We were extremely fortunate with the weather for our annual grass autotest – the previous 4 days had seen temperatures in excess of 35 degrees and it was just starting to cool down a bit. Needless to say, many of our number hovered in the shadows as much as possible.
We had a very good turnout of 13 Morgan’s and 13 competitors – although 3 Mogs sat and watched while 3 other Mogs went round twice! There were 4 Marshall’s and 2 Scorers and a host of spectators to enjoy the fun.
Our Starter and his trusty assistant had to endure looks of amazement or horror as they announced a ‘wrong test’ i.e. failure to complete the course on the exact route specified on Frank’s 6 fiendishly complicated course plans. I wonder if the unusually warm weather or a small hint of cheekiness in the design of the courses was to blame as there were actually 23 (yes, really) ‘wrong tests’ recorded on the day – with even our course designer coming a cropper! Only 3 people completed all 6 tests to perfection – so a huge round of applause to them (Penny, Steve and Chris). One poor soul even managed to record 5 ‘wrong tests’ – however the sheer elation we witnessed on completion of the one perfect round was a joy to behold (name withheld as a gesture of goodwill and self preservation by the author). A few cars took longer than usual to complete the course as they were seen to pause for free and frank exchanges of views between driver and navigator about exactly where to go next! The good news was that no cones were hit, no navigators harmed and no relationships damaged – so good news all round. Actually from where I was it certainly looked as though everyone present had a wonderful time and plenty of entertainment.
Many thanks go to Maurice and Isobel for very kindly loaning, and beautifully preparing, the field for us to play on. Thanks also to Ian, Gerald (in his obligatory brown coat – not even the warmth of the weather could make him abandon it), Eric and Brian (both in high viz and sheltering under a tree out of the way of the sun and the rampaging Morgans) for marshalling the event, Frank for designing the courses and being our expert on the rules, Richard for organising the event and last, but definitely not least, Jean and Jan for doing the scoring
Results:
1st – Steve
2nd – Chris
3rd – Peter
Also deserving high praise were our lovely Lady competitors
1st Lady – Linda
2nd Lady – Penny
Thanks to all who came to compete and spectate for making this an extremely enjoyable event. Also thanks to the weather gods who cooled the temperature from 38 degrees on Friday to much more manageable.
The day was rounded off nicely with our BBQ at Richard and Jenny’s house – many thanks to them for their hospitality and generosity.
Words – Jan Fileman, Pictures – Brian Lee, Martin Woodward
