MINUTES OF AN ORDINARY MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NORTH-WESTERN CAR CLUBS HELD AT THE HOLIDAY INN, RUNCORN ON TUESDAY 10th FEBRUARY 2004

WELCOME

The Chairman, Bob Milloy, welcomed delegates to the meeting.

ATTENDANCE

26 member clubs were represented by 29 delegates as follows:

APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were recorded from Allan Dean-Lewis (President), Kay Skellern (General Secretary), Gordon Pirie (CTRLO Cheshire & Merseyside), Jack Romain (CTRLO North Wales), Sue Sanders-Peppitt (MSA Rallies Committee member), Nigel Bayley (Ecurie Royal Oak MC), Keith Clements (Jowett CC), David Bailey (Lancashire & Cheshire CC), Martin Blackburn (Manx Motor Sport Marshals Association), Richard Pearl (Wallasey MC and Motor Sport NW), Dave Read (Motor Sport NW and Warrington & DMC). MINUTES

Unfortunately different versions of the previous meetings minutes had been published. The paper copies sent by post, and the pdf version on the website were not as complete as the web published version, which was the correct one. The correct publication included reference to recent deceased friends, also reference to Martin Pratt’s return following illness.

Dave Thomas apologized for the error, which was down to his editing of the minutes and website.

Based on this, the Chairman asked for approval of the minutes – this was proposed by John Harden (Liverpool MC), second by Mike Farnworth (Training Officer). MATTERS ARISING

Steve Johnson’s suggestion for exceptions to Stage Rally competition licence requirements had been to the Regional Committee, and then passed on to the Rallies Committee, whose next meeting was scheduled for 4th March 2004.

Martin Pratt had submitted a proposal for an event for Landowners awareness, but no further progress had been made.

The application for Sheffield & Hallamshire MC to join the ANWCC had been completed, the fee having been received.

The application for the Formula 1000 Rally Club to join the ANWCC was still provisional, as the application for MSA affiliation was still in progress.

It was reported that there had been no trace of Martin Fox’ stolen Subaru.

The Alexander Forbes MSA Club of the Year had been selected. In accordance with the MSA instructions we had nominated our top three clubs by reference to their placing in our club championship – these having been Caernarvonshire & Anglesey MC, Knutsford & DMC and Rhyl & DMC. It was pleasing to learn that Knutsford & DMC had finished runners-up in the MSAS competition, and also that Wigton MC were third, another ANWCC member club.

The Alexander Forbes MSA Marshal of the Year trophy had been won by the marshal who had dealt with the much-publicised errant “spectator” at the British GP so well.

The item regarding noise levels at motor-cycle events, highlighted by Paul Hiles and Peter Riley of Longton & DMC, had been referred to the ACU who had, in turn, requested more information. Unfortunately, neither Ian Price nor Martin Pratt, who had raised their concerns as ACU noise inspectors, were present to give further details.

The issue of publicity flyers for www.rallyusedparts.co.uk had been carried out and the agreed payment settled.

The Association had put forward three nominations for the post of RLO for the area – Ian Price, Arnold Middleton and Gordon Pirie. The MSA have appointed Gordon as the RLO for Cheshire & Merseyside, and Gordon would be contacting clubs in the area. It was noted that Gordon’s area did not include Greater Manchester or Staffordshire, areas previously covered by Martin Pratt.

MSA COUNCIL NEWS

Eric Cowcill reported that the meeting held the previous week had been a dinner to announce the new Chairman, Graham Stoker, whose task was to improve communications in getting through to club members from the MSA. The website was responsible for an 80% attendance at seminars. The website was to include photographs of the MSA personnel with direct contact links. Steven Slater of Media Advertising had reduced the number of accredited press members from 1,400 to 180, mainly due to a reduction in race media personnel.

A presentation by Bruce Goddard was made on the future of Karting, which accounts for 17% of competition licence holders. Should Associations do more to attract Kart Clubs? The Association of British Kart Clubs (ABKC) now had a delegate on the Regional Committee. ABKC is being incorporated into the Sporting Commitee under one umbrella, as the Karting Committee rationalization had brought about a 2/3rds reduction in numbers.

