24th September 2025
On a cool, mizzly day towards the end of September, eleven intrepid Donmoggers met at the Joseph Else in Nottingham for a hearty lunch and a drink (exceptional prices). How can they do Scampi and Chips with a pint of cider for under £12? After a lovely meal and a good chat we set off to the Dragon pub to play in the Racing Room with their amazing Scalextric which has an extremely winding course featuring a very tight hair pin bend along with loops, twists, crossroads and tunnels galore around what looks like a ‘model village’ featuring well known Nottingham landmarks such as the Council House, Wollaton Hall, The Salutation Inn, a tram stop, the Canal – with boats and a miniature shopping trolley for authenticity- and even the host venue The Dragon.
Our host, Tom, gave us a briefing on how to operate the controls with a five lap practice run and then we were off! We played two rounds, the first over 5 laps and the second over 3 laps. Everyone had a turn with each of the 6 cars available – only fair as some cars were a lot better at going fast and sticking to the track than others. We also had a turn in the corner that Tom couldn’t reach so we could return cars to the track when they came off or sort out the inevitable pile ups!
After the first round, Roger – who won last time, was announced as being in the lead. I thought I’d done moderately well as I had a few good rounds and a few not so good. After the second round, the final results were announced in reverse order. I was most surprised when I wasn’t mentioned after several others were…. I even began to wonder if I might possibly get a medal but thought probably not…. Then Paul was announced 4th – yippee I was in the last three! Then Roger was announced as 3rd with a bronze medal – oh my goodness no mention of me yet. Richard was was announced as 2nd with a Silver medal…. I could not believe it when I was announced 1st with a Gold Medal!!! I’d always been so rubbish at it that I didn’t notice any placings so was amazed and thrilled to win – I still can’t believe it! Then Paul announced that the winner also has the ‘honour’ of writing the newsletter article so here it is.
Many thanks to Paul for organising an excellent day out that was a lot of fun and enjoyed by all.
Words: Jan Fileman
Pictures: Paul Fileman