Hi all.<br>
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Here is a copy of what is going in the next magazine (if I have met the deadline<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=
http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> ).<br>
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Details still a bit sketchy, but I really want to get this event on the calendar for this year - it will be great.<br>
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Please do not post interest on the board, as I rarely get chance to look at it these days. Please phone me to register your interest instead so that I can take an address for the info packs.<br>
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Thanks.<br>
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Mark<br>
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The Birdlip Route<br>
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A couple of years ago, I organised a short driving event which used part of the pre-war Triumph test route. However, there was a much more lengthy and demanding route also used by Triumph post-war. This took in three testing hills, one of which is at Birdlip, and hence the name. This route was retraced by one of the popular classic car magazines a few years ago, and after an appeal for any information in Dolly Mixture, Charles Cattenach from Bristol got in touch with a copy of the article.<br>
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Charles has since spent many hours going over the route, and suggesting alternatives where roads have been replaced, built over, or turned into motorways. At this stage, I have a fairly comprehensive route with tulip diagrams in key places, and notes of places of interest and refreshment facilities. Charles has put in a lot of effort, and I wish to thank him and highly commend him for his efforts so far.<br>
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I want to take the planning a stage further, and organise what I think will be a very enjoyable event for TDC members, using their cars on an historic route, with opportunities to stop off at places of interest en route. I do need some help though….<br>
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Firstly, I need to know how many members might be interested if the event is organised before the end of the nice weather this year. To register your interest, please call Mark McLean, TDC Coventry Area Rep, on 024-76678525 (calls before 9.30pm please). I will put you on a list of interested parties, and send information packs in due course. No obligation of course.<br>
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Secondly, I need help in marshalling the start points. I am not talking lots of work, preparation or effort. Just a member who is prepared to ensure that all of the cars get away at each of the starting points. See below for the proposed route, and please give me a call if you are able to help.<br>
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Here is an outline of the proposed event:<br>
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•        Likely to be held end of August or early September;<br>
•        Likely to be a modest entry fee, including a donation to charity, which will include a proposed route, and details of the starting points. Possible inclusion of a rally plaque for the event;<br>
•        Route of approximately 100 miles passing near to Coventry, Kenilworth, Warwick, Stratford, Evesham, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Winchcombe, Broadway, Chipping Norton, Ettington, Barford.<br>
•        Multiple start points to avoid lengthy journies to Coventry before even starting the event. Suggest Gloucester, Chipping Norton and Coventry. If you might be able to help with any of these start points, please get in touch.<br>
•        Relaxed and informal event, with only a suggested route. Details to be included of places of interest to stop. Possible arrangements with such places for displays of cars etc.<br>
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At the time of typing, I can not offer any further details. However, I want to publicise this in the magazine at this stage so that we have a chance of staging the event this year. By the time you read this in the next Dolly Mixture, a final proposed route should be in place, a final date should have been decided upon, and information packs will be available.<br>
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Please get in touch with comments, suggestions, or to register an interest.<br>
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Many thanks.<br>
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Mark McLean<br>
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