Team Holmberg / Steele were doing ok – until we decided to help with a few “clues” but to be fair it caused more confusion that help – Baz doing slanty eye impressions to tell them a Formula 1 event was in Japan just didn’t help! Our team reached the final against Clwyd Vale – but sadly we were beaten into second place as Clwyd Vale went for broke to get that silver tankard for their club mantelpiece. The only person celebrating our loss was Linda – we called her and she was ecstatic to hear she didn’t have to arrange the event next year – as it will be held at Clwyd Vale.

Wedding congratulations to:

Rich Kay and Laura and also to Stuart Kelso and Kelly - hope you both had fanatics days

Today was Chain & Bell day - we woke up to torrential rain, ah well only wimps ride in the sunshine. However, as it had been raining consistently for 3 days Iain was thinking we would probably only have 5/6 of us on the event around Vyrwy. We arrived down at the car park at 9.30am - within 20 minutes the car park was pretty full - all Chain & Bell entrants. By the time we started we were 35 strong (fabulous turn out). Entrants came from as far a field as Kirby Lonsdale Motorclub, Clwyd Vale, NWCC, Welsh Borders Car Club, Broughton & Bretton and of course RDMC.

From the car park on the South end of the lake we headed to the dam. Trust us all - the route ISNT flat as Baxter would have you believe - its more what you would call undulating (hilly in bits). Anyway it wasn't too tough for anyone - we kept to the back as "Sweepers" (ok plus we are older than most) Elin Batty was unfortunate to get a puncture 2 miles out from the start, she was gallantly rescued by the 'Recovery' vehicle of Gwyn and Sheila Reynolds-Jones. When we arrived at the dam it seemed a good few had taken the opportunity to get ice creams, so it would have been rude not to do the same.

The final stretch back to the finish was supposed to be with the wind behind us - oh no - the wind had turned around. That said we all managed to get safely home. The younger fitter club members completed the course in under an hour - us oldies did it in an hour and 30 minutes - with everyone else somewhere in between. Only one injury and that was Gareth Reynolds-Jones who did a bit of tarmac aerobics - he has the scars to prove it.

Iain will post his own full report - suffice to say here - a good day - enjoyed by all. Absolutely loads of money raised (over £380 and Iain has quite a bit more to come in / count). The one thing we all need to look out for is DVT's 'on bike video' - hopefully this is going to be published on You Tube - its got to be worth watching.

Hawaiian Scatter last night - the weather was tropical - monsoon tropical. On the night their were 8 crews out - and only Clare braved the elements in full a Hawaiian outfit of grass skirt and coconut bra.

The clues covered all four corners of the 116 - and we were disappointed not to see a mention of Honolulu farm - we were sure it would be in the clues but no. Instead we went for the big 10 point clue. Arrived at Graig Fawr on the reference to see John and Richard in the distance half way up the hill - after a hike up to meet them the next task was to limbo dance under a pole and then trudge back down in the wet grass. This was the stage to be glad it was raining - they had planned to be at the trig point right at the top.

Four hours later we all arrived back at the new BP garage at Cloc (lovely supermarket and great coffee). Most had collected items for some of the bonus points - somehow Stu Frost and Baz both happened to have Surf Boards. The old "Twig in the shape of..." was there again, this time in the shape of a Pineapple - John could hardly tell the difference between ours and the real thing.

Final results at the end of the night were

1st overall Baz / Clare
2nd JP / Richie
3rd Colin Jones / Colin Jones
4th Iain / Sandra 1st Mixed crew
5th Stu Frost / James Jones 1st Novice
6th Rich / Adam
7th Big Dave / John
8th Rod the Bulletin / Arthur

big thanks for all to John and Richard - great event, well thought out clues and overall good fun. Also to Keith and Linda for signing on and marshaling on the night.

Annual Rounders match last night at the Salusbury. We had 16 players, Clwyd Vale had 11 - so you would guess we showed them who was the better team and beat them?? No we didn't we lost - again. Much closer result this year - they just hammered us 97 to 86 rounders. At this rate we should beat them in 2010 if we keep improving at this pace.

A couple of conversions to our side from last year did help - Stu Kelso and Mike Hughes bought our average age well down - as did a few holiday makers from Kent who we conned into playing for the night.

