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Welcome to the Official Website of the Northern Roadsters Club

Website was last modified on 03/01/2012

History

Formed initially from a group of like-minded people 15 years ago the informal club became official in October 2006.

Many members of the Club have a long history of competing in motor sport events, with members competing at a high level in Hillclimbs, Sprints, Autocross, Autotests, circuit racing, Rallies, and Navigational Runs. It aims to be encouraging to new members to start competing and then providing the stimulus for them to further develop their skills.

If you are interested in finding out more then come down to one of the events in our calendar, or our monthly 'first Friday' meet at the Three Nuns, just off the M62 at Junction 25 (where the A62 starts just through the lights past Cooper Bridge scrapyard). You can then meet the members of the friendliest motor club in the North, or apply for membership by either downloading the membership form or by e-mailing membership@northernroadsters.co.uk
for details of how to join by snail mail.

Check our calendar page for details of our forthcoming activities.

Meeting History

Remember remember the 5^th of November………
Whoosh, Fizz, Weeeee………………  Phut
and that was just SEC’s car trying to start before the meeting !! 9 dragged themselves away from bonfires. The countdown to March 1^st begins now as most cars are off the road tucked up for winter whilst we dream up another 1001 excuses to go and buy a pencil so our cars can be used. Those that went on the curry night reminisced about it. A potential new member came along with pictures of a very tidy Locost C20XE. Fencewrecker has contemplated an ‘F Duct’ on the car – we all thought it was to let the trouser air out! The Christmas dinner menus were chosen. Next years trips wish list were muted and TOCA, Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, Festival of Speed, Nurburgring, Circuit Historique de Laon & Spa came high up on the priorities. SEC gave us a corner by corner blow of Cadwell, Oulton, et al. News of Raw having been sold to Bulmers brought images of cars named on apples – Katy or powerful Cox all driven by Granny Smith or a Pink Lady.!! 
ML has got his car back on the road two days before the tax ran out. Good timing! ALG has found a chink in the missus’ armour and may get to even consider buying a car. Jon still thinks diffs are definitely different so sec will send a different differential list to defy disbelievers.

‘Orrible October 11 bods but no cars as torrential rain again stopped play again!! Banter was lively with Rick L still thinking the Sonic is a tonic, Jon wants a MBE Riot with push button gear changes, OGL wants a VVC K-Series engine & DW was talking Double Dutch - that’s Ackermann theory to you and me although his tyres are still like a 50p piece following SVA brake testing. Bracey showed his ‘half shaft’ video off to one and all & sec his bent wishbone. Sec then found some MGB’sters, showed them his bent wishbone then  chatted the night away, Dave P is contemplating polishing the undertray to gain a nano-fraction of extra acceleration. His 20v plans are on hold as new bits are now wanted to make the blue bathtub more menacing. These include some new cams for the 16v to rev more and a new diff from a Sierra P100 pickup. However, different diffs divulged different opinions on pinions & duff ratios so he might get a 20v instead!! Bracey build days are over now the newest cost centre is starting to eat Farleys Rusks so he’ll only buy ready mades from now on, hence he’s selling the tool cabinet. With family fortunes featuring high on some frolickers’ agendas, extra seating capacity is required and 4-seaters are now needed. Consensus is that Vindicators will not be allowed though. Quantums will.  Talk switched to Gas guzzlers & ALG got excited, then realised it was only about suicide pacts on the news.
Stafford got DP vexed and discontent about inconsistencies of entrance payment to get, especially as we boys who take their cars to the show are the show.
The curry night is set for the 16^th, Christmas dinner will probably be at a new venue – the Gomersal Park Hotel. Karting vs. the Westie Boys from the café - TBA.

Sylva September - Only 8 came but 5 luscious Sylva cars. OGL’s car was dribbling at both ends but the  tank was patched up enough to make it. Paul came without our latest member Corben – no dickey seat fitted to the Fury (yet!) but it has had the Dennis Vessey treatment. Bracey has also produced other new member – Lucy Jane – congratulations to both mum & dad.  Jon said his car was in dry dock to fix the wayward steering column – we all thought he drove like that anyway!!   General triviality included: 1001 uses of rhubarb, Squires Café tales, Nitrous injection is easier if you are a BOCM employee, Gortex sleeping bags being  the answer for the kit car shows, next years Nurburgring trip, a curry night date to be set, Xmas dinners at the Ceder Court is full so alternatives to be sought & OGL held fort with jokes aplomb. Mr Polish was on call so couldn’t come however; he was last seen fervently polishing away filling in time waiting for a job. Steve has a new tent therefore we have 5 star dining at Stafford – but no chandelier this time?? Excuses galore were made for Stafford – probably only 3 to attend (DW @ wedding, Sec @ Harewood, etc. etc…..)  By the end of the night we reminisced about EeByGum Racing (the one that nearly managed to take ovva Brawn fur a quid. We considered developing next years car but weeill ‘av to ‘Twock’ one reight quick to gerr on wit gerrin it reddy furt t’ start next year tha noss.  This led to inventing new Olympic events for our 2012  games with the ’Fencing’ event - moving on stolen goods in a pub in Liverpool, 100m hurdles - a dash over 10 back gardens in Rochdale carrying a stolen Plasma TV under one arm. If they pass it on then this forms the basis of 100m relay event.

