The Lancashire Automobile Club Ltd

The Lancashire Automobile Club

Honorary Secretary’s Report

for the year March 2008 – Feb 2009

My fourth official tenure as holder of the Office of Honorary Secretary commences with this report which details the events of the previous 12 months – from Feb 2008 to Feb 2009. As ever, it has been a busy and eventful year and I will attempt to capture the most noteworthy in the pages that follow.

My report starts where the previous one finished, here at Whalley Golf Club for the 2008 AGM. The business was conducted in a brisk but formal manner (as one would expect) and was chaired by Eric (Ted) Heath. It was proposed and agreed that subscriptions would not be increased (as detailed in the minutes) and Stephen Proctor, Hon Treasurer, outlined his reasons for such. This (2008) evening concluded with an informal quiz, hosted and drawn up by Jim Hindle.

On Saturday 16^th Feb 2008 the club joined forces with other motorsport enthusiasts to assist with the North West Stages Rally. The LAC has been asked to staff with marshals for the stages at Clifton Marshes, Lytham Hall and Driving Standards Observers - which the LAC provided, touring parts of the route and reporting any unacceptable behaviour by competitors. The very presence of these observers has a calming effect and was recognised by the organisers and general public. The contributions of Mel and Mark Whitaker, David Bell and Brian Haslam and not least Alwyn and Margaret Davis to this cause enhanced the Clubs reputation in this area.

This event has become a prominent fixture in the rally calendar and provides drivers and co-drivers alike with an opportunity to test themselves on a number of challenging but enjoyable courses.

A number of club marshals gathered at Clifton Marsh, Preston, under the Jurisdiction of Chris Lee. Money was raised for the event charity – Marie Currie- with a donation to a designated local charity (as United Utilities had provided the Clifton Marsh wastewater treatment works venue for free)..

On the 20^th April 2008, we were treated to the Traditional Club season opener – always known as the New Year Rally, but this time “The St Georges Day Rally”

Run as part of a National Day of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (of which LAC is a Member) ‘Drive It’ day campaign, we turned out 72 cars and their teams on a beautiful Lancashire Spring Day with sun and blue skies all day; starting at our ‘home’ – the Black Bull at Old Langho, after teas, coffees and great bacon butties, all cars sporting Union jacks, the entourage set off to visit 16 of Lancashire’s Hill Country / AONB Villages throughout the Ribble Valley, ending up at the famous old coaching inn Ye Moorcock Inne on Waddington / Slaidburn Fell. See you 26^th April 2009 –– same times, new place – the Mitton Hall starts the event, finish at the Moorcock Inn Slaidburn.

By mid May, and hard on the heels of the St Georges, we had the second road event on the club calendar. More serious stuff this - The Fellsman Rally is a great way to commence the real motorsport year. A navigational route through some spectacular north west scenery, a lunch halt and return to the Waddington Arms for a well earned drink and chat.

The weather was much better than 2007 as well - and added to a very enjoyable day’s motoring for those who managed the route Thanks to Mike Raven, John Hartley and Owen Drew for the work done behind the scenes and to ALL the marshals who assisted on the day.

The month of June brought to the roads of Lancashire, the longest running event in the club calendar. The Manchester to Blackpool entered its 46^th annual running again with one or two more changes on last years event – incepted by Martin Wylie, Nigel Whitaker and Chris Lee. We repeated the option of being able to choose part of the routes on offer and Martin put together a route book that allowed the competitors to do just that. The event concluded at last year’s location, the Arnold School, at which the event cars formed an attraction as part of the school community day.

Guest of honour was The Worshipful the Mayor of Blackpool. Thanks go to the Clerks of the Course, Eric Heath assisted by Martin Wylie and Chris Lee as Deputy CoC, the Start - Alwyn & Margaret Davis to the Finish and Controls organising teams, Nigel Whitaker, son Mark and Mel, his wife (course car) Dennis Walton (course car) and staff of the Arnold School. And our Mike Chadwick of Blackpool BC. But especially to the trusty marshals – who make it all possible – thank you from Ted & Chris

Plans for this year’s event are already well in hand if not all complete under the Clerk of the Course, Martin J Wylie, and Chris Lee, Deputy CofC and RouteMaster; Regs out now – see the website (below)

The 16^th running of the Coast to Coast to Coast Classic Tour, was yet again, fantastic. The weather was brilliant throughout - the scenery (for those able to legally take their eyes of the road) was a sight for sore eyes and the hospitality food and accommodation extremely satisfying, particularly lunch and the finish venue – east Ayton Lodge, Scarborough.

