Continuing our training towards the Pilgrims Walk next year, Chris and I organised to do a walk after Church. Our start was slightly compromised by a Church meeting to review the after service tea and coffee provision which took place as I finished washing and drying duties at St Paul’s. Chris sensibly took his family home, so we agreed to start from his house which is not far from our Church, in Chippenham.

We set off from Chris’s home in steady rain and headed down an alley and under a railway bridge towards the Bridge Centre roundabout. From here we headed down Lover’s lane, across the weir and skirting the town centre headed towards Wood Lane and up into the Pewsham Estate. It continued to steadily rain but I don’t like having my hood up, so I was continually putting it on, then taking it off again trying to find the ideal balance between shelter and being able to converse with Chris. I was wearing a baseball cap (essential to keep the rain off my glasses) so not getting entirely soaked when sans hood.

We felt our way through Pewsham and reached the bypass at about the right place to cross-over onto the footpath to Lacock. The first part of the footpath follows the bypass so not entirely peaceful, but soon it tucks behind a hedge and becomes properly rural. The path edges a large field before opening out along a section of the Kennet and Avon Canal which is the subject of long term restoration by a mainly volunteer workforce. There was no work being done today, but it is always interesting to see if anything new has emerged since I was last there. The restoration is putting back the various structures which manage the water levels as well as dredging sections of the main waterway. It looks like there is a lock to be restored which will clearly be a major undertaking, but there was little sign of much progress there today.

We continued alongside the canal for a mile or so until we spotted that under the sole bridge structure there was a dry spot suitable for lunch. I confessed to Chris that I was starving and in the absence of any firm plan for a dry spot in the miles ahead I voted that we stopped here. We had both brought along packed lunches which were rapidly consumed while Chris and I sat on the edge of the canal, legs dangling casually above the water.

Its worth recording here that our conversations are a highlight of our walks, and I hope the main event, when that happens. Chris and I have created a safe space in which we can share things quite openly and without fear of judgement. I really appreciate Chris’s reflections and his perspective on questions which we jointly raise. Invariably, we discuss matters of faith, amongst more secular topics, and its a joy to apply our Christian beliefs to situations of life we find ourselves facing. I think that other people have observed that walking creates an environment conducive for  conversation. There is something in the pace, the need to keep background concentration on the route, the gradually unfolding landscape and the steady rhythm of the step which allows conversation to flow easily. A great blessing.

I was feeling the cold a bit, having stopped for the break, so we set off again, and followed the path as it diverged from the canal and followed again a hedged field edge. We could now see Lacock in the near distance, the spire of the Church a particular giveaway that our destination was in sight.  The path led down a narrow path between two hedges and then emerged onto a road and into a lush green field edging the river. We walked diagonally across the field aiming for the wrought iron fence and stile in the corner of the field. The stile gave access to a road which crosses the river via a beautiful ancient stone bridge comprising two broad flat arches and supports which protrude elegantly into the river. As we looked ahead, a pair of ‘chocolate box’ thatched cottages welcomed us to Reybridge, near Lacock.

Heading left towards Lacock we entered a field of cows and calves – I didn’t recognise the breed but they were an attractive speckled brown and seemed docile enough. The path was tarmac and took us to a kissing gate from where we followed a single track road down the hill to the Ford at the edge of Lacock village itself. I recounted to Chris that I used to drive through the Ford in my Land Rover Discovery because Ellie had a friend that lived up that road. Noting the water level today, it perhaps would not have been advisable fording the stream right now in the Discovery as its deepest point was probably around 2′ and potentially a bit deeper. Certainly, I would not risk my current Honda CR-V at such depth.

On arrival in Lacock, our immediate uncertainly at where to procure a warm drink was solved with the appearance of a welcoming looking pub. We went inside to warm up and had a refreshing cup of coffee.

Conscious that we should not get too comfortable, we headed back following our tracks. By now the weather had dried up and we progressively removed layers as the weather became surprisingly warm. At the turnaround point we had covered 5 miles, so we knew that we were up for a 10 mile overall distance. The return leg was entirely pleasant with a few more people now venturing out, but by no means crowded.

I enjoyed a lovely walk. I didn’t take any photos (too wet), but I was snapped by Helen, when I was ‘resting my eyes’ later that day….

