NEWS

Club Stalwart’s “Swansong” at the VSCC Winter Driving Tests tomorrow

Friday 06 December 2013

The Club's final event of 2013, the Winter Driving Tests, take place at St George’s Barracks, Bicester tomorrow Saturday 7 December. The day marks a significant milestone in this much-loved event’s history as it will be the final time that long-standing organiser Malcolm Elder will act as Clerk of the Course. After 36 years and five different venues across the region, Malcolm will be handing the reins over to his son Mark following this year’s Driving Tests, aptly entitled “Swansong”. 
Malcolm is sure to provide another stellar set of military-themed tests that will be the usual blend of challenge and enjoyment. Driving Tests are often seen as a great introduction to motor sport for the younger member, promoting car control and accuracy in an entertaining and friendly surrounding. As such, we are delighted that almost a quarter of the day’s entry are from the Under 30 age group, taking advantage of the Club’s special half-price discount on entry fees, a vast majority of whom were even born in the 1990s. Amongst them, James Potter leads the way in his Alvis 12/50 – currently in first place in the Club’s annual John Rowley Trophy standings for Young Members – whilst sisters Stephanie and Francesca Wilton bring their sibling rivalry from the Club’s Sprint and Hill Climb events to Driving Tests, as they go head-to-head in respective Austin 7s. The entry is the usual eclectic mix of machinery, ranging from the 1913/18 Vauxhall Viper Special of Tony Lees to Anthony Costigan’s 1938 Frazer Nash/BMW 327/80 so we expect a great day’s competition.

VSCC Members are encouraged to come and join us at St George's Barracks on Saturday. Tests will start at 10.00hrs with a lunch break scheduled 12.30-13.30hrs; catering will be available at the buildings onsite with hot breakfasts, lunches, teas and coffees served all day, at very reasonable cost. St George’s Barracks is located in Upper Arncott, just outside of Bicester, near Junction 9 of the M40 in Oxfordshire (Post Code: OX25 1PP).

Please don't forget your 2013 VSCC Membership Card to gain access to the venue - guests are welcome to attend as long as they arrive with a card-carrying member.

And don't forget that there is more than just the Driving Tests taking place...


MEDICALS

Once again our VSCC doctors and helpers will be in attendance at the Winter Driving Tests for MSA medicals as before. There is no need to book a medical, simply turn up at St George’s Barracks with your body, your licence application form and your cheque book. A choice of a Forces charity or Practical Action will be the beneficiaries of the fee of £75.00 – those of you that pay tax will be asked to complete a ‘gift aid’ declaration as well so that the charity can claim the tax on your donation.

MSA stress test ECGs can be performed at Kettering General Hospital ECG Department for a fee which remains at £100. The welcome extra donation of cash on top of this has been used to buy a television and other equipment to keep patients happy. Telephone the ECG Department on 01536 492485 for an appointment. The test is often during the lunch hour of the technicians; a report written at the same time will be available.
 
Bonhams are kindly donating champagne in a free raffle for medical candidates and marshals.
 

RACE & SPEED FORUM

We will also be holding our annual end of season Race & Speed Forum at the venue on the day. This is your chance to give feedback on the 2013 calendar of Race, Sprint and Hill Climb events and also put forward any suggestions for these disciplines for next year and beyond; tell us what you think of the venues, meetings and organisation all in an open forum style meeting. Everyone is welcome, seasoned competitors, marshals or those who are just starting out – so please come along and tell us what you want from the events organised by your Club.

The Forum is planned to tie in with the lunch break of the event, commencing at 11.30am in the Lecture Hall and will conclude by approximately 2.00pm.
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