If anyone is thinking about entering this year’s Coast to Coast tour, I would suggest they make contact quickly as any places still available will be snapped up – guaranteed!

If speed is your thing, the first Sunday in August 3^rd is probably underlined in your diary. The great and the good from all over the country – from Scotland and as far south as Devon – travel to the Three Sisters Race Circuit to take part in the annual National B 2-lapper.

The LAC is the only club to put on such an event at this circuit and the entry list suggests that the drivers enjoy their day with us. We again co-promoted the event with Chester Motor Club and the combined team functioned well with the joint Clerks of Course, David Bell and Bob Chesters, producing a seamless and efficiently run event.

I would like to say thanks to all who support this event, be it drivers, mechanics, marshals and club officials, without whom this Sunday in August would be just that – a Sunday in August.

2009 will again hold a joint event with our neighbours, colleagues and friends from Chester Motor Club, we have secured the entire weekend so will be running a two lap sprint on the Saturday followed by a single lap event on the Sunday.

Next came the fabulous Highland 3 Day Classic Car Rally – and rally it was, but 4 days it was also – as Mike Raven and Team added a ‘Day 0’ to get you in the mood for what was to come. A fantastic event , the product of many many miles and more many many hours of pre-planning, routing, re-routing and arrangements; of administration and more planning; Mike – you are a Master at your Craft – we will be there in September 2007 to see what you can do to us next ! Thanks to all concerned – Mrs Cath Raven, your Marshals John Wadsworth, Chris & Jan Lee etc

This was followed by the fourth annual running of Lombard RAC Revival Rally. The LAC’s participated and thanks, as ever go to the marshals who turned out to support the event .

We then had a stint on the Rally of the Tests (the original type of event that started the RAC Rally of Great Britain – in 1932 – the LAC was there running the Start / Finish at Blackpool) – with Mike Wood , Dennis Walton Brian Haslam & David Bell marshalling a various controls.

The 2007 season drew to a traditional close with our attendance on the Wales Rally GB; returning back to its last event of the WRC season with a end November / early December date in the calendar.

David Bell commenced the organisation on behalf of the Club and Martin Wylie took over to set the 15 officials and marshals in place. LAC members and others attended Thursday for the shakedown, Friday, Saturday and Sunday stages, and some good but cold weather, all went according to plan till the last stage on the last day – Sunday at Port Talbot; crowd trouble ensued, and Chris Lee has appended his report in full; the after event de brief covered this well and the organisers have taken on board the LAC recommendations to be included in 2009 Safety and Organisers Plan. We still had one of the Assistant Clerks of the Course of WRGB, Sue Sanders-Peppitt, sendthanks and appreciation to our team for a good job well done

Thanks to all the Marshals who worked for the Club and who turned out again this year

The conclusion to twelve months of activities was rounded off the last Saturday evening at the Annual Dinner Dance and prize presentation evening.

The event, as ever, was organised, arranged and facilitated by Carolyn and Anthony Taylor. The venue was the Moorcock Inn Waddington. Those attending were impressed with the surroundings, the meal and the atmosphere generated by a large gathering. All had a super party and good dancing and conversations

As ever, the club rewards those individuals who practice the art of motorsport together with those who organise and enable the events to run.

Awards Presentation : -

Speed Championship

This year we took in all events at Three Sisters and Anglesey giving 13 rounds in all. With the best 5 rounds to count for the championship. Many thanks to Chester Motor Club for their commitment to our joint event at 3 Sisters and organizing an excellent event at Anglesey.