A presentation on Rockingham showed that it encouraged family participation, lots of promotions with partners MacDonalds and Texaco. It had not taken in “cruises” as had Donington, but did include circuit rides, sprints and a “doughnut” area. BRSCC (British Racing & Sports Car Club) were looking to increase involvement.

The MSA booklet “Getting into Motorsport” had been reprinted. The “Blue Book” will be published on the website this year.

The MSA were pleased to announce more FIA involvement, John Grant having been re-elected, Graham Stoker a member of the International Court of Appeal, Tony Scott-Andrews a steward, Allan Dean-Lewis on training – all MSA officials taking up FIA roles.

MSA REGIONAL COMMITTEE

There had been no meeting since our last meeting, the next Regional Meeting scheduled for May 2005.

MSA RALLIES COMMITTEE

There had been no meeting since our last meeting, the next Rallies Meeting scheduled for 4 March 2005, when Mike Broad’s proposals would be re-discussed. It was noted that the BTRDA Championship is a “Closed-to-Club” series.

MSA SPEED COMMITTEE

Peter Riley reported that the next meeting was scheduled for March 2005. There was concern over cockpit brake biasing systems in Formula Ford, and noted that it had been illegal in Sprints/Hillclimbs since 1984! Race cars do have this facility, and scrutineers were missing the check to see if such systems were locked.

CORRESPONDENCE

Enquiry from UCLAN (University of Lancaster) for membership of the ANWCC for their to be formed Motor Club.

Enquiry from Bolton Institute for membership of the ANWCC for their to be formed Motor Club.

Notification of an “Evening with Tony Mason” to be hosted by the Rhyl & District MC at the White House, Rhuallt on 19th June 2004, tickets are £15 per head to include a four-course meal.

Complimentary copy of “Sport” magazine, covering much of the business aspect of sport and including motor sport.

Details of the International Historic Motor Sport weekend at Stoneleigh.

Various minutes of other Association’s meetings received.

REPORTS

GENERAL SECRETARY

The Secretary had sent her apologies for non-attendance, but had nothing to report other than noted elsewhere in these minutes.

TREASURER

Eric reported no changes since the AGM.

CHAMPIONSHIPS SECRETARY

Dave reported that registrations for 2005 were well ahead of last year with many newcomers to the sport, and it was noticeable that about 65% of completed forms had been downloaded from the website.

The website was being kept up-to-date with results, although lagging behind in news items, and was receiving over 100 hits per day.

The draw for the monthly marshals prizes resulted in sets of overalls being won by Russell Smith of Knutsford & DMC, Ian Price and Dean Groves of CSMA. The trophies and prize-money for the top ten Marshals in the 2003 Championship had been distributed, a total of about £1,100 having been donated to the fund. Overalls had also been dispatched to the monthly draw winners during the year.

INTER-ASSOCIATION EVENTS

No information received yet about the 2005 events.

FORESTRY LIAISON OFFICER

No report due to Martin Pratt not being present.

AINTREE LIAISON OFFICER

Mike Ashcroft reported that Wigan & District MC had expressed an interest in running a multi-use stage rally at Aintree. After lengthy discussions with the Aintree management it was obvious they were not in favour. The dates for 2004 had been submitted in April 2003.

It was alleged that the last rally had damaged the course, whilst Sprints and Track Days create very little damage. Aintree management were stated to be complacent.

Strict operating instructions should be drawn up, and a suggested date for 2005 put in by Wigan, with Association involvement. The Chairman stated that he was uncomfortable with restrictions being placed without liaison.

The 50th Anniversary of Aintree will be on 29th May 2004 and it was hoped that a celebratory event be organized. Aintree Circuit management had suggested that the celebrations take place during the November horse-racing meeting when the infrastructure for such events would be in place, such as Police, emergency services, parking, etc. 5,000 mm² would be made available for display, the course being available for 19th, 20th and 21st November with the full Grand Prix course available. Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks were already committed for the event.

