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By about 4-00 pm on Friday afternoon the decision to go for a 2 day event in July (because of better weather) seemed a little silly. After over 3 hrs to do 120 miles to get to Gurston we arrived to be greated by insecent rain. Fortunately we had a small window of dry to allow the tents to be put up without being soaked. Almost as soon as we had finished, the rain returned for another session. A second dry period allowed Keith the Teeth to assist with the beeding of my new rear calipers after all the intermitent binding problems I had previously at Blyton! After that it was off to the clubhouse for a thoroughly enjoyable and economically priced meal complete with beer and wine! All was quiet on the weather front until about 3 am Sat when the heavens opened once again! From 7-30 am onwards it was very damp and chilly. Points of interest included a late entry oldish saloon car whose driver and passenger were from Devon that was located in the paddock bay next to us together with their very tame and very obediant Bearded Dragon from Australia. The said Dragon was only interested in sun bathing (didn't need my sun cream) and eating live Locusts! Also present was Peter Steel (former Paul Edden car owner) now driving a very well prepared 2015 Radical SR1. As the morning moved on the early runs proved that the track was not very warm and a little green from the recent harvesting work by the resident farmer. As a result the course was in tip top order, being well manicured and with a keeness amongst all the admin staff to be pleasant helpful and ready to put on a good show! As the sun came out and the track got faster the agedas for the day in the Westfield SS class started to become apparent: Adam V Charlotte Adam V Matt Hillam 2011 Course Record Keith Adams V Howard G GF V PB Some succeded and others did not Adam beat Charlotte but did not beat Matt's course record with 32.73 Keith was second with 36.52 Charlotte 3rd with 36.59 Howard 4th 36.81 Glutey 5th with 39.17 just .12 off my PB A good's days intence competion was had by all considering the wet start we had. With not may repair issues to deal with we focussed on evening leisure activities. Mark Bishop arrived in readiness to share my car with me on Sunday Then 5 of us meandered off to Bishopstone for a well earned bar meal and a beer! Sunday arrived much more humid, cloudy and a warmer track! Right from the get go in practice the times were much faster than Saturday! The true SS competitive spirit was on show right from the off. During one break Simon Broadbridge (ex Tom Caldecote car) came over to tell us about his total lost of his Westfield, Trailer and part of the rear of his Motor Home into field just north of Oxford on the A34 some time earlier. (Dodgey things motor homes) He is now in the process of just owning a F Ford single seater with assistance from Paul Morcom. All Saturday's objectives and rivalry with the addition of Mark Bishop surfaced very quickly Sunday morning. Mark took to my car like a duck to water and posted a first timed run faster than my PB at the start of the day so no holds were barred anywhere! The Phelps car had minor technical issues with starter motor and steering rack issues but John was able to come up with quick fixes as he is still in the middle of his 3 month driving ban because of the Presscott off! With times getting faster the afternoon flew by and the final class positions were as follows: Adam 31.48 NEW CLASS RECORD beating Matt Hillam's 04/11 time of 31.90 Well done Adam but beware Matt is threatening to come out of retirement and get you! Charlotte was 2nd with 34.34 which was a new PB. What a Great Example to us all! Keith 3rd with 35.90 Howard 4th with 36.22 (Now threatening to put the Dog Box back in)! Glutey 4th with 37.31 a new PB by nearly 2 secs (Well chuffed) Mark B did a great job in my car which he had never driven before today with a 38.20! What a w/e of great competion and the usual banter which proved that with a positive mind set and a great outlook a small group of drivers can still have agreat time as part of the Westfield SS We would have liked more Westfields for sure but Gurston is a hill climb in the south of the country so we have to be greatful for small mercy's. Guston Down was well presented this weekendand I believe the Westfield group did Gurston and themselves proud! Well Done all! Glutey (Temporary blog reporter)

31degrees and all’s well.

Quite possibly the best Peak District run out I've been on so far! A wide variety of roads with a wide variety of Westies - what more could we ask for? Julie was right - the roads for the first two parts of the run were a little bit windy, bumpy and narrow, but the scenery was stunning. However, after we left the lunch stop heading for home, the roads were wider and more flowing and miraculously, the traffic cleared, so we had a brief but welcome chance to press on a bit Highlight of the day has to go to the utterly huge piece of chocolate cake that passed me as I walked into the cake shop - I assumed it was for at least three people, but by the time I'd got served and sat down, there were just crumbs on the plate. Quite how Andy managed a lunch after single-handedly downing it was beyond me.....

