RDMC LE' The BLOG starts here. No rocket science, no philosophy, just a few thoughts on what’s being going on in the club of late, some general reports on recent events– a bit of gossip you might not have heard of and info on who is organising what for the club -(most recent BLOG at the top of the page). Its a smiley page - hence the Smiley infiltration!!

Blog Monday 22nd September 2008

Last weekend Rhyl Radios, 1, 2, 4 and 5 (plus Rhyl 2.5), were all flying the RDMC flag up at Weeton. We joined with the Gemini team to do comms on the Hall Trophy. As you can see we really did “fly the banner” letting everyone know we were there. Sarah was competing with Trevor and finished 38th oa.
Down at the Plains Rally Luke Francis, with JMJ, had another good result and finished 42nd oa / 4th in class.
Last Thursday was the inter club quiz – RDMC put in two teams, NWCC 2 teams and Clwyd Vale had 1 team (C&A and Bala didn’t enter this year). A really good quiz, in which surprisingly we knew a few of the answers - the questions were in more or less 3 categories ; general knowledge, maps and motorsport.. Paul, Annemarie and Sarah Holmberg – along with John Steele were entered as the first Rhyl team: Ian, Baz, Keith and I were in the second team. 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.

Blog Monday 15th September 2008

Wedding congratulations to: Rich Kay and Laura and also to Stuart Kelso and Kelly - hope you both had fanatics days
Promenade Stages 2 weeks ago - Trevor / Sarah 59th / 21st, Rob Dick / Baz - DNF
Firefly Rally at the weekend - 2nd o/a and 1st in class for Kev Parry out with Paul Holmberg, Sheila Reynolds-Jones / Shaun Baker 7th / 5th, Baz and Rob Jones retired. On the marshals front Big Dave and Arthur were both out for the evening. (which puts Arthur at the top of the Marshals Championship - for now!!)
Over at Bulletin HQ Rod and his munchkins have been merrily stapling together 100 bulletins - so they should be dropping through our letterboxes to read along with our conrflakes any day now.
Loton Hillclimb - waiting results to see how Scott and Trevor did on the event.

Blog Sunday 25th August 2008

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.

Blog Thursday 21st August 2008

A few photos fell out of the archives this week.......all from the Cambrian circa 1999 (they don't look a day over 9 years older even now!!)
Jones & Jones - ready for the off		Arthur "Stage Commander who will get things done his way or not at all" Jones (or was he doing aerobics at 5am??)
Iain "I am not getting stones in my eyes on the Start line so I am wearing a welding mask" Baxter		Dave "I will wave my flag and you will enjoy this rally and smile" Jones

Blog Sunday 17th August 2008

Blog Friday 15th August 2008

Blog Monday 11th August 2008

News events....Congraltulations to Scott Trevor and Sandra Jones on their marriage last week -

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.

Blog Monday 4th August 2008

Blog Sunday 27th July 2008

Blog Friday 25th July 2008

Isle of Man rally last week - many club members out there competing, marshaling, servicing and supporting. A big contingent out there with the Clews / Williams team (was like being in the Salusbury at times seeing 'local' faces everywhere). Weather wasn't great - but the sun did shine from time to time. We chose to stay out of town - good choice seeing the campsite at the TT Grandstand!! Rick Bate out as a medic on the event and a fair few faces around from Clwyd Vale.
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!!)
Also in the International event Barry Jordan and Baz Green in the Mitsubishi EVO 8 started the event in top form, on Stage 4 of the Thursday evening they put in their fastest time of the 4 evening stages, completing Cringle Stage in 22nd place. On day two, further impressive times saw them improve from their seeded start of 40th to 19th overall by the end of the day. Day three saw them move up to 16th overall before two punctures on Tholt-e-Will 2 Stage forced their retirement from the event ( they only one spare with them).

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"	In the National Trophy event three Rhyl crews were entered and Adam Clews and Peter Williams in the Ford Puma looked to be running well on the first day, posting good stage times that saw them moving up the ranks and after Stage 2 they were placed 4th in their class. A broken diff after Stage 2 on Orrisdale meant they retired from the rest of the event. Gareth Hockridge and Ian Vale fought a competitive battle with Bagsy and Roly, both in Subaru’s. The final result saw the Edwards finish in 11th place overall, with Hockridge and Vale coming in 1 minute and 32 seconds slower in 13th place.
In the Historic's and Rupert and Squeak in the Escort MKI were comfortably moving up the placing setting good times on several stages, most noticeably on the Little London Stage which they completed only 14 seconds slower than event winner Jimmy McRae. During the Orrisdale stage they were unlucky to go off into a ditch but recovered the car and completed the stage. A broken driveshaft forced their retirement on SS17. Rikki Proffitt and Bill Robertson, in the Escort MKI RS 1600, started the event with a superb 15th fastest time on the first stage over the Marine drive. Rikki finished in 16th place overall and 4th in class		Rupert and Squeak getting expert advice from Kev Parry and Iain.

Blog Wednesday 23rd July 2008

Blog Thursday 10th July 2008

Blog Tuesday 8th July 2008

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

Blog Monday 30th June 2008

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.

Blog Friday 27th June 2008

Blog Friday 20th June 2008

Blog Thursday 19th June 2008

Blog Tuesday 17th June 2008

G+P Memorial Rally results now in...12 cars tied for 1st place with no penalties - final results were decided on route checks answers / engine capacity. 1st -a long with the other 12 - Howard Price / Chris Webber - 19th oa John Leckie / Paul Holmberg.
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.

Blog Sunday 15th June 2008

Blog Wednesday 11th June 2008

Glynne Memorial Championship update..... RDMC members in the top 50 so far shown below. Rhyl Club are currently in 5th place
Rob Dick Chris Jones John D Davies Cliff Evans John Leckie Paul Holmberg	20th 20th 29th 29th 40th 40th

Blog Monday 9th June 2008

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!

Blog Sunday 8th June 2008

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.

Blog Tuesday 3rd June 2008

Blog Sunday 1st June 2008

Blog Wednesday 28th May 2008

Blog Monday 26th May 2008

Blog Wednesday 21st May 2008

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.
Sunday 8th - Weeton stages - only 1 entrant from Rhyl so far - its those "magnificant men in their flying machines" Kev and our own Ros. If you didnt see their fairly dramatic acrobatics have a look at http://www.madvideo.demon.co.uk/page34.htm
Anyone fancy 2 days camping in Sweet Lamb on 28th / 29th June ????? A few of us are going down to marshal for the Mid Wales Stages. Its 2 stages Saturday evening and then all day Sunday. Locals entered so far are Rupert & Squeak. If you want a couple of days on Welsh sunshine and good rallying let us know and we can give you details.

Blog Sunday 18th May 2008

Clwydian Stages yesterday up at the Ranges - great day out and good / bad day for RDMC members.
Baz had a good day and finished 11th oa - and wasnt seem rolling his sleeves up to his elbows once ! Allan and Rich had a steady day and finished 33rd oa and Sarah was sat alongside Trevor in the Porsche and had a good day out finishing 29th oa Paul Edwards (roly) and Luke Edwards were DNF - their car failed to start on the line for SS4 Stuart Kelso - co driving for Paul Edwards has a very successful day - coming in 16th oa - after starting seeded 36th Last - but not least - Kev and Ros were up for top performer for an aerobatics display - luckily both were unhurt and the car looked pretty well on the trailer as it was leaving for the day. A few hardy marhsals and radio crews were out and about on the day, Rob John, Arthur, me and him were all to be found in the orange tabards. Steve Mez was servicing for Baz, Adam serviving for Allan and Rod was official photographer for the event - all in all a well supported day from RDMC.

Blog Friday 16th May 2008

Blog Monday 12th May 2008

RBS Manx International - Andrew Hockridge 53rd oa and 3rd in class. Not such a good weekend for Adam Clews who retured after SS1 with a broken shaft. Also news on ex club memb er Kev Papper - who finished 65th oa / 1st in class.
Great weekend for Chairman Green and Baz Jordan - John Overend Memorial Stages at Melbourne - where they finished 3rd overall.
On the Roads -John Leckie and Paul Homberg had another fantastic result 2nd overall in the 061 Rally. David Hughes and Ian Jones finished 26th overall

Blog Saturday 10th May 2008

In the news this week…. Luke Francis and Chris Jones are busily packing up their suitcases with the Fiesta race suits for their next escapade at Severn Valley Stages on May 31st. Jones Senior will be busily packing up an onboard ‘snail shell’ to go and give his support
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.
Welcome to new member Marcus Buckley - who competed in his first quiz this week and is intending on having a go at the next Night Nav.

