Hameldon Hill is high above Clowbridge Reservoir on the wrong side of the
Pennines!

The first trial of the day was the hill up to the site, especially for anyone towing
a trailer.

Scrutineering was at 9.00 a.m. followed by the trial of 10 sections to be completed
before lunch to allow time for the Point-to-Point. We were split up into two groups
of 10 competitors, although we were soon down to eight in our group due to drive
chain failures. By the time we had completed eight sections I felt like retiring myself if only to get something to eat. The finish finally came just after 2.00 p.m. for lunchand a break before the next event.

My break was short-lived; I had just started my lunch when I was asked to marshala section in the Point-to-point which was to last 1 1/2 hours.

The results were announced with Mick Higson winning the Point-to-Point and
Brent Taylor the overall winner of the trial.

Whilst marshalling the Point-to-Point I was asked about ARC logbooks and how
many people have them. In my opinion the logbook is a very good idea in principle
but will reduce still further the number of CCV competitors. There already seems
to be more people entering the RTV than CCV. Is this because people like to compete with very little preparation? Whereas in CCV you will require a logbook, roll bar, etc., etc., all to ARC Specifications. There was a time when a roll bar had to be "up to the job" and not to very strict ARC specifications.

If members of CCV competitions reduce still further and more classes are
amalgamated then equal competition is lost and if this is so, one may as well join
a non-ARC club and compete against any 4x4 vehicle with less restrictions.

I would like to finish this piece by thanking everybody who set out the sections,
marshalled and organised the event.

KEITH TIDSWELL

 VOYAGE TO THE EDGE OF THE WORLD

— A Marshal's Story —

The clan set sail early on the Friday morning. Yerffeg was in a buoyant mood
with all his clan gathered around him. The wise old sage Tenneb had devised a mobile carriage that would house the brave warriors of the clan while THEY awaited the tests that would follow — he had named it a 'Car-a-van'. Many of the clan thought that the invention would only bring upon the wrath of the thunder god as it was quickly realised that it reduced the speed of the chariot to 10 mph uphill and reduced the energy efficiency to less than 12 mpg. It was decided to sacrifice many children to the local god J. W. Lees to help with the journey and the omens seemed good as the Clan Wolrab set sail.

The plan was to head forth into the far land of Crosshills and without such
hindrance the clan duly arrived. They were greeted by a fair maiden Rehtaeh who
forthwith pinned upon their 'car-a-vans' a badge of honour which allowed access to
the great council fire (barbeque). It was decided immediately to set up camp in the
north-west corner of the field and seek shelter from a vast wind which had besieged the camp and threatened to blow many of the clan back to Shaw.

Tenneb's invention, the 'car-a-van' proved easy to park and the camp was soon
set leaving enough space for the clan council hall (big tent) to be placed in the middle. The assembly of the council hall, however, resulted in much blasphemy and disputes among the clan and a short trip across the field, wind propelled, for Ekim, who had hold of one corner of the runaway tent. After three hours of assembly problems it was decided that if Tenneb didn't hammer the pegs in he would be roasted for the evening meal.

The clan had decided that they would observe the competitions and much merriment was made of the efforts of many clans to destroy totally their chariots. It was only late on the Sunday that a loud wailing was heard around the campsite. The clan soon learned that this was the mighty war-lord Yar who was calling members of the clan to a special meeting place. Wolrab Yerffeg Tenneb and Ekim attended and were soon deputised as marshals by Yar who gave them a magic talking box and instructions to take their chariots to point 14.

The clan put on their armour (day-glow jackets) and under the protection of a
magical orange light set forth towards point 14 to make ready to greet the brave souls competing in the night comp. Wolrab led the way accompanied by Tenneb and Yerffeg and Ekim brought up the rear (cowards). The night was already closing in when the clan passed a fellow marshal who waved them past from point 13. As the the chariots headlights shone into the dark nothingness Tenneb began to wail, for
he had remembered that the earth was flat and it did indeed seem that the chariots
were heading over the edge.

Tenneb remarked: "We are all doomed" and as Steamy Window lurched over
the edge and into the bottomless pit he grabbed for the seat belt and began reciting his favourite verse (Thomas the tank comes for tea). As Steamy Windows carried on her descent it was with a worried glance that Wolrab reminded Tenneb that Steamy Windows had a tendency to jump out of first but with the lightning speed of a striking sloath Tenneb grabbed the lever and saved the clan from certain death.

As the clan reached the bottom they heard the mighty roar of many engines as
the warriors of many clans prepared for the comp. As the night wore on the clan
Wolrab observed many strange chariots throwing themselves off the end of the world at amazing speeds and with apparent disregard of their eventual fate at the bottom.
Many of the chariots had the appearance of demons with many eyes and breathing
fire (although by the time some had got to the bottom many of the demons' eyes
were only hanging on by the thinnest of wire). With much joy none of the competitors fell foul of point 14 and it was with a glad heart that the clan returned to the camp to enjoy many horns of ale and to feast upon a newly-roasted child.

Upon return to the camp the clan was greeted by the lusty maidens Nahteb and
Arabrab and the white witch Ardnas. The women had felt calm during their long
campsite vigil because Ardnas had consulted the stars (her Amstrad PC386 astrology
program) and she had foretold that all the men would return safe.

Once again it falls to the clan to thank everyone who worked so hard at Crosshills
and we would especially like to mention the little princess EMMA (my daughter) who broke her arm last week and say - Get well soon!!!!!!

WOLRAB 447

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