Editorial

Unsatisfactory communication from our legislators, but great satisfaction in Tewkesbury.

The first time I saw Tony Richardson's excellent film 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' (1968), I thought its plot excessive, unrealistic, an over the top example of 1960’s satire. Further research revealed that the plot was historically accurate, from the infamous 'black bottle' incident in the regimental mess, to the squabbling unreasonable commanders, Cardigan and Lucan (yes, the connections you have made are correct, they are from the same families). A command that was more interested in personal jealousy than the welfare of the troops in its command. When this situation was compounded by a geriatric commander (Raglan) who was incapable of issuing a clear order, the result was the famous, stupid, notorious, useless, costly charge.

And so to the present day. Just how difficult can it be to get a clear message about 'dry fuel breaks' out to competitors? The MSA is not at war or in the middle of a battle, and has the advantage of a yearbook and magazine. It is with a certain amount of disbelief that I found myself writing a minute on this topic at the AGM, and note that the topic is once again active on the Forum. As competitors have found in the past, once the scrutineers have decided on an interpretation there will be zero tolerance, a few years ago they sent a whole field of Morgans home.

One thing is certain, with twelve rounds, ten to count, being excluded from the first meeting of the season would be a considerable blow to a competitor's championship.

Speaking personally, I was pleased to see the return of the evening dinner dance and prize giving. While the lunchtime prize givings were efficient, they inevitably resulted in a loss of occasion and left the evening suit hanging in the wardrobe along with the ladies’ posh frocks. The Tewkesbury Park Hotel turned out to be pleasantly located with an excellent view over the Ham and the Abbey. It’s just over a mile from the centre of Tewkesbury half of that being the hotel driveway/ golf course, I wonder if many members took their golf clubs? Or are motor racing and golf mutually exclusive activities?

The rooms provided for the AGM and the dinner dance were well suited, the latter benefiting from an adjacent bar area. The meal itself had a few idiosyncrasies, the first was the lack of a menu, I presume that there was one somewhere but nobody on our table had seen it. I cannot remember when I last ate without knowing what was coming next or how many courses there were, perhaps it was at school and that was a very long time ago!. And, how can I put this; whilst the vegetarian option scored high marks for taste, it lacked a little volume. However, the hotel was undoubtedly keen to please and when a veggie “Oliver Twist” on my table requested more it was given with good grace.

The Club's new chairman, Nick Harrison welcomed guests to the dinner, and it was Nick who had called in a favour to provide the event with a professional commentator as speaker. While Toby Moody’s staccato delivery made short work of Peter Whitmore's wryly entertaining script, our most recent director, Sarah Harvey-Fern presented the prizes. She was reluctant to comment afterwards but at least there were some successful young(ish) drivers for her to kiss.* The prize presentation also benefited from Stephen Brooks’ projection of Andrew Cliffe's photographs of the prize winners’ cars in synchrony with the presentations.

Following Toby Moody’s speech, Ewen's disco then succeeded in providing the range of music necessary to entertain the diverse age range of dancers present. Ewen’s disco benefits from being approachable unlike most of the groups that play at this sort of event. But as Ewen explained to the dancers, even he cannot play music from the 70s, 80s and 90s simultaneously, (I was too embarrassed to ask for my era!) but he was doing his best to satisfy all the conflicting demands.

From those who laid out the prizes to those who tidied the equipment away afterwards, all involved are to be congratulated on creating a most successful event at a venue well worth returning to.

* Startline wishes to congratulate Sara Hughes on her recent marriage to Ian Hughes (and vice versa). Sara was our sole female prize winner and Ian managed to maintain the element of surprise until the presentation was made. Good one!

Patrick Huston.

(Pictures thanks to IMDB, Photolibrarywales, BBC, TC)

Film poster

Current Lord Raglan is an accomplished hillclimber.

Are motor racing and golf mutually exclusive?

Happy diners.