Scammonden

[Bill999]

The Pendle news of a second cancellation of an event at Scammoden this year is really bad. Another cancellation at Scammonden probably means yet another nail in the coffin. I am a newcomer to the sport and as such, possibly, see things in a different light. I marshalled there over 30 years ago when HMC had the licence and competed for the first time there last October. Whatever the reasons for cancelling there is an underlying problem with this venue that needs sorting out .

This was and still could be, a first class hill and we (and I mean all of we) need to get (pull) together and get something done. It needs involvement (not lip service to the cause) from both sides of the hill and wider than that if possible. If that means upsetting some people to save the venue so be it. There is a list of things that "must" be done but if we are only to have lists without action we will kiss Scammonden good bye.

Right.....who wants to be involved and I mean involved? This includes everything from negotiating with Yorkshire Water/Kelda, fixing the **** heap of a start area to de-mossing bend 2 and 3 (please!!! anal retention for me this year!!) and lots more. Perhaps the MSA could chip or am I being naiive?

I know I don't know the background, all the facts and politics but it is clear that unless something is done and quickly the venue will be lost and you know you will miss the hail and horizontal rain!!!!

Bill S

[Craig Powers]

The Scammonden paddock is problematic and is not easy to fix. As a consequence it cannot hold many cars. One very good aspect is its location. Away from residential property and next to the M62. It is unlikely to get closed down on noise grounds. We have few hills in the north so it is good to retain those that we have.

[Steve Wilkinson]

Originally Posted by Craig Powers

The Scammonden paddock is problematic and is not easy to fix. As a consequence it cannot hold many cars.

There was some talk about getting the track resurfaced. The old tarmac that was scraped off was going to be used at the access points onto the grass. The other thing that will have to happen to the paddock is installing some half decent drainage.

All this of course costs and woud be a poor investment if events continue to be cancelled.

I do agree that after the loss of Baitings Dam hillclimb course some years back we can ill-afford the loss of Scammonden.

The MSA do have funds available for repairs/resurfacing etc but it usually matches the funds the local club/clubs raise. This could be a source of funding but if memory serves the Water Board people would want their contractor to do the work and they (a) might not be the best value for money plus (b) might not be willing to lay down the right sort of tarmac.

[cliorod]

Hi,
Due to me unfortunately working away,I have not been able to attend Pendles Meetings.
However I have been kept up to date over happenings at Scammonden.
As a club,Pendle are very dissapointed to have to cancel ANY events,as I am sure most Motor Clubs would feel the same.However there are justifiable reasons for the decision on this years event.

1) Marshalls --- Our chief Marshall from the 2010 event contacted all the kind people who attended that event ,with a view to them being available.He also requested the same from all the member clubs within the SD34 (14 !!).The response was not very good with only approximately 5/6 people willing to attend.As the start line takes care of 3 ......Pendle being such a small club,our own manpower could not meet the MSA requirement... something stewards in the past years have turned a "half closed eye too".However it was muted by the MSA stewards,that our lack of marshalls was getting too "Iffy"
2) Competitors --- Thanks to Craig and others on here,and Huddersfield Motor club,2010 event proved to be a success,BUT for 2011,various clashes with other championships on our date,meant we would not reach the miniimum requirement.Changing date put us into further clashes with events at Loton,Curborough etc etc.

Please do not think we took the decision lightly,but facts are facts.
We would appreciate any help,as WE definitely do not wish the hill to follow in the footsteps of Baitings.
I cannot see Pendle running event an later on this year,but hopefully for 2012 we will return.

Prior to that if any of you can suggest a date,that appeases the majority of competitors,for 2012,that is clear of both the ANWCC & ANCC championship events.As a club,we have very few hillclimbers -- so we have very little knowledge of other championships other than the Associations champioships mentioned.
Please feel free to contact me at pdmc@clara.co,uk with any comments,replies etc etc.
Regards and thanks for your previous support
Rod

[Craig Powers]

Originally Posted by cliorod

Prior to that if any of you can suggest a date,that appeases the majority of competitors,for 2012,that is clear of both the ANWCC & ANCC championship events.As a club,we have very few hillclimbers -- so we have very little knowledge of other championships other than the Associations champioships mentioned.
Please feel free to contact me at pdmc@clara.co,uk with any comments,replies etc etc.
Regards and thanks for your previous support
Rod

Rod, I am now Comp Sec for Longton & DMC so can advise of dates on the Lancs side of the Peninnes. I will be in touch. Cheers, Craig

[whtopman]

Hi Rod,
You have a PM.