MX-5 Owners Club | North West Area

Date	Event
14^th January 2007	STEVE & DEBBIE's WEDDING RUN
	What a wonderful start to 2007. The ‘Wedding Run’ was held to celebrate Steven and Debbie’s wedding. There was a great turnout of 26 cars and the weather was very kind with clear blue skies and sunshine all the way, ignoring the wind chill factor. Our run started with much laughter as we scrambled to put ribbons and balloons on the cars prior to setting off from the Botanic Gardens, Churchtown. We meandered along the country lanes of West Lancashire and managed to lose a few cars along the way but did eventually all meet up again as we stopped to enjoy the views at Beacon Country Park. After taking in the views and a short photo session of the newlyweds in their MX5 bedecked with flowers and ribbons, we continued on our way to the Wiggin Tree, Parbold for Sunday Lunch. Steven and Debbie were presented with a gift from the club and they thanked everyone for all the cards, gifts and good wishes they had received. They surprised us all by cutting their wedding cake for a second time, ensuring everyone received a slice to share in their happy occasion. We wish them both much happiness as they start their new life together. Chris Haywood
4^th February 2007	Yorkshire Dales 1 - Reprised
	I first led this run in September 2003 and repeated it in 2004 for the Cheshire & North Wales group. It was the first major full days outing in 2007 and entailed a close watch of the weather forecast as the hills in the Dales are prone to snow and ice at this time of year. Regular updates to members by the website, Yahoo mail and responding to calls and text messages on the Saturday. Much of our area was shrouded in fog for most of Saturday but weather forecasts on the internet promised wall to wall sun for the Sunday – which we got! So, from 10am onwards we had a steady stream of cars arriving at the start for coffee and a social gathering. At 11.00 when the first group left I received panic call from three cars that had been delayed and begged we wait for them. In all sixteen cars made the effort and were rewarded by wonderful weather, crisp views and, thankfully, little traffic to hinder our enjoyment. We split into three groups due to the many narrow roads we were to encounter and travelled through Wharfedale, Coverdale, Wensleydale, Swaledale, and Arkengarthdale before heading back via the Buttertubs pass and Hawes and Upper Wharfedale to the pub we started from for a last chat before heading for home. En route we caught up with a number of slower cars, many of whom did the decent thing, seeing the enthusiastic queue behind them, and allowed us to pass and enjoy our cars and the scenery. We saw the odd pheasant and grouse but no tanks (we pass through the army ranges used by Catterick Camp). The group I was leading made excellent time and at one stage we caught up with an earlier group and took a break at the head of Coverdale to allow a clear run to our lunch stop in Swaledale. We managed to loose one member of our group (out of the middle!) but knowing they had SatNav available were confident they would meet up with us later. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the run, the lunch, and the good company. For at least three cars it was their first venture out on an organised run – not the last I am sure. Jim Varnom.
25^th March 2007	First of the Summertime
	Twenty plus cars managed to make the start of this run despite losing an hour in bed. We made our way to Marsden via Hollingworth Lake and then climbed up to the empty, high moorland roads of Saddleworth . After a coffee stop we carried on through “League of Gentlemen” territory down to Holmfirth “Last of the Summer Wine” country. Lunching here we then returned via the Woodhead Pass and the pretty villages of Delph and Saddleworth to the White House for a farewell drink Chris Haslam
22^th April 2007	Through the Trough then Settle down before going over the Hill
	Once again more than twenty cars met at Huntley’s for a springtime run through the Trough of Bowland. The first part of the run took us along some lovely roads lined with daffodils and baby lambs who hadn’t yet grasped the “Green Cross Code”. Lunch was in the pretty market town of Settle. We then returned via Pendle and the high moors to the Hoghton Arms for a farewell drink. This replaced the advertised Rivington Redone. Thanks to Dave & Carol Chris Haslam
29^th April 2007	Wray Scarecrow Festival
	Fourteen cars set off from Lancaster Services in pleasant sunshine. Missing my navigator due to her daughter's hen weekend I "borrowed" a daughter of the organiser to navigate for me. Our route once again took us through the Trough of Bowland although, this time the woods were filled with bluebells, before stopping at Slaidburn for coffee and a wander. Then it was on to Wray and the Annual Scarecroe Festival. After a look around and a drink in the pub(just so we could use the loo's!) before starting on the final section to the Old Station Inn at Burton where we had arranged food. We had also gained 2 cars at this stage. After refreshments it was on to the M6 and home. Thanks to Jimmy Akhtar for arranging the run Jim Varnom