Average Aug – Twelve members but only five cars made it as OGL, Sec & Paul admitted fears about the dreaded torrential rain (again) stopping a possible total of eight machines. Bill came in the remapped car - now driveable. ML in his car now with engine bay under tray. C Downes brought some glittering, lights sooooooo dazzling they needed safe keeping in a briefcase!! The Committee quickly determined that as a consequence of leaving the MSA, our membership of the ANCC should lapse. The mid meet rainstorm saw a few dashing for cover, some home. ALG went along for a ride to recharge his yearning for a car. General discussion revolved around renewed Stafford KC Show & plans with the hardy wanting to camp. It was then that tales of tents/vans & holidays with sump busting ferry trips were regaled. DW told us of his dry slope skiing antics in his ‘yoof’, in a car,  at Scarborough, DP of his bonnet aerobatics, OGL plied the remaining with memories of this years Cholmondeley Pageant of Power and such beasts as a 120mph JCB GT and 24cylinder Bentley. Sec gave us a history lesson of BMW & Micro Cars. But the limelight was dominated by the banning of the Teutonic Terror from F1 (the one that talks cobblers like his namesake) – perhaps the devil incarnate as well as Webber’s impressive Olga Korbut impression.
On the social front a curry night was mentioned and early planning for the Christmas Festivities (Cedar Court this year).

July Japes- Only six members and three cars attended as the rain arrived with excellent timing just before all were due to set out to the meet. An evening which featured Joy rides for a couple of guests. DW’s MNR was over its Newark return traumas, and  talk turned to Stafford in mid September.

Newark 2010
18 people and 12 cars this year - a record for us. The Toyota Twins, Kent Boys and MNR Man stopped to endure the cold night. Last years dog kennel brought by OGL proved the butt of everyone’s jukes but this year nearly all had event tents! Imitation IS the sincerest form of flattery. The biting north wind kept Saturday cold. The clouds went as the sun went down so it got colder. Then it got colder and went very cold. So we gravitated to the MNR Party which drifted towards the event function which, was sooooo exciting we decided there could be more fun at a morgue. Brasso Inclutcho Intacto was hailed to protect our wallets (well we are from Yorkshire) so we went walkabout, looked at some Yank tanks on display, and then re--joined forces with our best mates MNR and partied the night away being blinded by a laser show.
Sunday brought warmth and overdue sunshine, Breakfast was the usual 20 gallons of perpetual tea (urn required) followed by half a ton of sausages. Sec couldn’t get his pop-up tent to pack down – half an hour for three people ! – still saves on the gym fees.Howard came with his son and announced that the new MK with GSXR power was ready for IVA. DP’s bonnet was looking sad after making a bid for freedom on the motorway,  (polish won’t cure that) A few Lieges were parked on top of s mound, a fantastic Leyland tuck special pulling a cute 2CV based vintage Renault lookalike. Triking seem to be making a comeback with a vested interest for one member as a sibling has one in storage.A few enquiries and interested parties took membership details. Jon got a fan and was jibed as it is the only ‘fan’ he has….. PG’s Nuts are considering selling 10mm stainless steel following so much demand from one member over the years !!
DW had dramas on the way home with the car’s first outing as a water pump came loose taking out the timing sensor but a quick foray to find glue sorted it and the convoy wend it weary but happy way home.
Roll on Stafford

May Medley,
Election Fever came and went with a well hung parliament and talks of possible October elections (that’s more elections than a Chinaman on his honeymoon night!). All party’s attended and red, blue, yellow, green cars turned up.  Two new potential members with good talks of engine types to use, bike vs. car, Kent vs. Duratec, etc, Family Fortunes followed– good luck Jo & Paul.  A few mentioned a MNR Track day (£80) & a low cost Lowcost day – see their forum.  DW has only 1 week to IVA.
We reminisced of camping days and nights at Stoneleigh where DP dreamt of polish stands.  Talk of trailers, Sheep chicanes, 2 wheels bad, 4 wheels good and one member working on the toilet with the laptop!!. We thought he had piles of work and needed it to work out his logs. We all thought he looked a bit flushed and wiped out.  

April showers bring forth May..............hopes that the rain will eventually stop and we can take our cars out at last!!- 12 attended  another drenched Bank Holiday Friday evening so no cars.  However, next meet should see almost a full compliment as Mike L nearly has his back on road, Bill A the same (now he is not legless), Sec after leaving his mark or two in a roundabout sort of way OGL in a taxing way, DP (having a weekend off from polishing his car) and Dave W having finalised the build – it’s nearly ready hence: 
Formula for Fun (FF) =  DW + MNR x (IVA)/3 weeks x 2 pie.
Discussion centred around;
Bill A needing a map – not an OS one but an Emerald one to let the new throttle potentiometer do the talking so the .driver doesn’t need to do the walking, brakes - Mintex vs. Green Stuff, Volvo to Ford to Mazda and Triumph to SAAB to Omega conversions – this had Jon perplexed,  DW is ‘Tyred’ out buying  wheels. Tales were regaled of the years first camping outing to a sub zero Ribble Head.  So much fun some a re retuning next weekend! Jon has bought a new pop up tent after popping in to a camping shop.  Jo has nearly produced our newest member – due at the KC Show 
F1 – Australia was much better – however we have a split decision  - Hammy or Button, which is de man?  Concensus was we all like 8am starts as they don’t corrupt the day. Our advice to Virgin/Manor re the small fuel tank – we reckon a shot of ‘coal tar’ in the tank to be a dense enough fuel to get t’Timo overt finish like tha noss.
The next official trip s the PPC in the Park followed by the Stoneleigh weekend. See you all there.