Masterclass

Successful morning on the MG, principally because reliability engineer Mark kindly came along with his expertise and tools and removed the temperature gauge bolt which has been foxing me since I started the strip down. Mark first hit the rounded off bolt with a centre punch to shock load it as he explained that this is sometimes effective at releasing any bond in the threads caused by corrosion or any other reaction between the bolt and whatever it is threaded into. He then used a vintage ‘stilson’ wrench to grip the rounded head and he gave it a steady hard pull. Mark explained that the ‘stilson’ grips harder the more you push it. Anyway, to my amazement it started to turn although Mark was concerned that it might shear at any point. After a couple of very tight rotations, he switched to a smaller ‘stilson’ wrench so as not to exert excess force and continued until the bolt came undone. Mark commented that the person who had originally built the car had made sure it would not fall out!

Stubborn bolt in situ

Stubborn bolt removed

Where the stubborn bolt was

Clutch

Having unearthed the engine (from under its dust covers), it was logical to have a bit of a poke around, and I decided to remove the clutch which was a simple operation with only six bolts to remove, first marking the case and flywheel for re-assembly. First time I have removed a clutch and inspected one. To my eyes it looked to be well worn down, so a new clutch makes sense when it comes to the re-build.

I also took the opportunity to put a drop of oil down the bores through the spark plug holes and in removing the clutch, the engine effectively had a couple of turns and all seems to be moving relatively freely, so that it good. I removed the rocker cover just to have a look and could see the valves moving with as I turned the flywheel. All very exciting.

Rear trims

Another ones of those jobs that needed doing before the respray was the removal of the triangular trims which fill in the gap between rear lights and the rear bumper (see photos below). I used the drill to remove where these were rivetted, but of course two of the fixings bizarrely were screwed in, but they came out easily enough. In recent thinking around the bumper-less look, I had concluded that I would not fit the fibreglass rear valance which smooths off the rear as I think it actually looks better a bit ‘gappy’. When I have seen it done it looks a bit too like a jelly-mould. At present, you can see how the rear valance has been repaired and I quite like that as its authentic. Anyway, once resprayed I can look at the rear and re-consider.

Trims removed

Triangular trim above the rear valance

After such a successful morning I reckoned I had earned a coffee!

Unseasonably mild for our weekend at the farm. We arrived on Saturday to a cooked breakfast and shortly afterwards I pulled on my overalls and wellies and ventured outside in light rain. I accompanied Graham on his feeding rounds and it was immediately enjoyable to be just swinging gates open and hopping in and out of the Land Rover, chatting about this and that and taking a look at the livestock. I enjoy finding out about what the seasonal goings on are – what’s being prepared, what’s being got rid of and all that. At the moment, the last of the harvest (of silage) is being brought in and stacked and the rams are serving the ewes. All the animals are out in the fields, so the feeding is relatively light and its good to see them all outside where they belong.

Graham proudly pointed out their twin calves – a rare occurrence, the last one was some twenty years ago. We chatted about Brexit, lots of uncertainty there, and about some technical challenges with the Land Rover and the Tractor. The Land Rover had a new fuel pump earlier this year and it is not only the noisiest pump I have ever heard (a constant loud whine), but there is an intermittent fault which results in a complete cut out which is obviously a huge inconvenience. The ‘fix’ when it cuts out is to give the drivers seat a good shove forward and backwards as this seems to nudge the wiring and electronic control units which are situated under the drivers seat. How frustrating.

Sunday was a particularly mild and sunny day and it was very relaxing to again be amongst the animals and goings on at the farm. As well as helping to feed the livestock, I let the ducks out which is always comical, with their frantic waddling, and spent some time watching the cockerel strut around the yard.

We had a delicious roast dinner of farm Texel lamb, better than any pub could muster up on a Sunday, followed by home made apple tart. In the afternoon, I lay on the sofa and watched the Japanese Grand Prix, occasionally nodding off. Later we had sandwiches for tea and we headed for home later on in relaxed mood.

The old workhorse, 112,000 miles and still going strong

A great day exploring the Bristol to Bath cycle path with my old friend Philip Mitchell on our Brompton Folding Bikes. The suggestion was Phil’s – we hadn’t met up for too long and as he had bought a Brompton fairly recently, it seemed a good excuse to get together and tackle this well known cycle route. A cold nearly caused me to bail out, but I decided to man-up and crack on.

