also be suitable for 3HA (TR engined +4), only £60

Julian Fack, Orchard Farm, Shareshill, Wolverhampton WV10 7LE Or leave a message on 07626 954208 at any time [email protected] Cover photographs :

Nigel Allen 2000 Crackington Trophy Champion on Burledge

Michael Crocker 2000 Pouncy Trophy Champion on Jenny Wren

Adrian Dommett 2000 Wheelspin League Champion on High Bray

(Photographs by: Derek Hibbert)

RESTART Vol 12, Issue 2, June 2001 EDITORIAL

Editor: Pat Toulmin Assistant Editor: Dennis Greenslade ACTC Council Officers Advertising Rates 4, Briery Lands Lanner Mill Heath End Saint Allen President: Roger Pole Inside Snitterfield Truro Vice Presidents: Alan Foster Half Page 1 Issue £12.50 Stratford on Avon TR4 9AX Martin Halliday 2 Issues £20.00 CV37 0PP Email: [email protected] 3 Issues £32.50 John West Tel: 01789 731332 Simon Woodall 4 Issues £35.00 Full Page Double the above Fax: 01789 730082 Anne Templeton Email: [email protected] Chairman: Simon Woodall Inside Cover Vice Chairman: Andy Webb Half Page 4 Issues £55 ACTC Website : www.ukmotorsport.com/actc Secretary: Adrian Tucker-Peake Full Page 4 Issues £100 Treasurer: Barbara Selkirk The challenge of producing a Restart issue without any trials to report on was quite Championship Secretary: All rates payable in advance interesting. I have plenty of 1930s material, but this wouldn’t do for a whole issue, Giles Greenslade All income supports the publication of as we don’t want overload. Next I thought of willing friends, many of whom who Championship Monitor Restart. have stepped into the breach in the past to fill up previous issues – again I don’t

David Haizelden The opinions expressed by contributors want to overload them and I might need their help in the future. Rights of Way Officer and advertisers are not necessarily So is it Plan B? Did I have a Plan B? Well not quite, but I had some ideas to Andrew Brown shared by the editor. approach people who I knew would help and whom I have not pestered too much in the past. Another tactic – try the ‘recently retired’ – that worked too. Many thanks to Ian Williamson for initiating two articles.

Next thought? Council members ought to be press ganged into contributing something. Simon took up the challenge, but gave me one first. He knew of an CONTENTS article in The Field magazine (of 1971?) re the Lands End, which they used to sponsor. But he didn’t have a copy of the article so, “It needs a librarian’s skills to

track it down....” Was that a red rag to a librarian? If so I took up the challenge and Secretary’s Page ……..…..… 3 ended up driving to the Central Library in Birmingham, having found out they had Simon Says ………….…...… 4 archive copies of the magazine. It turned out to have been published in 1970 – and CAN May remembers ………….…. 9 of course I tried all the 1971 and 1972 issues first, thanks Simon………. MCC – It‘s not cricket!…...… 16 Class 2 or not Class 2 ….... 22 Very many thanks to all the contributors to this issue, some of whom sent material A Taste of Cheshire …………….. 26 unsolicited. I hope you will understand why this issue is comprised of almost entirely Market Place…….….….…...... 32 of archive material. Letters ……....……………....… 34 1970 Lands End ……….…....… 36 Perhaps an interesting article for the next Restart would be ‘What I did instead of Midget Memories…….. ……....… 39 FINAL COPY DATE FOR trialling …’? How many rooms got decorated, cars renovated, gardens redesigned Lands End reflections .……….....… 42 etc etc – or how many thought they would get such things done, but didn’t – drop Juniper ………...……….....… 44 NEXT ISSUE : me a line and I’ll see if I can do anything with the information. With the recent Motorcycle News …………………...47 outbreak in Yorkshire we cannot know what Foot & Mouth has next in stall for us. Forthcoming Events ……....…… 48 Over the summer please think about what you could contribute to your magazine for 21st October the next issue. If, as we hope, we can compete again in the Autumn, I can always keep your thoughts for a ’rainy day‘. If there are still no trials I will struggle.

PS All dates on page 48 are provisional

1 2 The Four Plagues of Floods, Fuel Rights of Way: Andrew Brown reported that the Countryside & Rights of Way bill is shortage, Flurries of snow and now now an Act which came into force in February. Authoritative comment is confused Foot and Mouth have combined to by energies applied to the F&M epidemic, but some is available from LARA News decimate our sporting calendar, but issue 29 and the MSA statement of 15/1/01. Andrew advised that the most the administration goes on. pressing issue for classic trialling is to claim all known and used RUPP’s as BOAT’s Perversely, a fine bright day in May Sect’s as quickly as possible: he will be contacting all clubs shortly. Brian Osborn and saw the annual ACTC Council Robin Moore also urged clubs to take active roles in the newly formed regional gathering at Tormarton, where 15 of Local Access Forums, to maintain official and public awareness of the ‘rights and the 21 clubs were represented by Spin responsibilities’ of motor sport in the countryside. One opportunity is to reply to the delegates. Pat’s submission deadline LARA ‘Back to our Roots’ workshops: don’t assume that someone in authority is is NOW (the Monday after!) so below looking after our interests! are assorted notes from the meeting, complemented by Simon Woodall Public Relations: The 2000 Classic Car Show was great success, and Alun Lewis elsewhere in the magazine. has volunteered to take over the organisation for November 10/11 this year. For communication within the association, the goals are to improve quality and validity, ACTC Membership: Tim Whellock represented Windwhistle Motor Club from at the same time as reducing costs: it is inevitable that this will involve more Chard, to support their membership application. The club has grown to about 100 electronic distribution, though continuing to cater for those without email access. strong in 5 years and aims to encourage grass roots participation in autotests, trials For communication outside the association, much discussion addressed the best and rallies: its regular treasure hunts prove very popular. Favoured by good ways to put across positive exposure of our events (hearts & minds of the people!) farming contacts in Somerset, and wishing to move further into motor sport, they against the potent lobbying of the Ramblers Association, horse-riding and cycling look forward to either running or supporting a classic trial. Their application was fraternities.

approved. Pat advised everyone that Restart production will go on despite the sporting

Elections: As David described in Issue 1, he has departed these shores with doldrums, and that we can look forward to premium colour from a new printer in Adrienne for pastures and climates new; thus the Chairman’s post was open, plus future. Just a thought Pat….about half the photos in Issue 1 feature motorcars an opportunity to divest Simon of his multiple roles, and to enrol some young(ish!) disappearing in billows of tyre smoke…for even greater interaction with our competing blood. Via unsolicited phone calls and helpful replies to ‘Situations favourite magazine, could the new printer manage a ‘scratch & sniff’ page: rubber Vacant.’ on Michael Leete’s Classical Gas website we gained some new recruits smoke, Castrol R, chain lube and hot mud would stimulate the senses in between and the following summarises the election outcome: competing!

President Roger Pole Chairman Simon Woodall Adrian Vice Chairman Andy Webb Secretary Adrian Tucker-Peake Treasurer Barbara Selkirk leader does a runner half way through Championship Secretary Giles Greenslade his term of office. (If you are reading Rights of Way/PR Andrew Brown this David; we didn't hold you totally Class 7 Co-ordinator Simon Robson Simon responsible for the Foot & Mouth, Quality Monitor David Haizelden honest!) I had intended to stay as vice- chairman as a support for David as he Alan Foster proposed a vote of thanks to Andy for his 8 years’ contribution to got to grips with the job and that there raising and monitoring the quality of club events and competing vehicles, Says would be a new vice-chairman in place in time to learn the role before David establishing a sound base for David to continue in his insightful style. Simon tired of it. I shall now be applying my Robson, ex Neil Bray bouncer, though much missed Skoda, now Liege mounted So the little Super-Mario logo no longer energies to lead Andy Webb into the and sometime racer of Elva Courier, takes on the class 7 mantle with active input graces the Chairman's Chat page, and role in a year or so in order to retreat to from Pete Hart. Simon is a Falcon man, but with an email address of after a scant two years the column the back benches as had been my robson@trepolpen, no prizes for guessing his roots! We are also grateful to Mike once again becomes "Simon Says". I intention. Andy therefore passes the Chatwin for taking on responsibility for awards preparation and timely delivery to step into the role in mid-year, as is the role of quality assurance onto Torquay. moot of any vice-chairman whose newcomer (to the council) David

3 4 Haizelden. He and the green Golf need uncertain. Both sets of organisers are discussing the effects of the new potentially be lethal. There was also a no introduction to anyone I'm sure but keen to run if they can, but the decision Countryside Bill, and the way it request for the dropping of the those who regularly supply Andy with is not just down to whether or not impinges on our use of rights of way. requirement to have an MoT in PCTs feedback on the various events should officialdom says yay or nay, it is as They are also investigating the risks of which initially received short shrift until not be surprised when the get requests much about respecting the sensibilities airbag going off when a car hits a it was pointed out that in the next year from David instead. David will also be of the farmers on whose benevolence rough point on a section. This is or so, the cost of an MoT is likely to go running the scrutineering control we are reliant. Far better that we something that is more urgent for our up to around the £75 mark. Remember system that Andy so successfully should have no events at all this year PCT colleagues to consider where an you heard it here first! introduced. I am pleased to say that than run the risk of losing the long-term airbag going off in front of an this seems to be an area where our co-operation of our landowners. If I unrestrained passenger could efforts have worked, and that the were a betting man, I would say that if quality of presentation of competing the season restarts at all, it will be with vehicles seems to be much improved. the Hardy Trial in November. The A bottle of wine for correctly Hardy has the unique distinction of Handling the technical side of life will being the only event that is held in an quessing who the rider is in now be the remit of Simon Robson. area that has continuously satisfied the the photo below. Simon will be introducing himself in official description of "uninfected". At detail in the next issue so I will not spoil the moment (mid May) the MSA's In case of a tie the first out of his thunder here. I will say however official line is ‘No Classic Trials a hat will win. that Simon will be assisted by Pete Anywhere’, even though other forms of Hart, who will be developing a system off road motorsport are becoming QUIZ Send your entry to the Editor to ensure that owners of class 7 cars acceptable in certain (uninfected) are better informed of changes to areas. What we need is a long hot please. specifications and how to ensure that summer which will kill the virus off. If everyone is aware of the detail June, July and August are disease free requirements expected of them. Pete then we stand a chance of having a full will be testing his system on the Marlin compliment in the autumn. I could say fraternity as they are the most that all we can do is to wait and see, numerous. Simon is also delegating but this is not true. We can take responsibility for the maintenance of advantage of the lay off to ensure that the tyre list to Murray Macdonald, so if our cars are properly sorted, cleaned you have discovered something and tidied so that the scrutineers at the interesting at the back of your tyre first events have an easy time. We can dealer's shed, Murray is the man who then present a smart image to the can tell you "no!". public at large.