In reverse order

3^rd -Eve Whitehead - A Trophy and cheque for £25

Slow start to the year as the car went through it’s development stage but as reliability improved so did Eve’s performances. Of particular note was her run at our 3 Sisters where she took out Craig Powers car and went for FTD. Narrowly beaten for FTD she did pip Craig to take the class.

2^nd – Craig Powers – A Trophy and cheque for £50

Really getting to grips with the OMS 2000M with some truly outstanding performances in a very competitive class. Frequently in contention for FTD. Gave our eventual winner a close run right up to the final round.

1^st – Derek Martlew – The Mylcreest Trophy and replica plus a cheque for £100

Consistent top runner in class all year. Frequently took class honours. His Formula Ford was outclassed by some newer machinery but he kept the pressure on all season to pip Craig by 4.5 points.

Wood Trophy – Bernard Jones

This is our award for the classic rally brigade. Bernard is always there a regular entrant on all LAC classic events. He drove an immaculate (up to the Highland 3 Day) Austin Healey 3000. Least said about that the better, Suffice to say his navigator was considered for the MSA ‘doing something dangerous award!

Not only on LAC events Bernard has also been out on Austin Healey Club events taking the big Healey to Scandinavia during 2008.

Talking of overseas Anthony Taylor deserves particular mention. He flew to the States to prepare an historic Can Am racing car. The owner couldn’t find time to transport it up to the race, in Canada, so Anthony and son Rick undertook the arduous task of trailering the car from Boston area up to the Mosport Can Am Thunder Event at Toronto. Once there the owner rang again and apologized that he could not make the meeting. Would Anthony care to drive in his absence? I think you know the answer to that.

Attwater Trophy – David Bell

For Lifetime Services to the Club, David is General Secretary, organizer, marshal official and represents the club, and motorists interest with the RAC Foundation. David has lead the club from the front for many years and this trophy is in recognition of many years sterling work.

MSA Trophy for doing something dangerous David Bell and Chris Lee

This year the club attended the World Rally GB in deepest darkest Wales. As well as doing shakedown and six stage starts the team led by David Bell also marshaled a major spectator point at Port Talbot on the last dat. Things turned nasty with some elements of a crowd of over 2000 trying to get onto the stage. 12 marshals had the task of keeping the stage clear. bottles and punches were thrown but the team managed to keep the track clear. David was narrowly missed by a bottle and Chris was punched and pushed by some unruly members of the crowd.

Peter Collins Trophy – The clubs top award - Mike Wood

It’s not what you do it’s the way you do it!

Competitor, organizers helper and sage

Competed for since the 1950's at all levels of motor sport including Works Drives

Organised events both social and competitive. He organised the early coast to coast classic events and is the main instigator of the Sportsmans Lunch at the Stirk House.

TV personality – well he was one of the few British competitors at the top level for a time.

He was a competitor on the first event I (CDL) marshaled on 41 years ago

Mike wood responded:

Obviously I was delighted to receive the Peter Collins Trophy, I had always wanted my name on it, but it seems that many years ago I must have said that I didn't want it to Chris Lee. I can only think that it must have been at a time when the I thought the Club had already given me to much anyway.

Regarding what I said on Saturday, I was referring to the very first rally that John Waddington and I won together which was an annual event run by Leeds University Motor Club called their Night Navigation Rally. By chance I was looking through my albums last week and I noticed that it had been held 5th February 1955, which made it exactly 54 years to the exact weekend and night of our Dinner Dance. I also referred to the following weekend in 1955 when John and I won a much bigger event, the Yorkshire Rally, back to back wins then. I still have the reports on both those events and I commented on Saturday night that the report said that there had been heavy snow and blizzards throughout the event, I was in fact mocking the present day weather reports we had been having all last week and cars being stuck everywhere.