Clwyd tried to nobble our Chairman by using the bat as a boomerang and going for Baz's head - they only missed by inches. Luckily this year we had Iain as umpire / score keeper so he didn't get injured. We checked before the match started and there wasn't a ladder about so Arthur kept to the sidelines too this year.

NWCC Ranges Stages on Saturday - not a good day out for Baz / Mez - retired on SSA Suspension.
Over at Twyford Sarah out with Trevor in the Porsche also didn't have a great time - retired SS3 when they hit a

Any one interested in Marshalling on the prom Stages on Sept 6th? they have call out for help - you can contact Wallasey Motor Club direct or let Iain know and he will pass on. Great goody bags last year so might be worth the trip.

On the ANWCC Championships a couple of the Lady members doing extremely well so far:-

2nd overall in the Lady Drivers - Sheila Reynolds Jones and 3rd overall in Lady Co-Drivers - Ros Goodall

Last but not least its the Scatter this weekend - we need some people to enter it - loads of work has gone in from Rich and John to organise it so its got to be worth entering for a Saturday night out with a difference? Let John know or turn up on the night with your cash.

Gymkhana last week, organised by Baz at Rikki's. Rain held off and a great turn out from the club to compete, watch and marshal. Overall winner on the night was Stuart Frost. Stuart got a bottle of plonk and a tub of Roses - Rikki got a well ploughed field!

Harry Flatters at Epynt last weekend and Rupert had a new face in the co-drivers seat, Baz -they finished 14th oa and 5th in class. Adam Clews and Peter Williams were also on the entry list but DNF.

Coming up..........................

This week - Comittee on Thursday followed by Rounders practise - if we don't want hammering by Clwyd Vale we probably need more than one practise but hey - one night is better than none.

This coming weekend - the 6th Welsh Endurance Rally down in Taffy Land. No-one from the club competing but Arthur & Chris are Closing Car on the event.

Also this weekend its NWCC Ranges Stages - as ever they need marshals - so if you are going up to watch they REALLY could do with some help on the marshal front.

finally this weekend is Twyford - Sarah Manton out with Trevor in the Porsche.

Opposite Lock stages - rob Dick and Chris Jones managed 1 lap then retired
Caerwys Car Show at Barlow's - we won !! well RDMC won for the best motorclub stand - well done all those who attended.

In the International event Andrew Hockridge and Richard Mills in their Citroen C2R2 had had their Citroen C2R2 rebuilt after a roll whilst testing the previous week.The pair finished the event in 14th place overall and 2nd in the C2R2 class and were presented with champagne and their trophies on the winners’ podium at the TT Grandstand. The result moves the pair into first place in the Citroen C2R2 cup at the half way stage of the championship.

(yes it is Mr. Baxter perched on the gatepost with the camera!!)

Yes this is Gareth and Ian -despite the lack of the "Valley wave" which wasn't seen all weekend as he was "just too busy on the pacenotes"

Congratulations to Competition Secretary and Social Secretary Keith and Linda - 20 years married today (Linda says she may keep him for another 20 years - but only if he stops slapping his legs!! - ask her!)

August 9th - Ranges for NWCC event - they are desperate for marshals - if you can help let Dave at NWCC know - or call Iain and he will pass on.

And speaking of the Ranges - Aberystwyth & DMC event on July 9th
Kev &Ros 7th / 4th - Myfyr &Keith 16th / 14th - Paul Edwards & Stu Kelso 20th / 4th.

Lastly for today - its Rounders on Aug 14th - According to Clwyd Vale website "they hammered us last year!" - well to be fair they really did but we did have Iain and Arthur injured - and I was rubbish - and many others weren't much better (Sarah Holmberg being a very obvious exception as she was our top player). So we need the younger element out this year to avenge our previous defeat - if you are under 30 and can run be there RDMC pride is at stake!