October is a fair way away but do any of you want to make the trip over two borders to Mull to help out on the Tour?? We are going, ferry and campsite booked. The 2300 club will pay majority of the ferry. Last time we went weather was fabulous and the rally was spectacular. If you want to go we can give you campsite and ferry details (getting B&B is nearly impossible). Marshals and radio crews always needed –we will be on the Killiemor Stages and would highly recommend the trip. And if the rally doesn’t impress you, remember you also get to go and see Balamory – a trip everyone needs to make at least once in a lifetime.

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.

Blog Saturday 3rd May 2008

EGM took place on Thursday - myself elected as Treasurer and Keith staying as acting Safety Officer for the year. A very speedy EGM followed by a very speedy Comittee meeting. JP let everyone know he will be holding a "Rali Gogledd" meeting in a few weeks time to let everyone know how he is progessing with rally plans.
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).
Clwyd Vale MC Need you	on May 17th up at the Ranges - they need more marshals - anyone interested let them know asap
We need a field - does anyone have one they havent ever mentioned? Dont worry its not to graze sheep on - its so we can have an Gymkhana this summer - anyone with a said field that doesnt mind 30 cars on it let Baz know.
Its another "special birthday" coming up soon for Lynne Leckie - the big day is Tuesday - have a great day Lynne from everyone

Blog Sunday 27th April 2008

Blog Saturday 26th April 2008

Blog Wednesday 23rd April 2008

Blog Monday 21st April 2008

Blog Sunday 20th April 2008

Yes we are back! Having traveled up hill and mountain, down dale, around forests and practically everywhere else in the Scottish Borders we made it back this afternoon. And whilst we were away we managed to fit in a few days at the Pirelli. Iain, Arthur and I all went out on Friday and helped set up on Pundershaw - well to be honest it was raining so Iain and Arthur banged stakes in - I drove Arthur's car to keep dry. Saturday we were all out on Pundershaw with our radios. As hopefully most of you will have heard a couple of brilliant results for RDMC. Firstly young Mr. Francis and Chris Jones had a fabulous result with 10th in class and 20th overall in the National. And in the International Andy Hockridge had a tremendous 2nd in class and 24th overall. Rikki retired after SS2 with a blown head gasket.
	Any fashionistas out there - you really need to get into the latest Marshal Wear - RDMC "Team Radio Marshal Vests"- as modelled by Mr B - well at least we made sure everyone knew which club the 3 of us were from !! And the President made sure everyone knew where he was from by posing throughout the forest.
Pundershaw was a great venue to watch on and we were lucky to see majority of the cars through in the morning without any major problems. On the second run through Post 4 had a bit of drama when a car landed on its roof - Arthur dutifully ran up the road to check crew were ok and reported back on his return all ok - only to be asked for the Car Number! All went very quiet -as Arthur had to re-run the route and check the number - Its now imprinted on his brain CAR 208! Mr Bulletin editor Rod was also out in the forest taking photos and seen nibbling on his Kendal Mint Cake to keep warm (it really was freezing).
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

Blog Thursday 10th April 2008

Blog Monday 7th April 2008

Blog Friday 4th April 2008

Committee last night–	Firstly, sad news that Michelle has resigned as Treasurer – after 12 years in post it’s going to be an extremely difficult pair of shoes to fill. Everyone present wished Michelle well and offered major votes of thanks for all the work she has done over the last 12 years. (An EGM will be coming up to elect a new treasurer next month).
Rod sent in a note asking for some support for the bulletin – it’s a pretty thankless job when people aren't sending in anything to publish! A couple of reports were forthcoming on the night but if you have more please email them to Rod or drop them off at “Jones the Paint”.
Forthcoming events	Lee Holland -April 12th ------------------------- Pirelli - April 19th ------------------------------- Twyford --------------------------------------------- Jackson Trophy----------------------------------- Night Owl-------------------------------------------	Rob Dick / Baz - Kev Jones / Ros - Chris Rogers / Chris Jones Luke Francis / Chris Jones - Rikki Proffit - Andrew Hockridge Baz Jordan / Baz Green John Leckie / Paul Holmberg TBC JP / Richie - John / Paul (TBC)
Nearly last but not least – we postponed the Chain & Bell due to forecast of advise weather conditions aka hail and gale force winds. Iain will re-arrange asap as we really don’t want to lose all that lovely sponsorship and entry money for BHF. And speaking of charity – Big Dave suggested Hope House as the club sponsored charity in 2008 – unanimous agreement by those present to adopt so we need to start thinking of a couple of fund raisers.

Blog Saturday 29th March 2008

North Humberside Forest Rally		Latest update Baz Jordan / Baz Green in the EVO 8 placed 33th oa / 11th in class
Marshal Training Day in Rhyl 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

Blog Thursday 27th March 2008

Our Irish 'travellers' are in the Visitor and the Journal this week - as are those that travelled over the borders to England for the Moonbeam - (apologies to Baz / Robbie - I promoted you both up the final results a little further than you actually were)
Latest from the ANWCC front - top of the Road Rally Driver and Road Rally Navigator after two events?? John Leckie and Paul Holmberg
Sunday is Weeton - this week its SMC Stages - no RDMC crews showing on the entry list? But three of the Rhyl Radio crews are out on the event (and following the Marshal training for quite a few club members all day Saturday let hope that extra "little knowledge" isn't a dangerous thing !!)
update - couple more entries of note - club member Andrew Hockridge is entered in the International, and in the Historic's Rikki Proffitt / John Robertson are out in the Escort (also out are current non club members Rupert Lomax and Dave Alcock).

Blog Tuesday 25th March 2008

Quiz night last week - on a "10 questions where the answer is a certain member of the club". All was revealed in that Ian Vale will be 50 years young on April 5th - so the quiz was themed with several questions relating to Ian's rally career. ........
Quiz winners were......no strangely not Ian Vale.....but Iain, Sandra and Rod
Only 2 weeks to the Chain & Bell - over 60 entrants now - and several members of the club doing some practise. This weekend Baz and Clare could be spotted cycling round the Brennig - yes it was blowing a gale and yes it was snowing - but that didn't stop them.
There could be a theme building here with winter sports? Last weekend Lynne Leckie could be seen rivaling Suzanne Shaw with her Dancing on Ice performance at Queensferry rink (Lynne not Suzanne). We here there is no (current) truth in the rumour that Lynne has been approached to appear in the next series - but could that just be Lynne trying to throw us of the trail??

Blog Wednesday 19th March 2008

This Thursday is the big event of the month - Yes its Linda's quiz night - be there for what's sure to be a very 'different' quiz with a theme
Anyone who took part (well that's John and Richard only) or helped out on the Lombard 2007 interested in helping a lady who is writing a book on the event??? If you are let me know and I have a telephone number and email address you can contact her on to give your views, stories, thoughts etc on the event.
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 :)

Blog Monday 17th March 2008

Results in from the weekend

Blog Friday 14th March 2008

News just in from our foreign correspondent in Spain...

RDMC couple arrive in Barcelona - take a walk - and one of them (a certain Club Secretary) falls off the kerb ( pre drinking session). Takes trip to hospital and after 4 hours is told has a broken wrist - and that's just their adventures on day 1.
So all in all a bit of a "busmans holiday" for Ros

Blog Wednesday 12th March 2008

St. Patricks Day on Monday - and the Irish are going to need all the luck they can get with the Welsh invasion coming over for the West Cork Rally
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.	John Leckie / Paul Holmberg (seeded 4th) Baz Green / Robbie Jones (seeded 9th)
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

Blog Monday 10th March 2008

Results from the weekend - a bit sketchy at the moment - will update as more are confirmed

Robin Hood Stages	Rikki Proffitt / John Roberts	17th oa / 5th in class
Roskirk Stages	Kev Jones / Ros Goodall Trevor Groves / Keith Jones	13th oa/ 4th in class 23rd oa /4th in class
Rali Llyn	John Leckie / Paul Holmberg David hughes / Ian Jones Ian Vale / Big Al	6th oa/ 6th in class 34th oa / 25th in class 19th oa/ 18th 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
Anyone intending on going up to the Pirelli in April will be pleased to see a couple of locals up there. Luke Francis (yes he of Bob and Mark ancestry) will be competing with our own Vice Chairman Mr. Jones in the pacenotes seat. Luke and Chris are entered for this years Fiesta Challenge so a lot of travels coming up for them over the next 6 months. Last but not least our very own Keith Jones not only celebrated a 4th in class on Sunday - he also celebrated his 51st birthday