In the final paragraph of Austen May's Currently, the thinking is that the "Wheelspin" he says; "No man can say championship will go ahead on as may when, or in what conditions it will be rounds as are actually run. The possible to set our sport going regulations stipulate that if five or less again….." As you read this in June you rounds are run then all events count. will no doubt be thinking along the There is no minimum number in the same lines. The Taw & Torridge is still rules so it is possible to have the scheduled for the middle of September championship comprising solely the but being in one of the worst hit areas Exeter and the Exmoor. The situation its chances diminish by the moment. will be reviewed again in September at The Northern Trial, optimistically the next ACTC Council meeting. rescheduled for a week later in the other worst hit area, is equally The MSA's trials committee is currently

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But I am no stranger to the purpose- The V8 was certainly an experience. I Below – May, Mansell and Delingpole (Photos: The Tony May Collection) built or one-off type of car (not quite do not deny there was an element of the same thing) and did own an ‘brute force and bloody ignorance’, but example, the V8 side-valve Ford storming up a long hill deep in mud, a Special originally built for Ken lot of which seemed to find its way into Hutchison, a name prominent both in the rather sparse cockpit, really was the ‘thirties and again after the war; he rather exhilarating. Today, inevitably, was a contemporary of other V8 on a fixed site the sections must be protagonists of the calibre of Sydney short, usually very tight, and expertise Allard, Guy Warburton, David Price, with the fiddle brakes is of paramount Len Potter and many other. This car importance. After I disposed of the car was described in splendid detail by it was extensively rebuilt to become Franklin Woodstock in the January/ virtually unrecognisable. By this time February 1982 issue of Kit Cars. the ability and agility of the Austin Franklin seems to think that even more Seven/Ford side-valve Ten was being information on this old warrior would demonstrated by Ken Wharton be of interest, although he has not left particularly, to such effect that the V8 much still to be said. days were numbered.

The car was first registered by Hutch Because speed-hillclimbing was (Noni to his wife and close friends) on restricted for the most part to Shelsley April 30, 1937. In 1938, when Hutch Walsh (Prescott not available until got his hands on the original Allard 1938), circuit racing centered on CLK 5 it was taken over by a Scottish Brooklands, plus what Denis driver named W S Miller. Hutchinson Jenkinson would no doubt describe as

9 10 the original ‘Mickey Mouse’ Donnington, organisers had to go further afield and much played down to the point in fact, over the counter from Abingdon. Much and occasional forays on an even more introduce cart tracks, bridle paths, long where, after I had unthinkingly referred the same cab be said of the ‘Mickey Mouse’ Crystal Palace. There disused Roman roads and similar to the '‘Grasshopper' Austin Sevens as ‘Grasshopper’ Austin Sevens, for all was, of course, the annual RAC Tourist obstacles. But even after the ‘non-stop’ ‘works’ cars I was severely that I was excommunicated when I Trophy race and an annual meeting in hills had become the focal point, many reprimanded and nearly had my head unthinkingly described them as ‘works’. the Isle of Man, but NOT on the organisers continued to include a bashed. The first Allard, CLK 5, was initially motorcycle circuit. considerable amount of mileage, purpose-built, whether Sydney including night sections on many The first trio of ‘Musketeer’ MG trials visualised series production when he The motoring press had the space to classified roads before the actual hills cars were actually driven by company built that car I am not in a position to give wide coverage to the numerically were tackled. These became more and employees. Nash, Kindall and either know. Subsequently the series- well supported trials of these days. At more unpopular and the necessity to Lewis Welch or Hounslow, but the production Allards were not quite like the same time there were effectively reduce mileage, because of petrol three 1408cc Marshall supercharged CLK 5. only four magazines. Motor Sport did rationing, in the early post-war years cars, and the series T based cars not concern itself with trialling, which left finally killed off the night run except for which followed, were entrusted to In the aftermath of the war, and for The Autocar, The Motor and its junior special cases, on the grounds of Macdermid, Bastock and Langley, who several years, with the possible stablemate The Light Car (a casualty of tradition, like the “Lands End”. There were ‘private owners’. I believe in the exception of the new Allards, series the war if I remember rightly, and of was a school of thought that contended case of the series T based cars, and production cars suitable for trialling, changing conditions) and ‘Mit’ Harris that it wasn’t a real trial without a the similar ‘Cream Cracker’ trio, there although virtually to the same pattern fondly remembered The Sports Car. preliminary night run, so that you were was a sort of ‘lease and buy back as the events of the ‘thirties, were not The latter, the only specialist weekly bleary-eyed before you ever got going agreement’ Remember we were living to be had on the home market, so that paper on the motoring front, three or on the trial. I remember that right up to in a different age, cricketers were this was the period when the purpose- four pages, with numerous photographs, the outbreak of the war the tough divided into Gentlemen and Players built car really established itself in the would be devoted to events such as the London-Gloucester trial started and in basically amateur or recreational sport. “Lands End” and “The Exeter” and a sometime after mid-night just north of sport, such as trialling, the works driver “One Day Sporting” in the vernacular of Watford and travelled by mainly (say what you will about some of the At first, rather large cars, almost all the day such as the “Colmore”, or the classified roads, to a time-check at cars) was not openly acknowledged. I using the side-valve Ford V8 engine “Brighton-Beer”, could rate a couple of Chipping Norton and then on to a crack- don’t say that was all of the story, but and three-speed gearbox were the pages, and detailed awards. It has to be of-dawn breakfast at ‘The Plough’ in must suffice for the moment, and it was order of the day, a continuation of the realised that the sporting trials of the Cheltenham before we ever got a whiff a very long time ago. Incidentally, pattern of the late ‘thirties, this, despite ‘thirties, and early post-war years were of Breakhart, Hodgecombe and all the when I bought JB 7521 from Abingdon, the imposition of severe petrol of a rather different character, basically Cotswold horrors. after the drivers had moved on to the rationing. But after Ken Wharton, a gradual transition from the original more contemporary series T based particularly, had demonstrated what reliability trial. This was often a city to Support for the trials of the ‘thirties – the cars, and really did run it privately, it could be done with an amalgam of the city run, London to Coventry, for picture changed in the early post-war cost me £180 and I did purchase the old side-valve 1172 cc Ford Ten example, and sometimes back again, so period when few cars were available on car from the company, not from its engine and a lightweight chassis more- the mileage, usually some of it covered the home market – came largely from regular driver. or-less to the pattern of the original during hours of darkness, was the the series-production small open 2- Austin Sevens, the days of the “brute essential ingredient. seater sports cars such as the various Despite the ready availability of series force and bloody ignorance”, as some MG models. Le Mans Singer Nines (and production cars suitable almost without critics described the V8 monsters, were As cars improved to the point at which it their more-or-less specially built six- modification to compete in trials of the soon numbered. was no longer any achievement to cylinder engined bigger brothers), ‘thirties - remember that one important complete the distances involved, so the Morgans, Frazer Nash, certain of the mod, the use of competition tyres, or It begins to sound as if, without the emphasis shifted to their ability to make sporting Triumph and Riley models and ‘knobblies’ was open to all of us – there ready availability of those Ford unassisted climbs of steep, even by the the short-lived but well remembered were always some purpose-built cars. components, in particular, those standards of the day, freak hills, such HRG. It is no exaggeration to say that the engines, there could have been a as Porlock, in North Devon, but this was one trio of ‘Musketeer’ cars was paucity rather than a proliferation of before it was hard surfaced (and it was Although a slightly contentious subject purpose-built, they were assembled purpose-built cars at this period, but very narrow). Then, as the reliability trial at the time, I do not imagine it can any from a clever mix of regular there were variations on the basic became the sporting trial and most great secret that there was a measure components but replicas of these theme. In building ‘Buttercup’, the late classified roads were fully surfaced, of factory participation, but this was very particular cars could not be bought and irrepressible Ken Rawlings was 11 12 able to use one of the post-war The car competed and won (my V8 are still active is fast becoming a cult although capable, I am sure, if it could Standard Vanguard engines, mated to was runner-up). The car did ‘get by’ at car, or should I say ‘collector’s item’. taken there of making Juniper, parts from the smaller and lighter cars a few other events but subsequently Breakheart and Hodgecombe look like in the same company’s range, the was converted to a shaft drive and From the early post-war period one main roads. Standard Eight/Ten. Buttercup related changed its name to ‘Daisy’. remembers how that other Bristolian, to the shade of bright yellow paint Gilbert Best, showed what could still I still have a good deal of information used, which Ken also used to decorate I suppose the ultimate development of be done by intelligently mixing M.G. on a number of these very one-off the Acker Bilk type bowler hat which he the Ford Ten/Austin Seven theme must parts; the ultimate extrovert, Leslie hybrids of so long ago – the Dellow wore when regaling us on his trombone have been the trials orientated Dellow Onslow-Bartlett, built GRU 7 around a comes in a rather different category – at motor club parties. car, which was in series production for ‘war-surplus’ Canadian Mercury much of which appeared in my post- a number of years. Not everybody had engine; cheerful Reg Phillips produced war trials book More Wheelspin, but I Bristolians Cecil Evans and Cyril Butler the experience and/or time to build his his succession of Fairley Specials, know that not nearly so many people used an oldish 2-litre AC engine, said own and, as he explained at a recent culminating in the ‘Le Tout’ (‘The Lot’), have read that book as have been once to have propelled a ‘Shelsley meeting of the Dellow Register, Ron but I query if any of the purpose-built interested to read the original Special’, in the construction of the Lowe himself had been working cars of that time has survived. After all, Wheelspin and if there is a wave of controversial ‘Stakadder’. A bone of towards the possibility of fulfilling an with the possible exception of the trials interest there is more than enough contention at this time was the locked obvious demand even before drivers of the dear old MCC, which have material for another article on this axle, or limited slip differential as an such as Ken Wharton and Reg Phillips altered little in character, and the fairly subject. added (rather artificial) aid to grip mud. demonstrated the practicality of the new breed of ‘classic’ trials, bravely The general consensus of opinion was (basically) Austin Seven/Ford Ten getting off the ground, the purpose has (First published in Thoroughbred & against the use. A regulation was formula. The Dellow, eventually, was changed out of all recognition. The Classic Car) drawn up the effect that : “A differential more-or-less a victim of its own enclosed site sporting trial of today shall be in full and free operation success. The SMM & T forced the calls for a powerful, but nimble and between the driving wheels throughout thriving little concern into an almost sparse little machine no longer eligible the trial except in the case of Trojan or impossible decision as to whether they to be driven on the public road Frazer Nash cars running in the should continue to be recognised as condition of the original manufacturers’ component assemblers, which would specification.” have meant supply problems of materials at competitive prices, or With the AC engine installed in a establish themselves as bona fida chassis, which had Wolsley front manufacturers, which, at that time, suspension, but with Frazer Nash style would have involved taking a stand at quarter elliptic rear springing and final the Motor Show. drive by chain and sprocket to a ‘solid’ axle, clearly this was not a Frazer Nash With the co-operation of Ken car “running in the condition of the Delingpole (the ‘Del’ of ‘Dellow’) the original manufacturers’ specification.” I cars were assembled in the can only suppose that Evans and conveniently available basement of the Butler had their tongues very much in big nut and bolt manufacturers for their cheeks, and it is a fact that when whom Lowe was Works Manager. the car was presented for participation Although it was rewarding to meet in the Taunton Motor Club’s Allen Trail, evidence of success, escalation of the after fierce discussion at scrutinising, it enterprise on this scale had not been was found that the Taunton club had envisaged. After much heart searching used a slightly different form of it was reluctantly agreed that this now wording, which imposed a ban on viable little concern should go into locked differentials only and, of course, voluntary liquidation. All these years there was no differential, locked or afterwards it appears that the Dellow A team of MGs of the period, CAN May on the left and E J Haesendonck on the otherwise, in Stakadder’s rear axle! car, of which numerous good examples right. (Photo: The Tony May Collection)

