Nationals 2006: Day 4, 23rd March
Show Day

Eileen Cruise again:
We were up bright and early and off to get the course for the driving test ready. I attended the B.G.M. while Tim set up the course with traffic cones and home-made chevrons, (which he made himself at a huge saving). Jamie was his helper for the day, plus a few other willing members who acted as marshals for the event. We had 43 entrants who took part in the driving test, which is a record number. There were some who had put their names down but didn't pitch, and there were 3 chaps who turned up after the drivers briefing and asked to be allowed to take part. Strictly speaking this wasn't allowed, but Tim let them anyway.



The test took almost three and a half hours, which was quite tiring for those who were working on the course, but the consensus was that it was worth it. Most of the spectators enjoyed refreshments served by the two restaurants at the wine village. The marshals grabbed food on the run as they worked, and there were a few sunburnt faces by the end of the day. Each entrant was allowed to drive 3 times through the course, taking an average time of all their attempts as their final count. Only 7 chaps drove three times through the course, with 19 attempting it twice. For the rest of us, once round was enough. The 'skillometer' as Tim called it - the bowl with a tennis ball inside, balanced on the hood of the car - proved to be a bit of a challenge for some contestants, but most drivers managed not to 'lose their balls'. Our very own Ronan Sanderson in his borrowed car with the 'One Day' plates in place came first overall among the guys; and yours truly got the best time of the female drivers. I did the course in a mere 2 minutes and 21 seconds and wasn't prepared to muff it with a second attempt. Suzette tells me she's going to practise in the TR and give me a run for my money next time there's a driving test!



That night was the culmination of the Nationals with the Dinner Dance at the Birkenhead Brewery. The Harts' had organised a bus for us to make for a more relaxed evening. This was a great idea as it meant we didn't have to take our cars out at night and also, the drinkers among us could imbibe safely. The little hiccup with the bus arriving late did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of everyone there, and the rest of the evening made up for it in such a way that by the time it was over, I had forgotten about the earlier delay. Everyone dressed up in black, white and blue in some form or another which looked really nice. We enjoyed a lovely evening with good food and free wine and a variety of great music to dance to. What a wonderful end to the whole occasion.



I must say that Jamie and Jenny planned and orchestrated a most amazing Nationals gathering. All aspects of the programme were well-planned and most enjoyable and altogether made for a well-rounded event. From the welcome braai to the Dinner Dance, we were all kept busy and were able to enjoy our cars and the company of fellow club members, as well as that of our visiting 'up-country cousins'. Well done guys. It was all worth it. Watch out for the next newsletter for a round-up of the prizes won by our club and members.

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