VSCC noggins

[GoThatWay]

Well, for the benefit of any non-members exiled from the VSCC forums who need to find members to get signatures on application forms - or who just want to talk/see old cars, I guess we need to tell them when and where we have noggins.

My local one is the south Somerset one, at the Lime Kiln inn (ST481258 - click here) on the A372 between Langport and Somerton. It's the second Thursday in the month, i.e. TOMORROW. It just happens to be the same night as the local Riley Register, MGCC and loads of others meet there.

Be there and get signed up !!!

Bernard

[NickReeve]

I just got my signatures at the Phoenix at Hartney Wintney in Hampshire. First Thursday of the month....

Lovely venue, and site of the VSCC's first meetings in the '30s.....

Nick

[Ex_MAD_O]

Excellent evening yesterday at the Lime Kiln, a very welcoming crowd of people. Signatures dealt with, thank you, and form and cheque are already in the VR post box just outside here.

Nick, did you get any information on the Wellsteed special? Last I knew of it, it was in the Heritage collection. All I know is that it was based on a bullnose Cowley and raced by Wellsteed and Cyril Paul. There's a photo of it in The Morris Motor Car (Harry Edwards).

[NickReeve]

Originally posted by Ex_MAD_O

Nick, did you get any information on the Wellsteed special? Last I knew of it, it was in the Heritage collection. All I know is that it was based on a bullnose Cowley and raced by Wellsteed and Cyril Paul. There's a photo of it in The Morris Motor Car (Harry Edwards).

Just got an email from Ian Grace from the Vintage Minor Register. No news on the Wellsteed, but he's building an Oxford based special with an ohc motor in it.......

Appreciate the feedback. Gaydon's not that far from me so I may well go and have a butchers.....

[Ex_MAD_O]

According to Harry Edwards, the prototype Silent-Six cars were built using the JA ohc engine (designed by Frank Woollard and Arthur Pendrell without William Morris's knowledge, but encouraged by Cecil Kimber) installed in a lengthened Oxford chassis. The resulting eleven cars had sparkling performance but were impossible to control. Eight of the prototypes were dismantled, and one of the remaining three went to MG and was used as the prototype of the MG 18/80, using MG's own chassis, of course.

Now, what would be the result of using one of these engines in a shortened, or even standard length, Oxford or Cowley chassis?

[NickReeve]

Roland
Thats exactly what Ian is doing! Same base engine went into the Morris Isis and was also marinised. Oxford chassis plus 6 cylinder ohc engine sounds like a recipe for fun! Ian and I are talking a great deal at present so I'll keep you posted on developments!

Nick

[Chris Roden]

I was under the impression that Ian had just put this project up for sale?

[hodsonaj]

So here is a chance to break my duck!
Not a VSCC meeting but anyone in the Herts/Beds area is more tham welcome to pitch up at the Rising Sun Halls Green near Weston on the first Monday of any month. The Letchworth Garden City CVCC (of which august body I happen be Chairman) meets there. Several members also belong to VSCC (including me) and would be happy to provide signatures.
Tony Hodson

[Ex_MAD_O]

Thanks for getting this back on topic!

[hodsonaj]

Ah well, all this talk of Morrises is very upsetting for an Austin 7 man!!

[Ex_MAD_O]

Originally posted by Chris Roden
I was under the impression that Ian had just put this project up for sale?

It would be interesting to know the truth of this.

[NickReeve]

Originally posted by Chris Roden
I was under the impression that Ian had just put this project up for sale?

Chris..... Yes he has. Erm.... I've just bought it!
Got my membership pack through this morning as well, so all in all its been quite a good day all round.....

[Ex_MAD_O]

Congratulations, Nick

[NickReeve]

Originally posted by Ex_MAD_O
Congratulations, Nick

Thanks! Now all I have to do is a/Work out how to fund it b/Try and find some space for it and c/get it back from the States.... Fortunately Ian isnt in a tearing hurry!

[Swift-1929]

On the first Wednesday evening every month, why not pop along to the London Noggin?

It is at the Princess Louise in High Holburn - from 7:30pm.

Pub details and here is a map

Just look for a whole bunch of people in the bar, usually with bit's of broken engine on a table, and the odd VSCC newsletter lying around.

See you there?

[Paul H]

I'll be there again!
The beer at the Princess Louise is very good (and cheap) as well...

[GoThatWay]

Tonight's the night. For location, see the first post in this thread.

I shall be the one wandering around pestering everyone to make sure that they've written to their MP about the proposed legislation banning motorised use of byways, BOATs, RUPPs, etc.. I shall be handing out a pro-forma letter based on the MSA one (but IMHO rather better !) The consultation ends next Friday, 20th March.

Bernard

[BugEyed]

Bernard

Please could you either post the letter somewhere public or Email me a copy so that I can send it to my MP.

Thanks

Duncan

PS What exactly is the VSCC recommending that we (club members) do about this? There has been nothing I've spotted in recent newsletters, and the current one (for good reasons) is late despite the deadline approaching.

[Riley Imp]

Without wishing to be negative, one has to recognise that those trying to protect the countryside and the condition of these byways, have a compelling case. The Ramblers magazine published some photographs of the state of the Ridgeway and various paths being churned up by 4 x 4 vehicles. Using a mix of shots taken in 1997 compared with some current views, it makes our case difficult to support.
I have seen the proposed petition and I would personally not endorse it. Much as I dislike regulation per se, I believe the only way to achieve a constructive result is to seek a regulated approach, permission being given on an occasional release of right to use for motor vehicles. In other words, what I am saying is, we cannot assume such use as a right. If we continue to insist it is, we will lose.
Chris.

[eclectic]

As a former very keen trials driver for 17 years I would hate to see the sport killed.

But, as a country dweller and lover I would do anything to support a move to stop the casual use of green roads and footpaths by trials bikes (a particular problem here in France where young kids get bikes and illegally use them anywhere) and 4x4's

I do not see why an organised trial by an established club like the VSCC should not be permitted under MSA regulation like a rally however.

However, the current situation in Britain is not tenable in the long run.

[Riley Imp]

Spot on Mike. It is to be hoped that the VSCC will find a mechanism which allows them to distance themselves from the irresponsible and join with like minded people who accept the need to behave sensibly. This will probably mean some degree of regulation and licence, but that is a small price to pay if it allows the retention of a fun activity enjoyed by many. I am sure that it can be shown that trials in selective areas, run in a disciplined manner on an annual basis, should have no detrimental effect on the environment. Ramblers and other users of the countryside should have no complaint.
Chris