13 14 How I discovered that MCC comfortable.” Where on earth are we going? has nothing to do with 2. “It has a De Dion back axle, this cricket…. gives good ground clearance as by Fred Mills the differential is tucked up high in the car’s body.” Why does it need first met Derek Reynolds about 20 good ground clearance? years ago. I was running a wine 3. “Tony has achieved a gold medal tasting night class. He and in one these.” So! I Margaret were students. Over the 4. “Automatic transmission is good years I became to know him quite well, on hills.” Is it? though there were hints of a secret life. He sometimes talked of going away for Incidentally, when the Daf is set up well the weekend with a friend in his car, and behaving properly it is amazing and there was the sudden wearing of a how many cars you can out accelerate T-shirt proclaiming ‘I thought Bamford from a standing start, we don’t need to Clough was a football club manager change gear you see.

until I joined the MCC’. What was It had been ‘trial prepared’ by Tony and going on? Derek. I later discovered that this

I wasn’t to find out properly until a few entailed putting an extra leaf in the rear years later. “Fred, Tony Branson’s son springs, inner tubes inside the tyres is growing up and I think he will be and attaching two spare wheels to the replacing me as his trials navigator. If I boot lid.

buy a car of my own would you be My Initiation interested in becoming my October 1995, The Edinburgh Trial that navigator?” (No mention of bouncing for some reason didn’t go any where up and down in the back seat, or near to Edinburgh and mostly takes rebuilding cars in the pouring rain at 4 place in Derbyshire. Derek had o’clock in the morning) I naively said, elected to start the trial at the bottom of “Yes that sounds like good fun, I the M1 at Scratchwood Services and always fancied rallying”. Nothing more we needed to be there by 11.30 pm. was said for a couple of years until “There is plenty of time if we set off Derek told me that he had bought a car from home by 6 pm”. We got as far as and asked if I was I still willing to the top of the A19 Bridge over the Tees navigate. when we had our first of many

The Car punctures together. This set us back a Derek had bought a Volvo 66 little, but not as much as a mysterious (henceforth known as Daf), the same propensity for the car to cruise happily model that my elderly mother ran until for several miles and then just she upgraded to a Volvo 360. It had gradually go slower and slower until we variomatic transmission, usually had to stop. After a couple of minutes described as ‘rubber bands’. There standing at the side of the road it would were various reasons put forward as to restart and run beautifully for a while why this was the best possible car for when the whole thing was repeated. View from the 1937 Lawrence Cup Trial. This photograph appeared with CAN the job: We now know that the carburettor was May’s original article with the following caption ‘A Ford V8 Coupe with sawn off icing up, a problem that has recurred mudguards and knobbly tyres waits to take a hill’ 1. “We need to drive 200-300 miles on many subsequent occasions. We to reach the start of any trial we arrived with about ten minutes to spare (Photo: The Tony May Collection) enter. This car will cruise very to find Tony convinced that we had had happily on motorways and is an accident. Not the best of ways to 15 16 Tim Whellock Vin t age & Spor ts Car Ser v ices Competition Pr epar ation Engines for trials, racing, hill-climbs, safety cut-out switches, fire extinguisher installation

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begin your first classic trial, still it didn’t mountain. We were 70 cars back from gives us time to be too apprehensive. the front of the queue where all the

people who had passed us earlier were The route directions were a joy to follow, about to go on to Bamford Clough. Two clear and precise. We approached our hours later and two hours behind time it Beetle Specialist Workshop first observed section as dawn was was our turn to go. Derek had told me

breaking; driving down a misty valley on this was the ‘Big One’ and now we were I.R.S. Conversions “Next Generation” Parts the approach to Excelsior was a magical on the start line ready to go. The car experience. We cleared the hill with travelled a few yards and stopped, lots ease! Beginners luck. of noise and smoke but no further Spare Wheel Carriers Carburettor Kits

We had been told that we mustn’t be movement. Disgrace and ignominy. early! Around Fernilee/Errwood For the first, and not last, time we made T4 Engines Oversize Barrels reservoirs we found ourselves about 1 our way back down to the road and hour ahead of scheduled time, so Derek headed to Haggside. This is where I Free Advice Restorations decided that we must stop until we were discovered exactly what a navigator is for, not for finding the route but as heavy back on time. We sat, or rather I sat NB: Although the advice is free, If that advice includes buying a product, it would be polite to buy it from us and Derek slept, at the side of the road mobile ballast. The best way, so I am Stockists of Superblend Zero Lead 2000 – FBHVC Approved Lead Substitute – Will deliver to most trials and watched about sixty cars drive past assured, to get a Variomatic up a hill is us. Were we mistaken? Did they know to get it going as fast as possible and Ballards Place Eardiston Tenbury Wells Worcs WR15 8JR keep it going as fast as possible without something we didn’t? We now realise Tel: 01584-881348 Fax: 01584-881684 that it is the time checks you have to crashing. This is exactly what Derek E-Mail: [email protected] watch not the sections. Shortly after did; I saw nothing of the hill just a blur of recommencing our journey we found stones and vegetation I also bashed my ourselves at a holding area, a quarry head on the roof in my enthusiasm to road in a big wet cloud halfway up a bounce up and down, we cleared

17 18 without any trouble. We were really the Thursday (we had been invited to problem was something that pleased with ourselves. see a factory that makes foam for probably only happens very furniture and intended stopping rarely. One of the distributor We arrived at the finish in Buxton to overnight somewhere near the start). bob weights had come adrift, collect our first Finishers Certificate to Our first inkling that all was not well was no great problem whilst the find we were so late that search parties when the car wouldn’t restart at a petrol engine is running but the Daf’s were out looking for us. So much for station on the A1. We couldn’t work out Renault based engine has a worrying about getting ahead of time. what was wrong but the distributor had habit of running backwards

Our second trial and first experience turned about 90º from its normal setting. when it is turned off. This of Mr RAC The RAC man, who was as puzzled as caused the bob weight to jam Our journey to the start of the 1996 us, reset the distributor as best he could the distributor and shear the Exeter Trial was as uneventful as these and sent us on our way. By the time we drive shaft as a result. Trevor things ever are, apart from the car’s reached the factory we had the timing left us to work on recovering desire to freewheel on long gentle set up quite well and began to put the pieces of metal from the sump downhill stretches on the road to problem to the back of our minds. Next and set off to a scrapyard that Cirencester. We arrived without fuss at day we ambled around Derbyshire he knew of in Wirksworth. He Gatcombe Lane, the easiest section in visiting the sights, even coming across a returned two hours later all Trialdom. We crept towards the start farmyard full of Trabants. complete with distributor and drive shaft from a Renault were we stopped and readied ourselves That night we set off on the trial and had for the start (we had even lowered the engine that just happened to an uneventful overnight run and were be sticking out of a pile of tyre pressures just in case). Attempts to feeling very confident when we parked zoom away were met by horrible scrap. A bit more work under on the approach to Clough Wood. It Trevor’s guidance and we grinding noises and lots of smoke; we wouldn’t start! Looked under the bonnet failed without even moving off the start were up and running, arriving and found the distributor had turned in Buxton in time to meet line. This hill is so easy that I don’t even again! This time turning it back to it’s think there is a contingency for failure, everyone at the finish. proper position failed to do anything however we somehow made our way other than cause huge backfiring. What back to the road where the car expired. Lands End 1997 was wrong? Tony Branson has A very kind competitor rang the RAC on The Silver Shadow on Buehills 2 1999 Lands End documented this story in his then rare and costly mobile phone. We were running very near the back of (Photo: Charlie Wooding) Three hours later a friendly (they always the field anyway so were soon retired greater detail in the March are) RAC man arrived. “Your clutch has from the trial. Along came our white 2000 edition of Triple. Our gone,” he said. “What clutch?” we said knight, Trevor in his 4wd. He looked at clutch despite the administration of the one surviving engine mounting got “It’s belt drive you don’t need one!” “Oh our problem and said “I know a little bit pineapple juice gave up the ghost on us the 450 miles home. yes it has, look”. He showed us where it about cars, tell you what, I’ll tow you up Darracot. Somehow we made it up to was and how it worked (apparently he to my house where we will be more road before it disintegrated entirely. A There have been several highpoints used to service Dafs when he was an comfortable and I’ll have a go”. Trevor’s competitor in VW Buggy very kindly over the last five years. In 1998 we apprentice). Much to the surprise of our “little bit” was revealed when he showed offered to tow us to Widemouth Bay. won a bronze medal on the Edinburgh. womenfolk, we returned home on the us his dune buggy: Mazda rotary engine, During a terrifying journey at the end of Clearing Bamford Clough on the way, to back of a lorry, a day earlier than independent chain drive to each wheel, a 10 foot towrope, Derek happened to the surprise of one or two hardened expected. suspension with 36 inch vertical travel, mention that he thought that part of our campaigners who had failed earlier. Over the next few years we finished all large knobbly tyres etc. It was the sort ballast was an old clutch plate. Indeed The 2000 Clee Hills was one of the of the trials we entered with two of buggy that races in the Sahara there it was, down to the rivets, but an most enjoyable trials we have been on, exceptions: Desert, and would climb Simms etc almost viable clutch plate. With the we climbed Hungerford for the first time without even losing breath. He also has loan of some equipment from the and almost made Gatten’s Gamble, service station we replaced the clutch failing about five yards from the top. a full engineering workshop beside his

Edinburgh 1996 home. plate and were back on the road in 3½ hours arriving at the Lands End finish in We are now running in our third Volvo We were very confident that the car was 66, a bright yellow model with only in perfect condition when we set off on After much delving it transpired that the time for a drink. That clutch plate and

19 20 39,000 genuine miles on the clock. The before our start time and we are usually

first car died of compulsive rust disorder late in setting off. He says you should CLASS 2 OR NOT CLASS

after completing about three trials. I take every opportunity you can, but why 2? THAT IS THE QUESTION refused to travel in it any more after the does he have to leave it so late! Mattin, who had done a great job in bottom seat belt mounting came off in converting the car from it’s road-going my hand. Derek still feels that this was It is no good telling him to look for road by Tony Squires