Rally HQ…...The biggest pub in town
Rally Car…...Very expensive piece of tin with tendency to hurl itself into solid pieces of wood, bog, hedges, brick walls
Four wheel drive…..four times the cost
Limited slip diff…..for use during beer coated bar floor conditions
Turbo charger……bottle of Red Bull
Chase Car…..Person or persons who drive around following a rally car, knowing that their skill is infinitely superior to that of the driver
Service area…..Space reserved for Service Crews to visit when they are not working on the roadside. MUST have room for no more than 30 crews
Service Crew…...Band of (usually) men who do the drinking for both the driver and co-driver of the rally car whilst they are otherwise engaged
Regulations…..Comic paper distributed by rally organisers in the hope of amusing or confusing the crews. Only understood by lawyers
Clerk of the Course…...Person who thinks they are in charge of the event
Deputy Clerk of the Course…… Person who is even more convinced they are in charge of the event
Steward…...Official looking person who spends the entire day trying to find out what is going on. Organisers spending the entire day trying to persuade him he doesn't’t need to know
Timekeeper…...when Mickey Mouse’s left hand is over his left ear and his left arm is behind his back, the timekeeper is supposed to be at the top left corner of the map that he left in the right hand corner of the bar back at rally HQ
Marshal…...Person who couldn’t invent a prior engagement quickly enough to avoid getting roped into a job
Caution Board…...Warning sign, usually placed just too late to be of any use to either driver or co-driver
Flat Left…...War cry of co-driver just before an accident
Flying finish…...closing time
Mechanical failure…...ran out of fuel
Electrical trouble…...Broken fan belt, spare is on the garage floor 200 miles away
Broken centre diff…...Expensive rattle somewhere in the middle of the car
Suspension trouble…...The front wheels are embedded in the bulkhead

AFG Anglesey - Results............................................
Baz / Rob Jones 7th / 6th class
Merfyn Hughes / Mike Hughes 8th / 7th class
Leckie / Paul Holmberg 11th / 9th class
JP Williams / William Hughes 16th / 10th class
Sheila Reynolds Jones / Pete Dale 21st / 14th class
DVT / Dave Jones 31st / 17th class
Howard Price / Chris Webber - DNF - retired

This weekend its Traws Ranges (for a change) out from Rhyl
6. Kev Jones / Ros Goodall
15. Alan Evans / Lee Webb
26. Myf Owens / Keith Jones
31. Paul Edwards / Stuart Kelso
33. Trevor Groves / Sarah Manton.............good luck to all

Next week is Rally Isle of Man a fairly big contingent going over the water now....

International - Baz Jordan / Baz Green (Evo 8), Andrew Hockridge / Tony Derrick Citroen (C2R2)
Historic - Rupert / Squeak (Escort MKI), Rikki / Bill Robertson (Escort MKI RS 1600)
National - Gareth Hockridge /Ian Vale (Subaru), Adam Clews / Peter Williams (Puma Kit Car), Bagsy / Paul Edwards (Subaru)

And - as always - Rhyl 4 and Rhyl 5 will there on the radios

First event of the weekend - PK Memorial

Baz and Rob Jones top placed RDMC crew in 3rd place oa
John Leckie / Paul Holberg 8th oa
Merfyn Hughes / Mike Hughes 12th oa
Kev Parry / Ian Vale 16th oa
Steven Edwards / Stuart Frost 46th oa
Sheila Reynolds Jones / Shaun Baker 59th oa

Then down in Mid Wales we had a few crews out on the Mid Wales Stages

Historic's Results
10th oa Rupert Lomaz / Dave Alcock
15th oa Rikki Proffitt / John Roberts

Modern Results
Jason / Pete Nash 23rd oa / 6th in class
Luke Francis / Jon Madoc-Jones 34th oa / 7th in class

And the final event of the weekend was the Famous Five went out to marshal on the Mid Wales.

A very EVENTFUL weekend - full report of which will follow in next few days - suffice to say at the moment - it rained alot! but Rhyl Radios accounted for 40% of the available radios on on Sweet Lamb on both days - so we were useful!

Highlights included (and worryingly all had a Perez connection!) Arthur tried (and failed) to stop Steve Perez's helicopter; the Perez family didn't invite us to the bbq - (we had our own so weren't too worried) but they did give me a go on the quad bike ! AND I didn't fall off it.

In the news this week……

PK this Saturday – good luck to all, also this weekend is the Mid Wales Stage – again good luck to all, and lets hope the weather is good for those of us staying the weekend!

Arthur and Baz have been asked to drive Closing Car in August on a ‘Hywel’ event down in South Wales at the start of August.