Blog Thursday 6th March 2008

Blog Monday 3rd March 2008

First things first - well done that man Rod - fabulous bulletin popped through the door today - loads of effort gone into it and it shows
Another date for the diaries in March - Roskirk Stages -March 9th	Keith Jones is out - sitting alongside Trevor Groves Ros Goodall with be starting her 2008 season with Kev Jones
Feb Quiz night ....won by Baz, Clare and John Steel
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

Blog Friday 29th February 2008

March tomorrow and its a busy month for events.......
Hapus St. Dafydd s ddiwrnod	Birthday greetings for March 1st go to John Leckie -
Robin Hood Stages - Nottingham - 8th/9th March	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
Tour of Cheshire - 8th March	No one competing - but a few of us going out marshaling / radios
Rali Llyn	Not sure who has entered ??
Moonbeam 15th/ 16th March	Baz / Robbie Jones out in the 205 John Leckie / Paul Holmberg in the Subaru

Blog Tuesday 26th February 2008

Marshal Championship actually becoming a championship now we have a people registering for points! After 2 months in the lead is?????? Arthur - well it kind of makes up for him not winning "Top Dog Driver" which he really did want in 2007.

Rod is trying to get a bulletin produced for us in the next week or so - a couple of reports, adverts, in fact anything at all wouldn't go amiss at this stage - send him anything you can via email (or drop it in at 'Jones the Colour')

Blog Sunday 24th February 2008

Not too much to say about last night other than "Oh What a Night!!!" - fantastic to see so many of the club there and enjoying a fabulous night - thanks again to Ros - she really did pull out all the stops and made it a great evening.

On the rallying front - a certain Chris Jones made up for not having a few drinks last night...he and Rob Dick came in 1st in the C&A Slater's Trophy today at Ty Croes - well done - could be Chris chasing Baz for some of the trophies in 2008?

Lynne practising reading her road books for the Three Castles 2008?		A few of the usual suspects enjoying the evening!

Blog Sunday 17th February 2008

Lots happening this weekend... first was the Winter Stages down at Sweet Lamb - we hear another great result for Jason and Pete Nash with 9th / 1st. Not such a good day for Gareth Webb and Rich Jones who retired, and we hear that was after a bit of a major off?
Thanks to Derek for the "loan" of this gereat photo - anyone interested in seeing more of his event photos visit his web site	Photo credit : Derek Binstead - www.djbinsted.co.uk

Up at the North West Stage a long, VERY long day for most concerned. We went up as radio marshals..and were rewarded with 8 hours sat at the sewage treatment works - trust me its not a nice place to spend your day. Rick and Kerry were slightly better off as they were the Stage Medics at Hillhouse - less smelly but probably equally cold. Fabulous 'Marshal Goody Bags' - mugs, metal badges, crips, sweets etc. - fairplay to the organisers they really do make a big effort to thank the marshals.

Anyway, back to who did what on the actual driving front....well a whisper came down from Hillhouse that a certain Darrian didn't go into the stage via Esso or BP - which resulted in a retirement during SS4 for Rob / Baz.
Better luck for Chris Farrell and Phil Jones who came in 27th /6th and Allan Clews and Rich Jones who finished 65th / 15th.

Blog Friday 15th February 2008

'Whispers' from the Whitehouse.........a club member looks likely to be visiting Cumbria, Northumberland, Severn Valley, Swansea, The Peaks and even a little trip up to the wilds of Scotland this season . will just needs to stay awake and remember they said "Fiesta" not "Siesta" !!!!

Has anyone else taken the Top Gear Mazda Challenge? have a go on the Top Gear website - I did the Mountain Time Trial in 3:10:43 http://www.topgear.com/icons/

Blog Monday 11th February 2008

Practise runs for the Chain & Bell Rally are now well underway....two of the club's more 'advanced in years' could be spotted out on a trial run on Sunday on the Ffrith Beach Promenade Stages...(well you could just about spot them through the sea mist if you were quick). El Presidentee felt he was doing well - until Iain told him he wasn't getting an ice-cream stop (see right)- after wiping away the tears both managed to complete a full 11 miles without too many mishaps - well if you exclude being overtaken by 2 eleven years olds with stabilisers, and nearly being knocked off their bikes by a very energetic Spaniel.

Blog Friday 8th February 2008

AGM last night – good turn out and we got to sit like we were in the Cinema! Majority of the 2007 officers were re-elected to post – only a couple of exceptions – Press Secretary moved within the Baxter household – and Chief Marshal for 2008 will be Iain.
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.

But the most amazing thing of the night was….we started at 7.30pm prompt and finished by 8.04pm!!! Surely that’s a record for an AGM – and just as surely it’s thanks to the great organizational skills of Baz and Ros.

Blog Thursday 7th February 2008

Very early doors in the ANWCC Championships - but after the first event in the Forests -Jason Nash sitting in 3rd place in the drivers overall....brother Pete sitting one place higher in 2nd overall in the co-drivers. Long way to go but worth keeping up[ with how everyone is doing this year? And their efforts bring RDMC into 7th place in the Club Championship after event 1 in the forest.

Blog Sunday 3rd February 2008

Congratulations are in order......Ros was awarded with the Gwynne Pritchard Memorial Trophy at the WAMC awards dinner last week. The award was nominated for Ros' efforts in promoting motorsport during 2007. Another trophy to add to the ever growing mantelpiece - but a bit special in that Ros was nominated and judged to be a worth winner by the Chairman of WAMC- well done from everyone - (we will all chip in for a big bottle of brasso - looks like you might need it )

Blog Thursday 31st January 2008

The Americans have the US Presidential Elections going on and on and on....
but next week we have our very own rival to the event - the AGM for 2008 where all paid up members can vote for their comittee. With 66 paid up members (gone through comittee last month) there should be a good turn out on the night. Its a 7.30pm sharp start.....so whilst there may not be the heart felt emotion of a Hilary Clinton speech - or the power of a Barack Obama debate - but we have our very own candidates......
® Airforce 1 Arthur Jones - fresh from Camp David (or was it Dave's camp bed??) Giving his El Presidently "If you will have me gentleman" speech!
®Baz 'Chairman' Green with his annual State of the Union / Club address
®Michelle Griffiths ' Paulson Jr' from the Treasury Department who will be revealing if we can clear the national debt of a small 3rd world nation
and finally our Competition Secretary ®Keith 'Seb Coe' Jones will br rivaling the Olympic Bidders with tales of this years winning performances

It's surely going to be a night to rival the Iowa Caucus so the message is "Be there and have say in the running of YOUR club

Blog Monday 28th January 2008

Big news for today....Webmaster Baxter aka Andy Cap is 55 years young today...and spent the weekend in the metropolis that is Essex. A trip on the London Eye was not for the faint hearted (and the old heart proved its less faint than we all thought as he made it no problems !!!) Sadly the pension didn't stretch to champagne and hotels - well not for 2 of us. So I stayed at a very nice little place and Iain bedded down in true London style with daily papers in the subway! (see right).
Next event coming up is North West Stages on February 16th in Blackpool - RDMC entries Allan Clews / Richard Jones in the Favorit, Rob Dick / Baz are out in the Darrian. The organisers are looking for radio crews so we should also be well re-presented on the airwaves. On the same weekend Telford MC have the Winter Stages down at Sweet Lamb - no entry list as yet but possibly a few RDMC entrants to be expected?
March 1st - celebration plans are afoot for Mr Leckie to celebrate his 49th. Madame Leckie is arranging Bowling and a meal and down at the Ffrith. EVERYONE is welcome and Lynne needs some names / numbers to get a booking - it doesn't count in the Clubmans Championships - but there is bound to be an award for the top performer on the night
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??

Blog Monday 21st January 2008

Red Kite Stages yesterday down at Llandovery. Jason and Pete Nash out flying the flag for the club. Good result 21st oa and 4th in class in what were very difficult conditions with torrential rain and strong winds.

With all the talk of who won what on the ANWCC and WAM we overlooked those in the club who compete in the HRCR Championships. So its worth mentioning that Rikki Proffitt came in 3rd in class in the Dunlop / Gambia - MSA British Historic Rally Championship. Photo below shows Rikki on the start line on the Manx International in 2007 - (giving the 'Valey' wave). Rikki won 3rd in Class C5. ...............................