the best runner of the three. The signs - he doesn’t see them. The trim to an award-winning (by him) trials second car (The Silver Shadow) lasted navigator has to spot them and give him Some of you my have read my article car. I did further ‘tweaks’ on the car and almost five years but became terribly plenty of time to manoeuvre. last year ‘All My Trials Lord’ – and it is have got some success as stated unreliable towards the end. It kept When I began trialling I had no idea vaguely possible that someone may earlier. blowing fuses, especially the one that what I was letting myself in for. I remember some of it . However , for the controls the vacuum gear change discovered a wonderful collection of benefit of readers of this contribution, let But things have gone full circle .Late mechanism so that we would change to people: me make it clear that I am not an ‘old last year I saw, fell in love with and the equivalent of top gear half way up a hand’ (VSCC trials for five years, ACTC bought a 1931 Riley Nine Special, and hill. The death knell was sounded after The other competitors, who are always trials - mostly MCC – for three years the original plan was to replace my the front sub frame was twisted willing to help a fellow competitor when only). I am not an expert, but I’m Austin 7 in VSCC events, but keep the seriously out of shape. This happened he is in trouble, beginning to get there (several VSCC Marlin for the more rigorous trials of the as a result of first being winched out of nd rd class 2 and 3 awards; 4 bronze and MCC. However, I made a further the bomb crater on the Northern Trial The marshals who stand out in the 1 Gold out of 8 MCC events. My VSCC decision. My real love has been and and then over the chicane half way up pouring rain at four in the morning so events have been done in an Austin 7 always will be 1930’s cars. So I have Blue Hills 2. that we can have our fun, and say things and the ACTC events mostly in a decided to sell the Marlin and use the like “I thought that was a Daf coming up Marlin). So, I can only base my thoughts Derek and I have remained good friends Riley in ACTC Class 2 as well as the the hill, I’d recognise that sound on my limited experience compared to over the years and bicker like an old VSCC events. anywhere.” “I haven’t seen one these many stalwarts of both the VSCC and married couple the whole time we are for years, I used to repair them.” “Is this ACTC arenas – well here goes…… trialling or trying to repair the car. Most I had hoped that I could have a period one of those cars with rubber band of the things we disagree about are very of grace to try the Riley in various ACTC drive?” In ‘Triple’ and ‘Restart’, there seems to trivial. I, of course, am always right but and VSCC events, before finally be a growing number of people because it is his car I usually let him The officials who give an enormous committing myself on the sale of my commenting on the roughness of trials have his way. amount of time and energy in organising Austin 7 and/or Marlin. Unfortunately sections and the problem of catering for and running these events. the Foot and Mouth epidemic has the wonderful diversity of vehicles in the We spend a lot of time debating what prevented this happening. So all I’ve eight car classes. (Sorry motorcyclists – tyre pressures to use. Derek always We have all sorts of fanciful plans for been able to do is put lots of time and I have no experience of your mode of sets them lower than I think is suitable, the car. Does anyone know where we effort into the Riley transforming it from trialling, but I have the greatest of consequently we often grind to a halt can buy a supercharger suitable for a a ‘concours’ car to a very nice trials car, respect for you). I entered my first with the tyres gripping the ground as if 1.4 litre Renault based engine? Of and worry how the car will perform. (I classic trial the First Manx Classic trial glued and the clutch/belts producing course if we did install one we would have also found time to clean out my in 1998 in my Austin 7. This event gave large clouds of smoke. then need a vacuum pump for the garage and write this article!) my two definite messages. No 1 – Derek loves car boot sales and has a Variomatic. Would the clutch/belts cope classic trialling was to be the sport for Nearly everyone tells me that the Riley comprehensive set of 17mm spanners. with the strain? The future looks me, and No 2 – It seemed too rough for is “too nice to trial”. I do not agree. The I find it difficult to persuade him to only interesting and possibly smoky. my Austin 7. car will inevitably get filthy, but I can bring one and leave the other six at easily jet-wash and polish it back to it’s home. Now I expect you all to agree with my nice condition, so that’s not a There is a magic switch on the Daf that ‘Road to Douglas’ conversion- with problem.Failing sections I cleaned in the in theory holds it in low ratio, but Derek apologies to St. Paul and Damascus- Marlin will not be easy to accept, but at is convinced it doesn’t work and is the but I can hear many Austin 7 owners least I will fail with more style! What reason we fail so many hills. So he calling me faint-hearted. Well, it was my does worry me however, is ‘breaking ‘ often forgets on purpose to use it. personal decision to buy a Marlin for the car. Hence my interest in the current classic trialling. I bought it from Terry Derek always disappears five minutes debate to which I referred earlier.

21 22 I find the VSCC events good fun and a trials have always been a test of vehicle real test of car & driver, but they do not and driver. Vehicles have developed offer a test & sense of adventure of an over the years, but the sections have MCC event. I now want to take on old, changed – some made easier by but cherished, road car on a trial rather surfacing and therefore lost as trials than take a specialist trials car on the hills – and some have got worse due to road. I want a challenge without any the ravages of time, weather and use. danger to myself, anyone else or my Also, I am aware of the hard work put car. Maybe there is nothing new the into maintaining sections by club organisers can do. I don’t expect classic members. trials to change just for me and the car which I choose to drive. I hope that trialling may be ‘on’ again soon and I can stop thinking about it, I know that many class 2 vehicles writing about it and actually do it.

consistently compete in ACTC events P.S Heartfelt thanks to all those and do very well. Trials organisers marshals, organisers, already do their best for equality of landowners,residents and anyone else vehicle types i.e. different starts, who makes my enjoyment in trialling restarts and alternative routes. Classic possible

Tim and Ann Whellock in their Austin 7 on Lower Dean on the 1999 Torbay Trial Taking Bamford Clough on the 1997 Edinburgh the hard way!!

(Photo: Derek Hibbert) (Photo: Derek Hibbert)

23 24 A Taste of Cheshire group, and the Cheshire Centre came into being early in 1922, with seven This article first appeared in “Offroad founding clubs. These were Liverpool, Review’ in 1999. It is reproduced with North Cheshire, Chester, Warrington, the kind permission of Bob Light and Widnes, Prescot and District and the J Ian Williamson. Bob interviews Ian B Liverpool club. Centre Secretary about his motorcycle trialliing and, in Tommy Sandland from Widnes took particular, trials in Cheshire. office in 1923, and did the job for some 35 years. Tommy's early motor cycling o here was a chance to have was with a 1911 single gear Indian a look at trials in a territory outfit with a wicker sidecar and he was that we have not featured known for the help he gave to new much up to now, and there is clubs as the Centre grew stronger. S a memory too of the works AMC- powered 250 Francis-Barnett trials In lan's time the main motor cycle clubs machine which Ian campaigned. The organising trials were Chester, years have not dealt kindly with this Runcorn, South Liverpool, Wirral 100, particular model. Ian liked it, and he Broughton-Bretton, Crewe and South will tell us why. Cbeshire, Nantwich, Winsford, * * * * * * Congleton, Manchester '17' and Funny things, frontiers. Some you can Manchester Eagle, plus Whitchurch, slip through unnoticed, while others Wrexham and Oswestry. provide a cultural and physical barrier, and some are watched over by Tommy Sandland could possibly have guarding dragons! The Cheshire been there when the Reliance trial was Centre takes in the county itself and first held in 19II. It was a two-day extends westwards into North Wales, event and organised by the Liverpool East into Derbvshire and South into Auto-Cycle Club, one of the oldest Shropshire. This is a landscape of clubs in the country, as it was founded great variety, of moors and hills, plains in 1902, The national governing body and grand houses, where you will find (then the Auto Cycle Club which later the latest technology hard by the work became the ACU) promptly banned the of our industrial pioneers. It stretches trial and threatened to suspend any from Manchester down to Buxton, then rider taking part, on the grounds that across to Congleton, Winsford, events of more than one day were run Nantwich, Oswestry and into Wales at by the ACC and no-one else. After Mold and Wrexham. From Hawks Nest much discussion between clubs and to Halkyn Mountain, and from Picton to the ACC, the result was the system of Pontfadog, trials prospered as they ACU permits which has existed ever spread into the hills of North Wales and since. south into the Shropshire Border country round Oswestry. Day I in that first Reliance started at Ledsham near Ellesmere Port, then Back in 1920 the North-Western went through Queensferry, Mold, Centre was the first of the ACU Ruthin, Cerrigydruidion, Denbigh, and Centres to be formed and covered back through Mold to Ledsham. On While Peter Treliving made it look easy and so relaxed… Lancashire and Cheshire. After a few day 2 the riders started from months the clubs in the southern part Birkenhead, then through Chester, (Photo: Derek Hibbert) of this area decided to form their own Rossett, across the Llandegla moors to

25 26 Mold, over the Halkyn mountains to St. home of Jeff Smith (born in Colne in the famous old sections - Cheeks, off he would go!" Asaph and then back to Birkenhead; all Lancashire - his family moved to the Washgates, Hawks Nest, Manor Steps The Manx Two Day Trial was well on single-speed machines, very poor Midlands when he was three) and the and Hollinsclough. I then wanted a supported by mainland competitors. roads and 195 miles in total.The home of Ogdens, Cleggs, Sandifords, spring frame, so in 1956 I bought a 197 First run in 1955 when Artie Ratcliffe Reliance was one of the major Eric Adcock and many more. The James Commando and spent all my (350 Matchless) won it, the trial came Nationals in a crowded calendar in pre- Lancashire Grand National and the Red spare time practising. The Cheshire about following a suggestion from war years. When David Tye (BSA) won Rose trial, for example, will doubtless Centre was a competitive area then Angus Herbert and 'Motor Cycling' it in 1949, it was his first big trials give more good stories for another day. with many good riders. Johnny Roberts Editor Bob Holliday at a Peveril MCC victory, but in the fifties the number of However the North Western and was the same age as me, there was function that an island event would be competitors dropped close to the thirty Cheshire Centres were friendly Doug Chadwick, Graham Darlington, popular with visiting riders. The 1956 mark, and it lost its National status. neighbours, and riders moved easily Doug Crennell, Mike Fitzimmons, Cliff entry of 112 was more than double the Chester clubmen joined forces with the between the two. Ian is a Manchester Karle, Cyril Kenny, Geoff Brassington, first year, and the Bury teamsters were Liverpool Motor Club to run it as a man, from Prestwich about four miles Ray Lomas, Ted Manchester, Jack very much in the hunt. Doug Chadwick Regional Restricted, and in 1960 the north of the City Centre, and in the Inter Matthews, Mick Bowers, Eric Sellars won it, followed by Jeff Brown (6th), Ian winner was Len Eyre, who had earned -Centre trial he pitched in for Cheshire (he had a motor cycle shop in (12th) and Jack Carr (14th). Expert status in the Cheshire Centre as and the North West at different times. Stalybridge), Ian Shennan and John long ago as 1935! "I bought a new 250 side-valve BSA in Hartle. Later on, in the early 1960s, Ian started his National Service in 1957 Another Merseyside Club to make good 1954 and rode it to school every day. there was also Dave Rowland and Mick with the Royal Signals. "You were likely use of the Welsh hills was South The first trial I saw was at Helsby Hill Andrews." to find yourself abroad or doing Liverpool who organised the National near Frodsham, probably a Runcorn something completely irrelevant. I Eric Adcock was well established as Lomax trial (named after their former Club event, and I was hooked. I then therefore contrived to join No. 5 the top Cheshire rider then, and very Club secretary) and based around the went to watch National trials like the Training Regiment at Ripon, (where much the man to beat, winning the Glyn Ceiriog valley near Chirk. The Bemrose and the Allan Jefferies, and Tom Ellis had his shop), and I Cheshire Championship Trial a total of story goes that the route marking party immersed myself in the weekly reports. remember arriving on the square in the seven times. lan's career also tracked would take Sunday papers with them There was a great thrill in watching back of a 4-ton truck in thick mist, just that of three sons of expert riders, into the Welsh hills for the farmers - 'stars' like Jim Alves and Gordon two of us, that week's intake. Ripon Jimmy Sandiford (son of 'Big Jim'), their normal Sunday deliveries in those Jackson. While I was still at school, I was the Royal Signals Motor Transport Norman Eyre (son of Len) and David days were on the Monday.The trial swapped the BSA for a 197 DOT - School and also the home of the White Clegg (son of Cliff). Not that the soon became an Easter favourite and without telling my parents! The DOT Helmets. This tall lanky figure emerged previous generation had by now retired, the first National Lomax in 1951 was had Metal Profiles forks and was very out of the mist, with DR coat, very far from it, as they were still riding and significant for more than one reason. battered, and I soon realised I would muddy boots, chalk mark for his rank - winning. Jimmy came down to ride in For the winner was 16 year-old Jeff have to get something better if I was to it turned out to be Peter Fletcher! I went the Cheshire Centre quite frequently, Smith, taking his first National premier compete. So with dad's help I acquired to bed that night in a 'spider', a six wing but David Clegg, Derek Brookes and award riding the Norton 500T that his a rigid 197 four-speed Francis-Barnett; wooden hut, and I had not seen any Stan Cordingley did so very rarely. father had bought new in September it really was very good. I won best daylight. The following morning, feeling Norman Eyre lived in Buxton, so he 1949. Cheshire's Peter Wraith Novice first time out at a Manchester pretty miserable. I looked out of the was a Cheshire regular. window and there parked up were (possibly with Hugh Breland in the Eagle Club trial at Pott Shrigley. chair?) was best sidecar.By this time Manchester 17 was the main local trials One of lan's best early outings on the Arthur Lampkin's works BSA and Peter the Chester Club's Northern Experts club then, but as I started with the James was probably the North Western Fletcher’s works Enfield, two factory trial was firmly established, starting Eagle, I tended to stay with them. I Centre Team Trial on April 22nd 1956 bikes! Misery to paradise in less than from Brierlow Bar, south of Buxton. It kept the FB for a year, riding at North in the Accrington area, when he was two minutes! I joined the Royal Signals visited Snaygill in Yorkshire and then Western Centre venues like Parbold still 17. "I was in the Bury Club's A team Display Team (the White Helmets) in North Wales, before moving back to Quarries near Wigan, or Rooley Moor with Jeff Brown, Doug Chadwick and 1958 and we went to shows and events Buxton in 1961, and the first big win for near Bury - there was a section there Jack Carr (who was the individual all over the country, doing displays with 17 year-old Mick Andrews. where you rode through an old ruined winner), and we won. Jeff was a great Triumph TRW twins. At the Bath pub - Foxes Den at Ashton-Under-Lyne rider, he could win anything. He had a Searchlight Tattoo I crashed in front of Head northwards from Cheshire across and others. "However I always loved 500 Triumph, but he never cleaned his about 5,000 people, the jump ramp had the River Mersey and you are in the the moors in the Peak District around bike or his riding gear. He would just got wet during the display and I took off North-Western Centre. This is the Buxton, Leek and Macclesfield, with all turn up, put some oil on the chain, and sideways! "The aim then was to ride for