Both Arthur & Baz will also be out in November driving closing cars for the Lombard, with Chris Jones and Chris Webber reading the maps. On the subject of the Lombard – they need marshals. If you want to help out contact Ian Butcher at: butcher965@btinternet.com. Last year was a really good couple of days with RDMC members out as marshals, medics and closing cars – this year they need help again so if anyone is interested they would love to hear from you – but it’s a bit further North this year starting and finishing in Harrogate.

Another diary date Caerwys Show coming up in a couple of weeks – July 13th - as ever most of the local car clubs will be attendance and if the weather holds out should be a good day.

On the RDMC Caravan Division update - looks like another couple of members will be signing up - Ped and Ros are celebrating the safe arrival of their "Swift".

Do we have any drivers, under the age of 25, who would like to do the Tour of Mull for free - including: entry cost, event petrol, 8 tyres and ferry costs? Add to this a trip to the John Haugland Rally School on a frozen lake in Norway next winter, which includes 4 days of tuition on advanced rally driving technique. apparently this little lot is worth over £3000.

So how do you get it? Simple really - the driver needs to send:

* A current motorsport CV outlining experience and results to date
* Video footage from a rally or test session from OUTSIDE the car; i.e. spectator or TV footage, not in or on car footage.
* A covering letter explaining why the panel should select them as winner and their aims for their future in rallying
* A reference letter from any 3rd party

The award is named after rally driver John Easson, a regular competitor on the Isle of Mull and a generous supporter of the 2300 Club before tragically losing his life in an air accident in 1999 -its completely free to enter.

I picked all this up of the Tour of Mull website so if anyone is interested / knows someone who is, get them to have a look - as the website says
“We would like to see an increase in the amount of entries we receive from across the whole of the UK and Ireland. It’s a fantastic prize and all entries will be equally considered regardless of the entrant’s home nation!” so they are pushing for more entries - got to be worth a try???
But let me warn you of one potential down side !! Iain, me and Arthur are going to be there on the Salen / Calgary stages so you may just come across us!

Mike Hughes RDMC member - This is Your Life 2008

G+P Memorial Rally - Mike - navigating for Merfyn Hughes -was joint 1st (along with most of the field)
Mike was 7th oa and 5th in class on the Border 100 Rally back in May with Merfyn
It the Night Owl even earlier in May - Mike finished 23rd oa, again with Merfyn
On Rali Llyn Mike was sat alongside Stuart Kelso and finished 16th oa / 15th expert

And finally - Mike is currently in 5th oa position in the ANWCC Road Rally Navigators championship -
and 3rd oa on the ANWCC 'NON-ENGLISH RESIDENT NAVIGATORS ON ENGLISH ROUNDS'.

All of this and Mike has managed to pop up to the club this year too on AGM night - all the for princely cost of 1 membership!!!!

?

PK Memorial in 2 weeks - Rhyl entries confirmed as :-
Baz Green rob Jones
Howard 'Miami' Price Chris
John Leckie Paul Holmberg
Kevin Parry Ian Vale
Merfyn Hughes Mike Hughes
Nick Banks Reg Gradden
Steven 'Bagsy' Edwards Stuart
Sheila Reynolds Jones

Plus Ros is Steward of the Meeting

same weekend is the Mid Wales Stages - Rhyl entries here are:
Rupert / Squeak
Rikki Proffitt
Luke Francis

Plus Rhyl 1, Rhyl 2, Rhyl 4 and Rhyl 5 are all there for the weekend helping keep the airwaves up and running.

Rainworth Skoda Dukeries 2008 - not a good day for Baz, sitting alongside Richard Hill in the Escort MKII - they went off on SS4 and retired. Also in attendance was Rod the Bulletin - a few good photos sure to be on his website by this evening.

Meanwhile back in the North - we attended a Fire Training course held by CSMA up in Accrington on Friday evening. A good turn out of approx 30 people and superb demonstrations and an even better buffet! . Several of the Gemini radio crews were there including Mr 'Gemini' Wilmer who kindly allowed us to park our 'bin wagon' in his garden for the night. Once the training was over they had a bit of a DVD night and low and behold up pop Trevor Groves and Keith at the Procare Stages - doing a few nice little spins in the rain in the Porsche.

