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The Lancashire Automobile Club

  this page last updated: 28th April 2008

EVENT REPORT (2006)

Great Manchester to Blackpool Car Run
Veteran Vintage Classic Car Run
 

Sunday 11^th June dawned with the sun cracking the flags and the prospect of an enjoyable  days motoring in our “Big Healey” and meeting up with old friends and new. Leaving home in Broughton near Preston around 7.15 am we headed off down the M55, M6, M61 and last of all the M60, to the new start venue for this years event at Worsley Old Hall. On the way to the start we came upon one or two of our fellow entrants. Finding Worsley Old Hall was relatively easy and compared to the uninteresting run into central Manchester was a great improvement. The only fault I found with this new start venue were the speed humps in the drive up to the car park. Healeys detest these due to the low ground clearance.

Following completion of the formalities of signing on and collecting our route book and check cards we had time to talk to a few old friends and familiar faces while they while they facilitated themselves of the bacon butties and coffee available in the hotel.

At our appointed time of 09.08 we were flagged off and waved goodbye to the start venue and the marshals provided on this occasion by Stockport Motor Club to which we must express our sincere thanks.

The first control check point at the “Three Pidgeons” pub was reached after some 10 miles. Departing this control the route split into two. A more direct and less arduous route or a more scenic one. We chose the latter and headed off in the direction of Belmont. In Belmont we made a sharp left turn and headed off over Rivington and Anglezarke Moors with some spectacular scenery on the way to the passage control at the “Dressers Arms”.

There was now only a short run to the Coffee Stop and Control at the “Lord Nelson” at Brindle. After having our route card signed in the car park we adjourned to the pub for a very welcome coffee and a visit to the loo.

After some twenty five minutes and having a yarn in the car park with the Green brothers, we have met them on previous Manchester to Blackpool runs, in their immaculate Rover P4, we reset the Healey’s trip meter and headed out on the next section towards Clayton le Woods and Leyland. After some six and a half miles we headed down “Comet” Road and “Reiver” road. Familiar names from Leyland Trucks of years gone by. Needless to say we were now in the vicinity of the old Leyland Trucks Test track. After passing through New Longton and Whitestake we picked up the A582 again and headed into Preston and the next control stop at the Bowker BMW dealership.

Departing the control at the BMW Mini section of the dealership we headed off through the docklands area to pick up the A583 towards Blackpool. After some three miles we left forked onto the A584 towards Lytham and the Special Test Venue at the Clifton Marsh Waste Water Treatment Works. This is a more upmarket name for Sewage Works. Joining the queue we awaited our turn to complete the designated special tests and concours inspection.  Some twenty minutes later, having completed the tests, we were on our way again.

Some five and a half miles later we arrived at the control situated alongside the edge of the picturesque village green of Wrea Green. From here on we headed through the villages of Great Plumpton, Weeton, Singleton and Hardhorn. Passing through the outskirts of Blackpool our route now took us on to the promenade near the North Pier. Some 0.7 miles later we forked left at “The Manchester” hotel and finally turning left into Arnold Avenue and Arnold School. On our arrival at this final control we were greeted by the Mayor of Blackpool and our current President Mr. Ronn Middleton accompanied by their respective wives.

After checking in we parked the Healey in our allotted No.8 spot, next to the immaculate red Healey and similar model to ours, of Mr.Stuart Sutton. This year we had opted not to have the sit down lunch. As the weather was so good we had decided to bring a picnic which we greatly enjoyed whilst conversing with Stuart, and Sue his wife, sat alongside us, who had also brought a picnic.

Around the hour of 3.00 pm the presentation of the various awards took place. These being presented  by the Mayor ably assisted  by Ronn Middleton our President.

Just after 4.00 pm we packed everything in the boot and headed for home following a very enjoyable days motoring.

Our thanks go to all the Organising Officials and Marshals, without whom the event would not take place. Hopefully we will see you all again next year.

Bernard Jones.

Car No.8. KKH 182 D.

Austin Healey 3000 Mk.III

Phase II BJ8.

EVENT REPORT (2004)

Manchester to Blackpool
Veteran Vintage Classic Car Run
D-Day 6th June 2004

A view from the front.