27 28 your unit in the Army Championships good trials, but a more 'nadgery', with trial, and in 1958 the entries included sandstone and sandpits in the Pat Brittain, Arthur Lampkin, Bob Hart Peckforton Hills and similar going. (the works James man), and a number "Going into Wales at that time there of other very capable trials riders from could be massive traffic jams at Ripon, like Roger Wooldridge from Connah's Quay and Queensferry on Launceston and Alan Futers from the way to trials in the Welsh hills round Darlington. Doug Theobald from Bury Llangollen, Chirk, Wrexham, and St. Edmunds was in the Royal Artillery Pontfadog (for the Lomax), but, in the and was based at Kinmel Park Camp, days before pick-up trucks, we could Rhyl, for a time, so he rode in Cheshire ride round the jams." Centre events on weekends off " Francis-Barnett introduced their new Ian replaced the James with a 350 Ariel 250 AMC-powered roadster at the end HT3, and successes followed. He was of 1956, followed by the competition best of 146 starters in the Broughton- models early in 1958. AMC policy in Bretton Club's Westminster Cup trial commissioning the Italian Luigi Piatti to ahead of Jim Sandiford, Eric Adcock design the range of single-cylinder two- and Muff Morris. Muff was one of the strokes meant that the long-standing three Morris brothers from the Denbigh relationship between FB and Villiers area, the others being Roy and Brian. was ended, to the ultimate They were very successful in North disadvantage of both companies. It is Wales based Cheshire Centre events, probably fair to say that this engine has but rarely ventured as far as the Peak not had a good press over the last forty District. Ian was then second to Eric years, and the new FB 250 trials Adcock (and best 350) in the 1959 machine did not sell in great numbers. Reliance trial. He also won the Wirral As well as our Northern squad, in the 100 Club's December trial based on next four years riders included long- Rhydymwyn near Mold. time FB experts Arthur Shutt (his April 1958 Lomax win was the first National "The Ariel was one of the best victory for the new machine) and production trials bikes at the time. I George Fisher. Experienced works tried a 500, but it was too much of a AMC four-stroke trialler Sid Wicken handful, while the 350 seemed to suit rode one in the FB team for the 1959 me and felt controllable. One rather Scottish, but retired soon after, and special event in the 1950s was the new recruits included South Midland Chester Motor Club's Picton trial, a 10 experts John Lee, Bill Faulkner and lap time and observation trial round a Jackie Rees. Midlander Scott Ellis tried triangular course of three muddy lanes. one before going back to his Ariel. Ian There were dozens of mud holes and at again. "Jimmy Sandiford had a works the finish the riders looked as though Francis-Barnett for the 1960 Colmore, they had been mud-wrestling not trials and Barnetts were then checking round riding! The Winsford Club also had for any other riders worth supporting. some prime mud and stream-bed going They came up with my name - I'll never around Delamere Forest, half-way know why! I went down to the factory between Manchester and Chester. in Lower Ford Street in Coventry and Ian Williamson, 249cc Franch-Barnett, on Cheeks Hill, Axe Edge (near Buxton). Further south, we rode in the Nantwich met George Denton, he was a real 1961 Clayton Trial Club trials starting from Alpraham, near gentleman. It was quite a heavy bike, Tarporley, and the Whitchurch Club's and lacked enough power to lift the (Photo: B R Nicholls) events starting at Grindley Brook - all front wheel cleanly, but with those

29 30 Norton forks it steered beautifully, and it weekend they took the team award in would always go where you wanted it to the Mitchell in South Wales on the go. it was good on rocks, very good, Saturday, and the Greensmith in AUSTIN 7 1935 TRIALS and it was reliable. Perhaps it was Shropshire on the way home on MARKET SPECIAL. Attractive red 2-seat more suited to the northern going than Sunday. When David Clegg moved to body/upholstery, sensibly-tuned the southern sections. Yes, the engine Greeves at the end of 1961, his place engine (Phoenix crank), hydraulic was wide, so we later cut the chaincase in the FB team was taken by Johnny PLACE brakes, 12 volt electrics, back on one side. It lacked real urge Roberts. Ian again. "I wrecked David professional tonneau, several and had a very flat power curve, and Clegg's Francis-Barnett once. it had FOR SALE recent VSCC awards, VSCC Buff not many people liked them, but a just come back from the factory, and MARLIN TRIALS CAR (MTN 6L). works ride was a works ride. I was very mine was still at Coventry, so he let me Form, Taxed & MOT, complete pleased." have it for the Manchester Eagle Club's I offer for sale the ex Terry Mattin with loads of spares and nice Charles Markham trial at Buxton. I was Marlin which he built and trailer. £5,950. Please contact Ian won the Cheshire Centre going downhill about 200 yards from successfully trialled (triple awards, me for full fact sheet .Tony Championship Trial on the Barnett and the finish, and this Morris 1000 did not etc) before I further enhanced it Squires (Congelton) 01260 the overall Centre Trials Championship see me in the Buxton mist, and turned and won a few more medals 276634 or e-mail in 1961 and did all the trade-supported right in front of me! I had no option and myself. I have prepared a detailed [email protected] national trials, from the West Of hit it square on, and was thrown over fact-sheet for those interested, but England up to the Cleveland and the the bars and over the Morris Minor on briefly the car is 1800 Marina- Travers. He also joined up with David to the main A53, Buxton-Leek road. based SWB with Stage 2 head Clegg and Jimmy Sandiford to form a There was only about two feet of grass very effective Bury Club team. For a between the edge of the road and a with hardened valve seats, raised spell all three rode FBs, a fist of Francis jagged stone wall, and I landed on the & modified Marina 10cwt van -Barnetts often wresting the Club Team grass, somersaulted twice and stood up suspension & brakes, competition awards from powerful opposition. without a scratch. But the bike had clutch, 4.5:1 axle with roller Though they came close several times, been ripped apart at the bearings, new hood & that sought after National Premier still headstock...... ” sidescreens, recently rewired, eluded them on the Coventry lan's first Scottish was in 1960 when he and FREE ROAD TAX! £4,500 machines. was in the FB team with Jimmy FOR SALE One of lan's first Nationals on the FB Sandiford and Jackie Rees. He was 1978 MG MIDGET, 1500cc. was the 1960 Wye Valley Traders, won best of the three with a Special First, Professionally converted to trials’ by Bill Martin in a rare National victory and was actually third best newcomer spec. Interior brake, fuel lines and for James with their AMC-powered (no trophy for that!) behind Stan tank. Raised suspension, full trials model, Bill was the only rider to Cordingley and Terry Body. However master the long rock-filled gully that the 1961 Scottish still holds unhappy sump guard, hydraulic handbrake formed the opening hazard at Hill Lane. memories. "I was having a good ride and many other mods. £1,600 ono, However lan's effort was noticed and and by Wednesday evening I was on with spares. David Dyer 01643 one press report read. ‘Other aces the leaderboard in tenth place, and I 841139 managed to get up .... but none so had only lost 15 marks. However as I prettily as Ian Williamson, the new came into Fort Augustus that afternoon, FOR SALE member of the Francis-Barnett team. there was a police car parked in a VW BAJA, 1971, tax exempt and trials Although he had to get his feet down in hidden lay-by, deliberately aiming to prepared. Stateside 1640cc engine, the third section, he showed all the catch some riders for speeding, and raised suspension, sump bars, QD style of a true master’. "Don't print that!" they caught three of us. The rules are spare wheel carrier. Many spares, he told me. But then, he's a modest quite clear, and being reported by the including wheels and tyres. This car chap. police to the organisers was enough, has won many MCC awards and is though I don't think I was ever ready to win. Reluctant sale £1,500 After Jimmy Sandiford turned to BSA, prosecuted. I rode through Thursday, ono. Steve Austin 0208 894 1108 the Bury squad kept on winning. In one but I was pretty sure that I would be

31 32 excluded and I was. They wanted to came back I joined the Territorial Army, Dear Simon, set an example and it worked. I was ending up as a Lieutenant-Colonel in doing well, I was in a works team, and I the Royal Green Jackets, which took all Ref your comments on page 6 of Restart Issue 4, was absolutely mortified. I didn't get my spare time for the next fifteen Volume 11.

over it for months! Arthur Brown (150 years." The Torbay Trial has only missed one year of Triumph) and Ted Wratten (350 Business now is the College of running to date, not several as stated. Unfortunately Matchless) suffered the same fate." A the trial will not run this year. I am not currently a year later and it was a very different Petroleum and Energy Studies, based in Oxford, where Ian is Founder/ member of Torbay Motor Club, however do not write story. Francis-Barnett fitted iron-barrel the trial off. I am personally too busy to be actively 32A Villiers engines into the works Director, and for the last five years he has been competing in trials again, this involved at the moment – 8 month old baby bikes ready for Scotland, when new daughter, British agriculture in a mess (at the recruit Mick Ransom teamed with Ian time in Vintage and Classic car trials with a historic 1935 MG 'Cream moment I earn my living as an agricultural sales and Johnny Roberts. rep), and the continuing development of the Cracker' works car, a car with a 60 year In a shakedown outing at the 1962 continuous history. Ian has won the ‘Mountain Goat’ Ford Anglia Estate (managed to win Reliance, it was a clean sweep with MG annual Trials Championship (the class 3 on the Exeter Trial).