Rob Dick
Chris Jones
John D Davies
Cliff Evans
John Leckie
Paul Holmberg

20th
20th
29th
29th
40th
40th

A few bits of news from last weeks committee meeting. Firstly Rali Goggled has been cancelled, secondly the Hawaiian Scatter has been postponed....but thirdly the next 'Linda Quiz IS on' - next Thursday 12th - and according to the lady herself - its "something a bit different" and not be missed. So sharpen both your pencils and brain cells and see everyone there.

News from Weeton - Trevor and Sarah finished 25th oa and 4th in class.

Marshals championship has had an injection on entrants - The Butlers join the fray as does Markus and Rod. El Presidentee still sitting at the top of the pile - but a long way to go before the end of the year!

PK Memorial has our own Ros out as a Steward on the night - as well as several RDMC entrants shown previously.

The things people find - our next door neighbour just appears with some paper that he had had wrapped around some old glasses for donkeys years. When he unwrapped the paper it said something about motorsport so he bought it round. Turns out to be 2 bulletins from 1962 from C&A Motorclub. We have forwarded them on in case they are interested - we are now waiting to see what other gems he has and if anything relates to RDMC!

Last four 4 days have been taken up with the Three Castles Rally for quite a few of us. Wednesday was prologue day down in Dolgarrog - brilliant sunshine and nearly every car came through for the practise tests. Thursday most of the RDMC marshals were at Plas Newydd for the day running two tests. A full day of rain so some very wet crews and marshals. Paddy Hopkirk came down for the afternoon but didn't have a go at the test - he watched from a safe place. However, a certain marshal DID go for the test in the lunch break and complete in only 4 seconds more than the fastest time of the morning - well done Mark!

Friday was Road Day for most of us - we were up on Denbigh Moors and spent the afternoon on the "reservation" (see below). We did meet a fairly bemused Tony Mason at the Reservation - he tried to make polite conversation but to be fair seemed a bit stunned at the type of marshals being used - oh well at least he wont forget us. Those running tests were mainly at Bodelwyddan or Kimnel Hall - as were quite a few spectators.

Saturday it was back to tests - RDMC ran the Glyniffon tests. We all met there for 6.30am and spent the first half an hour having club BBQ breakfast with the course cars, clock car etc. A morning of cracking sunshine and some great attempts on the test. To those that came out from RDMC - we were asked to pass on thanks again from the event organisers - Keith, Linda, Markus, Rod, John & Sue Butler, Chief Sitting Baxter and myself were all out as marshals (as were club regular start crews John Vaughan and Mark May), Arthur and Baz drive closing car for the 3 days, and Rick and Kerry were the medics for the event.

Tomorrow is the start of the Three Castles - to those that are involved - have a great week - fingers crossed the sun shines for all of us.

PK Memorial Rally on 28th/29th June now has a full entry list - several of RDMC members are competing:-
Baz Green, John Leckie & Paul Holmberg, Sheila Reynolds Jones, Mike Hughes, Ian Vale , Nick Banks & Reg Gradden, Bagsy & Stuart Frost, Howard Price & Chris Webber are all confirmed on the entry list

Results from the Severn Valley Stage...
Luke Francis / Chris Jones in the Clubmans event - 32nd oa / 19th in class. After SS1 they were sitting in 39th oa from 50 starters - stage times remained pretty constant for the rest of the day.

Change up at Weeton on 8th - Kev / Ros no longer showing on the entry list - Trevor Groves and Sarah Manton now confirmed as 55th seed.

Another good result for Andrew Hockridge - 40th oa / 11th in class on the Jim Clarke this weekend.
On the last Night Nav before the summer break it was a good win for John Paul and Richie. 1st Novice on the night were our intrepid new duo Rod and Marcus - fair play 4th oa - cant be bad on a first outing?
On the ANWCC championships - Messrs Leckie and Holmberg now firmly in 1st place in the Road Drivers / Navigators Championships.
Big weekend for the "old car" brigade - many of whom were jaunting arouind the area before beign on show in Preatatyn today - good turn out of RDMC members hepling marshal on the event.

Coming up soon..... Three Castles Rally 4th - 7th June - no RDMC entrants but many of the club out assisting......
Arthur / Baz - closing car, Rick / Kerry Chief Medical Officers, Keith / Linda / Markus / John Butler / Iain and I all marshaling for the 4 days. Its a fun event - if anyone has a spare day and want to come out for a few hours let us know. Wednesday lunchtime there is a BBQ at Dolgarrog Power Station where quite a few of us will be running the Prologue tests. so if you fancy marshaling for an hour or two then you might get a sausag bun in return.

