Tree Felling

Today, Clerk of the Course Derek, Equiptment manager Les and myself Addressed the problem of overgrown trees in Stang. Stang Forest doesnt get used so often for rallies and some areas are narrow with many trees overgrown, in the path of the stage route and impeding the view round some bends. Although we have not completed the work, we have cut back a large section of the route with great success.

BEFORE...

AFTER...

We are even working to have some roadworks done on part of the road section such is our commitment to providing a quality event.

FREE CAMPING

YES As per the BR Forum FREE CAMPING AVAILABLE.

Its limited but right next to the local pub but it serves good food and beer too and all I ask is you book a table and eat there or at very least buy a few beers. Oh and of course clean up when you leave otherwise we may lose the facility for the future.


The field is within 6 miles of the start venue and about 5 from Hamsterley. First come first served of course so let me know if you are interested. Marshals and Competitors only please.

Steve

update from the CofC

well folks Dave has been busy keeping things up to date just a few more points to note.

We have a Chief Timekeeper - blimey I thought until the weekend that I was going to have to do that job as well!

Traffic lights on stang stages (that will all being well subject to MSA approval be at 30 seconds as we have lost Stang West now the short one.

Pattersons will be providing notes for competitor purchase....I will be sending them stage maps this week with a bit of luck.

Things moving on nicely. Signing on venue is being sorted this week too.

Good to see the regs online come on folks get your entry in to support our efforts.
Cheers

Steve

Stage Commanders & Regs

We have now got all Stage Commanders and with a slight change, Geoff Balls is now running Stang. This will be a quick running stage with no time to breathe.... so if you like to be a busy marshal, Geoff's your man, give him a shout. Dont forget the other three stages in Hamsterley run by Mark Dickenson, David Scrimgour and Leigh MacDonald, or the Service park which also requires marshals

The regs are now online as well as the entry form. These are available to download from the Competitors page. If you have just finished the Border Counties and looking for your next fix... then get your entry in. These stages are in prime condition and will be a joy to drive.

Marshals, Website

Well, apart from continually developing the website, i have been busy with the marshal recruitment process. I have produced the first Marshals Newsletter and started to distribute it. If you havent recieved a copy, you can download it from the Marshals page. I wont win any journalistic awards, but its worth a look and gives details of contacts for anyone wanting to volunteer their services on our fabulous event.

During the rally, LIVE results will be available through the website. When the time comes, just click on 'Results' on the main menu. News will appear frequently as we approach the rally and more information will be available over time. Check the site regular for updates. The Regs should be available for download in the next few days as will the Entry form

Route Finalised etc

Welcome to the Blog from the Clerk of the Course ( or at least one of them!)

We now have the route finalised - Three Stages in Hamsterley that will be run twice. They are in mint condition too.

Two stages in Stang run at 30 second intervals ( the split is after about two miles so we dont think thats an issue) approval being sought from the MSA for this. The stage is excellent and not been rallied for sometime so promises an interesting variation.

The Service area is all tarmac and we are looking at arranging a proper start area within Barnard Castle.

Pattersons Notes - I have confirmation from Brian Patterson that the notes will be prepared around three weeks prior to the event so they will be bang up to date.

Keep watching for more updates on the Hamster BLOG!

Steve