Blog Sunday 20th January 2008

Quiz night Thursday - Linda's quiz must be gaining national acclaim!! At least 40 people in the bar with the majority taking part. Another cracker of a 'Linda Quiz". Winning Team were Baz, Clare, Chris J & Lynne, but then someone must have got a MINT CARD as something fairly dumb happened - Rod, Arthur, Iain and Sandra came 2nd - it could be the Flat Cap that did it??
Friday was the BIG BIRTHDAY for the Chairman - I am sure the hangover is wearing off some 20 hours later????
Rali Gogledd is on - John Paul is looking for volunteers to help and has announced his intended date to run the event will be September.
Apparently Motorsport news had some problem with their typing this week - and seemed to age our Chairman even further. Then again the CLEVER / DUMB balance was restored though, as a topic on the forum discussing this very item threw up a LOVELY photo of Rod......you need to check this one out ( link to the right until we can ask the owner if I can share this with you all)
There is talk of the Astra Stages running this year - a much smaller event and moving away from Llangollen and back to Ruthin. Nothing concrete as yet but previous organisers are asking for opinions on what type of event it needs to be to get people interested / entering.

Blog Tuesday 15th January 2008

"Green and Barnes Winter winners" so says the Journal this week page 63.......a full write up on RDMC successes in the Winter challenge...
..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.
Reports are filtering back that our very own DSO out on the night was strict but fair, and our Steward on the event booked a room at the Swallow Falls and didn't leave the safety of it all night (but to be fair we did see him at petrol so he must have come out for an hour). All in all we hear the event went off really well with just one minor exception involving a Landrover - and before anyone asks.. NO!! it wasn't Baxter causing chaos in his for a change.

Blog Sunday 13th January 2008

Winter Challenge last night. Great start venue at the Swallow Falls Hotel, plenty of room inside to keep out the rain and plenty of good food served by local natives with American accents. A good turn out from the club in terms of both entrants and supporters. The event was organised by NWCC with Colin Jones running Clerk of the Course and our very own Keith Jones running Secretary of the Meeting. Closed to club event so all entrants joining NWCC - some crews taking advantage of the "partners free" and taking their partner along as driver! A fabulous start to the year with great results for RDMC.....
1st Overall - Baz Green / Dave Barnes
2nd overall / 1st expert John Leckie / Paul Holmberg
4th overall / 2nd expert Howard Price / Chris Webber
6th overall / 5th expert Alan "Big Al" Roberts / Ian Vale
8th overall / 7th expert JP Williams / Richie Jones
23rd overall / 8th Novice David Hughes / Almaira Hughes
DNF Mal De Nav SF3 Steve 'Bagsy' Edwards / Gareth Williams

A stinker of a night for everyone who acted as marshals - we only went out to watch and got drenched so hats off to the marshals and officials for the soaking they got (or hats on would probably have kept them drier??!!

Leckie / Holmberg at Eglwybach ................Endaf Davies / Lee Matthews.................(I don't profess to be Rod or Duncan - hence the quality of the photos may leave just a bit to be desired!!!))

Blog Friday 11th January 2008

Vote are being counted on the great cheesecake debate - those in attendance last night at the Salusbury will have heard a few slurs that cheesecake does NOT contain cheese. Apparently its just a name without an ounce of cheese to be seen!!
Well the votes are in - so far its :

Does contain cheese	Doesn't contain cheese
Sandra Baxter, Gill from the Salusbury (a chef!!), Gordon Ramsey, Ainsley Harriet, Nigella Lawson, Delia Smith, Antony Worral Thompson ,Phil Vickery, Rick Stein, Jamie Oliver- and just to be VERY sure a member of the club who should know - The Cheeseman - Gareth Hockridge (updated to include new Cheese tasters Ros and Rod)	Chris Jones Arthur Jones
.

Blog Thursday 10th January 2008

The Chain & Bell is gaining momentum - several pledges of entry now. If you don't fancy the actual bike ride would still be good to have club members there to help with the picnic at the end - and we need a volunteer to act as recovery vehicle. We have been out practicing again - good job as I had an "off" in the car park at the Ffrith !! Bike survived - my elbows and knees were not as lucky. Unfortunately the 'vehicle' in front hit my front wheel and sent my flying across the road. Luckily no one around with a video so its one you wont see on You Tube.

Three Castles Motor Club have announed they are now up to 117 entries for the rally this June. If you are able to help out on the event and marshal please let Iain know as he is collating names for the organisers.

Blog Friday 4th January 2008

First Comittee meeting of the year last night...main news is / was.......Rali Gogledd is not currently showing on the ANWCC Championship - we are waiting for a date - as soon as one is agreed it will be added to the Championships.
Past and future events were few on the ground... 30th December - Stuff The Turkey at C&A - won by ? you guessed it - our soon to be 40 years young Chairman Baz Green.
12th January - The Winter Challenge Rally hosted by NWCC - entries so far from RDMC: Baz & someone? John Leckie and Paul Holmberg, Ian Vale and Big Al. Also another outing for Almeria Hughes who will by navigating for cousin David Hughes for the second time. Lots of marshals needed by NWCC - anyone interested it starts at Swallow Falls Hotel.
19th / 20th January - Autotests at Ferrodo Factory in Caernarfon. The event is co-promoted by C&A and RDMC - anyone wanting to marshal turn up on either day by 9.30 am and see Lee who will find you a job.
20th January - Red Kite Stages - Jason and Pete Nash out flying the flag for RDMC in the wilds of Llandovery. Last year they came 27th oa and 6th in class - with Baz just behind them in 28th oa.

Blog Monday 31st December 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL - HOPE YOU HAVE A FABULOUS 2008

.........and last thought for the year on the ANWCC championship update - the Marshal Championship - no one from RDMC won anything - but we only had one marshal showing in the championship - Ros was there in 29th place - for her efforts on the PK. Considering quite a few of us regularly marshal could be good to see everyone register for the marshals championship next year?

Blog Sunday 30th December 2007

Blog Saturday 22nd December 2007

Club Christmas Party on Thursday - excellent night and great turn out from club members. And I admit I was wrong about the dancing - Lynne Leckie and Chris Webber hit the floor and showed that we do have members that can dance! Good night out which seemed to be enjoyed by all.

A bit of bigger news - I asked why no one enters the WAMC championships? well they do. Jason and Pete Nash not only entered the MILLERS OILS WELSH CLUBMANS FOREST RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP 2007 - Jason came 4th oa & 1st in class and in the Co-Drivers Pete came 3rd oa & 1st in class - so that's another couple of trophies going RDMC way - (as a club we finished 47th oa in the WAMC club championships). I had totally missed Jason and Pete's success on the WAMC website - sorry and a million congratulations on your fabulous achivement.

Last bit of news for today - apparantly the 'Lesser Spotted Chadwick' has been spotted (!) in the area - all club members are warned that he is about so take care, look out for vaguely familiar faces in the area and if you seen him buy him a drink and wish him seasons greetings from all.

Blog Monday 17th December 2007

All is quiet on the Western Front - not much rallying going on - its probably just as tough though doing 30 minutes around Rhyl Christmas shopping right now!
Last Thursday a fabulous quiz from Linda to end the year, although the naming of the parts of the body in medical terms proved a little challenging for some of us. Then again what "my true love sent to me" on the 6th, 8th and 10th days proved as challenging. If you weren't there you missed the Communal Singing - well the 'fire end' sang from "Five Gold Rings" downwards - and to be fair it probably wasn't the best singing ever - but hey ho it was in the spirit. Anyway another good turn out to end a year of well supported quiz nights.

Eventual winners were.......of course Pete and Jason Nash - (they probably clinched it with their Grinch knowledge).
Happy Christmas from our house to all of yours xxx

Blog Tuesday 11th December 2007

When the Rhyl Journal hits your carpet take a look at Page 15 - The Girlie Scatter report has been published, alongside some fairly dubious photos of winners Adam and Dave, together with Baz, Arthur & Lynne - apologies all - my photographic skills aren't too good. Anyway, as they say "any publicity is good publicity" -and its amazing what a bit of poetic licence will do to get us in the papers! (if you have already chucked out the paper you can have a look at the article by clicking here

Blog Sunday 9th December 2007

some news on the weekend events...(I only said 'news' not good news)

1. Firstly Rockingham -Baz and Rob were in 2nd after SS2 then it seems a somewhat trying day - stuck in gravel for over 3 hours(?) so today was Trophy Day (and theycamet 1st oa for the trophy event)
2. Up at Grizedale they had snow and plenty of it - Andrew Hockridge had some time to build a snowman as he retired after SS2.
3. And just to make it 3 out of 3 - Howard Price and Chris Webber were DNF on the Y2K.