Quiz question of the week - what were Arthur and Iain doing?

1) What boys do on the ranges after having too many coffees?
2) Modelling the latest in Club Designer Wear?
3) Flashing Ros - causing the much talked about roll ?

Answers to anyone that you happen to know that is interested in what these two get up to in their older age.

The Linda Jones Geography Quiz at the Salusbury last night – good turn out but suspect a few of those missing were at home with the BBQ’s running. Winning team on the night were the DVT family + in-law. Great questions from Linda – some not so great answers from most of us, but all in attendance now know that “THE” is a Definite article.

Lastly my apologies to Keith J – sorry I didn’t know you had stepped in for Sarah on the Procare Stages – hence the report in this week’s paper shows Sarah’s name not yours.

John and Rich (they of Lombard fame) are putting on a Scatter Rally - July 13th and its a "Hawaiian theme". Mr Baxter is already thrilled at the news - not because he can compete - because he can wear his blonde wig and this time add a grass skirt! (those that saw him on the Girly Scatter will know what to expect).

on May 17th up at the Ranges - they need more marshals - anyone interested let them know asap

Its another "special birthday" coming up soon for Lynne Leckie - the big day is Tuesday - have a great day Lynne from everyone

Night Owl - John Leckie and Paul Holmberg finished 10th overall. At halfway they were in 16th position so a good second half to bring them up to 10th.

More May events...

May 4th Procare Stages at Three Sisters Wigan

May 10th 061 Road Rally Stockport

Isle Of Man International 9th / 10th May

Kev Jones / Ros Goodall

John Leckie / Paul Holmberg
John Paul / Richie Jones

Andrew Hockridge / TBA
Adam Clews / Peter Williams
Also ex club member Kev Papper in the Seat Ibiza Cupra Sport

Marshal Championships - going well make sure you claim the points!!!. Does everyone know the ANWCC also run a marshal championship?? Well you probably dont as none of RDMC (except me and him) appear to claim points. You aint going to win anything extreme - but its good to see the club supporting DVT who tries to keep some interest for the marshals. Have a look on the ANWCC webpage and claim your points - all RDMC are entitled to claim points for the MSA training day - plus any events you have been out on.

Couple of articles in the local press this week on the Pirelli - see Press Office link above if you missed the papers.

A few dates for the diaries...

This Saturday 26th April its the Night Owl Road Rally (Aberystwyth Motor Club) - the current ANWCC leaders are out from Rhyl, John Leckie and Paul Holmberg -
fingers crossed they keep up their winning ways. Over 90 entries !! that seems incredibly high so must be a fab event?

May 17th is 'Ranges Day' - Clwydian Cars Stages event run by Clwyd Vale...a few RDMC entrants already

Allan Clews / Richard Jones -Skoda Favorit
Kevin Jones / Ros Goodall - Ford Escort Mk2
Baz Green / Howard 'Miami' Price - Peugeot 205 GTi
hopefully a few more from RMDC will be out assisting on the event as radios / marshals

Missed a bit of news from Twyford Stages yesterday Baz Jordan / Baz Green DNF - diff blew (shame as they were in 2nd place at the start of SS6).

We missed out on last weekends Lee Memorial - but we hear Rob Dick and Baz Green finished 2nd overall - had a few photos on arrival home courtesy of Dab Photography.

4th in class / 8th OA - Kev J ones and Ros
14th in class / 32nd OA -Debby Goodband/Steve Merrison
5th in class / 10th OA - Christopher Rogers/Chris Jones

Great turnout from RDMC - I think we all enjoyed an informative day which was held at Rhyl college. The attendees are now "certified" for the following:
Senior Stage Officials - Iain, Arthur,Rob John, Keith, Linda
Radio Operators Sandra
Instage Marshals - Rod, Wayne
New Marshals - Dave Hughes, Gareth Morgan
Added to this we all completed a Practical Fire Handling course - a few photos to follow of some of us with the "fire" and the powder extinguisher. A worthwhile day and really good to see so many from RDMC taking part. In the region of 40 or so participants in total from as far afield as Warrington and Harlech. The MSA will be looking to arrange the course again for 2009 in Rhyl - but to do so they are looking for more people to take part.