March Expectations - The saying goes ‘March winds and April showers bring forth May~~be able to use our cars this year if weather allows’ doesn’t it?  Anyway Chris D is considering converting his car to a boat in keen anticipation of another globally warmed summer !! Tales of adventures were told, with lore of ambition winning over adhesion in a ‘roundabout’ sort of way.  Hence talks led to traction control theory on the cheap without the need for ABS.  Paul is into electric cars (not Scalectrix) and wants to build one – we say battery theory hasn’t kept pace so he will need a very long lead. Better use Hydrogen engines AKA ‘bobms’.. ALG will carpet the house so gaining brownie points for a car budget. DP is to swap a 16v for a 20v and upgrade the Omex 300 to 600, the clever self learning type.  The first camping foray is in the planning stage and it was decided the only thing needed to bring is …………..a sleeping bag and booze .! 

ALG desires a car, wants a car, needs a car. !3 of us agreed !! But he knows that he wouldn’t know how to fettle it, but we all know that he doesn’t need to know because he will know somebody who may know and failing that they can get in touch with a knowledgeable bod who will know.  Freezing February got off to a lively start. . Sec seconded several subscriptions.  Merry japes about road kill and poaching laws, stray wagon wheels (not the chocolate ones), fireproof helmets, track days, tyres, Spax damper length and ride height made.  Steve is preoccupied about his wedding tackle whilst driving – or is it that the ride height is just too low for West Yorkshires finest speed attenuators.  Mikey has a new project – Fiat X19 – that may get finished ………… sometime !  Bill thinks a concrete car is the new medium for a shapely body cast.  Another F1 team may be up for grabs after we missed out so narrowly last year with Brawn GP.  If bought Campos will be relocated to Holmfirth hence renamed Compos.  New rubber would mean wellies for the pit crew - well fed on fish ‘n chips..  The competition from the new teams is patchy with Virgin F1 probably pulling out after the installation lap with worries that the fuel may be put in the wrong hole!!  Anticipation of warmer weather for the coming year abounds and a few are already getting ready for March when the roads beckon once more.

Snow Snow Slip Slip Snow for our January Japes meant only 6 managed to get to the meeting especially as it started with more of the fully white stuff falling at 7pm!  OGL braved it from moorland heights but where was Sec Stu – skidding in a snowy Slaithwaite stuck in a slow snake of stopped traffic?  Tales of the weeks weather was followed by various incidents of red mist road rage.  Paul has chosen some wheel deals & Jo announced she has broken the cat flap – we recommended using the door next time and they both now need a three/four seater kit car.  DP mentioned in passing that he hasn’t had time to polish the car yet this year (only the 8^th) – we were aghast.  With this years calendar penned talks turned to tents. Big ones to act as garages as well as holiday homes. DP reckoned it would keep the rain off the Blue Beastie.  We all reminisced over past owned cars and DW explained how to rally drive a Mini with hydrolastic suspension.

Ho Ho Ho ! Several staunch members braved sleet, snow and slush to grace the 2009 Christmas Party at the Stansfield Arms. Sauvignon, Santa, scoff and singers provided the usual fun filled festive frolics. Good food was enjoyed by all whilst an excellent singer ‘Nat King Kong’ lamented us with ‘lurve songs’.  Jon was awarded ‘brownie points’ for blagging an extra half of turkey, acre of veg and Christmas pud.  OGL found a secret ‘cheese mine’ and brought several slabs to the table.  Andy demonstrated giving birth to a ‘baby’ balloon then Jo got broody and practised cradling and feeding it !!. The dancing started and the ‘yokels’ whisked us off to the floor one by one starting with OGL (aka ‘Milk Tray Man’).  The girlies danced round a handbag or two until the midnight hour then the stoic bade cheery farewells with good wishes and there goes another year !!

December - Ho Ho Ho it’s nearly Christmas !!  A resilient 13 attended and talk of MSA reg changes lead to discussions of new tyre lists, FR Helmets, overalls, gloves, shoes and HANS (whoever he is). A brave few organised a Saturday morning run out to North Yorkshire Tales of ‘Ribble Head Lore’ ensued.  Attention turned to aerodynamics and it was decided that apart from the usual winglets and side skirts the extra speed wearing a 60’s plastic hair band acting as a canard wing over a baldy head would add a further 10mph ! We then discoverer we are all ’saddos’ as all bar one have photos of their jalopy on their mobile phones. Nik has sold ‘The Black Beast’. Mike L described the Holme Moss fountain - to be avoided we believe.  Dave W has bought some new shockers (bounce & rebound) but only for the Mountain Bike.  All offered Jo birthing advice & a special offer of 3 packs for £18 was misunderstood by Jon as thought it meant Stella but  Jo was talking Pampers!! The Christmas party looms on the 19^{th, the} outline 2010 calendar was set and the next meeting will be Jan 8^th as New Year day s the first Friday.

