Magazine Article 001          Christmas Cracker Run - December 2007          by          Ron Palmer

Graeme Forrester put on his MG hat to organise this most enjoyable touring event at a time of year when most other forms of motorsport have ceased for the winter. The strong entry of 77 cars mainly MGs of all persuasions from 1934 PA to 2005 TF was reduced by a few non starters but was an impressive turnout nevertheless. Kirk and Alanah had chosen the TD from their stable and there were some glorious motors from yesteryear, 1923 Bentley 3 litre, 1931 Alvis, Jaguar Mk 11 and XK150s, Sunbeam Tigers, Triumph TR4a and Stags, Austin Healey 3000 and so on.

The four Jaguars were those of Tony Brunskill, Charles Graves, Frank Wilson and the writer, all tin tops that were ideal in view of the wet weather conditions. The run started at Rheged on the A66 at 10pm and after a tour of the familiar network of quiet roads to the north west of Ullswater headed off across the A66 and north through Mungrisedale towards a control at Caldbeck. Here there was a quiz to complement the two, one motoring and one general knowledge, which had been handed out at the start. Thence we travelled via Uldale, Overwater, Isel and Lorton to a further control and quiz at the top of Whinlatter Pass. And then when we were in sight of the finish a last loop took us off to Newlands Pass down to Buttermere and over the top of Honister and via the west side of Derwentwater to the finish at Braithwaite Village Hall where the ladies of the WI put on an excellent hot late lunch.

 Prizes a plenty and finishers awards were distributed at the finish and everyone dispersed either for some light retail therapy in Keswick or headed for home in the fading light. I would encourage those Jaguar members who enjoy driving their cats in all weathers to give it a try next year. Don’t worry that your car may not be eligible Graeme is of a very generous disposition and has not been known to turn anyone away.

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