IT'S ONLY ROCK AND ROLL

I know Hebden Bridge was a long time ago but it was an event I actually
finished. The course was very good, loads of corners, no braking — just
slide it round. Although the lake at the end was a bit of a bummer. Just for
technical reasons, I managed to brake the exhaust on lap 1. Then by run 6,
the fan and bottom hose had gone. Managed to fix them and on run 7 did
a 3.57 — this is what it's all about! On run 8 a very funny noise from the
front — the propshaft had separated — must have been my driving. A very
good day out.

Next event was Scout Moor — it wasn't raining — shock horror. First run
OK and run 2 was going all right until near the small stone hut, about two-
thirds of the way round, my world goes LIGHT, DARK, LIGHT, DARK

— CRASH! I apparently rolled it. When everything stops it seems it has landed
on my side. I was covered in a load of peat. The marshals were very good,
they came rushing over and enquired about my health. This is okay — just

— and after righting the Land-Rover I climb back in, avoiding the glass which
is everywhere and finish with an 8 minute lap.

In the pits a small amount of cosmetic surgery is required, like removing
the windscreen and straightening the bent bits. Over the next four runs I get
faster and faster. The course was superb — very well done the course setters.

After run 6 my father notices that the front wheel moves a lot even when
you don't touch the steering wheel. This is due to the fact that where there
should be four bolts securing the swivel housing, only one remains. Discretion
was the better part of valour so we called it a day. Very sad because I was
having a beaut time going sideways on the plateau corners.

On Monday morning I was quite bruised, but I had a smile on my face. Oh
yes, I also broke the steering damper and a track rod.

One of the best days I have had in the Land-Rover — most enjoyable.
If  anyone took any photos of mv roll or when racing please could I see them.

U-BOAT COMMANDER FOUND ALIVE
AND LIVING IN MANCHESTER

by Robert Merrison

Tunshill Trial, 8th November — A legend is nearly born.

After passing scruballing at the second attempt we are ready for the trial.
I'm in the passenger seat this time and I must admit I don't like it much as
I'm not in control if something goes wrong.

We do the first section okay, a 6 or a 7, then on the next section it starts.
Through gates 12, 11, 10 then disaster. Turn left and more left and I'm looking
at the ground, this is not supposed to happen! I can't stop laughing at my
old fella, it does run in the family (Brain fade).

The next two sections were uneventful with a couple of clears then THE BIG
ONE! Another section through some water. From the off I bellow — left,
right, jip no jip, nice and easy." Get through the 3 gate and the engine stalls
but we keep forward motion and jump start the engine, clear the section and
proceed to fall into a pond!

I again am laughing like a drain. My dad's in a good 6-8 inches of water
— very funny. He tries to get out and I push him back in. Dave the marshal
comes and grabs my dad's head and starts to pull him out. This is very difficult
as he is still strapped in. When we eventually clamber out we are greeted
by a large crowd, laughing, pointing and saying some very peculiar things
such as: "NO one has rolled twice in a trial before — have they?"

I must say a big thank you to the marshals for getting us out, especially wet
boots Dave.

So one U-boat appears out of the pond covered in the proverbial and with
a very wet driver's seat — "Ha ha!" — my seat is all right.

We carry on to the sound of "One more for good measure" which gets an
unprintable reply.

We finish the day with 37 points — our lowest yet. It was a superb day out,
very funny — and wet!

Thanks to the landowner and the clerk of the course for setting out some
sections that actually made you think — never been heard of before. Also
the marshals — or harbour pilots might be a better term to use.

The Land-Rover has been christened DROPPY as both wings drop in giving
the effect of a sad old man!

So, up periscope, set the depth charges and watch out for the mines.

TUNSHILL 92

The day before the trial, Saturday, I decided to go and help lan Mattock down
on the site. My 10 o'clock there turned into 11.30! The club trailer was still
at the farm due to the fact that the track up to the field was in a poor state.
I found this out, to my cost, with lack of forward motion about 25 yards
up the track. Back off a yard and then boot it.

lan had already put in two sections when the rest of the troops arrived at
about 12 o'clock. Granted it was slightly drier on Saturday than Sunday,
but I saw John Athews in his turbo 90 on Michelin slicks, set out and clear
the section of water hole nearest to the club trailer. David McGivern in his
110, I repeat 110, set out and cleared the other water hole section where
Mr. Merrison, on Sunday, fell over into the water for a swim. This was his
second roll of the day! Colin Hancock volunteered his motor and his family
to set out other sections.

I had talked with lan about asking the farmer about using one of his fields
for the parking of trailers and cars. The man he says YES . . .

Sunday was an early start as I was scrutineering. Some failed, but passed
later, and quite a few had recommendations on various nuts and bolts. Peter
from Gateshead arrived to pass/fail some of the last motors. Marshals are
becoming very thin on the ground these days and I can see that, eventually
competing members will have to supply a marshal, or not compete. I am
not certain on numbers, but I think nine marshals covered three sections at
a time for 34 competitors of which quite a few were double entered. Twelve
sections were set out with four roll-overs.

Thanks to all who set out, marshalled, attended, helped or competed for the
best day out in a long time ...

Michael Chaloner

P.S. — Nicola Holdsworth with friend Lucy took two hours to reach the
site from Halifax as they couldn't find their way to the trials field, but saw
it lots of times from the motorway, east, west, east, west, etc.

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