Remember remember the First Friday in November a Standard number came and the night set off like a Rocket. Where was Sonic Sec? Following OGL’s lead and escaping for a weekend away. Bracey was off playing at Will Hoy on the new wheels. A few ideas were Fused and a bit of Flare was discussed. Bill brought a home made Air Bomb (intake scoop) and Dave P (Sparkler man) said it needed a polish. Jo Barraged Rick with questions about his truncheon and hat - the world is now legally her toilet. Darrel has found a home for his Star, Fencewrecker has put some time into the garage and the new car is ready to test the Traffic Lights. The Christmas party was deliberated and the menu went round as many times as a Catherine Wheel before courses were chosen. Discussion turned green and it was decided that we are all ‘enviro friendly’, by recycling an old Banger into a Black Cat (Caterham). Jon regaled tales of maintaining the entente cordiale by joining Friends Disunited in a French restaurant in Germany, getting a meal ordered in ‘charades’ lingo. Then someone must have lit a Jumping Jack as we all leapt up and flowed out of the pub like larva from a Volcano into a Snowstorm (well a rain storm really).

Ribblehead Camping Trip No disasters! Dave & Jon have tales of a boozy camp fire session and windy Saturday night with 2 Para in the bunkhouse at Ribblehead.Was that a ghost ? No just a sleepwalker ! Sec joined them at 10.00am Sunday up in the damp clouds - their other oppos having departed. 3 intrepid Strikers set off for Hawes, crossing with 6 kit cars coming the other way. Much waving! Fuel up, with locals taking photos! then over Buttertubs at 526 mts to a drier Muker in Swaledale for a pot of tea beside a real coal fire in  Secs’ mates teashop. Once more the cars attracted a family with 2 young lads who enjoyed a sit in Jon's motor. Then it was back over the tops to Askrigg, and a spirited run along the high level yellows of Wensleydale to find the sunshine in Leyburn. Stop for chat and to remove scarves and Woolley hats, then we turn south through Middleham heading for the Ice Cream shop in Ripley. Beyond Ripon we crossed again with some 12 or more kits going north - even more waving! In Ripley it was Vanilla or Banana dipped in Hot Chocolate, and a chat with a chap lamenting the Westfield he had enjoyed in earlier years. On to Harrogate, where Dave and Jon struck west to Wetherby and the A1 (after a play, or was it a missed exit? at the roundabout) while yours truly kept on for Leeds and home. A great round trip of 150 miles - we should do it more often, forget the weddings and other complications (-noted OGL !!).

Tin Top October Time meant that the weather has broken and most cars are now tucked up in a warm garage – except Steve who braved the rain with no screen !! (he’s emulating Bill for outright hardiness.  11 attended the meet but where was our little treasurer? Hunting Rhinos again. Tales regaled of monthly daring and deeds.  Mr Polish and JR went out for a run and both suffered a breakdown within 100 yards of each other. Paul & Jo are expecting a junior member to arrive in May next year – congratulations from all. Christmas dinner is confirmed – see the calendar page. Mr. Polish has been hunting Gelert outlets to join the ‘Fancy Pants’ team but hasn’t struck lucky yet and Andy seems keen to join the hardy campers. Talk centred around JR bartering MFI wardrobes whilst ‘Sec’ bothered MI5, Customs and Excise interference. OGL can’t access his clothes because of a handbag and shoe wall. Tyres, Carbs, TB’s, Lambda’s, ECU’s and all things electronic and mysterious.

September First Friday saw 11½ (is that a future new member Andy?) attend with cars a plenty. Nobody heard OGL arrive with the new quiet silencer! DP was on holiday in Spainland checking out polish stocks in Benidorm. Andy still can’t decide which car is best and Rich wants a Sonic. OGL’s bushes squeaked more than a set of mice in a Monty Python sketch – time to crack out the silicon lube. JR’s car was ‘tyred out’ after a fabulous day at Anglesey and Mr. Mikuni was restricting him playing out. Rain abruptly cane and filled up the cars so Sec hastily drove his bathtub home. OGL chivalrously mopped his car out so ‘Er Indoors’ could be seated in more of an unsaturated style.

August Meet. A dry evening, 6 cars, several tin-tops, and a strong member turnout.  OGL left early – family business.  While the cat was away, the mice did not particularly play, they were too busy soaking up Dave & Jon’s tales of Scooby bating. Oh how Dave has changed – apart from the silly grin he can’t shed – he hasn’t polished off the trackday rubber and wears it proudly. When are we going again? he muttered all evening. Bill has 2 knees now – get back in the Striker soon mate.

Track Day Ty Croes Anglesey - Strikers 2 : Scoobies 0  Two members, DP &  Jon "red mist" Read set off for Anglesey on a Thursday evening, driving along the great roads of North Wales. Camp was set at 10pm next to the opposition all lined up in formation (about 20 hot Subarus. (A David & Goliath scene pictured here) In the face of adversity JR’s words were" Dave we are f####d". Next day pre start nerves weren’t helped when ,JR took his silencer of his car for inspection when comments could be heard from the "Scooby mob", "the exhaust has fallen off already".
DP’s first track day started well, getting used to the circuit, braking & turn in points etc. making a few mistakes in the morning stint, J "red mist’ R was off showing a clean pair of heels to the "Scooby boys" demonstrating what these Strikers can do on a track.
400bhp scoobys that had mods were overtaken - they could not keep up on the bends and we pulled away on the straights. There was only one scooby we let pass and that had 500bhp running on race fuel. Later in the afternoon a jealous Scooby owner came over to enquire what engine was in JR’s car? Jon replied "It’s a Cortina ". Brilliant! JR took his now best mate Tim out for a blast on track for a few laps and he came back singing from the Strike Hymn Sheet. “Respect, come round tonight with us for a pint".. A few pints of lager in the bar and then all sat outside till 1am,chatting had a great time made new friends and hope to meet up again at a future track day. The experience and atmosphere of the track day was fantastic. The marshalls and the people that we met were fantastic. Look out for the next track day hopefully with more people from the club.