Well the weather has been booked so all we need are you good people. Below is where we will be for the weekend. Silverstone classic 2019.docx Simple enough for those who have never been, all you do is drive through entrance 5 with your car pass in hand or on your screen. Drive straight on over the bridge and turn left at the next island, there will be marshals on the day. Stay right and you should see us parked by the bridge. If you follow the orange bus route on the map it will take you nearly there. Those that have been before its near the tunnel that leads to the live music area. Oh and the beer. You need to be in by 9:30 and there will be a queue so if you are late they may make you park in the public car park as they do not want any infield traffic after 10:00 We also have a parade lap on Saturday dinner so bring a passenger and a camera. You will need to read the following document. SC19 Track Parade Instructions v4 Latest.docx And sign on to one of these. Track Parade Signing On 2019.docx Bring this with you and hand it into myself. I'm the one with the matching car and shoes. But seriously I'll be there and most people know me so don't worry you will find me. I will be bringing plenty of spare forms so all should be good. Camping. Campsite 2019.docx Some of us will be there late afternoon on the Thursday and we aim to be at the point on the map attached. I have a five meter flag to mark the site but we cannot hold spaces as its first come first served If you turn up on the Friday this part of the campsite will be full so unfortunately you will have to find another location. (Its why we get there on Thursday) Hopefully we will arrange a convoy for around 8:30 on the Friday and go infield looking the part If any of the regulars had a different idea on the camp location then pleas shout up.

Virtual spannering undertaken 😁

@NigelO I agree, yesterday we achieved perfection regarding a run out, so thank you for standing by me when the last one was not what you call bad, but not the best. It is very important that people give me their opinions, which you do, and I listened and look what happens. Andy was the best though, when he said that you could have fitted under the MX5 it was raised that high, and we all roared with laughter when we said 'what! after eating that lot, no chance' nobody mention the bacon sandwich he had for breakfast OR the fish and chip lunch in the pub, what about the lamb dinner waiting at home!!!! You are all mad and loads of fun, just like our cars.

Buying this

Lets not forget we also saved that family from a very very long walk due to their flat car battery. Brian saved the day with his power pack.

Yes thanks for all the organising, route planning and leading. Really enjoyed today. 👍

Not long in the door. Was good to see you again Brian and to be able to go for a run this time. Thanks to all who came on the run. Hope we can do again soon. As Brian said this morning the weather was dreadful with me ending up totally soaked to the skin but as soon as I arrived to Aberfoyle blue sky’s opened. Great bacon rolls as per Bobs recommendation. It’s a butchers so the amount of bacon is ridiculous. I had two!!! Great roads and the weather has held even becoming sunny and warm in the afternoon. From soaking to getting the top of my head burnt all in the same day, the joys of the Scottish Summer. A great route was planned which took us over the dukes pass, out to lix toll, Killen and then onto Rannock station. Down one side of the Loch and after a nice lunch back down the other side of the Loch and onto Pitlochry for another fuel stop. From there Creif and Cromrie (I kept following the leader, even though I had to turn off here and say goodbye!!) and after being put right a solo run down the side of Loch Earn to Lochearnhead and back past Tynedrum, Glencoe and home to Spean Bridge. No clue how many miles but over 12 hours away so a fair few. I have as ever taken a few photos (my usual mediocre standard) which are all shown below. Meant to say the place for lunch was great with great cake and in homage to the Yorkshire crew (and to keep myself out of the doghouse for being away all day) I took some home as I couldn’t have ate another thing after the rolls and half a pig!!

Thanks for the Blog Graham. It was indeed an excellent event both from the track, the organisation, the competition, the camaraderie, the refreshments, the weather and all the spectators.👏👏👏 Also good to meet Dave Licence Devon & Somerset AO who travelled up to offer us his support.👍👍

Looking at where we're parked this year, I think it might be best not to leave the cars in over night. It's quite close to the concert area.

Wow. Is that Nigel Mansell eating that tart.

Yes it was a hot one today, left the hotel and the sun was out and by 11:30 it was nudging 30 degrees😎 We went the scenic route and found a few twisties as well as a couple of autobahn straights to test the cars for later on in the week 😉 my speedo sensor is playing up again it was reading 15 mph but my sat nav was saying 110 ! Must have a look at it in the morning. wayne has managed to blag some garages at our hotel for the next two nights so no need to gat the cars covered - thus has saved a good half hour of faffing with roofs etc. Wayne (duratec) and myself (zetec) are not doing as good mpg as ex member Barber (s2000) I asked Terry was this something to do with him braking at every corner in the twisties! He said no he was just getting old and bought himself a tart for comfort 👍 Day off tomorrow but will probably have a run out to the Black Forest area which is in our doorstep😎

It's cool as long as you are moving fast..so stay out on track longer! And watch those oil and water temperatur es!!

