The first national club event of 2005 was the spring rally held over the weekend of 14-15 May at Margam Park South Wales. The Eastern Region was very well represented for an event so far from home with 21 people and 14 cars making the trip with most people taking in both days of the rally.
The biggest convoy of 9 cars made its way, initially starting from Ipswich at the unsociable hour of 6.00am on the Saturday morning. And notwithstanding a couple of unplanned navigational errors the convoy arrived at Margam Park shortly after mid day.
The afternoon was spent on a drive through the mountains and valleys going as far North as Brecon over some very twisty and exciting roads. Despite all we had heard about the Welsh weather the afternoon was dry and for most parts sunny.
The evening saw one of the new legendary Eastern Region (and guests) "have More Fun TM" BBQ’s take place on the Margam Park campsite. The do was well attended by all those Eastern Region members camping as well as some that weren’t and as usual we had quite a large number of other guests. Considering that the temperature during the evening was anything but warm a good time was had by all and once again we have to thank Daz for doing the
The Sunday morning of the rally actually saw the sun come out again which then shone for the whole day. The big “motor sport “event of the day was the Great Gambo Race. After having put quite as lot of effort into our kart we were keen to do well. The so called practice and qualifying runs, on a hill somewhat different than we had imagined, were driven by Kendra.
Some spectacular action was to be seen with Kendra managing to roll the kart over on a number of occasions but still get up and walk away each time. Robbie then assumed the position of designated driver and with the Eastern Gambo at second fastest overall went into the final run offs. In the last run against the clock the Eastern Region Gambo driven by Robbie came a very good third, only a few fractions of a second behind the second and first place. Congratulations to Cornwall Area who won.
The Eastern Region had a couple of entries in the Best Kept 5 competition including Steve’s Hider’s white roadster with its immaculate engine bay and polished cam cover etc. When the final results were announced it was Steve who walked away with the first place trophy. A well deserved reward for all his efforts in preparing the car. Hopefully this is only the first of many such wins for Steve
The surprise result of the day was an award for innovation or some such to be presented to a Gambo team, which we won. Geoff was more than happy to accept this on behalf of all those involved with the Eastern Region. Gambo project, which included those people involved with the design, the construction, the graphics, the T shirts, the transportation to the event, the pushing and the driving etc.
We also adopted some honorary members for the day who attended the bbq the evening before and then went on to win the MX-5 sheep herding competition.
Overall a fantastic weekend away for the Eastern Region and a big thanks to all those involved in the rally organisation for making it such an entertaining event and providing us with the, mostly, excellent weather.
Chris Field has produced a short video on DVD of the Rally, from the campsite to the Gambo racing. If anyone wants copies then either catch up with Chris at the next monthly meeting or let me know and I will pass on your request. There is a nominal charge of £2.50 to cover the media, plus postage if you can’t collect from a meet.
Martin Curtis ©