Classical Gas
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Needless to say with the spirit that existed the extra sub was not needed. The key to the club's success can be summed up in one word - organisation. Whatever the event, the aim was always to have sound organisation, and the reward is our present fine reputation as good organisers.
That summer of 1950 saw the end of petrol rationing so road events could now be held and in the Autumn the Club took another step forward by making the trial a closed invitation event. (Today's status is restricted). This trial was held on November 5th so naturally it was called the Guy Fawkes Trial. I remember this day so well because of the sunshine, it was glorious, so nice, in fact, that to make the re-start line better on Tatmore End a small water trailer was towed up just above the line and the contents were then released. Who said nice types!
With the route taking in parts of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire it meant diving in the tool sheds again and on Sunday afternoons in late October members turned out armed with all kinds of clippers, axes, etc., to cut down the summer growth of brambles, nettles and such like along those parts of the route known as unmade roads.
No one minded the work, in fact, they were happy days because everyone turned out to help. In 1951 the programme was enlarged a little and amongst the events held was another sprint meeting at Tewin Water on Whit Monday, but by this time the Landowner had the idea he was on a good thing and started holding out his hand. The condition of the road was not very good. and at the end of the year the property changed hands. The new Landowner had been told of the revenue to be had by letting Motor Clubs have a speed event on Bank Holidays (we had been liaising with Berko and Herts County) so with the road in poor condition and lacking the funds to carry out the necessary repairs. we had to cancel our sprint in 1952.
Other events were developed and gradually our programme was getting larger. In Coronation Year on a scorching hot Whit Monday we had a sprint at Hundson. Closed invitation driving tests were also held there, but being a disused airfield the runways were deteriorating rapidly and parts were being broken up to reclaim farm land, so we had to move our speed meetings to Tempsford.. Although we were the first club to go there, other clubs soon followed, so did local driving instructors and the motor cycle boys, who are now referred to as coffee bar cowboys, and because of this later brigade Temsford was closed to all motor clubs after 1955.