My VVC really got under way in January. Ronn “Clerk of Course” Middleton was already on with the spadework when I was roused from my winter slumbers by the cry “where’s the route, Chris?”

Each year the club attempts to make a change and take into account the comments of competitors. Last year the route was well received but a little more was needed for the classics and an extra control would help with timings. Several nights pouring over maps carefully adjusting mileages to ensure all competitors would be at the same common controls at same time slot, given the published average speeds. The next step involved driving the route, checking road conditions, and their widths, together with any potential bad junctions, to make sure there were no hidden surprises. OK.

It was now that I got together with Martin Wylie and together we set out each and every junction and recorded the inter mileage. Martin then undertakes the not inconsiderable task of drawing up the road books. Despite fog, rain and the general frustration of roadworks, altering
junctions and signings, the road books (there are two - one shorter with a 12mph average, the longer at 26mph) are finished. At this point Ronn rings the MSA only to be told that we can’t do timing on the event due to an administrative oversight. Talk about an upset! The day of the event dawned clear and sunny, at least in Warrington, but as we approached Manchester things got decidedly grey.

As course car we leave early – early enough to discover the first of a number of hitches. Firstly, some idiots turned the access route to the Town Hall into a one way street - the wrong way! Time for a quick re-route. Instead of leaving the start 20 minutes before the first car, driven by Ted Newbould, we leave 20 seconds in front! Hitch number two soon appears. Between Wednesday night and Sunday morning the roadworks have changed in Manchester and, even worse, they’ve taken down the signs for the A6. There is literally nothing we can do; no practical place to arrow and, oh dear, Ted’s just passed us with others on his tail. At least the weather’s turning for the better!

We get back in front of Ted to open the first control and then it’s up to Chadwicks Emporium. Forget the bacon buttie, it’s straight on to Croston to open the next control after which we blaze a trail to Euxton and the Bay Horse, new control on the event with an excellent welcome.  After handing out control boards, and signing-on sheets, our scenery changes to take in the much requested rural and undulating landscape over Anglezarke to Belmont and to the next control at the Sir Loin, Houghton. By now we are in front of schedule and await the
arrival of the marshals. Bang on time they appear. Now it’s simply over to Samlesbury and on to Bowkers at Preston Dock. Easy, isn’t it?

Hitch three now surfaces. A call informs us that there are competitors at Bowkers and, what’s more, the control isn’t due to open for 40minutes! After a quick dash to Bowkers we arrive to find that the cars on the shorter route have been averaging nearer to 20 than to the allotted 12 mph. No wonder they have arrived earlier then anticipated. We sign their cards and suggest that they enjoy a “quick half” at Wrea Green before the control officially opens. Waiting in the warm and relaxing sun is brought to an end when Andrew Proctor arrives to man the control. Back into the Cooper for the long route out onto the Fylde. It doesn’t take long to realise that a page is missing from our route book. This is certainly hitch number four. A quick call to Ronn confirms the worst possible news; his page is also missing - ouch ! (Yes, Mr Wylie, a definite post-race inquiry needed here). Handbrake turn, passenger door opens, out of the car please, Mr Wylie. No offence but you put the books together so you can wait at the side of the road and point any early runners towards Wrea Green while I go back to Bowkers! Fortunately, I get there before the first car and after agreeing a re-route with marshals I press on to Blackpool. By now it’s really warm and sunny – perfect!

At Blackpool everything goes really well and overwhelmingly the competitors have enjoyed the format without timing, describing the event as relaxed and what motoring should be about.

The prize presentation for the concours goes well and provides an unexpected and very fitting ‘D’-Day story.

The Group 3 second in class 1932 Austin 7 of Georgina Grimsditch has a poignant history which was briefly outlined by her father. The car was originally owned by a second world war RAF pilot who stated that in the event of his death the car was to be handed to the next in-line within his squadron. Subsequently, 17 pilots “owned” the car during the 1940’s. Eventually the vehicle stood for more than 20 years in a garage before being sold to new owners. Georgina’s father is the 21st owner of this unique vehicle. Despite numerous suggestions the car still retains its original paint-work. The Grimsditch’s hope to keep the car in road worthy condition but feel that a part of its soul, and history, would be wiped away if they decided to have it re-sprayed. I think that you will agree that this was a fitting story on which to end a memorable day not only for this event but for our country as a whole.