Mick winning, Ian second and Johnny Slade Trophy) three times with JB The Torbay trial will run again. The sections are still there. I still have very good Roberts third. In Scotland Mick was 7521. Sometimes the hazards bring relationships with local landowners and the Dartmoor National Park. third overall and the three were the best back memories. of the lightweight teams, but it had You stated ‘lack of commitment from the organisers’, this is wrong. The lack of come too late. That year the FB "We were in the 1998 MCC 'Edinburgh' commitment is from the organising club. There is still a core of people, albeit a small operation moved to the James factory trial, (though it does not go to number, who will run the trial again one day. in Greet, the proverbial writing was on Edinburgh any more). In Derbyshire the wall, and lan's bike went back. the route card showed a section called Please once again do not write the Torbay off for good. James continued in trials with familiar 'Swan Rake' and it turned out to be Coventry registration plates on some Hollinsclough! I asked them if they Regards machines, and Ian bought a Greeves were seriously considering putting 200 TES. cars up there and they were. There was no room to manoeuvre and we Greg Warren “It had much more power and I was bounced from rock to rock. Forty years very comfortable with it, winning three later and I'm climbing Hollinsclough trials in the bike’s first five weeks. In the again, it was a great feeling! There's Simon replies…... 1964 St. David’s trial I was tenth, but another story from that area, this time the final results included serious time from the 1962 Clayton trial, when it Firstly I would like to apologise to Greg for omitting him from the discussion loop penalties, and I was actually third or started from Brierlow Bar. Johnny that resulted in the decision to drop the Torbay Trial from the 2001 Championship. fourth on observation. Sammy Miller Roberts and I were sitting on our bikes Although the action is somewhat academic now I think it is only fair to him to explain was the only one who realised what in our rather scruffy Barbour gear when the process that lead up to that decision. was going on, and he rushed on to the this immaculate Humber drew in, Greg quite rightly raps my knuckles for sweeping the event officials and the club into finish so he had no time penalties. He towing a shiny aluminium trailer with a one group as "the organisers". However, ACTC as a body has to regard the had fathomed it all out, as usual." new Greeves on it. The young man organisers of any event as being the organising club, for they are the legal body that who was to ride the bike was in the promotes the event. Clerks of the Course change. I was wrong to say that the event One more Scottish in 1965 on a back seat of the car behind his parents. had not run for several years. It ran in 1999, but Greg was NOT the Clerk of the Greeves TFS "Nice bike that"- Course. completes the picture. Work in the oil "Johnny turned to me and said 'They don't enjoy it the same, you know!' industry meant going to live overseas. During the build up to that event there was an awful lot of "will it won't it" discussion "Looking back, I would not have "Mobil asked if I would go to Ghana, and a number of competitors asked me if I thought it would run as they wanted to swapped those trialling days for and I later became Mobil's Manager for sort out their schedules of which events to take in. So it seemed at the time that the anything". Chemicals in West Africa before event only just made it to the starting blocks. During 2000 the same discussions

moving to New York. I was out of the took place but this time the event did not make it. A similar number of competitors Bob Light/Ian Williamson, Summer UK from 1964 to 1972 and when I expressed their dissatisfaction at the huge gap that was created in the calendar and

33 34 claimed that ACTC, having seen how wobbly the event was, should have somehow The 1970 Lands End Trial as reported hausts heralded the first hill climb of the prevented the situation. The situation had been discussed with the organising club in The Field magazine trial organized by the Motor Cycling

and the official response was always an assurance that the event would run. When it Club and sponsored by The Field. A home-made car wins a did not run it came as no surprise to anyone. A stream of lights Field trial tophy On a winding road between Exmoor At the May Council meeting the date for the 2001 event was accepted, based on An action picture of the Land’s End Greg's enthusiasm and his clear desire that the event should not die. His own and the tiny cove of Lynton 352, cars, situation was well known to ACTC's officers and concerns were expressed over the event from icy dawn to icy dusk on motor-cycles and sidecar combinations summer about the event. It was therefore decided that the organising club should the West Country hills lined up, their headlights forming a flick- ering snake-like stream which lit sur- be written to, and that they should be asked to submit written proof, in the form of an ow that the paper work is rounding trees and houses. Starting at MSA Route Authorisation Number, that organisation for the even had started before complete we can know who one-minute intervals from 7.15 pm on Christmas. Nothing was received, and so the decision was made at that time to drop won the Easter Land’s End Good Friday they had left London, the event from the championship. Competitors therefore had fair warning of the Trail for cars and motor- status of the event. There was no reason why Torbay should not run the event if N Lewdown and Kenilworth to perpetuate cycles. To receive The Field trophy for a half-century of West Country Easter they were able to pull something out of the bag at the last moment. Alas, other best car is I R Headon who started from tradition, braving the chilly darkness of events have overtaken us. Launceston in a home-made model, an coastal roads and moors in a wind IRH2. The trophy for the best motor- Greg states that he is no longer a member of Torbay Motor Club. At the time of which demanded both car-control and cycle goes to C H Gardiner riding a Tri- writing this (end of April) Torbay have not renewed their membership of ACTC. To coats. my mind this means that there is a trial out there waiting for a club to pick up. Greg umph T 100 s/s from Kenilworth. Other has the knowledge, but not the time. Is there one of you out there who could make awards are: M J Slatter, starting from Driving down a steep one-in-four to the time, but feels that you do not have the knowledge. I am sure there are clubs out London on a Norton 626, best motor- Lynton, one’s car drones in obedience there who would be happy to put their name to an event. Any volunteers can call me cycle and side car; A D Murton from to the warning signs ‘Keep in a low and I will see if we can broker a renewed event. Launceston best front engine saloon in gear’. It is a scant taste of what is to a Ford Anglia Estate; and Max King in come. Over to the right the lights of Simon Woodall Hartwell GT Imp from London, best rear Wales’s ports are strangely near and -engined car. visible despite the misty horizon. Close by at Beggar’s Roost none but enthusi- The team solo motor-cycle award goes asts, some might call them fanatics, to A R Mogford on a MABSA 350, G J turn up and stand and freeze in total Glasson on an Ariel 500 and M J Heard Fourtune Engineering darkness as they wait for things to hot on a Greaves 248. The team mixed up. Things do, but unfortunately only for motor-cycle award goes to I P Collins the entrants who move fast trying to Trials cars preparation & fabrication specialist on a Greaves 250, M J Slatter on a negotiate seemingly impossible gradi- Norton 626 and A J Jeffrey on an AJ Complete car preparation & modifications ents, while they (spectators) stand still, Norton 490. The team one-type car Windscreens made to your draw ings the cold creeping slowly but deter- award goes to three Morgan +8s driven minedly up from their feet. Tyre racks, sump guards etc by P H G Morgan, W A G Goodall and Air bottle repairs & refills H C Roberts. The mixed team car win- Rodeo Stuff ners were W G A Penhale in a Trial tyre gauges 0-30 psi w ith quick deflate valve In the wind and sleet a crowd of mixed Volkswagen fastback, I R Headon in an ages, but mostly male, gradually thick- Needle Roller Diff Pins B Series axles IRH2 and R Verran in a Ford Popular. ens. My own contribution to boost femi- nine numbers causes little stir beyond In the meantime it is all just a memory; initial curiosity. And leather-clad lads in what a memory! While most of Britain If you need it making or mending give me a ring. those uncharacteristic bobble hats, add slept at 3.30 am on Saturday morning I much to an atmosphere already fairly Steve Holder. It may not cost you a fortune. was receiving a rude awakening as I noisy with motor-cycles. catnapped in my car at Beggars Roost 4, Withybridge Gardens, Cheltenham, Glos GL51 9TL in Devon, with only a rushing mountain Then we wait murmuring as the first Junction 10 - M5 stream for company. This awakening headlight appears at the bottom of the came, as loud revs and choking ex- Tel: 01242 680620 Mobile: 07973 1289189 hill – it is still no more than a headlight 35 36 in the blackness of this night. It swings the manoeuvrable two-wheelers. Few down again without creating a bottle- parture. round the corner, growling and lighting fail with four wheels for balance. neck. up Beggar’s Roost, steep and 12in Along 10 more miles of hedge-lined Safer in the middle deep in stones, a condition awesome to One Hillman driver, taking the hill faster lanes winding across fields and past Cornish folk are spilling in the way of the competitors and happily contrived by than any so far, and pleased with his farms we enter Cornwall’s bleak coun- oncoming vehicle. A man shields his five locals keen to keep on the MCC map. performance, flashes his reversing light tryside and arrive at Darracott, where children with his arms. A marshal is ever from the top of the Roost, and it is met the winch will be seen. Starting from the helpful : ‘’I wouldn’t stand there, they As the cyclist reaches the steepest and by a resounding cheer from all on foot, hilltop I try to work my way down on tend to swerve in the mud.’’ Man and most pebbly part, he bounces and jerks happy at last for recognition. The sun is foot. One hears cars coming, sees mud children move to my side. ‘’Come to in an effort to maintain his stance rising and the sky is navy blue. Shapes flying and smoke billowing and then think of it they swerve that way too.’’ astride the bucking machine which are more distinct and the cold more slides with others in the thick tyre- The same marshal has spoken. Another seems determined to throw him, more bearable. But I must move on to the marked mud. Its inhabitants’ faces are calls out : ‘’It’s probably safer in the mid- reminiscent of a rodeo than scrambling. next hill climb if I am to keep up with murky with mud. Motor-cyclists, of dle.’’ Back at mid-Darracott a Hillman The entrant proves successful and he competitors. course, fare worse. Imp, seen doing well on other hills,