Better news for the club on the ANWCC championships - a few more championships decided......................

ANWCC Road Rally Championship - Baz 'chairman' Green finished 5th oa - and 1st Expert in the Drivers overall
ANWCC Historic Stage Rally Championship Driver - Allan Clews 3rd oa
ANWCC Historic Stage Rally Championship Co-Driver - Richie Jones - 3rd oa AND 1st Novice Co-driver
ANWCC Hillclimb Championship - Rob John Jones - 6th oa and 2nd in class

With Ros, Pete, Jason and Gareth all winning honours too (see 20th Nov) a really good year for RDMC on the ANWCC. checking on the WAMC website it doesnt appear anyone entered their championships? why would that be?

Blog Friday 7th December 2007

Committee night last night....no earth shattering news to impart. Good turn out (exception being those sunning themselves in far off climes).

Nov Quiz winners Gareth Price & John Leckie - 2nd Ian Vale & Kieran Jones
Nov Night Nav 1st Paul and Sarah Holmberg, 2nd Mick Batty & Gerallt Davies

December looking busy within the club - next week (13th) Linda has a quiz - apparantly its got a a bit of a twist on the usual quizzes??

Week after on the 20th is the Christmas disco (that no one dances at)- now thats unless Baz, Chris, Ros and Arthur have reheared their little Christmas jig as seen on the website link!! maybe not - but you never know -
And the final Thursday is the 27th - a social night will be on for those wanting to get out of the house before they climb the walls screaming from eating too many mince pieces and watching too much tv.

On Sunday 30th C&A are holding their annual Stuff the Turkey Autotest - word had it that this would be at Ty Croes - however ANWCC website shows its at Anglesey showground - so could be a good day out just travelling between the two venues working out where its really on

Last but not least - I wanted to share a few little gems with you
"When I grow up I want to be a racing car driver Baxter" aged approx 18 months
	"When I grow up I want to be the first ever person to drive a Smart Car Baxter" aged 45 years (so much so I queued up at the 2000 Motorshow in Birmingham just so I could sit in one!!!

Blog Sunday 2nd December 2007

Not too many events left for 2007 - Rockingham Stages (Corby) on 8th / 9th down in Middlesex. Rob Dick and Baz Green seeded number 4. (Bit of useless information - Rockingham is the first purpose built race track in the UK since Brooklands in 1907). It's also the Hall Trophy at Weeton next weekend - cant see anyone from RDMC on the entry list? Anyone up in the Lakes next weekend doing some Christmas shopping and wanting to catch a bit of rallying - the Coppermines Grizedale Stages in also on the 8th - club member Andrew Hockridge is running at car 30. On the "Roads" Y2K next weekend too - Howard Price and Chris Webber making the trip down to the Brecon's.

The Awards Dinner and Dance is not too far away – over 100 tickets sold now - a great chance to see some familiar faces that may not have been at the club in recent years. Preparations are well underway with a few surprises being planned to make the evening go with a bang (no – we haven’t hired a cannon – although a 60 gun salute would be a bit different!). Guest speaker will be the former editor of Motoring News, Stuart Turner.

Ok a little brain teaser now - can you guess who this little tale is about ?

A certain RDMC member mentioned to her husband that as its a special awards do she needed a new dress - no way said he - you have enough
So she tried again for an expensive hair do - again the wise husband said not needed but suggested a manicure
So the lady concerned realised she may be on a winning streak and says she will need a bit of a tan to look good
Husband thinks this seems ok and agrees - how much can a couple of sunbed sessions really cost????
Ah but the lady concerned is one ahead of the husband - she has gone and booked 7 days in GOA !!!!! - (and to save cost the husband isn't going) - Now that's STYLE !

Blog Friday 30th November 2007

Last night was the BIG EVENT - The GIRLIE SCATTER. It all seemed relatively simple on the night - sign people on - then at 7.30pm Ros shouts "SCATTER" and off they go. Chief Marshal considered giving her own briefing and taking blood samples - luckily for the competitors we talked her out of it. As soon as the crews had left we had a major debate about where to go and marshal - well it wasn't that major to be fair - the vote to go into the Plough for a meal was unanimous within about 4 seconds. We then proceeded to spend an hour debating how sad it was that we were rally widows - sat on our own, whilst you lot drive around the countryside, in the freezing cold, walking in mud looking for clues (that might be anywhere), no alcohol allowed as you are driving, no food - and then we realised - BARGAIN this rallying in the warmth, having a meal and a quick drink isn't half bad

Lucky for us we found a new Scatter organsing member on the night - good to see Jen Langdon back - and also lucky for us she was good at marking the results. Some of the crews showed great initiative with the bonus items - a few lovely bunches of pink flowers purchased whilst collecting the Asda til receipt (Iain take note - ASDA sell flowers) - some great photos of loved ones - Richie's framed photo was a classic - and Chris Webber used his charm and just took a photo of Ros and I -(Iain again take note - carry photo of loved one - it might be useful one day!!). Top of the bonus items for us though had to be the heart shaped twig from JP and Richie - who are we to argue that it really did appear to be a log - but then JP probably knows better than us.

The whole organising team were absolutely thrilled with the massive support everyone gave us - competitors, scrutineers, weeks of endless listening to us debate finals and map reference and the general help and advice from other members of the club. We cant say thank you enough times - Jen, Linda, Ros, Sandra, Lynne and Adele

For a full report of the night and some lovely photos of a certain 'girlie' see the club web site

Blog Tuesday 27th November 2007

Another ANWCC Champion amongst us ...congratulations to Ros who has been confirmed as winner of the Stage Rally Co-Drivers Championship.....also looking like she will be Champion in the Ladies co-drivers too. Well done Ros - a fabulous result for you and the club!!

The Three Castles looks like being another major event for a lot of club members in 2008 - with 80 entries already looks like they will have another full house. As always loads of RDMC members are either officials or marshals - with space for many more!

Blog Monday 26th November 2007

Round 20 of the ANWCC Stage Rally Championships was the Neil Howard Memorial Stages, hosted by Bolton-le-Moors MC on 25 November 2007. Not a good day for Chris Farrell/Bill Chadwick (Ford Escort 1998) - they retired SS5 with gearbox problems.

Great result for John Leckie and Paul Holmberg on the Farrington - 1st place - well done !!! Overall finish places for RDMC were....

Car 2. Baz Green / Rob Jones		18th oa / 15th in class
Car 6. Big Dave / Ian Vale		9th oa / 8th in class
Car 11. John Leckie / Paul Holmberg		1st o/a
Car 14. Kev Parry / Dave Davies		6th oa / 5th in class
Car 16. Stephen Edwards / Roger Evans		OTL
Car 23. John Paul Williams / Rich Jones		33 oa / 21st in class
Car 39. Nick Banks / Reg Gradden		25th oa / 6th in class
Car. 62 David Hughes / Almeria Hughes		56th oa / 12th in class
Car 50. Aidan Richards / Eliot Madeley		47th oa / 18th in class

Blog Tuesday 20th November 2007

Farrington coming up this weekend. organised by Clwyd Vale with John Broadhurst and Gareth Williams Clerks of the Course. Big Dave changing the gearbox today, so the Peugeot will be in top condition (checking the windows open smoothly too no doubt so Mr. Vale can get his customary wave into his fans .

As its looking like a cold and wet night on Saturday (BBC forecast not mine) then everyone out supporting or marshaling for the below had better wrap up warm. And with 10 crews out from the club its looking like quite a few other members will be out and about on the night.

Car 2. Baz Green / Rob Jones
Car 6. Big Dave / Ian Vale
Car 11. John Leckie / Paul Holmberg
Car 14. Kev Parry / Dave Davies
Car 16. Stephen Edwards / Roger Evans
Car 23. John Paul Williams / Rich Jones
Car 41. Nick Banks / Reg Gradden
Car 52. Aidan Richards /
Car 59. Mei Davies / Steve Jones
Car 65. David Hughes / Gareth Morgan

Girlie Scatter getting closer - only 8 more get ups !! Yes we know there is massive excitement out there (well ok maybe that's just the Girlie Organisers) but we have some quality entries. And you know what they say "Its the Quality not the Quantity that counts". There is a rumour we might have an International entrant - but you know what the English are like - one of them might pop over the border but then they might not.