I like to see that, stuck on your helmet

I know who uses MS word these days! 🤣

The lamb roast dinner was fantastic by the way 🤣

Yes, we definitely got public brownie points for that. Bob

Bring a chair and relax in the shade of our garage. Drink lots of water, us pensioners need to be kept hydrated.

Evening all, Just came across this video and wanted to share. It's a brilliant overview of all the sorts of adjustments we have on our cars, how to use them, when to use them, and what does what. The guy is mainly into rallying but he discusses track use too and all the info crosses over. Enjoy! Adam

Today we’ve a 180 mile run South to our next hotel near Strasbourg which will be a 2 night stop, looks like it’s going to be a hot day today

Sometimes it pays to just go for it on a day that started wet but turned out to be a cracker No shame in this group as we even let a Cateringvan join us :-)

@Andy Westwood it was Tagg Lane, yes, you are right!! Don't forget, when you have fixed your handbrake, make sure you chuck the big brick out of the car that you are now carrying around 😀 @aeg 'funny lady' I'll take that as a compliment I think. Becky's photo's are great, you can go at the back again.

Well another fantastic day out with great friends 👍 my view for part of the day 😊 but the best bit is the sound of @AndrewBClarke V8 awesome great roads No traffic And a funny lady taking photos , thank you guys ,take care till next time Becky and Andy

@Barnsley John is correct the half hood does fit it the fw boot!

We’ve made it to the first hotel in louxenburg and Wayne’s car has been ok. Terry has been sporting his new man bag which took all my concentration to not burst out in laughter 😝 We found an ice cream parlour on route and stopped for a break which was a godsend as it’s getting hot 😎

As it’s the “Sausage Tour”, will you be posting a picture of your sausages.

No problem, Bob. When we got to Crieff, I chose to cut the Comrie to Braco loop and just turned left for Braco. That got me home for 6pm as I had arranged to meet someone then. Great day, even if I wasn't in a Westfield 😉🤣 Thanks for organising 👍

You two deserve a medal for travelling the distance you did just to get to the start point. Thanks for making that effort. Thanks to Brian for acting as the anchor man all day in that awesome sound sounding Audi. Apologies that we lost you somewhere around Crieff/Comrie. I was sure you were with us as I could see the drls in my mirror but when we all bunched up in the town I realised it was a Mercedes and not your Audi. Hope it didn't spoil your day. We we had a few call offs from guys over in the East as the rain this morning was bad over there. Still, we had 6 cars which was a decent. I lead over Dukes Pass but it was still pretty wet so this was a relatively sedate pace. Heading through the tree covered roads to Kilmahog there were lots of large puddles. We headed for Killin and topped up with fuel and discussed whether to continue with the planned route. The skies said we should. Ben Lawers Dam was the next stop. Always a good photo op. Usually we continue on this road to Glen Lyon but I had gone over it last year and it was in really poor condition. This was confirmed by a passing 4x4 so we headed back to the main road and then turned off for Fortingall and over the Schiehallion road at a good pace on dry roads. Rannoch Station is at the end of about a 25 mile single track road which makes it sound like a nightmare road but it's not. It's a great run with some superb roads and scenery and a very nice cafe where we had lunch. Graeme (Scottish Westy) took the lead for the run back, this time along the other bank of Loch Rannoch and onto Loch Tummel. Mainly narrow or single track again but Graeme lead at a brisk pace and other cars in the main let us all pass. Pitlochry was our next fuel stop and route chat. We were only on the A9 for a couple of short stints before returning to the back roads. As we all came from different parts of the country, we split after Comrie. Graeme, Andy and I had a brilliant run back to the Glasgow area. With Graeme leading on roads he knows very well, this was quite spirited and really enjoyable with slower cars dispatched quite easily and all three cars staying in convoy. All in all, another great day out with nice guys and some good stories and banter. What more could we want, we even had sunshine. Thanks everyone.

Surely once you have been ruled out as involved then your "score" goes back to what it should be? The authorities have already been in trouble before for holding DNA samples without cause. If they were to be caught again doing something similar then they risk another dent to public confidence. I believe the Police have always had to have some sort of cause to stop and search. It's just that cause has been interpreted as "race" or "colour". Some of that is justified criticism and some is not. If the police stop me for speeding do they have the legal right to search my car? I don't know but what is the benefit to me of denying them? And having just written that it occurs to me that pretty much all the police shows where we see footage of the police dealing with the public, those generally trying to prevent a search have something to hide. Of course the conspiracy theorists will say that when they stop the innocent that gets edited out. But if there really was an epidemic of the police stopping the innocent a LOT, we'd hear about from legitimate sources and the crime figures would suck a lot more. But I digress... I also am aware that I may be placing too much faith in the authorities but as they are at the front line and for the vast majority of the time do an extraordinary job in very difficult circumstances, I will pay due respect. Plus, they have not yet arrested me for buying things on the internet that could be used for a crime (knives, torches, balaclava's, camo gear, body armour wire cutters, Nike trainers etc) so I'm pretty OK with their data gathering and analysis. They seem to know me well enough. Would a Minority Report computer algorithm be able to figure out if I was a crook or not based on my eBay and Amazon history? Dunno, but I assume that once identified as a potential risk, a human would make the final decision. If I was really that worried I'd use cash at the shops and wear a hoodie. I wonder why crooks haven't figured this out...

