Two major events in the South West Centre Calendar took place in May, the first being the Wye Valley Social Run on Sunday May 7 2017 starting at Symonds Yat in the beautiful Wye Valley. We entered our Midget for this event as we usually cover around 200 miles in the day, living in Somerset. The Midget gives us open-top motoring yet is reasonably long-legged for the longish drive back to Somerset in the early evening. The weather was glorious and Terry and Freda Davies had mapped out a super scenic route as usual, this time following the course of the Wye north of Chepstow and crossing virtually every single road bridge towards Whitney-on-Wye. Lunch was at Weir Gardens, a few miles west of Hereford, and sadly that was as far as we got because, half way round the morning run, the Midget started to misfire and splutter and despite the help and brains available at lunch , our journey home was courtesy of AA. I have still not sorted the problem but a great day out and a deservedly popular event. Grateful thanks to Terry and Freda and their helpers.
The Kimber Clasic Trial took place on Saturday May 13 2017. The start was at the Lanes Hotel, West Coker, Yeovil, where many competitors were staying and Alan Grassam had laid on the usual dinner following the trial. There were 36 entries mainly MMM cars, although the oldest car was Peter Jones’ 18/80. There were two Austin 7s, two Midgets, one MGB and three T Types, including Derek Pearce’s Cream Cracker which was driven by previous owner John Barnicott, who restored this car many years ago. It is good to see it still being used in regularly in trials.
The run through Dorset and Somerset was around 90 miles of glorious countryside with 11 observed sections including the infamous Alham Splash. The superb weather meant more competitors than usual cleared the hills, so the timed tests came into play when calculating the results. The Kimber Trophy was won by Edward Wilkins in his TC, and special congratulations to Edward as it was his first trial. Many thanks to all those who entered, especially the drivers and passengers of seven cars who came all the way from Holland, as it makes all the organisation worthwhile. Particular thanks to all those who turned out to marshal and thanks to Alan Grassam and particularly Bruce Weston.
On Sunday July 2 there is our Summer Run and Picnic at the East Somerset Railway, Cranmore near Shepton Mallet; BA4 4QP from 10:30am onwards. An easy day out and a pleasant ride on a steam train, with a museum and engine shed. Details on the centre website.
On Sunday July 16 there is a chance to romp around a nice level field at the MGs on Grass 2 autotest at Claverham, North Somerset. Once again, details are on the centre website.
Andrew Owst