3 Nuns July Friday, only 2 cars - Sec & Howard - then Howard disappeared, only for fuel, he soon returned.. Best not to forget after a night of jolly banter. 10 bods in all, all happily searching through another goody-bag from Jon. Post-it notes and pens were found by a plenty, then Bill dug deep and brought out a gem of a mini LED torch "How did we all miss that?" Jonathan had finally got his Striker back from Boggies, only to be out of MOT, and Dave was absent preparing (polishing) for a track day at Ty Croes. by the way where was OGL – sweltering in Frog-land we were told ....

Newark 09 - 14 attended with  only 5 cars, JR’s in dry doc, Bill for knee reasons DW building his, still!, Chris fro Credit Crunch savings, Dave B couldn’t bring the Marlin as the Webbers were making a bid for freedom ! OGL brought his car even with cracked wishbone so the rest of the troop were singing ‘three wheels on my wagon’. New member Steve with a tidy non yellow striker 20v Toyota – Mmm yummy, The weather was fine at last (for a change over the past two years) except just as OGL arrived the heavens opened at the A1 roundabout & filled the car upnicely. .Three hardy campers stayed over DP pitched his tent inside out, and also got the inners and outers order mixed up,OGL slept in an event ‘Dog Kennel’ that took 30 seconds to pitch. Then the fancy pants emerged Stu first then OGL and DP feeling left out borrowed a set.. Tea beckoned and a hunt for pies ensued. Melton Mowbray Pies are now much richer. Doughnuts, Dodgems, Discos, Dodgy Wine & Drooling over some Gargantuan American Tin Types finished the night. Day 2 - DP found the polish stand & started to quiver with excitement until he saw some fluorescent braces.! Richard wants a Sonic, OGL still wants a Liege, and we all like the new Sylva Spectre.

The Stoneleigh Kit Car Show officials waved us through and we set camp. OGL felt outdone by the Westfield demo scare rides so did a couple of doughnut demos of his own. 16 bods and 5 cars (a few in dry dock for various reasons) attended with 4 hardy souls camping – more of that later. Dave P made a beeline for the polish stand and wanted to buy some more. The rest bought more sunglasses!  Some nice new cars there and Dave P wanted a few – well actually most ! Jon & Dave were despatched to forage for tea and came back about two hours later with fish & chips (brought from Grimsby??). Merriment and boozy banter ensued – especially regarding Jon's choice of sleeping bag colour.- actually the same as Daves '60s Bath Blue' car - still they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Then it got cold. Then it got colder.  Then it got seriously cold so we all huddled into one tent. Mmmmm cosy ! There was ice on the tents at 3am !! Two went hunting chocolate and log fires. Reveille at a damp 7am, with a big fry up warming us up. Then it rained. Then the tin top types arrived to boost the ranks. Jon kept pulling the bonnet up to show off the new ‘shiny bits’. Andy thinks he may have found a car for Gail. OGL found a cracked wishbone probably after an West Yorkshire potholing adventure.  The weather improved so tents were packed away and the cars loaded up. Dave P needing bungee cord to strap on the potential car brochures and extra polish bought ‘just in case’. The convoy set off home with one last doughnut. With a dry (ish) uneventful trip home. Roll on Newark !!

Consensus was we are pig sick of hearing about Swine Flu – the news is becoming a bit of a boar! 14 members and 5 cars made the May assembly. Notable exceptions being the ‘Turquoise Rash‘ (so kindly named by Jon) because it was in the final stages of polishing! We will let Jon off for not participating in his car as it was in dry dock having the direction changer sorted. (is that the tiller then?). Pat & Tom turned up in a nicely refurbished MK and Mike L in the modified asymmetric with a grin bigger than a Cheshire cat recounting tales of the Harewood School Day  Fencewrecker has nearly finished the new car but thinks the new ‘D-shaped wheels may catch on.. Plans were hatched for Stoneleigh and the hardy two (OGL & Sec) persisted at persuading the hesitant to join in. and general banter about roundabout prowess ended the nights fun.

‘April Showers’ brought 6½ cars & 14 bods to the first spring airing (Bracey turned up in the new tin top diesel– hence the ‘half’ but we will forgive him because is it such a good value beast). Andy drooled over the yellow cars again & Darrel arrived at finishing time..
Howard admitted he has stopped smoking – that’s the car not him – the new ZX9R engine sounded wonderful and has stopped pumping out the blue stuff !!
Jon has his back on the road with bike carbs, LSD and soft springs and admitted to Déjà-vu around a roundabout a several times!!. Still wondering how to leave the turquoise ‘trailer’ behind though. This years designer accessory must have is COSHH earplugs on a string.  Talk turned to the usual banter such as exploding plods, and what has F1 given us? Conclusions included adaptive suspension, telemetry, ABS, Traction Control, cheating, lies, steward enquiries…………..
Some lamenting that we didn’t get Brawn racing especially with a 4 second per lap advantage we reckon we could all have a go and still win.  Diffusers are definitely ‘Confusers’ but now available for .reasonable spends for the striker (contact Mike L for details). Runs out were discussed – with a Sunday ad-hoc coast blast, Boggs Bros. end April, MK in May, and Stoneleigh (including beans around the camp fire)…

February Fling.
Where is he? – He didn’t ring me – I couldn’t ring him - He never said anything.  The text an hour and a half into the evening finally settled the speculation. OGL stranded in Norfolk. (building snowmen & Igloos In deepest darkest rural Norolk - OGL). Only half an answer, but enough to allow the real business of the evening to continue – Paul admits he slept through January but is now back in the land of the living. Jon has spent his beer tokens on a Diff, all he needs to do is fit it. Stuart explained, again, about the Sheep-v-Snow fences on the M62. The AGM will be at 8.00pm on 6^th March, and rumour has it there’s enough in the coffers to continue – of course we will be on firmer ground when all subs are paid! (hint hint !). Come back OGL, all can be forgiven.