19^th May 2007	Spring Rally
	This was held at Beamish Open Air Museum in the North East. A large group of us traveled up on Saturday using a route originally devised by Tony Pearce and adapted by Jim Varnom. This took us through the Yorkshire Dales with a lunch stop at Reeth. We then traveled via the Durham Dales to the Holiday Inn at Washington, our evening accommodation. Jim had also arranged a group meal at the nearby Campanile, so we had an extremely enjoyable evening. Sunday was spent at the Spring Rally where we could also enjoy the many attractions Beamish has to offer, although Jim, had to leave early for a national television appearance (you can read about this in STHT). Many thanks to Jim and Marian for all their efforts organising the weekend. Also congratulations to Jimmy Akhtar who decided to show his car and won 3rd prize
3^rd June 2007	Lakes Run
	Another good turnout of cars for this run through the Lakes starting from Carnforth Truck Stop. Coffee was enjoyed at the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway and then it was on to Grasmere for lunch via the challenging Honister Pass. We returned through Hawkshead and the Lyth Valley for a well deserved drink at the Gilpin Bridge Thanks to John & Bernadette Holden
8^th June 2007	Famous (NW) Fives Visit Germany
	On Friday 8th June, 12 cars set sail on ‘The Pride of Hull’ for Europort in the Netherlands, followed by a short drive into Germany on Saturday morning. After a calm crossing, a tasty meal and a good nights sleep we enjoyed smooth Dutch motorways almost direct from the boat. (Why can’t it be like this in the UK?). Just an hour later we crossed into Germany and enjoyed the loss of speed restrictions as key organiser Brigitte, (a native of the country), promptly upped the anti by cruising past the rest of the group at 3 figure speeds to the ‘our coffee stop’. Our destination was the Flair Hotel Nieder in Ostwig, a small village close to Bestwig in the Sauerland just south of the Ruhrgebiet and an area little known to Brits. The 3 star hotel is family owned and run and with the great assistance of its owner Josef Nieder a very full programme was planned. But first a superb Barbecue on Saturday evening relaxed everyone and established the reputation of the local wines and beers and their wonderful value! Sunday 10th June Using routes established by local Motor Cycle Groups we had planned a 110 mile tour which took us through the skiing area around Winterberg and saw us eating lunch in Schmallenberg. Post lunch all was going well until the wind rose, the clouds accumulated and the rains started. At first the showers only deterred us but as the intensity increased we decided to return to the hotel by the shortest route for respite. A run on the Autobahn proved quite exceptional with the Mother & Father of all downpours! With standing water and visibility down to a few meters the storm produced some enormous hailstones which further enhanced the experience to the detriment of some of the cars. Mk III’s have alloy bonnets and boots and evidence of the size of the hail was clear to see once the weather returned to normal. The dent-man will be busy now that we have returned as a number of cars suffered damage. This return run produced a remarkable feat when Herta Lee managed to raise the roof on their Mk III at over 50 mph on the Autobahn having endured enough of the personal battering that she and hubby Roy were getting from the truly amazing conditions. It showed just how well designed these new roofs are that no damage was incurred even though most manufacturers insist the roof must not be operated above 20mph. The evening progressed with a truly superb ‘Typical German’ meal in the hotel followed by a talk by Albert Tilly, a German Slate Roofing Meister who explained the background and techniques used in producing the remarkable decoration on so many of the buildings in the area. This was followed by the delights of ‘Kegelbahn’ in the basement, which went well with more consumption of beer and wine long into the night. Monday 11th June A visit to one of the better known local brewers, ‘Warsteiner’ had been arranged. With its 360deg turn and tilt cinema, followed by a factory tour by ‘train-bus’ we eventually arrived back at the restaurant and souvenir shop which went down well with the group. The rest of the day being free most of us ventured into Bestwig to sample the local restaurants and hostelries. Tuesday 12th June A rather special visit was arranged for Tuesday when, after a morning spent in the beautiful and historic town of Soest we all visited the Mohne Dam. A tour of the power generating station commenced with a history of the Dam and its purpose, and including the attack by the RAF in 1943 which put it out of action for just 5 months and took 1200 German lives. It was clear that the