The Marshals Championship is looking a lot healthier for everyone who attended - points already updated - the lead is back in the hands of one of the "older/ senior " members of the club - Arthur now leading by 10 points, from Iain and I - but looks like we are all facing some decent competition from Gareth Morgan who is clocking up regular points out on the Road events.

Photos courtesy of Gareth Williams - Harlech DMC

Weekend of 19th/20th April its The Pirelli International Rally - and of special interest to RDMC is the Ford Fiesta Sporting Trophy series. According to the Pirelli website it could well lead to ".... a paid drive with one of the manufacturer teams in the World Rally Championship"
So good luck to Luke Francis and Chris Jones - let hope they get us free tickets to watch Wales Rally GB if they get that paid drive with a manufacturer - (remember those that are coming out to marshal first :)

Gareth Hockridge / Ian Vale ----------------------73rd oa / 9th in class
Bagsy / Paul Edwards --------------------------------81st oa / 4th in class

Adam Clew / Pete Williams DNF looks like SS7 was their last stage of the weekend

Word has it Leckie/ Holmberg 3rd and Green /Jones in 4th - waiting for confirmation when Telford update their site.

After 1 event john Leckie and Paul Holmberg both in 4th place respectively in the championship
In the Stage driver championship Rob Dick sitting in 8th place after 4 events

- RDMC sitting in 8th place on the club championship

Locals out flying the welsh flag will be

Bagsy / Paul Edwards
Gareth Hockridge / Ian Vale
Adam Clews / Peter Williams

Flying the flag over the border in England on the Moonbeam will be

Full entry on the Moonbeam with a couple of reserves waiting in the wings. Should be a good night for competitors, marshals and speccies alike.

Last but not least Marshals training coming up at Rhyl College on the 29th of this month - link on the main webpage to register - several RDMC members already going - lets get some more names down to make it worthwhile for the organisers

13th oa/ 4th in class
23rd oa /4th in class

Down in deepest Cheshire on Saturday for the "Tour" some of us were out going for the marshal points. Iain and I did two controls, freezing cold, run out of coffee, stuck in the middle of nowhere. El Presidentee Jones - swanned around in a bleedin Jag as a 'spare marshal'. Some people get all the luck

Following on their winning efforts at Ty Croes (which considering celebrations the night before were even more impressive!!) - thought everyone might like to see a fabulous photo of the winning duo

Photo courtesy of DAB-PHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK/MOTORSPORT

Three entries from RDMC
"MC" Rikki Proffitt out in his Escort Mk II with John Roberts
Baz Jordan/ Baz Green shown as entered in Ford Lotus Cortina - but a change of car coming up and moving out of the Historics and into the Modern.
Also out Rupert Lomax and Dave Alcock in their Escot Mk II

Several new faces on general committee John Steele, Ped Jones and Sandra Jones all joined committee for the first time – and its welcome back to Heath who didn’t have the worry of a letter with the wrong date on it this year. We also have an Honorary Member this year being Lillian Romain – considering her many, many years of service to the club this was one that was welcomed by all at the club.

Keith gave his report as Competition Secretary (in answer to those who asked “he WAS standing up but he WASN’T standing on a box” followed by Michelle, who gave a sterling report on the club finances and the meeting agreed to adopt them for the year – wont go into any details on figures here but Michelle has produced a full report which members can view.

Major shock to the room was someone offering to do the Bulletin ..Rod will now be producer of the aforesaid periodical – he awaits a full inbox with reports and articles…..and he waits…..and he waits…..well at least he can use some of his massive stock of photos if no reports are forthcoming ..
Only one item for discussion...The Marshal Championship.. this has been re-instated within the club – points will be awarded for signed on officials at both club events and for those signing on as officials at MSA / FIA events – a trophy has been uncovered from Ros’s attic so look out for updates on where you are in the new championship.

Less than 4 weeks to the big 60th Awards Bash - very few tickets left - and lots of surprises planned for the night.
No 1. "Challenge anyone"?? or could it be the jumpsuits are the order of the night for those with the right dress sense??

..sadly it wasn't such a good night for one of the clubs resident paparazzi, Rod, his camera didn't like the rain and refused to work so he spent 2 hours in the freezing rain without a photo to his name.