Ros has put together a very interesting set of clues and references - be prepared to see Wales. We have our internal book running on potential top 3 - trust us - the winning crew will be the ones who "Think Girlie" style.

ANWCC Forest Championships are decided, with some good results from RDMC

Well done all - a few more looking like bringing home the silver but nothing official on the ANWCC website as yet other than above.

Blog Sunday 18th November 2007

Ty Croes Race Track today - for what appeared (to me) to be Touring Cars with navigators. Circuit looks brilliant, surface smooth, organisation great - but somehow it didn't feel like being at a Stage Rally. Being on rally radio perched at the top of the hill gave a great view - and for me a highlight - Ladies toilets at the top of the hill !!! All in all a cracking venue - but maybe a little too polished for rallying? Anyway just us and Keith up there on Rhyl Radios - quite a few club members out servicing for the RDMC crews competing too.

Of the RDMC crews competing - Baz and Rob Dick had left yesterday after an early retirement. Richie Jones and John Paul were out but running in the Trophy Rally - for most of the day they were the ONLY people in the Trophy Rally. A couple of good results for the club

Chris Rogers / Chris Jones 16th oa / 2nd in Class D
	Kev Jones / Ros Goodall 7th oa / 3rd Class C ( a result which should see both Kev and Ros further improve their places at the top of the ANWCC championships)
Richie Jones / JP Williams retired
	...and nearly a great photo of Trevor Groves and Sarah Manton - only to find AFTER the results Sarah wasn't actually there !
And last, but by no means least, - we came across a fairly rare sight - the "Lesser Spotted RDMC Member / Photographer" bird (aka Duncan Littler). This bird can be seen if you sit very quietly and wait for it to creep along the track and lay in wait to pounce upon an unsuspecting rally car. However this bird is also a really regular contributor to the club website and supplies plenty of photos of competing members for all.

Blog Friday 16th November 2007

Last night was Radio Controlled Car Night. Our friends at NWCC put on a good evening - DVT even supplied made to measure cones - courtesy of the knitting factory. A fairly good turn out on the night - and a great contact made with an old RDMC face - Kev Pappa who has offered to assist with our plans / booking for the club trip to Isle of Man next year.

On the radio controls - amazing to hear but true -I wasn't last ! To be fair if my Beetle hadn't suffered terminal front wheel fall off syndrome I would have been even better. However when you have a £6 plastic under 7's truck up against the Subaru world it was going to be tough (my excuses and I am sticking with them). I surely won the First Ladies Trophy - only to find Iain hadn't thought of trophies! .

Overall though you have to pleased when you beat Big Dave in your first ever event ! Even more so when same Dave rolls his car when he clips the carpet giving me every chance to finish above him on the stage. A good night - something different and well done to DVT and Iain for organising.

Blog Tuesday 13th November 2007

Blog Sunday 11th November 2007

Saturday night - time to marshal on the Lombard RAC, Iain , Rod, Keith and myself were down to look after the petrol halt on the A5 at Ty Nant Corwen. Arrived at around 6.30pm - clocks arrived at the same time, as did Course Car 1 who was desperate for some air for his Q7 tyres. Told us he had 2 punctures in the forests and had to buy 4 second hand wheels and tyres - £2000!! Next to arrive was the Chief Marshal - who drives straight past and had to reverse back. "Do you need some clock boards" he asks - not really we responded - we have the ones you just drove past! The owners of Roberts & Thomas could not have been more helpful. Firstly they had built us a table to put in an out room to do the times / check sheets. Then one of the staff made it his business to make us continual teas and coffees throughout the evening - top class people who really couldn't do enough to help either us or the competitors.

Next to arrive was the Clerk of the Course - looking just a little shattered but still able to sprint into the garage for a Red Bull top up (they must have sold more Red Bull than petrol during the course of the evening). The bad news was everyone was delayed by around 20 minutes due to the change round of the stage in Betws Y Coed taking longer than expected. Plus a crew of Lombard employees luck ran out on Betws y Coed and they ended up 40ft down the bank requiring to combined efforts of three 4-wheel drives to pull them out. (both crew returned to Llandrindod unhurt) - so it was looking like to time to get the egg butties out and get ready for a wait. The rain stayed off and the wait wasn't too long - before we saw another couple of Course Cars, Clock Cars, MSA officials - you know all the people who are out there to block up the roads before the real rally gets to you

We saw our first car in around 9pm - as usual the lack happiness amongst the top few crews was evident - glum faces and the words 'please' and 'thank you' had been stored at the back of the brains. Within a few cars though we were back to people who were obviously enjoying themselves and out to have a good time. At this stage a question - Why do rally crews always assume a marshal will know how many minutes to add on for their delay and hence will know what time they SHOULD book in? I don't, I never have - but I always feel I SHOULD know as they evidently don't.

For the marshals the most interest for us came when car 76 came in - the only RDMC crew on the event and looking like they were having a ball. John Steele (on left) and Richard Kay in their 1992 Peugeot 205 Rallye 1360, made the most of a two minute break in competition at the fuel stop. Both looked shattered but happy at getting so far without any major problems. They were doing the club proud both in terms of still running and in looking like they were out to enjoy it. At the end of time card 8 on Saturday night they were sitting in 51st place.

The next main interest came from the Car 20 - Penny Mallory and Jason Dawe. Not the chattiest of crews by far - but seemed to be enjoying the evening and to be fair were happy to pose for a web site photo. Apparently they had been improving as the week had gone on - starting fairly spectacularly by going the wrong way round on the Go Kart track on day 1. For us another 'wow' moment was the Wartberg of Tom Leeming and Kevin Clark - a great looking car and one of the cheeriest crews of the night. For the next hour we were all kept busy with a fairly constant stream of rally traffic.

As the evening started drawing to a close we waited for the RDMC officials - first to roll in was Event Medic Ros in what can only be described as her "Vet Delivery Welllies". Ros was having a good event with no major injuries for her to deal with - of more concern were a couple of donkeys that had taken a liking to her whilst she was looking for someone to spend a penny (she has the photos let her tell you). And last but not least of the evening in rolled Closing Car 1 - with the Jones & Jones crew looking somewhat tired and heading for> you guessed it the Red Bull.

Blog Tuesday 6th November 2007

The "Q7's" arrived - and after 4 hours Chris J worked out how to lock one ! (just ask him when you see him). The Lombard "crew" all got off this afternoon - we wait their return and indepth reports.

Farrington looks very popular 59 entries already - only 3 RDMC crews showing

JOHN PAUL WILLIAMS / RICHARD JONES RDMC FORD ESCORT MkII EXPERT
BAZ GREEN / ROB JONES NWCC PEUGEOT 205 GTi EXPERT
SHEILA REYNOLDS-JONES PEUGEOT 205 EXPERT

Blog Sunday 4th November 2007

The 2007 G-O-N Cambrian Rally- report.

We started on the Cambrian a day early, Arthur, Iain and I went up Friday evening to set up the stage. When we finally found the stage (it took a couple of attempts) Iain was thrilled to see a 40ft O2 phone mast – at least mobile reception was going to be good! We stayed in the caravan overnight - Arthur went home to hunt out his Corporal Jones outfit.

Just before 7am on Saturday morning a rumbling came up the hill Clwyd Vale had arrived in Convoy – no sign of RDMC. But Keith was in radio contact - and listening to Iain directing him onto stage cheered up those who were still half asleep from Clwyd Vale. Just after 7am the RDMC crew turned up, then more people arrived, and more people and on it went. By 8am we must have had 40-50 people signing on as marshals or radio crews. A really fabulous turn out from both clubs. As usual we were also supported by non RDMC / Clwyd Vale members who turn out everytime the club has a stage to run - John Vaughan and Mark May turned up to do the Start and Bryan Flint and his crew of Scouts looked after the flying finish.

The marshals raffle prize was a day out with Ramsport - so we managed to get every person there to complete an entry - took longer to get that done that to sign everyone on - we await with fingers crossed news that someone from SS2 did win the raffle - AND THEY DID - well not top prize but Linda Jones, Iain Baxter and Martin Williams have all won prizes donated by Silverstone Tyres and Dunlop - well done all.

The 1400’s were going through without any problems and we were expecting a break when just before the end we heard that a car had rolled in stage. Crew were advised as ok but the car was slightly blocking the stage. After a quick check it was found a young lady was the driver in need of assistance – in went Mr. Blackwell Safety Officer on his white horse (or it could have been a grey Shogun – difficult to see in all that mud!) Lady safely rescued we started again. We didn't see Gareth Webb / Richard Jones on SS2 as they retired on SS1 – however it was good to see Adam Clews and Peter Williams come through as the first RDMC crew on our stage.