Lyonspride has a demonstrable (and well documented) habit of presenting his view of the police and law as all bad all the time with people guilty until proven innocent. He also has a habit of stopping commenting when challenged for proof. He likes a sweeping statement based on public or populist hearsay and presents them as legal absolutes. It's nonsense and I am going to call it out every time. Given that my own personal self moderation rule is "would I say what I'm about to type if I was face to face with the individual to which my comments are directed?" my answer is yes, I would say exactly what I have posted to Lyonspride if we were ever to be in the same place at the same time. It would be an interesting and engaging conversation which is what I hope this will be. Now... But every time this debate comes up your opinion is always guilty until proven innocent and that evidence can be entirely circumstantial and that circumstantial evidence is enough to secure a conviction 100% of the time. So it's bad with cops and lawyers and will be just as bad without cops and lawyers. So what is your idea of a fair and equitable way to deal with investigating crime and gathering evidence in order to secure a conviction?

Fantastic run today! 349 miles in total. Really enjoyed it, even though I wimped out and took the RS4 instead of the Westfield 😉 but the weather this morning from my house to Aberfoyle was more suited to a powerboat 🤣 Great to meet some new people and also superb, as ever, to see all the different cars. Thanks guys! 👍

Freudian slip there... If we had a million police but they weren't allowed to stop and question suspects, what's the point? The support that is required is a bit more trust in them and their methods. You haven't got a clue, have you? I buy flammable chemicals all the time and I'm pretty sure all of us on here buy petrol ALL the time. Some of us store it in jerry cans. Is that suspicious? I own two Westfields, two motorbikes, a road car and with my brother and father there are 6 cars in the family. My brother is a race car engineer. We have enough nuts/bolts/nails/ball bearings/tools/solvents and "bladed tools" to start a decent sized hardware store. But we don't commit crimes, so what exactly is the problem? The police aren't going to randomly knock on our door and accuse us of a crime based on our internet shopping history. And if they did randomly knock on our door and accuse us, you know what, they still have to PROVE the accusation with EVIDENCE. Simply owning all that stuff is only evidence that we spend a LOT of money on buying things. By the way, I own a laptop too. I have programs for work that crack passwords, encrypt documents and emails and allow man in the middle attacks and wifi snooping. Does that make me a hacker? Well you could accuse me of it, but have you any evidence that I am a hacker? NO, because I'm not. Pretty much all the network guys I know have the same tools on their laptops too. Or even worse, I ride a motorcycle. Does that mean I'm guilty of any crime committed nearby by a criminal on a motorcycle when I'm in the vicinity? But wait, my motorcycle was stolen and used in a crime about 4 weeks ago. The police questioned me... for about 60 seconds. It went like this: "Hello is that Blatman?" "Yes, this is he" "Do you know where your bike is?" "Well given that you're the police and you're asking me I'm going to say no..." "Well we're sorry to report it's been stolen and used in a crime. We recovered some property from the panniers which were kicked off by the thief as he made his escape. You can collect what we recovered from the local nick any time that is convenient" "Thanks for letting me know" So why didn't they assume my guilt, arrest me and question me? A bike was used in the perpetration of a crime and I own the bike. It's an open and shut case. Give me strength...

Hi I've already got a small rack where I can carry to 70L dry bags basically the same as what you have. I was hoping to just carry a 12v cool box on it to keep my Guinness cool lol

Feeding my Grandson...... and trying to understand just how he knows how to manipulate me.... just 3 weeks old and a master at his craft.

Today I have been mainly joining the ranks of two Westfield owners! Home again after collecting it from a friend who’d decided to sell. Now I can stop making myself ill trying to get the “beast” ready in time. It’s a car not totally unknown to the club, though hasn’t been seen much for a few years. A lovely crisp, revy and light, so very light, 1.6 Sigma engined car, that’s a hoot to drive. Will need a few jobs doing before I sell it after the Honda’s done, ut it’s a cracker in the mean time.