Germans are fascinated by the technology that went into the bombs of Barnes Wallace with diagrams explaining the dropping requirements and later we saw a model of the bomb used. The highlight of the visit was the opportunity to go into the bowels of the dam in the inspection tunnel created in the 1970’s which runs along its base between its structure and the bedrock on which it is built. This was amazing and a priveliged experience for us all. This was followed by yet another excellent meal in which Herr Nieder treated us to his signature dish of Noodles cooked in a whole Parmesan Cheese, no pan required! We reciprocated with words of thanks from Peter Haslam and a token of our appreciation. Wednesday 13th June This was a little sad as we reluctantly had to leave Hotel Nieder and move on to hotel number 2, the Gasthaus Stahl featured in Softop-Hardtop last year. Cross-country routes were used which allowed us to use the Gasthausbrauerei Gutshof in Herborn as a lunch stop. At Ł5.00 for a 3 course lunch plus a beer everyone soon replenished their personal ‘tanks’ ready for the run into the valley of the Rhine. This involved traffic and motorways and the party split into smaller groups who all eventually arrived in Dellhofen just 5 mins above Oberwesel. Tante Adele welcomed everyone as though they were her long lost grandchildren and as reported by the Lincolnshire Group last year the hospitality was outstanding throughout our stay. Thursday 14th June This started with the first of Christa’s (amazing) breakfasts with eggs from ‘Happy Hens’ and jam that just 24hrs earlier was still growing on the strawberry plants outside. Christa is the way to get the day started with her wonderfully cheerful disposition and busy demeanour. Was this really 8.00am? We then started a run prepared by Jim Varnom, our erstwhile co-ordinator, to take us the top of the Loreley and then a Landgasthof Bluecher in Doerscheid which provided fabulous views across the Rhine valley to Dellhofen directly opposite. Friday 15th June This was free time and the party split to visit different towns and landmarks both along the Rhine and inland. For our part we visited Idar-Oberstein the centre of the German gemstone region and home to the Chapel-in-the-Rocks, a fascinating church built into the cliff-face some 60 meters above the town, with a spring bubbling at its centre and a crucifix made from wonderful local agate. Saturday 16th June Again the party split, some for a journey to Koblenz, arranged by Christine Haslam, and its shops and ‘das Deutsche Eck’, the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine, others to Ruedesheim with its famous ‘Drosselgasse’ and cable car lift to the ‘Niederwald Denkmal’. The sporting enthusiasts set off for the Nuerburgring Nordschleife for an experience never to be forgotten. After some memorable moments, including a very busy track, motor-cyclists demonstrating the limits of grip of 2 wheels and some car drivers the limits of 4, rain curtailed play and we were let to buy our souvenirs and return to the Gasthaus Stahl. For our final evening we enjoyed a wonderful meal followed by a wine tasting conducted by Peter Stahl who described his wines with enthusiasm and conviction as well as describing the changes in taste and climate that have led to their current range. Needless to say this resulted in many bottles changing hands, although this was necessarily restricted by the limitations of our steeds. Again thank you’s were proffered by Peter to Paul Stahl and his team and mementoes left as a reminder. Sunday 17th June So it was on Sunday that we sadly left Paul Stahl and his excellent hostellery and set off cross-country for Spa. One last chance to savour the excellence of Germany’s many and varied back roads with their well maintained surfaces that allow the MX to demonstrate again and again its wonderful talents. We lunched at a variety of locations in the Spa / Malmedy area before taking to Belgium’s rather crude motorways (after Germany) to get back to Rotterdam and Europort in time to watch Lewis Hamilton win his second Grand Prix. Summary What a fabulous time our 8 days in Europe was. P & O from Hull, organised by Peter, proved to be ideal for us in the North being easy to get to and providing a fuss-free crossing. The 2 hotels could not be faulted in terms of quality, food, location, friendliness and excellent value. The assistance that we got from their owners in organising this trip and the programme to go with it was amazing particularly Herr Nieder who went to great lengths to help in addition to proving to be an excellent Chef. As a country all were so impressed with Germany and what it had to offer in so many ways including its value for money that a second trip there is undoubtedly on the cards. Finally I must say a huge thank you to my wife Brigitte, who hails from Nordrhein-Westfalen and was invaluable in providing an excellent translation service during our many visits and helped everyone to deal with their particular needs.