The Historic's were through in the blink of an eye – well after being held with us for about 10 minutes whilst Eddie did the “Knight of the Road” bit. Rupert Lomax and Dave Alcock were highly visible in the Day-Glo Mark I – as were the familiar sights of Rikki Proffitt’s Mk I and Allan Clews Saab 96 .

News came back fairly quickly that Rikki had suffered a problem in stage with wheel bearings and was forced to retire after completing the stage. However we were unsure whether Rikki has really gone for the retirement as a fellow on a bike was seen passing him near the start of SS2 - and no we aren't making that up - proof attached!

Rhyl Crews came through thick and fast after the first 20 cars. The BIGGEST smile of the day came from Trefor ‘Piccadilly’ Williams – he deserved some kind of medal just for being there and taking things in the spirit of the sport. Then again John Leckie also showed it was about having fun with the second biggest smile for the cameras of the day.

Top place for a Rhyl crew went to Baz Green and Rob Dick in the Ford Escort Mark II who came in 25 overall and 4th in their class.

Jason and Pete Nash finished 48th overall and 5th in class

OnE of the sights of the event for the marshals at the start were a couple of ex Cambrian oranisers - nice touch to see their names on the car as no hard feelings there then !!

For many of us the main event of the day was the club barbeque – well attended and you could not believe how much food we got through. I kid you not – over 75 sausages / 9 packets of bacon – and more rolls than Mrs Sunblest normally bakes in a week. And you had to be there to see Mr. Baxter in action with a frying pan and the eggs – this from a man who doesn't cook at home !!!
Many thanks to everyone who made the effort to come back for the barbeque – ok so it wasn't exactly a mid summer event and was a bit cold and damp – but it was great to see so many club members out supporting a stage and coming back for the burntest sausages you ever saw.

The full list of Rhyl & District Motor Club entrants and their results are as follows:

Rob Dick / Baz Green 26th overall / 4th in class
John Leckie / Trefor Williams 30th overall / 11th in class
Rupert Lomax / Dave Alcock 34th overall / 4th in class
Andy Roberts / Allan Roberts 42nd overall / 4th in class
Jason Nash / Pete Nash 48th overall / 5th in class
Shaun Buckley / Daniel Buckley 71st overall / 9th in class
Allan Clews / Richard Jones 85th overall / 2nd in class
Darren Preater / Clwyd Davies 91st overall / 13th in class
Rikki Proffitt / Dave Read Stopped SS2
Gareth Webb / Richard Jones Retired
Adam Clews / Peter Williams Retired
Tudor Morris/Gerallt Davies Stopped SS5
Andrew Hockridge/George Gwynne Stopped SS5
Stephen Edwards / Paul Edwards Stopped SS1

Darren Preater & Clwyd Davies	Drew & Big Al	Shaun & Daniel Buckley
Give him a flag and he looks like a Gnome!	Ok this is the start - so where do we stand??	Too many maps and not enough coffee!

Blog Friday 2nd November 2007

Comittee meeting last night - good turn out - main news worth items.....

Their are 13 RDMC crews out on the Cambrian - plus a fair number on Penmachno North -marshals / radio crews. Weather forecast is looking good - (which is good news as we are going up and staying in the caravan tonight). John Leckie is a late entry and has Trevor Piccadilly Williams as his navigator - Piccadilly won the first even Cambrian Rally 50 years ago - so a bit of history in the making when he competes this weekend (as a RMDC entrant too).

A few updates taking place on the club championships - a new and up to date league will be published next week.

The Glyn Memorial has a few club entries - so worth going up Sat / Sun or both to see them in action.

Big Dave is going to organise a Treasure Hunt the weekend between Christmas and New Year (if Keith cant get a Go Kart date booked up) - something to look forward to after the excesses of the festive season. It is a driving treasure hunt - not a walking one.

Jason Nash is going to 40 on 26th November - a nice bit of news that Mick shared with us. Mick recently celebrated his 50th and spent the day at a rally school - by all account a good day as he came out with a trophy and bottle of champagne.

For anyone out watching on the Lombard we do have a RDMC crew entered - look out for car 76 - John Steele and Richard Kay - they did the JD Romain and now moved onwards and upwards to the Lombard.

Blog Tuesday 30th October 2007

November is looking like a really busy month for everyone....starting this weekend starting on the 3rd we have the Cambrian and as importantly the RDMC Cambrian Barbeque
Then the following week from the 8th / 10th its the Lombard RAC - quite a few club members out already as marshals (Iain, Sandra, Keith and Linda), officials (Arthur, Chris, Baz and Chris Webber) and medical crews from the club (Ros and Kerry)
Thursday 15th its Radio Control night at NWCC - by all accounts we have a full Stage Rally going on around the dance floor. But there are regulations - NO hitting the skirting boards, No leaving marks on the floor, NO 'offs' into the radiators, NO ramming the stage (that's the stage at the end of the dance-floor - you know the one the disco play from). DVT is apparantly Stage Commander - we need as many RDMC crews as possible to avenge our recent Quiz night defeat.
From the 16th-19th its the Roger Albert Clarke - a quick squint at the entry list didnt turn up any RDMC members
Weekend following that - 17th / 18th - its the Glyn Memorial Stages at Ty Croes - or Anglesey Race Circuit as its now formally known - the usual "Tarmac" heads will be out there competing - should be a good chance to see the circuit in action
Slotted in on Thursday 22nd its Richie Jones Night Nav
The last weekend of the month, 24th / 25th, its back to the "Roads" - Clwyd Vale's Farrington is on in this area - sure to be a few entries from RDMC - but as yet I know not who!
Last but no means least the BIG event of the November social calendar...the Girlie Scatter - come on you KNOW you want to do it.

On the Scatter side I have been out with Ros clue hunting - good to see we both turn our maps upside down when navigating - we are half way there with the clues - so we need to be at half way with some entries - last word from our Entries Secretary was TWO entries. It promises to be an extremely fun night - who knows what surprises may be lurking out there for the competitors? So come on and dig deep for your £10 entry and send in an entry. Entries Headquarters is looking decidedly unbusy and Linda is ready for the avalanch the postman may bring any day now (hopefully Keith is too, or it may hurt his head if the entry avalanche lands when he is passing the letterbox)

Blog Date Sunday 28th October 2007

News in from the Clitheronean last night - Big Dave and Paul Holmberg finished 8th overall up in Lancashire early this morning. Early reports from the event show a really good night during which the crews were somewhat hampered by a a very thick fog - together with very slippy roads. Only 25 crews made it to the finish so a good result for Dave and Paul. Before this event Dav was in 20th place (11E) in the ANWCC Raod Rally drivers championship - a few points from this one may help move him up the league.

Blog Date Friday 26th October 2007

Last night was Night Nav. Organsied by Dai Shag - and with a broken lower leg - a credit that he still got out there (albeit with a chauffeur!!!). Apparently quite a few miles were covered - well around 60 miles to be closer to exact. Several crews out but no one able to beat the

"Dream Team"

- they made it 6 wins in 7 outings (a 2nd place in Feb keeps them from a clean sweep) - hats off to Big Dave and Ian Vale for another fine performance. After dropping Ian off at the pub door Dave suffered his car having "a moment" - a swift cloud of dust later it was parked and Dave was heading for the bar to have a quick celebrate. One of our youngest members was out competing again - Sarah Homberg lead her Dad Paul to a 1st novice (to be confirmed). A fairly full house at the Salusbury for the evening so all in all a good night out for everyone who made it - and the chips were lovely!

The Club Quiz Championship - is drawing to its conclusion. Jason Nash looks like a fairly sure bet as a winner. Currently 14 points ahead of Mick Batty - so if they compete for the next 2 months in the same team Jason will stay out in front. Ros running a good 3rd place with 136 points so could still challenge for the winning spot - well probably only if Jason and Mick leave the country in the next few weeks - then again someone has to win the lottery - you never know

In the Tarmac Stage Navigators its close at the top between Club Chairman and Secretary. With Ros getting a 6th last weekend at Wilbarston and Baz DNF, Ros could be moving to the top spot soon. Last but not least - the Clubmans there are quite a few contenders. Gerallt Davies currently at the top - but the 'Dream Team' must be closing on him with their 2 recent Night Nav wins.

