Number five in the series and 20 stalwarts came out to play despite the distinct possibility of ‘inclement weather’. Unfortunately that possibility became a reality and the first half of the event happened in a tropical downpour!

Later on it eased off considerably and everybody eventually managed to complete the tests, even if we did have to rearrange one that the weather had made impassable. A word that could also be used to describe the access between the two fields. Several competitors gave very interesting displays of the correlation between revs and grip, and a lot of pushing went on - at one stage it was even suggested that we ought to have a PCT licence for the event.

The different stages of the weather of course threw the odd spanner in the works and the results made even more interesting reading than usual – but basically congratulations to everyone who survived the experience!

Chris Judge managed to use his PCT experience to good effect and take FTD, and by some margin, but sensation of the event was undoubtedly young Tom Burgess taking a well-deserved class win against some very experienced opposition.

Nice to see Borough 19’s Alex Ribbens swelling the Mini ranks, and coming 4^th in class.

Class B saw Russell Eccleston (same as Bernie except with no ‘e’ on the end) wheel his Micra around gently, but not too slowly, to fend off the mighty Escort of Chris Penfold

In class D Craig McGurk’s Marina gave Darren Tyre’s Escort a good run for his money and finally took the class with an impressive display of mud-driving, with Lee Busbridge the other ‘Marinar’ close behind.

On their first ever autotest, sadly the Dillon brothers were having a torrid time, their BMW not liking the conditions at all – what a way to start!

Poor Daniel Whittington had a distinctly ‘off-day’ with wrong routes, leaving the nimble Fairthorpe of Charles Armstrong-Wilson to pick up class E.

Congratulations to all the winners and my sincere thanks to the marshals, both regular and ad hoc (including Roger Burgess of B19) who braved the conditions and ensured everyone had a fun time, and got out before dark – just!

Usual sunny weather already booked for the next one.

Before the awards were presented, we had a short silence for our friend Mark, whose funeral took place earlier in the day. He will be missed.

As arranged, dry weather (and dust) returned for number six in the series, along with no less than 31 competitors.

Unusually, although Chris Judge (Class A) managed to take FTD, he was very closely followed by Class B winner Nick Maxwell in his hastily repaired VW, with John Kemp and Ralph Travers, also from Class B recording times faster than Class A winner Jim Bowie!

Regular Class A contender Mick Rose seemed to disappear without trace, the usual ‘tyre off rim’ presumably having turned into something nastier. Hope it’s not too bad?

Good to see newcomers Laura Cherry from B19 and Mark Lempriere, a colleague of Neil B-J’s, both of whom seemed to enjoy themselves.

Class D had the return of the Child’s Mexico, with dad Graham besting Jo and nearly taking class honours from Darren Tyre’s very nice Escort. Also the Dillon brothers in the BMW had a rather better time of it after their wet first time a fortnight ago!

Ian Crocker shared Steve Thompson’s ‘new’ MR2 and rather ungraciously promptly took the class ahead of Tunbridge Wells MC’s Duncan Welch and our own Charles Armstrong-Wilson.

As ever, our grateful thanks to the marshals and congratulations to all the award winners.

Next event…..

Yes, I know it’s not a Thursday, and yes it is an all day event with signing on from 10.30hrs.

It is intended to have the usual six tests before a lunch break, and then a further six tests in the afternoon.

A BBQ facility will be available so please bring along you own food and make use of the ‘free’ heat.

As this is the seventh round and only the best six results count, things could change in the Championship as lowest scores are dropped!!

All this for £5 – unrepeatable value, see you there?