8^th July 2007	Bowland and a bit of the Dales
	After a VERY wet week, 15 cars turned up (despite it being the British GP at Silverstone) to make the most of a promised bit of sunshine. After coffee and inspecting various vintage cars on the car park, we set off with hoods up and the odd spit of rain. Thankfully it cleared after about 5 miles and we were able to proceed topless, as nature intended. Some cars did take a detour of their own and I believe had an ‘electrifying experience’ We drove to Ingleton via many small and twisty roads and stopped there for lunch. There was a World War 2 get together, with military trucks and uniforms, including German uniforms, and brass bands. We headed for the pubs whilst they were still quiet. After lunch we found our planned route blocked due to the military parades and had to improvise our way back to our route. There followed a fast road past the White Scar Caves and under the Ribblehead viaduct. Here we turned South, with some more fast roads through Horton in Ribblesdale and on to Stainforth, where we headed up minor roads to Halton Gill and then through Littondale to Wharfedale. The leading group made good time, with other thoughtful drivers allowing us to pass them. The later cars were not so lucky and the first group arrived at the Craven Heifer near Skipton well in advance. Everyone stopped for a wind-down drink and a chat before heading home – tops up for most as the rain was threatening again. Many compliments for the terrain and scenic views afforded on a good day out. Jim Varnom
22^nd July 2007	Treasure Hunt Barbeque and Skills Event
	The day started with blue skies and amazingly no rain after such a dreadful few weeks of bad weather.Twenty two cars turned up for a fun day of treasure hunting followed by a BBQ. John Smallwood added to the fun factorby building a large Scalextric racing track and also running a skills event to test our driving expertise in the 5’s. The Treasure Hunt was expected to be about two hours long but some teams managed to complete the route more quickly. Cars started at their own pace after competing in the first phase of the skills event. We did try to separate them but one or two sneaked out together, though interestingly their answer sheets did differ! The treasure hunt took a roughly circular route around Aughton, Bickerstaffe, Simonswood and Maghull and included a short stop at a lavender farm shop before returning back for the BBQ. As this was the first time the MX5NW group had tried a treasure hunt we were very keen to discover whether it would be a success...or not. Once the cars were dispatched the BBQ was lit and the organisers busied themselves with food preparation to get the feast ready for the return of the ‘hunters’. Pauline got busy ensuring the buffet was ready whilst Phil, Marcus, Peter & Christine took turns as BBQ Head Chefs supported by Chris on kebabs. All the chefs worked tirelessly in the sunshine and the furnace-like heat emanating from the industrial-sized BBQ, aided by a beer or two for the dry throats. The Treasure Hunt was won jointly by Steve & Linda and Bodgit & Scarper (aka Win & Gordon) with Jimmy'S team proudly winning the booby prize. Peter & Christine won the special award for the most original answer (funny but wrong). Thank you to all who contributed to this successful day by joining in and supporting the event. We had a great time putting this together and were pleased with the comments received from all. The only fly in the ointment was the ‘angry lady’ who blocked off her ‘private road’ for one of the hunt questions. Why was she so upset? Special thanks to Pauline & Marcus for arranging the use of all the facilities at St Anne’s School, Ormskirk which catered for all our needs on the day and contributed to its great success. Thanks also to those who stayed behind and helped to get everything shipshape before heading off Chris Haywood Skills Event The purpose of the “skills” part of the days events was to help MX-5 drivers improve their driving skills and better understand their cars, through a series of “fun” tests. With the sun bearing down on the tarmac expanse of the school playground, the first test was a forwards slalom through cones, then after entering and reversing three garages, a reverse back through the slalom. The skills tests moved on to driving through the slalom with a tennis ball in a plastic bowl on the bonnet. Annoyingly, everybody kept the ball in the bowl despite some near things! Alongside this we ran parking tests, which measured the accuracy of parking to the side, front and rear of each “five”. Some needed a much longer tape measure then they expected! We then moved on to a speed drive between cones and this was much enjoyed by drivers and spectators alike. Finally we moved on to the roll test, where cars had to get up to a speed and enter the arena through a cone gate. From that point the pedals and handbrake were off limits and the cars were asked to stop in a circle painted as part of the school playground. Additionally a rope was placed in the circle (as a line) and drivers were not only asked to stop in the circle but have two wheels either side of the rope. This is seemingly difficult but, again annoyingly, only two cars failed to get at least one wheel in the circle and 4 cars got maximum points by being over the line. It was not just about winning or losing and there were some prizes, but the main point was to help understand the cars and their capabilities. No league table will be produced, but, in alphabetical order (rather than strict performance order): the top six were: Brian, Dave, John, Paul, Phil, Phil the middle bunch: Carl, Gordon, Jonathan, Roy (Mk 3) the other bunch: Arthur, Charlotte, Jim, Jimmy, Mike, Peter This only records the 16 cars that completed all 5 events, as the food preparation and a couple of early leavers meant that a handful of cars did not get chance to be in all 5 events. . Pictures are better than words and photos of the event can be seen by going to the Picassa Web album (see bottom of News Page) John Smallwood