Millers Oils Night 22 enthusiastically attended the very interesting presentation by Millers Oils at Raw Striker North (many thanks to Rob & Nik for allowing us to use their premises.  A joint meeting with HMC (thanks to their members fro showing interest).  A great insight was given by Mike Fenton into the technicalities of stopping metal grinding away metal in a nanosecond inside the various components of our cars.  Oils have come on a long way since some medieval bod found out that when he ran over a beast of burden and the exuding animal fat slopping onto the axle made pushing his cart easier and faster ! Then crude oil was discovered and we never looked back.  Questions came a plenty - once the discussion finished with modern synthetic oils.  Some ‘tyre kicking’ ensued with the cars Rob had on display before some sojourned to the pub.

January The ‘Hardy Eight’ made it to the first meeting of the year. Honda hasn’t rejected our 1p takeover bid - yet !! Jon reckons that we will come up against some stiff competition - and we thought maybe Dave Richards or Eddie Jordan too. DW regaled us with how he led the Burmese Liberation Front over the border into Thailand. We all decided North Vietnam has good roads but ‘Ruff’ food.
The New Year brings new forthcoming activities like a run out to Boggs Bros. was discussed for early next year & a potential trip to Donington Park Motor Museum penned (see the calendar page) We have the potential for a trip to France later in the year (best not go at a snails pace eh !) and Jon’s experience at maintaining the ‘Entente Cordiale’ with Mini driving natives could come in useful. DW wants to compete in his new car, but only next year as it will take some time to unravel the spaghetti wiring from the kitchen table! Rick wants another car and Andy is still working on his negotiation skills..

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yuletide scoff time otherwise known as the Christmas Party at the Stansfield Arms provided lots of fun as usual. Lots of people trekked to the team ‘tent’ where we were placed at a table by the wind machine – or was that the door !! This was always left open by any passing people so a force 10 gale kept blowing Stuarts wig off !  Choruses of “Dooorrrrr” “Dooorrrrrrrrrrrrr” to all that left it open went unnoticed by most except one fair maiden lady gave us  “the look” -  and we assumed she thought we were shouting “whore”!
The menu of choice was the high rise pork steaks but those without their doggy bags have increased weight by about half a stone! It is amazing how a Dioxin conrtamination can make meat treble in size. Bill stoically managed to come almost straight from the operating table (a true grit spirit) but looked & was vey sore – never mind we can wait until next year for the dance routine.  Bracey enjoyed everything twice as much as anyone else apart from OGL who helped a bit with some turkey. Jo led the girls in a dance line locomotion showboat, Rick showed us he is a Disco Diva and Jon strutted his stuff in the designer wear. Paul talked about his fantasy garage but then we realised he was discussing his musical tastes.!

The Ginetta Trip to the impressive LNT group building on Tuesday 9^th was an eye opener. A joint meeting with HMC, 27 turned up in all.
It was impressive informative, interesting & impeccably clean. An insight was given about the whole LNT group structure & function then onto the juicy bit – the cars!
We were shown cars from 1400 & 1800 G20’s to the all singing & dancing G50. Some bare chassis – some ‘clothed’. The new road car was there as well as a few special prototypes including the 107mph electric car.
We sojourned to the local for a sarnie, pint and some chatter. Plans were hatched that when we buy Honda F1 we will rent out the wind tunnel for a few quid to recoup our investment costs.

First Friday December – a chap arrived in a Pilgrim Bulldog and was promptly descended upon by four regulars only to find out he was waiting for his blind date to arrive & nothing at all to do with the club. Poor chap probably thought he was about to be mobbed!  She arrived in a spotty yellow car & we bid a hasty retreat.. the usual merry chit chat ensued and we decided we could put in a bid for the Honda F1 team calling it T.N.R (Three Nuns Racing). We will run on alternative fuel –chip fat collected from the locals, hydrogenated & chemically enhanced by Dr. E Bygum run in an engine developed by Willy Eckerslike. Pit stops could take a bit longer through the 4-Star nozzle but heck, with the rotation of some of our talented willing drivers through the season we’ll wing it OK.
Jon gave us a fashion parade with the new designer Packamac, Stuart gave us an excellent class on Dam construction.  Mikey tops the road kill league table (so far) with a kangaroo, OGL coming second with a dairy cow. Oh, and there was a bit of discussion about oily bits and carbs as well as the costs of repairing “The Ring” after some Volvo drivers demolished a Porsche, Transit and a corner, too !!
A ride out to Boggs Bros. was discussed for early next year & a potential trip to Donington Park Motor Museum penned.

November First Friday - Twelve people and three cars attended even though it was about minus 5 degrees !. Stoic some of our members you know ! Frivolity was, as usual high with indoor helicopter battles taking priority over the evening. Christmas Dinner was finalised as were numbers and confirmations for the Ginnetta trip in early December. OGL was off ill in his death bed with ‘Man Flu’  – but was heard to have commented that at least it isn’t Bird Flu…..