OTHER VENUE LIAISON

Weeton … Stockport MC were next at the venue, their event on 30 March going to plan. No spectators are permitted but events at the venue now seem secure.

Warcop … possibility of the venue being used twice during 2004 – as Otterburn is not available is was possible the Lindisfarne Rally could use Warcop instead.

PRESS OFFICER

Katy Mashiter offered her services to any club wishing help with media matters.

TRAINING OFFICER

Mike Farnworth reported that the Myerscough training day had been very successful and positive. He stated that the information dissemination through clubs could be improved, to get the enthusiasm through to the members. Myerscough has been booked for a smilar session on 22 January 2005.

Training is developing quickly – due to Allan Dean-Lewis having a lot of influence with Europe, sharing best practices. Similarly, Sue Sanders-Pepitt is clerking rallies and having influence on World Rally Championship events.

It is planned to have more training dates next year, with at least four clubs organizing sessions. There are also a number of training days scheduled for mid-year.

Nigel Banks suggested mid-year sessions for first year marshals. The MSA is to put something on the web, and have videos available. Mentors in clubs required to carry on the workings, this can extend to time-keeping, etc. Get marshals to multi-discipline, encourage other activities.

Nigel proposed a vote of thanks to Mike and his team of people for organizing the Myerscough session.

RALLY LIAISON OFFICER

Gordon Pirie has been elected to the role of RLO for Cheshire & Merseyside following Martin Pratt’s stepping down due to ill health. Unfortunately Gordon was unable to attend the meeting but had contacted us to say that he would be in touch with clubs in his area and would also be attending events already on the calendar.

Jack Romain had been very involved in the “Map 116 Study Group” which was now being extended to cover the whole of North Wales. The proposals drawn up had been modified and were now officially the “North Wales RLO requirements”.

It is not known who has been elected RLO for the Greater Manchester area, vacated by Martin Pratt.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Steve Johnson commented on the “Map 116” proposals … stating that he had adopted the coloured control boards for the CSMA Rally held in December 2003 and this had proved effective. The control boards are coloured red to indicate to the driver that it is a “non-competitive” or “transport” section, yellow for an intermediate control and green for the start of a “competitive” section. This took away some of the responsibility of the navigator and reduced possible PR problems.

Eric Cowcill reported that MSA Council have approved some rules for immediate implantation – it is now permissible to fit two high intensity rear lights on saloons – the age limit for specific race championships will apply to the year of the drivers 16th birthday, and this will be considered for rallies.

Mark Wilkinson enquired about championship registrations by e-mail. Although the forms can be downloaded it is not possible to submit by e-mail, although this could be investigated.

John Francis advised that the Dayz of Funder MC Charity Track Day at Three Sisters is scheduled for 6th August and requested help in all quarters, all would be welcomed.

John Francis stated that the Citroën 2CV London Marathon “car” had now been fitted with an engine and is now fully road legal, having been registered, MoT’d, insured and is ready for the next major project – the JOGLE – running from John O’Groats to Lands End with visits to various places and events on route. It was estimated that the running time would be eight days sometime during June or July – watch the website for details!

Nigel Banks highlighted the movement that wishes to close all “whites” with proposed legislation to prevent the use of bridleways and such roads. The Land Registry and Forest Enterprise were against such moves. Clubs were asked to distribute the information and ensure their members lobby against the proposals. Bill Troughear, chairman of the MSA Regional Committee is also Chairman of LARA and is lobbying. Some council maps, e.g. Lancashire, are on websites showing all the roads.

DATE AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING

The meeting closed at 1001 hours, representatives being thanked for their attendance.

AGENDA ...

... for the Ordinary Meeting of the Association of North-Western Car Clubs, which will be held at Holiday Inn Runcorn, on Tuesday 11th May 2004, commencing at 2000 hours prompt.



p.p. Kay Skellern
General Secretary - Association of North-Western Car Clubs
17 Johnson Close, Henshall Hall, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 3TQ