clears the climb with a burst of speed, comes roaring from the base, stones Some 40 miles from Beggar’s Roost is fast disappearing from view up the rest Darracott winds and bends, ever steep- crashing against its underside. Its pace Orange – a steep and narrow, muddy of the hill. ening from within a wooded area. The is fast but competent we think. At the and bumpy track – still too easy for Field’s luminous banners shimmer second hairpin a screaming protest ex- Once the first man is clear things begin most except the sidecars. At the bottom through leaves still brown from winter. udes from the rear-placed engine. A well to happen more speedily. A word on the and on the main road most of them At each stop and start point marshals -informed official knows his car noises. field telephone from hill top to hill bot- queue untiring, all much involved in let- wait, chart and tin of Vim in hand. The ’’Sounds like the sump’s gone.’’ tom, confirms that the way is open for ting down their tyres – a vital practice if chart records each man’s success or the next. A thumbs-up sign tells ‘next’ wheels are to get maximum grip. failure. The Vim provides a constant Commiseration is plentiful and, running that he may go. He adjusts his goggles, to the bend, we see a sad Imp, with an Below, by a small stream, spectators white line on which competitors must shifts in his seat and lets out the throt- equally sad lady navigator inside, and and marshals off-shift have thought of stop and restart – not an easy achieve- tle. Wheels spin and with a glare of marshals and driver staring helplessly everything. The evocative smell of ba- ment when slimy mud and shiny rocks headlight he is away. From half-way up as a stream of oil pours from the burst con and eggs wafts towards me and I cut grip to a minimum. the pitch-dark hill, all that is seen is a sump on to the mud. Quickly the recov- quickly weave my way through the cars bobbing light as the cycle approaches Jump and bounce ery vehicle, equipped with four-wheel- to elude temptation – I have brought no the main gradient. He clears it. So does As a car begins to ascend a whistle her- drive, rope, chain and a driver adept to breakfast – and move on to the next the third man. With the fourth came the alds his coming. His wheels slither and reversing comes backwards to the Imp. climb. It seems that each climb has its added spice of variety – failure. slurp in the thick mud. The latter is scat- All hands tether the two together and own bevy of locals who seem in no hur- tered wide behind him by wheel reac- the Imp is towed away, still with driver After a long wait through a mixture of ry to rush on to the next. tion. A hairpin left and more mud flies. and navigator inside. solo cycles and sidecars, spectators, From Orange, after a stretch of main Then as the smoke of over-revving their streaming breath lit up in head- It is the end of the trial for one but work road, we wind along a narrow track, pours from an over-worked exhaust, he lights and the blinking torches of mar- goes on and, briskly business-like, the wide enough for only one car. I am stops on the Vim line wiping it out as the shals as they begin to unscrew flasks of marshals blow their whistles for go sandwiched between eight of them; car rolls backwards. coffee and soup. again and a call goes through the trees : caught in the slipstream of three in front Much pressure on the accelerator cre- ‘’Can we have more Vim up here.’’ Many Some 150 motor-cycles and combina- and watched keenly by five behind, until ates more wheelspin and the agonized a car had to be winched up this climb. tions later the headlight beams seem 12 miles later we reach Sutcombe, a groaning of the engine seems to reach Time is flying and I move on 108 miles stronger from the hill base. The first car muddy track by a farmer’s field. its highest pitch while the car struggles down to Bluehills Mine in the south- is ready. Its engine roar is deeper and to maintain grip. Farther up the hill more west, the most famous and popular of all quieter. Some torches bob up in the Enter the winch stop and start tests are hampered by the the hills, more so because it is the last hands of men and marshals. Hearing Something which we hear of but which narrowness and the rockiness of the on the lap. I skip several hills to get the sound they leap clear. Bumping and until now has not been much in evi- muddy lane. With the pressure of the here. crashing on the stoney surface a low dence is the winch. A handy Land- rear-seated passenger jumping and seemingly vulnerable car – the Dellow – Rover must always be on hand to tow to bouncing to gain grip, the spinning tyres The last watch looks and sounds unable to make it. But the top of each hill those cars failing half leave more and more rubber behind and In driving sleet and a biting wind the har- it does, though more laboriously than -way. The unsuccessful cannot roll the ground smokes long after their de- dy mothers, fathers, children and many 37 38 others await. There is a delay in arriving officials signal go and it can stop and iel Works rider and his exploits are well from the diff to the welded half shafts. entrants. A rumour spreads like fire start on each of two white lines. As it documented in Mick Walker and Rob Ron eventually ran the car with a Fack from the bottom that Crackington had pushes off and then fails to hold astride Carrick's book "INTERNATIONAL SIX diff and modified Ford half shafts. Nei- proved too much for most and that too the line, one official on the spot gesticu- DAYS TRIAL and Tony Sandham's ther Bob nor Ron experienced any trou- many had to be towed to the top. lates emphatically to another who clicks book THE "SCOTTISH. Ron, who has ble with the BMC CWPs. his stop watch and makes a note on his At last a motor-cycle wends its way been a lifelong MG enthusiast also chart. For competitors it is the end of Ron recalled how on the Exeter he was around the bends and rocky surface. At came to car trialling after many years of the trial which had begun and eventual- clean with one section to go when the the top it waits on the stony track, di- trialling bikes and outfits. ly ended while most of Britain slept. prop shaft went sick. He judged that he rectly overlooking the sea which is Bob and Ron enjoyed recalling their could have made it to the finish but the crashing against the cliff below, until by Jeni Wepener successes, and there were many. Bob prop would have failed on the last sec- won the David Paull Championship, tion so he retired. He learnt later that the Midget Memories by John Clark what may be considered to be the fore- last section was cancelled! He said phil- runner of the ACTC Championship, in osophically, "that's trialling". 1982 and 1983. He also won the ASWMC Production Car Trials Champi- With regard to achievements which onship in 1982 (the Mike Hinde Cup) stood out, Bob recalled his climb of and the ACTC Enthusiasts Cup in 1984. "Breakheart" on the Cotswold Clouds tri- His tally also included 14 MCC awards al. Apparently his was the only MG to and a number of individual club trophies. climb it. Ron felt that a climb he made of Slade Lane on a Minehead Motor Club Ron won the ACTC Enthusiasts Cup in Exmoor Clouds trial was a highlight for 1990 & 93 and the Pegasus Cup in him. 1991. He was the overall winner of the ASWMC Classic Trials Championship in When he is not driving his MGC Ron still 1991 & 93, having been third in 1989 keeps his hand in by doing the occa- and second in 1990. He also won 22 sional trial in his pre-war two-seater MCC awards including a Triple, which Austin 7. He is also very much involved Bob didn't quite manage to do. With re- in the organisation of motoring events. gard to the history of the car I must Bob is now back in Barnstaple but after mention that Roger Brooking added a retiring from trialling he lived in Spain for number of MCC awards and the MGCC a while and sailed a 41 foot yacht com- J. E. S. Jones Memorial Trophy to the petitively and for pleasure. His descrip- tions of some of his experiences whilst Ron Mackie and Bob Ray with UUO 403T at the Cedars Lodge (Photo: John Clark) above tally. sailing across the Atlantic made trialling Whilst Bob and Ron had many stories of seem quite tame! A couple of years ago I bought an MG During a telephone conversation with success, they had a few of failure and a Midget Reg. No. UUO 403T and since it Brian Cope I mentioned my proposal number of 'what might have beens'! I very much appreciate all the assis- needed some attention after about 20 and he felt an item for Restart would be Problems were frequently attributed to tance I have received so far in compiling years of competition (trialling) and I al- of interest. I thought I should let you the fragility of the Midget transmission. the competition history of the car and I so needed a bit of refurbishment of a know right away who is to blame for the Bob claimed the only time he didn't would mention that the MCC and Arthur cardiac nature, I decided to devote publication of my ramblings! come home under their own steam was Vowden have been particularly helpful. some time to researching the history of when he used up all his spare diffs. It There are however still many gaps the car. My research showed that most Bob bought the car in 1981 and five was Arthur Vowden who provided Bob left and I should be very grateful in- of the hundred or so awards won by the years later sold it to Ron Mackie. In with details of the way in which Ford deed to receive any information any- car were won when Bob Ray or Ron 1994 Ron sold the car to his navigator/ intemals could be used with the BMC one can provide. My telephone num- Mackie were driving. It therefore bouncer, Roger Brooking, and I bought rear axle casing - a very sporting ges- ber is 01884 266321 and my e-mail ad- seemed to be a sensible idea to meet the car from Roger in 1998. ture given the rivalry between Bob and dress is [email protected] Bob and Ron for lunch to reminisce. Bob, who is now 83 years old took up Arthur at that time. The conversion did We met at The Cedars Lodge in Barn- trialling with cars after an illustrious ca- improve the strength of the axle consid- staple to do just that. reer in motor cycle trials. He was an Ar- erably but tended to move the failures

39 40 Lands End Reflections Opie (Ariel), Geoff Westcott (AJS), Mike Slatter (Norton Outfit), Clive Booth by Simon Woodall (Imp), Dennis Greenslade (DAF 55

(Simon’s musings as prompted by the {Yes, really!}), Phillip Mitchell (Imp), article from The Field magazine on Alan Cundy (VW 1600), Dave Keat page 36) (Anglia), Roger Brickell (Thames Van {!! They wouldn't let you do that now ooking back to the Lands End Roger}), Tommy Kalber (Standard 10), of 31 years ago it is surprising Dudley Sterry (1250cc MG {Yes, that how little has changed. Three MG}), and John Sargeant (VW). Both start points, Heston Services for Dudley Sterry and Roger Bricknell L demonstrating their "form" even then by London, The Queen and Castle Hotel in st Kenilworth for the Midlanders and the taking 1 class awards.

Ace of Clubs in Lewdown for the West "On the other side of street………" Country with the finish in Newquay. A Those who drove then but have moved longer route than today with the whole over to the organisational side include thing slightly further North, and only ten Laurie Knight (Escort) - previous C of C hills, but these are nearly all well known for the Edinburgh; Cliff Morrell (Husky) - names from the current event; Beggars organiser of many Hertfordshire Roost, Orange, Sutcombe, Darracott Constabulary Small Trials, Robert (with a restart), Cutliffe Lane, Cheristow Webber (Imp) now Chief Official (with a restart), Crackington, Minehead Control, Arthur Ell (VW) Above: Beggars Roost 1999. M Byrom in his MGA on the Exmoor Trial Warleggan and Bluehills 1 &2. No marshalling on Beggars; Margaret restart on either Bluehills in those days, Woodall (Morgan 4/4) - Chief Official at Below: G Greenwell on Lower Dean on the 1999 Torbay Trial with Bluehills 2 starting where the the Finish, Angus Stewart (Ford Pop) bottom gate is now. Beggars seemed (Photos: Derek Hibbert) marshalling on Flambards, Barbara more difficult than it is today, as the Uren (Imp) now Chief Marshal local council always carried out its maintenance responsibilities on this "Once an organiser…………" public right of way just prior to the event Ron Warren, a mere "travelling official by bringing up some 30 tons of shale in 1970" has joined the ranks of from the beach and depositing it in a Stewards; Gerry Woolcott, now results layer up to a foot deep up the hill. This supremo was chief marshal on Bluehills shale was then raked back after each 2 and Sue Jamieson, now Secretary of competitor to prevent ruts forming. 353 the Meeting, was marshalling Bluehills entrants were divided into 3 motorcycle 1- actually the programme daintily uses classes; Solos, Sidecars, and Services the phrase "the Misses Tucker-Peake" entrants on service machines; and just but we know who they mean. 4 car classes; Specials, Front Engined Saloons, Rear Engined Saloons, and "Plus ca change……….." Sports. I think it is a accolade to our The Field Trophy for cars was won by sport that the event is still popular and IR Headon in his IRH2 - a road legal that the same folk appear now whose NTF car. GW Jackson took a 1st with names were on that list back then…….. his VW Buggy. There were 5 front wheel drive cars - all Minis. "Still crazy after all these years…." Amongst those who were competing Amongst the other cars and faces from then, we still see - Dick Peachey (350 the past were; Steve Dear in Cream AJS), Eddie Bellars, (Greeves), Roy Cracker JB7521 - now campaigned by