First Friday August - Eight cars and fifteen members turned up – but a lot of different ones to last month. A nice Striker with a Vauxhall XE that got Bracey’s juices flowing when it set off back home. Mikey‘s Mini finally made it !! It’s on the road. The underlying trend of membership is up as 8 cars and 15 people came which to say that one car is being rebuilt, one is having an engine change, two were on Holiday, one was at a leaving party, two didn't come because they were working, and two usual attendees weren’t there which would have made 15 cars - a club record.

July First Friday - Fifteen bods and eight cars braved the elements – not bad to say Bracey’s car is off the road and a few are on Holiday. New showing for a nice motorbike engined Fury (ZX12R) as well as a welcome return for a nice very tidy Robin Hood. Mikey announced his Mini will soon be actually on the road!! Dave P enlightened us of his impromptu ‘video’ - maybe appearing on U-Tube soon if a copy can be released! The usual merriment and diverse banter took place and we are all hoping for a decent summer to be able to use the cars.

May 'First Friday. Seventeen members and seven cars braved the slightly cold evening of the yellow car club meeting (80% yellow turnout, is that a record !??). There was a particularly nice red & white Evo attending and thanks to Chris and his family for coming along – we hope to see you again soon.
The chairman left his yellow car at home a/. because it was out of MOT and b/. “The eyes have it” at the moment.  One car is off the road in bits (a blue one !) and another (yellow) was also awaiting the DVLA’s “suitability for use” inspectors.
Usual banter ensued, a few ideas for some trips out proposed and Bracey may have found a source of sticker manufacturers that are cheap enough to finally allow us to supply club logos for the cars. Plans for Stoneleigh were finalised.

Off we go to Donington Three cars made Saturday, with ten in all attending, - some without cars -- OGL thought it would be prudent to check his sight with a gentle first Motorway trip in a tintop before committing to the harsh ride of the racer, Fencewrecker also (for obvious reasons) came in other transport but spent the day buying bits for the new project. In all 9 made it in three cars for the pilgrimage south on Saturday & 5 turned up in two cars on Sunday. Was the show good? In a word - no. The event in my opinion has gone seriously downhill, the 'club' area has now been colonised by the airport as an overspill car park so all the cars on show were strung along what seemed like a hastily erected fenced in compound right next to the dusty entrance road so everyone (& their cars) got filthy. The show was lack lustre with fewer manufacturer stands than last year. The track was booked by an historic race meet (some fabulous cars) so there wasn't even the usual opportunity to watch some of the kits blasting out on the track giving scare rides to the brave hopeful buyers. There wasn't even a small viewing platform to see the old cars racing round the track either. For any non kit car public bringing their family along for a day out - there was nothing to entertain them - even Newark manages a funfair, fun rides and displays from police/fire, etc. . However, we met with the Chairman of the recently formed Jeremy Philips Sportscar Club and a useful partnership may ensue here.

September ‘First Friday’ 13 members & 8 cars met at the Manor Golf Club. James brought his car along having finally got it registered after a frustrating wait. One attendee came with a repmobile due to an earlier appointment with a hedge in his kit car (good luck with the new build). A motion was proposed to get the cars actually in motion so a blast commenced back to the old venue. Hence, 8 + 1 cars (not as many yellow ones now though) high-tailed it in convoy. This was led for a short time by Stuart (handicapped by carrying the extra bulk of a nearly recovered OGL) until bravado surfaced and a few others took over. A few tours of the J25 roundabout proved entertaining for some. Banter then continued in the usual manner and the evening drifted away in conversation with the usual variation in various topics. Christmas dinner was discussed – same venue as last year proposed, probably early December (time TBA). Next meeting Oct 5th at the MGC with a likely blast onto another watering hole (in cars for those bold enough to brave the cold). Donington Kit Car Show next weekend, see you all there. Anyone going contact Dave P regarding meeting and possible convoy down.

June 'First Friday' The meeting was held on a lovely balmy night - though many were on holiday or otherwise detained. You will notice the new photo lower down on this homepage to prove what a great venue we have.

June 'Cadwell Park' The inaugural 'Northern roadsters Trackday' was not so well attended. Many many bonus club cudos points to Nik, Rob and Mick for actually bringing a car out to play. Excuses were varied from those who had threatened to come: 'Too poor', 'Too scared' and 'Trackday, oh, err, yes...'. Well, you all missed a great day and some of the greatest driving seen since Fangio, Clarke and Hill passed on... (I'm talking about Nik, Rob and Mick OK!). See the gallery page: CLICK!

So to Stoneleigh. We had a great stand which was until midday on Sunday populated by one caravan-cum-truck (OK so my camper is ugly - but it was popular - see later...). Eventually after various adventures members gathered and by mid afternoon we were nine! Bruce's excuse was his wing fell off and the farmer it landed near wouldn't get his brother to weld it back on until they had discussed milk pricing and Tesco's part in it's downfall. That'd be why you were 5 hours late then Bruce!

The feather flags looked quite corporate, and since a man had some huge roach poles for sale - and someone handed over some membership money - the secretary was able to fly them at a cruising altitude of 6 meters. Great weather on Sunday saw members sat under the club e-z-up and roasting over the club bar-b-que in the sun. Perfect.