John and I won both the events in a Ford Anglia 100E, with a 1172cc side valve engine, 3 speed gear box and windscreen wipers that ran on air compression from the engine and subsequently got slower and slower when ascending hills of any size. The tyres in those days were not much bigger than cycle tyres and with not much tread, Weathermasters had not been invented at that time. I remember when we got to Sutton Bank in the middle of the night we could not get to the top because our tyres wouldn't cope with the snow. We managed to turn round and returned to the bottom and fitted strap-on leather type chains, I think 3 per wheel on the back wheels, John doing one wheel and me the other, my hands have never ever been as cold. We kept those 'chains' on for many, many miles because there was lots of snow and hills in North Yorkshire. This was a 500 miles event starting at approx 9.00pm on the Friday night and finishing appox 4.00 pm on the Saturday afternoon. The whole event was run at 30mph+ and John and plus the faithful Anglia were the only car and crew to visit every control, subsequently we won the event comfortably.

On Saturday night I said that I had waited 54 years to get my hands on the Peter Collins Trophy. Obviously this couldn't have happened as we did not possess and present the trophy until 1976. I have only therefore had to wait 33 years to get my hands on it!!!

Bernard Jones continued as Editor to the Club newsletter, “All Torque”. He has settled well in to his new position over the last 4 years. The newsletter is a vital part of the club. The committee is delighted that Bernard agreed to take up the post and we are pleased to express the Club’s appreciation for the 2008 editions - all arriving on time at our homes and eagerly awaited. The magazine running in A5 with more colour is top class – we always look forward to it; thanks again Bernard

2009 promises to be another successful, but challenging, year. The club, through its links with and membership of the RAC Foundation, is working to ensure that the voice of motorsport and its associated business is listened to and acknowledged. It is only through a club such as ours that future motorsport champions are able to gain experience and learn their trade. As members, we all have a part to play.

At this juncture, I should also like to highlight the work done by two valiant club members. Firstly, Owen Drew, ( owendrew@talktalk.net ) who is our WebMaster of www.lancsautoclub.com . It is one of the best motor club websites on the net; try them, see what I mean; Owen (assisted by Mike Raven) does this for us in a most professional manner and we are deeply indebted to you Owen; the grateful thanks of all the Directors, Officers and Committee and the Club Members of the LAC are extended to you – as well as the general surfer and browser who will have come to us through the site information. Thank You Owen…

However dear member, this does not spring to life all on its own; it comes from information passed to Owen from many sources; you are one of them, so any reports, information, pictures, articles, club history, copy of old magazines, club bulletins; cartoons, quizzes, history, sepia photos etc etc - please send to Owen on the above email address

Secondly, we express our thanks to Peter Stanfield – our second webmaster, this time of the Great Manchester to Blackpool Run website - go to the club site, http://www.lancsautoclub.co.uk take the link top right to GM2B;Peter’s email is info@ite.eu.com Please send him your car information, part event jottings, escapades, adventures, stories, photos etc.(strange how both these chaps have FY locations – must be something in the air ! )

To end my report, having now held this post for 4 years, you may recall I originally said I would take it on for 6 months! well Martin Wylie has ably become Minutes/Agenda/ General Secretary for the Executive Committee, and Alwyn Davis has still signified his assent to nod to any worthwhile job asked of him, so I am now able and going to be the Office Bearer until a willing volunteer or successor will take over. I have often felt 4– 5 years is a sufficient time to spend doing such work and it gives others a chance to step in, particularly the younger members and put their personality stamp on the pages of this great club’s history.

I will again thank the Club General Secretary, Martin J Wylie for his help and assistance to me this last 4 years, and particularly in the production of all the official paperwork for this AGM ( And , of course, Alwyn Davis yet again - for printing the high quality 30 copies). Thank you both.

In closing, I should like to thank all members of the club for their dedication and support. I wish to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to my fellow committee members for their assistance and encouragement during the past year, to wish you all a super year’s motorsport and to thank you all for taking the time to attend this evenings meeting.

David W G Bell, F.I.M.I.,

Director, Vice President & Honorary Secretary

Lancashire Automobile Club

Chairman & Managing Director

Lancashire Automobile Club (1902) Ltd

West View

Whalley Road

Langho

Ribble Valley

BB6 8AA

0800 781 2167

07850 658600

10^th February 2009

E & O E

Means errors and omissions excepted – and apols for owt I missed