4-5^th August 2007	Woodvale Rally
	A well supported event with demand for tickets exceeding supply. Many of us camped overnight on the Saturday enjoying a barbecue prepared by Paul, Ken & Jan and ‘light show’ provided by Brian & Sue and the PT cruisers. Sunday saw a keen car competition with trophies provided by Ashleys Mazda. Thanks to Stephen Smith for organising the event
12^th August 2007	Derbyshire Run
	A good turnout despite a very wet start. We left the Vernon Arms and travelled via the Snake Pass and Castleton to Bakewell for lunch. We then returned over the Cat and Fiddle Road to Teggs Nose Country Park for a welcome ice cream stop. The run finished with a farewell drink back at the Vernon Arms. Thanks to Dave and Chris Thornton
3^rdSeptember 2007	Pass-n-Places
	Just over 20 cars left Truckhaven on their journey to one of the highest steepest roads in Britain. Approaching Bowland Bridge there was the first taste of a steep hilly bend, a clue to what lay ahead. On Gummer How the high level view of Windermere looked as spectacular as ever and we were joined by another club car, thoughtfully parked in the lay-by enjoying that wonderful vista. Coffee was waiting at the Wilson Arms and the sight of 22 MX-5s drawn up in 2 lines along the car park was a camera opportunity and , no doubt, a talking point for passers-by.Journeying on we joined Wrynose at the Eastern end. Single track, steep and bendy roads made for concentrating drivers and great views for passengers. The weather was now probably helping as the grey day meant that there were few oncoming drivers but the views were still breath taking Then on to Hardknott Pass, this is a remarkable road, the second highest steepest road in the country. It is an experience in itself and several people commented that it was scarier coming down than it was going up! The previous night’s rain meant that the road itself was often a stream – as if it wasn’t difficult enough! Dalegarth for lunch and Carol’s cakes provided a calming stop after the mountaineering. After lunch we headed for the coast. The roads soon became much flatter and wider and this allowed the fives to show their paces. Turning onto Corney Fell we found a road where the driving and the views were an absolute joy. Finally stopping back at the Farmers Arms, the run seemed to have been enjoyed by everybody. A few farewells, a few social drinks and shortly afterwards it was time to head for home. Thanks to John and Carol for setting the route, to Julie and Paul for testing it and to Carl and Trish who drove at the back as the broom wagon
26^thSeptember 2007	Blackpool Illuminations
	We left the Hoghton Arms, all with tops down, on a lovely evening even if it was dark Arriving at the South Shore we drove in convoy along the Golden Mile to Bispham where some stopped for fish and chips while the rest of us made our way to a nearby pub for a warming drink Thanks to John Smallwood
5-7^thOctober 2007	Welsh Weekend
	The planning of this was taken over by Jim, Marian, John & Bernadette after Brian Price sadly passed away earlier this year. However, I think Brian still had a hand in it as the weather was glorious all weekend. We started with a scenic run down on Friday via the Horseshoe Pass. Saturday took us to Harlech Castle for lunch and we then returned via some fantastic moorland mountain roads. which were empty of other traffic. We were joined by Dilys, chauffeured by Russell for Saturday and she thoroughly enjoyed herself. Sunday was a shorter day with a run to Lyn Brenig a pretty country park but more importantly the start of the Evo Triangle, which is a route used to test the performance of cars. However, actually getting on to the Triangle posed the greatest problem for one member. Thankfully the only thing damaged was Jim’s pride and after being towed out by a friendly 4X4 we carried on to our next stop Lake Verny for lunch. Then it was homeward bound More pics can be seen on the website Picassa album
4^thNovember 2007	Ilkley Moor Bhat Top
	With the clocks having gone back the week before, Chris and I decided to put on this last Sunday run of the year and make it slightly shorter than normal to end up at the Hoghton Arms before dark. The recce went well but, after typing up the Tulip map, circumstances didn’t allow time to double check the route. The weather was perfect and with such a good turnout Phil and Chris volunteered (sort of) to lead off the first group. The views across the Ribble Valley were superb; the autumn colours were at their glorious best. The first group were waiting in Slaidburn sitting outside enjoying coffees and bacon sandwiches. We gave them a few minutes start before setting off for Ilkley. All was going well before the first mistake on the tulip came apparent a typo, but this was nothing compared with being stuck behind an old dear in a Lupo who thought 20 mph was a little too racy and kept applying her brakes every few yards. Quite why several members decided not to follow the signs for Bolton Abbey but turn left as the road bent right is still a mystery. However, Ilkley on a sunny Sunday afternoon was very welcoming, the legendary queues in Betty’s Tea room were just too long for us so we settled on a less posh place, as a matter of fact after Betty’s everywhere is less posh. The run back is where the fun began I missed two left turns, sorry, but it gave the opportunity to practice 3 point turns, still the ones who went to the pub for a farewell drink, all said they enjoyed the day. It was good to see new faces and old friends alike. So even with a few mistakes it goes to show it doesn’t have to be perfect to be successful. Peter Haslam

	A selection of reports from 2007 runs, shows and events.