41 42 Ian Williamson, Rosemary Cond in the Escorts; 6 Cortinas; 9 generic Fords; 5 Juniper connection with a most intriguing Tucker-Nipper, Allin Penhale, part of the Minis; 4 Minor 1,000's including 1 with a event, a match trial between the clubs by Andrew Brown responsible for organising the two main winning team in a VW Notchback, Frank VW engine in the boot and running in Edkins (supercharged VW) - the sports class; 3 Skodas, 10 Sundry efore the War, Juniper was Cotswold Trials - the NWLMC passengered by current VW driver Ian other saloons, including Standard, the most feared of all the hills ('Gloucester' Trial) and SUNBAC Bates, Morgan Marshall (R A Simca, Renault and Fiat; 9 other pre- in the Cotswolds and rates ('Colmore' Trial). This took place on the Macdermid's pre-war passenger) as war including Vauxhall, Trojan, Riley more entries (18) in the index day after the 1936 Colmore Trial B (therefore presumably 23rd February) always in an MG18/80, Norman McKee and Alvis; 8 various sports cars of Austen May's Wheelspin than any in his 37 TA Cream Cracker. Peter including A-H 3000 and Sunbeam other section. with teams made up of eight members Morgan lead a team of the then new Alpine; 6 other specials. from each club. May in his N-Type MG Plus Eights, with son Charles, the Pre War History Magnette, representing SUNBAC, was company's current MD, relegated (?) to Trivia… Donald Cowbourne lists Juniper as paired against Guy Warburton's 30/98 a 4/4. In those days, the MCC Committee being used for every NWLMC Vauxhall (featured in one of the comprised just 14 people, Of those 14, 'Gloucester' Trial between 1934 and photographs at the end of this page). Who drove what…….. Gerry Woolcott is still a member of that 1938, and for the SUNBAC 'Colmore' May records that Juniper was 'halved', There were 7 Dellows entered, all but 2 committee. Annual Subs were £2/10/- Trials of 1937 and 1938. Roger both cars spinning to a halt at exactly with sidevalve engines; 32 Ford Pops, (That’s Two Pounds Ten Shillings) or a Thomas lists it as being used for the the same spot. although it is not possible to tell how combined MCC/RAC subscription was MGCC 'Abingdon' Trials of 1934 (when they were divided between Upright and just £5/10/-. A protest would cost you it stopped the entire entry) and 1938. The 1936 'Gloucester' was May's first 100E models; 28 VW's; 24 Imps; 14 £1 (cars) or 10/- (bikes). Austen May doesn't refer to Juniper in event in the famous ex-Toulmin MG Morgans; 10 Anglias; 9 Triumph TR's; 9 his very brief account of the 1934 'Cream Cracker' JB 7521 (now owned MMM MG's; 8 Austin 7's; 8 Spridgets; 7 'Abingdon' (held on 21st April) although by Ian Williamson) when he was one of he did win the event. Nor does he refer only four competitors to clean Juniper to the 1934 'Gloucester' and I assume on his way to winning The Gloucester that he didn't enter. The Light Car in its Cup. In the 1937 'Colmore', only fifteen 'Pre Gloucester' issue of 7th December competitors cleaned Juniper, May not 1934 merely records that Juniper is a being one of them, but the section was new hill with a "nasty reputation" which much easier for the 1937 'Gloucester' was presumably based on it having failing only thirty nine out of the stopped everyone in the earlier seventy-odd competitors. It was back 'Abingdon'. I don't, unfortunately, have on form for the 1938 'Colmore' with just any records of the results. fourteen competitors going clean but, by the time of the MGCC's 'Abingdon' In Wheelspin, May first refers to Trial, held on 14th May, a spell of fine Juniper in connection with the 1935 weather had rendered Juniper "almost 'Gloucester' when the organising North innocuous". May, having sold JB 7521, -West London Motor Club reserved the was a spectator for the 1938 right to include a secret hill, not shown 'Gloucester' when Juniper again on the route card, "if deemed advisable figured in the route card. Dig out your on the day". May writes that many copy of Wheelspin and read his drivers assumed that the secret hill account, in the chapter entitled would be Juniper and the weekend Farewell to JB 7521, of taking cine film before the trial saw quite a few 'trying- of the competitors. out' the hill - no ban on practising in the 1930s! It was included but, other than Post War History recording his own successful climb, May refers to Juniper just twice in his May makes no further reference to the post-war book More Wheelspin. For the 1946 'Gloucester' Trial, there were hill on that event. Victor Woodall, (998 Imp) passengered by son Simon on Bluehills 2 only four hills, including Juniper, and Note the registration. At Easter 1970, this car was just 12 months old! Juniper next features in Wheelspin in each was attempted twice. May

43 44 describes Juniper It's difficulty clearly lay in the total lack ond. Breathlessly I watched Warburton as 'impossible' the of grip under most conditions and May come tearing up through the trees, first time around describes the common practice of mar- slewing from side to side. The old Vaux- and the organisers shals being able to spin failures through hall slid to a standstill, wheels churning moved the 'section 180 degrees to send them back down furiously, exactly on the same spot as ends' boards half- the section facing forwards - no mean had the Magnette." feat with an Allard or a Ford V8 special. way down the hill Visiting Juniper for the second run May refers to a fork in the track, and a gate, of which there are no obvious The section is best approached from allowing just nine the B4070 Stroud to Birdlip road at Bulls competitors to traces remaining but the section is still well-defined for its complete length and Cross. Follow the signs for Wick Street register a 'clean'. until you reach a crossroads with a certainly, lower down, it is very easy to His next reference imagine what it must have been like in stony track on the left. Park here (GR to Juniper is on the the 1930s. Higher up, where the track 865084) as this is the nearest you'll get Cheltenham Motor climbs diagonally across the slope, it is to the start of the section without incon- Club's now much narrowed and a steep drop veniencing the locals. Walk on along 'Cheltenham' Trial on the nearside would make it very un- the road towards Wick Street and run on 22nd safe for cars. Stroud and the start of the section is on November 1947. 1936 ‘Gloucester’ - G W Warburton (30/98 Vauxhall) fighting the left at the top of a slight rise, just Only three went hard on Juniper. (Photo: The Autocar) What was it like to drive? May de- before a cottage, and is marked with a clear but, much scribes this in his account of the 1936 public footpath sign. When you join the more interesting, is As published in ‘Wheelspin’ by C A N May NWLMC/SUNBAC match trial referred stony track at the top of the section, turn May's observation (With apolgies for the picture quality - ed) to above and I'll let him speak for him- left and this will bring you back to your self - "just when I thought I had got car. that the section making, as far as I am aware, the 1947 was sub-divided and the scores for away with it, the Magnette spun hecti- Cheltenham Trial the last recorded cally to a standstill almost in a split sec- each section were shown in the results competitive use of Juniper. in a similar way to the 'A' board system now used by the MCC for Wooston and But that's not quite the end of the story. Simms. May records that twenty three With use at least once a year recorded competitors failed in the second part of by May as late as 1947, how come that the section after clearing the first part Juniper was classified as a footpath AUTUMN TRIAL and only the successful trio cleared the following the passing of the second and third parts. From the way it Countryside Act 1948? The answer to 23rd September 2001 is described, this was clearly a highly that question, I'm afraid to say, will unusual practice at the time and shows have to await rather more research. Organised by the MG Car Club, Midland just how severe Juniper was considered - was this one of the very Description Centre first examples of a section being sub- The section, quite long by modern divided? standards, is not excessively steep A challenging PCT run to classic trial format and classes on although it climbs at a steady gradient Just one week after the Cheltenham on a slight left-hand curve all the way mainly grassy slopes at :

Trial, the basic petrol ration was from start to finish. It is typical of many withdrawn and trials effectively ceased tracks through Cotswold woods with a Burton Dassett Country Park, near Gaydon, (May notes an 'obituary to trials' in the 'bottomless' surface of clayey mud Warwickshire November 26th issue of The Motor). covered, for much of the winter, in deep May does not refer to the 1947 leaf mould. Invited clubs : MCC, Midland A7, Stroud MC & Morgan SCC 'Gloucester', traditionally run on the first weekend in December, so I can only Regs from Brian Osborn on 0121 453 3380 assume that this event was one of the [email protected] first trials affected by the 'basic ban'

45 46 new Chairman, Andre Confavreux, who is

well known to trials riders – he is a regular competitor on a KLX250. FORTHCOMING EVENTS Gradually, one or two motocross tracks have started to run meetings and a few DATE EVENT CLUB STATUS single-site trials have begun. The North 15th July Testing Trial MCC West and Devon and Cornwall are still 16th September Taw & Torridge Holsworthy Champ - Cars/MCs pretty much off-limits, but other areas are 22nd September Northern Fellside definitely looking more hopeful. 5th October Edinburgh MCC Champ - Cars/MCs

And the good news is that we can see 13th October Ebworth Stroud & District ACTC Invite the light at the end of the thingy as well; 21st October Exmoor Clouds Minehead Champ - Cars/MCs the Timber Woods Trial run by the Sidcup 28th October Tamar L&NCMC Champ - Cars/MCs Motorcycle Club, and scheduled for the 4th November Tarka North Devon ACTC Invite nd 22 July is on! As the club have been 18th November Bodmin Camel Vale unable, obviously, to do much route 25th November Hardy Woolbridge Champ - Cars/MCs recceing, they have submitted last year’s 25th November Neil Westcott Exmoor MC Champ - MCs route to the MSA, and with the support of 2nd December Allen BMC&LCC Champ - Cars the ACU South Eastern Centre and the 9th December Camel Classic Camel Vale Champ - Cars local MAFF officials, the route has been Motorcycle approved. Originally scheduled to be 2002 Round 11, this event will now be Round 3 4th January Exeter MCC Championship – an indication of just how many events 20th January Clee Hills MAC Championship Mutterings we have lost. The regs will be available 27th January Exmoor North Devon Championship on June 1st and to say that the event is 3rd February Cotswold Clouds Stroud & District ACTC Invite As I write this, (17th May), our two- likely to fill up quickly is probably a minor 10th February Launceston L&NCMC wheeled world is just beginning to show understatement! Fastest way to get a set signs of activity. While the Foot & Mouth 24th February Chairman’s Trophy Holsworthy of regs will be via their web-site 10th March Camel Heights Camel Vale epidemic has been devastating for the www.sidcupmotorcycleclub.co.uk 10th March Murray’s March Hare Falcon ACTC Invite agricultural community, the fall-out from it or call Roger Ashby on 01634 388014. has also had incredibly far-reaching Anyone who rode last year will get a set 16th March Northern Fellside Championship consequences. With no off-road riding of by post. 29th March Lands End MCC Championship any kind taking place, all manner of 21st April Kyrle Ross & District Championship businesses have been badly affected – With the move of the Fellside trial to 4th May Kimber MGCC motorcycle manufacturers, spares and September, and assuming that 5th May MCC/MAC Brooklands Centenary Event everything else runs, it is looking as repair shops, specialist suppliers, even 11th/12th May Anniversary Trial Stroud & District the B&Bs that groups of riders would stay though we will have 11 rounds for solos 28-30th May 1,000 mile Trial MCC at whilst trail or trial riding. I have even this year, and 10 for outfits. Accordingly, heard of a guy who makes archery a rider’s best six scores will count for 14th July Testing Trial MCC targets who has closed his business – championship purposes. 15th September Taw & Torridge Holsworthy Championship they are made of straw and he cannot 22nd September Exe Valley Crash Box Championship buy it or sell the completed articles. Let’s hope that the rest of the year is less 5th October Edinburgh MCC Championship traumatic for everyone. 12th October Ebworth Stroud & District ACTC Invite

One positive matter is that there seems to 20th October Exmoor Clouds Minehead Championship Enjoy the election – I shall be on a beach have been little illegal riding – the Trail 27th October Tamar L&NCMC Championship Riders Fellowship appealed to all riders, in Sardinia, and don’t give a …………… 3rd November Tarka North Devon ACTC Invite whether members or not, to exercise Ride Safe! 17th November Bodmin Camel Vale restraint and not to attempt to ride and 24th November Hardy Woolbridge Championship the message seems to have been Richard Dawe 01628 668947 1st December Allen BMC&LCC Championship received. Incidentally, the TRF has a [email protected] 8th December Camel Classic Camel Vale Championship 47 48