By evening only Stuart and Bruce had pitched tents to camp overnight. Rob was sharing Nik's camper - we don't do basics! A quick tally-up revealed we only had breakfast things - enough between the 4 of us for a feast. It was decided this was best left for breakfast - so we adjourned to the only open on-site pub. This had all the ambience of a Kwit-fit - with slightly worse food. The 3 Guiness were poured in less time than it takes Bruce to say 'who's round is it?', but Nik's Jack and Coke had practically a full bottle of Jack in it - result! A further bottle of coke was purchased and I had a pint of Jack and Coke! After a quick drink and to save Bruce asking who's round it was again we decided to search for real food.

A quick saunter around the show revealed some nice cars but no-where open. Nik saw an ice-cream stand being packed up and suggested Bruce ask for directions to somehwere to eat. 'Are you local?' asked our glorious leader (OGL)'Where can we eat?' Now I'm sure the girl said 'byaet bawnm kpyrom noka*' but we were all pretty sure she wasn't in fact local! When we'd got up off the floor and stitched Stuarts sides up from the effects of our leaders glasnost we set about ringing for Taxis to the local indian. The first was busy. The third said 'He's out at the moment' (Well duh!), the fifth had 'stopped doing taxis about a year ago' (Well stop advertising yourself as Kenilworth cars then!), the seventh could come about 10:30 to collect us (OGL looked worried at this - surely he'd have to buy a round before then!) but on I kid you not call number 9 (all numbers supplied via sattelite link back to her indoors on Google - technologhy eh!) we got a taxi. Unbelievably he was at the main gate before we were despite the fact we were on main street heading for the gate when we called him! What a nice young man. He dropped us at a better indian than the one we'd googled and gave us his card so we could get back just as quickly as we came.

After a really good meal OGL called the cab. I saw him looking a bit perplexed and said 'will he be long?' OGL replied that 'He wasn't in but I left a message'. 'A message!... for a taxi?' I replied. A quick squint at his phone revealed OGL had left a message to some guy in Watford to pick us up asap from the indian edge (5*'s btw!) in Kenilworth! The right number got our man in 2 ticks and we back by 11 drinking OGL's red wine under the club shelter. Fortunately we all fell asleep before Stuart could find his 96 page photographic history of everything he has ever done with his Striker starting with the visit to the factory for a test drive. Ask yourself this: Who takes a picture of their road car in an industrial estate just in case they order a kit and decide to record the build and every hillclimb etc, and need a good 'starting' photo? You are a sad man Stuart!

Overnight rain saw Stuart 'up at 6 as always' and very keen to join us in the camper when Nik surfaced at 8ish. That kind of drizzle that wets you to the bone didn't dampen spirits though - a monster fry up by Bob set us all up for the day ahead. CLICK! By packing up time the weather was glorious and the trip back was a pretty happy affair for all! Roll on the next overnighter. I wouldn't miss it!(*prize for translation)

May meeting had yet another new member - welcome Howard! Now i'm not saying his exhaust is noisy, but having just explained to Stuart that Howard lives only a couple of miles away, I was then able to say "Oh, that sounds like him setting off, turning out of his drive, heading up the road... Drigh' traffic lights, didn't heel and toe... oh here he is look!" Actually it's one of the quieter bike cars I've heard - and now Rob has set it up it's one of the best handling! Howard just has what we call in the trade a 'lead foot'! Howards yellow (!) car was followed by 4 more! In a tragic turn of events the 6th car was blue so no record there then. Who says car clubs are dull! Plans were made for the Stoneleigh show and then - er... bar!

Early April was duly the inaugural Manor meeting. Arriving first Nik was greeted soon by a Yellow kitcar. Then another yellow car arrived - and another, and a 4th, 5th and sixth. My Red Mk1 MR2 was looking like it was only red at the embarrasment of not being yellow! The turn out peaked at 12 cars - and we adjourned eventually to the bar where we could talk rubbish at one another in peace. Great idea 'The Manor'... who suggested that? ;-)!

The March meeting saw hardy souls standing round 4 cars in the carpark wondering 2 things...'Why is my car at home in bed?' and 'Why am I chatting in the cold and smelling someones petrol leak when I could be in a warm pub? In the warm pub the momentous decision was taken to relocate from April onwards to The Manor Golf club at Drighlington on the A650. A private room and quiet car park in lovely surroundings are the reason!

5th January: regular meeting saw over 20 members attend. Everyone had a copy of the Club championship entry form and calendar. Entries would be lovely at this point - make your organisers think you are looking forward to some fun!

20th December: Christmas dinner was attended by 26 members and friends. Dave cleverly managed to blag an upgrade. Good time had by all!

25th October: The 2007 event calendar was added to the site.

6th October: Meeting at the Old Corn Mill decided on Club name, elected a committee, and drank some beer. Someone wore a flat cap and came in a car older than most members (but not the driver).We are a ‘Broad Church’ car club for all types of hand-built cars. Our car membership currently includes the following makes; Striker, Fury, SSC, MK, SSC, Westfield, Vindicator, Dax, Locost. Mini, Mk2 Escort, Austin A40, etc. Whilst most cars are purely for the road some are specialist competition cars such as hill climbing or auto-testing.

The Northern Roadsters Club,
simply first for Roadsters.

This document was designed by Nik Aveyard & is maintained on behalf of Northern Roadsters Club by the Chairman
Material Copyright © 2006 Northern Roadsters Club.