I was musing recently about a comment on the chat forum about how our club seems to be turning into a rallying club and that the speed side of things seems to be shrinking.

I, however, disagree. Our club has always had a strong rallying side to it and there are lots of members out there who participate in the many forms of the discipline. There are equally many members who participate in the speed side of the sport, it is just we don’t seem to hear so much about the events, especially recently, unless we are bemoaning the lack of local venues etc and the expense of those that are available for speed use.

So my musings went thus—maybe because rallying is in itself split into several different types: multi venue and single venue loose surface and tarmac events and of course road rallying, the competitors of these events have more choice as to what they can do, how much money to spend and, as is quite obvious when you flip through last year’s Acorns, are more likely to put pen to paper and send through interesting event reports for inclusion in our magazine. The events do lend themselves to more dramatic copy writing and probably make more interesting reading.

By contrast, last year the speed reports I received could be counted on the fingers of one hand. Now sprinting as I know many will agree, is not a fabulously exciting spectator sport, unless you are involved as a competitor, organiser or loyal supporter, hence spectators are not usually seen at the venues (also due to safety reasons). However those that are involved usually have a great day’s sport and the camaraderie and competitiveness amongst those taking part is great. Of course there is more to talk about at the more thrilling hillclimb venues such as Longleat, Lys-y-Fran and Harewood etc. These events are usually taken as weekends away and much merriment is usually had by all those taking part. I know I certainly enjoy editing those articles and choosing from the silly photos that come my way.

So what am I blathering on about? Perhaps sprinters are not so good at raising the profile of their branch of motorsport, maybe you guys out there find it difficult to put into words your experiences. I know it isn’t easy. But it would be great if a few more of you could just send in a few words about what you are doing with your time out there this season.

Of course the same goes for our circuit racing members, (the current Chairman excepted of course). Although not as numerous as our speed members, it would be nice to know what you people are up to, occasionally through the season, just to let the rest of us know that circuit racing for clubmans hasn’t also died a death.

Then of course there are the marshals. Now marshalling at North Weald can be dull, but I have known it be brightened up by the wet weather catching out a novice, or eventful with those drivers who still can’t learn the course after their fourth run. I know I caused amusement for the finish line mar-

shals, as the sea of cones tricked me almost every time, and that was after walking the course!

I guess what I am trying to say is let’s raise our profile, explore opportunities to make yourselves known in what you do, especially if you are successful at it. Dropping a line to your local newspaper can help and I have found that they are grateful for copy, especially if they have the work done for them (touchez!)

Recently I watched the BBC programme Countryfile, where the organisers of Mountain-boarding were showing their prowess and raising their profile at many local and national agricultural shows in order to find land to continue to expand their sport. It seems it is working and farmers are snapping up the chance to make some money from otherwise unprofitable pastures.

So perhaps you too have musings like mine about anything club related. A good place to bring it up would be our AGM in April. Come along and muse out loud at the future of our club and our sport.