TUNSHILL

It seemed ages since I entered a trial — Stacksteads in February — so I was

looking forward to a steady day boggling. The Oliver's had a bonfire party

on the Saturday and as usual it turned into a wrecking session and a late finish.

Steve had to go into work early Sunday morning to try to sort out the computer

which had somehow been unplugged on Saturday. He was hoping to get back

in time to compete but didn't. Boss left the party early on Saturday in an

attempt to get out of the sack early on Sunday and get his motor back together

in time to compete — he failed also.

I ended up as sole representative of the team and had the pleasure of driving

Steve's motor to the event — it desperately needs a heater and rear view

mirror. No problem at scrutineering apart from the non-existent hand brake

— soon cured with a 12" adjustable spanner. Then Clerk of Course Ian

appears: "Can you take this lot (big envelope) down to the horse box and

start signing on?"

"If I must. Does it involve writing, money and adding up?"

"Yes!"

"Oh, heck" says I.

For an hour and an art I'm stuck inside the 5' 10" high horse box filling

out forms, making sure they have their Comp licences and taking their money.

Totally mind-blowing. Joy, please don't miss another event!

Missed the drivers' meeting but never mind, off we go with first-time navi,
Tim, to find a section. After the seven morning sections I had acquired 36
points — very rusty. Spent the lunch break sticking the centres on the trophies
and the felt pads on the bases. Five sections in the afternoon with just one
point to add to my tally. Much more satisfying.

Back to the horse box to take in the score cards, add them up and sort out
the winners. Thankfully all the sections are returned by either the marshals
or competitors which enabled Ian to do the prize-giving without much delay.
Everyone was away before the light faded and the steady day's trialling had
turned out to be a bit testing on the brain.
Thanks to lan and his helpers for organising the day — a good do!

ROB

PITS GOSSIP

The Scout Moor event had a good turnout of motors and the Brown Bros.
had set out an excellent course around the quarry. The ground was like
concrete and not very forgiving on the motors.

Quite a few motors had a spell on their sides and Karl Blackledge did an
end over end roll in the morning which was repeated more dramatically by
Glen Thompson in the afternoon. Glen's navigator, Tim Morgan, had to be
taken to hospital with a broken leg. The marshals and first aid men did a
fine job in getting Tim from the carnage to the hospital speedily and safely.
Nick Harrison had fuel problems with his V8 lightweight and retired after
two runs. Dave Hoskins had class 7 sewn up but lost his back axle on the
last run. Ian Bartram. who was consistently quick, let Dean double enter
the motor. Dean, managing to break the throttle cable, break a halfshaft and
crack the sump.

The sad news about Scout Moor is that, due to complaints from local residents
about the noise, we have lost the land. The land was used by other clubs
who have also been refused permission to hold future events there. It is a
working quarry and the owners are concerned about the business side of the
quarry and wish to honour the requests of the locals for some peace and quiet
at the weekends.

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