Last bit of news - see Arthur for a demonstration of his "Rally Cap Full Floodlight Set" - need to be seen to be believed. but the word is every credible marshal on a road rally this winter will have a set - or was it every other marshal on a road rally will think we look incredibly stupid wearing it? Which ever - be prepared to be blinded by the light - and all for £4.25 - got to be bargain.

Cambrian update - they now have 119 entries - with a few more on the way - nice to see a couple more from RDMC - Jason and Pete Nash now showing on the entry list - and for the "foodies"amongst us - Iain has been to the butcher and ordered 2 tons of sauages and bacon for the club barbie - which takes place at the Stage Start as soon the Stage closes - all signed on marshals from RDMC are very welcome.

Blog Date Monday 22nd October 2007

A few bits of news today......Starting with Happy Birthday wishes are due to Linda Jones who celebrates her "**"th birthday today

Congratulations to Jason and Pete Nash who finished 29 overall and 3rd in class on the Bulldog Rally. Pete is still in with a good chance of securing the ANWCC Forest Championship Co-Drivers top spot - as Andy Morgan failed to finish which leaves it down to the Cambrian to see who comes out top - fingers crossed from RDMC.

Jason and Pete are also sitting in 2nd place for both drivers and co-drivers awards in the WAMC MILLERS OILS WELSH CLUBMANS FOREST RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP 2007 -

On the Adrian Barker there were mixed fortunes - John Davies came in first Kev Willet . And another good result for Kev and Ros, who came in at 9th overall and 3rd in class. Rob and Baz retired after SS2 with steering problems - after starting really well and posting the 2nd fastest stage time in SS1.

Worrying news from the Model Beetle Respray centre !! The paint "re-acted" we have no idea what this means - "Should have gone to Autocolours" - oh yes we DID !!! All will be revealed at the remote control rally being held at NWCC in November.

Blog Date Friday 19th October 2007

This weekend there are a couple of events.........The Bulldog Rally is taking place on Saturday, organised by Wolverhampton and North Staffs Motor Club. The only RDMC members I can see on the entry lists are Jason and Pete Nash. Reading the entry list the event seems to attract entries was far and wide – Inverness, down to Southampton, over to Belfast and even as far up as Reykjavick

On Sunday it’s the Adrian Barker Memorial Trophy Stages at Wilbarston Airfield run by Ecurie Royal Oak Motor Club. It’s a long drive down for those competing – (it’s between Market Harborough and Corby for the map challenged). Anyway, back to the Rally - Rob Dick and Baz Green in the Darrian (seeded No. 3) and Kev Jones and Ros Goodall in the Ford Escort (seeded No. 15) are out representing RDMC - also John Davies from Rhyl is out as co-driver with Dave Willet from Stockport in their Escort (seeded no. 6) – Dave was a previous winner of the event in 2003. Good luck to all - enjoy the M6!!. - Good luck to all - enjoy the M6!!.

Moving on to another theme - the ANWCC Championships have a lot of RDMC members in really strong contention for ‘pots’.

Ladies first – and Ros currently is (first that is) -leading the way with a 1st place Co-Driver overall and 1st place in the Ladies Championship too.

The Nash Duo are finishing strongly with Jason in 2nd place in the Forest Rally Championship Drivers and Pete currently in 3rd place. Also in the Forest we have 2 of the top 4 places in the Juniors drivers: Gareth Webb 2nd and Adam Clews 4th
Gareth Webb may be looking to extend his mantelpiece as he is also currently 1st in Novice Driver overall and 1st in Novice Driver Newcomers.

Richard Jones is also going to need trailer to get his silverware home if he keeps his current positions running 1st place in 3 classes Co-Driver Juniors, Novice Co-Driver overall and Novice Co-Driver Newcomers and also in joint 2nd for the Welsh Navigators.

With Rob Jones currently sitting in 2nd in the novice Hillclimbs – and Rhyl sitting 4th in the Club Championship its looking like the year could end with several requests for Brasso in their Christmas Stockings from the above members.

Not in the Silverware list but nice to see a family sticking together - Mr. Clews Senior is currently showing Mr. Clews Junior the way and is in 20th place (with Adam in 21st) in the Forest drivers championship. As they say it’s “Age before Beauty” or is it just Adam showing respect and letting his Dad go first?

Blog Date Thursday 18th October 2007

The Cambrian Rally Meeting was last night – well more the “Cambrian Not a Rally Meeting” really. Clwyd Vale have a fabulous temporary home at the Black Lion at Babell (with free butties) which they kindly invited everyone to on Wednesday. A Good turn out from Clwyd Vale – an ok turn out from RDMC. It ended up more of a get together than an actual meeting.

Several comments from Clwyd Vale on their enjoyment on the inter-club quiz, a couple of comments on when I am applying for a job reading the weather on tv (went straight over my head too). We used the opportunity to promote the forthcoming Girlie Scatter – a couple of offers of assistance and at least 1 entry (a second possible entry but wanted to know if he could do it on his tractor!).

Back to the Cambrian, 69 entries to date with our own RDMC highlights so far .............................

Plus LOADS of club members out marshaling - looking like a good day out for all - fingers crossed for sunshine

Blog Date Monday 15th October 2007

The “Girlie Scatter” plans are well under way. Well to be fair, Ros is well under way in organising. I have printed off some check sheets and made Rally Badges so far. The plan is simple – everyone comes out and competes – we have a lovely meal in the pub whilst you are gone and then you come back and we tell you who won!!

Ok to be honest there is quite a bit more going on behind the scene than the above – but the aim is to have a fun night and get as many people out as possible. It’s the first “Ladies Organised” event any of us are aware of so we need 100% support for you all to get out there and compete to help us make it a success. So keep Thursday 29th November free in your diary and come out and help us make this a good night out for all.

The Cambrian is only just around the corner; Stage Commander Jones has a typed list of marshals – which is currently being re-typed to include all of us he forgot on the first list! (just the Start and Finish crews, his own son, his own brother, the radio crews to name a few that were omitted)

The stage is being jointly run with Clwyd Vale and we have a meeting tomorrow for Arthur to tell us all who is doing what and when. The most important thing is we are having a Bar-B-Que – don’t expect anything too posh – after the stage finishes. Chef Sandra and Kitchen Porter Iain will be supplying the food and doing the cooking – its open to ALL who are signed on so we are hoping that loads turn up on the day and keep us busy on the little gas cooker (which we still need to unearth from the garage - its somewhere under that Mini).

The club webpage is midway through another makeover. Iain is merrily spending hour upon hour making sure its all totally up to date and every piece of information relating to the club is on there. Lets blow our own trumpets for a change - RDMC webpage was mentioned as one of the best club pages on the British Rally Forum - lots of hard work goes into it so well deserved praise for "Auld Webmaster"

Blog date Saturday 13th October 2007

Things are hotting up in the NWCC v RDMC remote controlled car event planned for November 15th. Suddenly everyone is finding remote cars in the attic and polishing up their skills.
My silver Beetle was looking a little worse for wear (too many bumps on the kitchen cabinets) so it’s gone off for a total respray at Autocolours. – watch the website for the big unveiling – if there is a class for the “Best Looking Beetle under 1 cc” I am looking for top points (well I wont be winning anything for my driving skills).

DVT and Iain Baxter are organising the event – believe it or not they are having a pre rally meeting this week to work out the Stage set up etc. – this one is looking serious.

Blog date Thursday 11th October 2007
The Inter Club quiz - a really well organised event by Linda and Keith. We managed to put in 3 teams, NWCC put in 2, C&A had 2 and Clwyd Vale and Bala both found a team each of their high IQ members.

The venue was at the Hotpoint Social Club – sadly the bar staff didn’t arrive so we had to use the main bar – but to be fair it didn’t make a lot of difference as it was only in the next room.

Linda used her “Weakest Link” series of questions – and sadly we were – the Weakest Link that is – none of our 3 teams made it through to the final. Iain still can’t see why his team didn’t win – but that’s because he STILL doesn’t understand the points system used.
The hotly contested final was between NWCC A, NWCC B and Clwyd Vale. NWCC B came out the overall winners and Baz handed back the cup for them to polish ready for us to win back nicely cleaned next year.

The only person happy we didn’t win was Linda – it means she doesn’t have to organise the event next year!

Oh and I was very happy and touched when Linda and Keith bought me a lovely bouquet of flowers for reading the questions– totally unnecessary – but really appreciated – thank you both.

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