The awards were as follows;

Group 1 1900-1919 - 1st Grahman Moores, 1913 Crossley RFC (Entered by J Levaggi)
Group 2 1920-1929 - 1st Ted Newbould, 1926 Austin Iver,  2nd John Levaggi, 1927 Crossley Tourer
Group 3 1930-1949 - 1st Tom Sharples, 1933 Lagonda 3ltr Tourer, 2nd Georgina Grimsditch
1932 Austin 7
Group 4 1950-1959 - 1st David Murphy, 1954 MG TF, 2nd David Kay, 1955 Jaguar XK 140
Group 5 1960-1969 - 1st David Quigly, 1960 MGA, 2nd Mike Doughty, 1964 Saab 96
Group 6 1970+ - 1st Derek Ward, 1973 Triumph TR6,

Special Award to Philip Massey, 1975 TEAL Bugatti

Overall Winner of the Blackpool Corporation Trophy, J.R.Yates, 1948 Allard K1

All that’s left to say is a really big thank you to all the competitors, officials, marshals and above all Ronn Middleton for doing all the hard work and to his wife, Elaine, for letting him!

Chris Lee
Competition Secretary

2000 Event Report

38th Veteran Vintage Classic Manchester to Blackpool Run

11th June 200

Still one of the major events in the North-west of England this rally is one which, for many years, has attracted a large number of entrants and their almost priceless cars. This Run, the 38th consecutive one in the series, attracted 85 cars and started from The Town Hall, Manchester - first car away at 8.00 am. - and finished at The Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool. The cars travelled about 85 miles (considerably shorter for the pre 1919 cars) and visited the Camelot Adventure Theme Park, Astley Park, Leyland Test Track and the Lancashire Police Headquarters at Hutton on the way.

Amongst the cars in this year's event was a model which is certainly unique in the world. Michael Bell brought his 2 cylinder, 1906 STUART. This car was only one of three manufactured by STAR and nothing is now known of the other two!

STAR, before the 1st World War, were the sixth largest manufacturer in the UK and exhibited Mike's car in the 1906 Motor Show as an exhibition chassis.

Also in attendance was a 1964 replica of an Austin A40, in superb condition and full working order, specially designed for its younger owner-driver! The young five year old (whose name we didn't get) was as fascinated by the full-sized cars as their senior owners were of the skill shown by the youngster in the handling of his vehicle.

The Northern Section of the Veteran Car Club, the 'VCC' actively worked with the LAC to promote this year's Veteran-Vintage-Classic Run.

Booked in for the Run were a 1912 Delage, a 1933 Lagonda, a 1948 Allard (exhibited by the manufacturer at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show), and no less than than five Ford Model T's to mention only a few. The 'Runners & Riders List' represented a wide range of unique and notable cars making this event one of geat historical importance to motorsport.

The sea-front at Blackpool was brought to a standstill when the cars passed the famous Blackpool Towers in a Cavalcade escorted by mounted policemen, of the Lancashire Constabulary, complete in ceremonial uniforms with plumed headgear and carrying lances. A truly magnificent sight, highly appreciated by the holiday makers.

The Run is a 'Timed Regularity Competitive Rally' as defined by the MSA and cars run to fixed average speeds with penalty points imposed at the timing check-points on the basis of 1 penalty point per minute adrift - early or late. A Special Test held at Leyland, and timed to a thousandth of a second, is also used to find a 'Road Result Winner' in each of the six classes. A Concours d'Elegance completes the competitive nature of the Run and a glistening array of trophies awaits the winners of the various classes.

Apart from all the registration, instructions, route books and Finisher's Award for the Run, the Entry Fee included two sets of meal tickets. Each set provided a mid-morning snack at Hutton, a Carvery Lunch at The Norbreck and a cream tea later in the afternoon.

The prizes were presented at a Civic Reception, hosted by the Blackpool Borough Council at the completion of the day's events.