My day started well enough with a gentle cycle from home to Chippenham station, where I bought my ticket and a coffee. It was a little bit chilly, but sunny with the promise of a warm autumn day ahead.

Arriving in Bristol Temple Meads a relaxing 25 later I sat on a bench to wait for Phil whose day was not going quite as smoothly. Some car parking and navigational challenges set him back a bit, so I just sat in the sun and waited, while the day gradually warmed up.

Phil arrived and after a bit of a download on his journey in we set off from the back of Temple Meads, across the river and towards the start of the cycle path which is only about half a mile of so away. The start is fairly unassuming, just a couple of bent rails stuck artistically into the ground, but I would say that the signage of the whole route is very clear.

The route was busy enough to be vibrant, without being annoying, with walkers, families on bikes with trailers and little ones on mini-bikes, young lads on mountain bikes, plus streams of road bikes whistling past, all carbon fibre and Lycra.

Phil and I were cycling in tune with each other from the outset, coming alongside, or dropping back and keeping a similar pace – this the product of our having spent our early years cycling everywhere together back in Gloucester.

The route follows old railway tracks predominately, so there were lots of original features to enjoy, although to be fair we were chatting away so we must have missed lots of it.  The route comes alongside a heritage railway around Bitton, and we were treated to an old Diesel locomotive pulling away with its carriages – we gave it a friendly wave. We also had to cross the railway through a couple of gates where we also had a good view of the rail yard with all of its various wagons.

We powered on out of Bitton and towards Saltford where we were suddenly aware on the right hand side of  the track of an attractive pub (‘The Bird in the hand’) with a garden where some cyclists were already resting up and eating. This seemed too good an opportunity to pass up, so we headed to the garden and within a short time we had cold drinks and fish finger sandwiches (thanks Phil!). After a relaxing chat and reflecting on life in general we decided that probably considering I had a cold we would head back to Bristol instead of pushing on to Bath.

On our return to Temple Meads, we popped into a café to round off the meet up. Phil headed off to his car and I got the train back to Chippenham, where Helen picked me up in the car. A lovely day.

Enjoyed a fantastic day’s motorsport at the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft)  meeting, Brands Hatch.

DTM is a spectacular version of touring car racing, based in Germany, which features several European rounds in the Championship, including this year, at Brands Hatch. The DTM is essentially a silhouette formulae, featuring the three main German premier car manufacturers, Mercedes, Audi and BMW in heavily aerodynamically modified C63, A5 and M4 models. The body and chassis is carbon fibre and all run a regulated V8 engine and sequential transmission driving the rear wheels. Common with other racing formulae, 2018 changes in regulations reduced downforce to encourage overtaking.

The driver line up has consistently comprised ex-F1 drivers plus a host of younger talent, and unusually perhaps for a German series, three British drivers: Gary Paffett is the current championship leader, Paul DiResta (Ex-F1) has won the championship and Jamie Green is still seeking his first championship despite having won 16 races in previous campaigns. 

Hence the racing is a blend of aggressive looking cars, very loud rumbling engines, star pilots and close touring car style racing. To give some perspective, these are the fastest cars to race at Brands Hatch in 2018.

There are a couple of DTM innovations which other formulae would do well to note: All the cars carry an LED number which indicates their position in the race and the event is supported by a brilliant free smart phone app which streams commentary and timings as well as details of the schedule and event information. Another DTM feature is the principle of entertainment, so there are high quality support races (Audi R8’s and Mini’s this time), demonstration laps from old F1 cars, bikes and extensive manufacturers stands and free fan giveaways.

The main DTM feature of the day was a 55 minute race which was won by Daniel Juncadella in his Mercedes C63 in a maiden victory. There was an interesting strategic perspective in that six cars completed their mandatory pit stop in the first lap. This gave a slight time advantage, but also compromised their tyre performance late in the race although clearly degradation is not the issue it is in F1. There was one slow zone activated (a DTM means of dealing with a car needing recovery), but otherwise a continuous race, albeit with several cars going off, only to recover having lost time. There was lots of overtaking to enjoy with the hairpin at Druids and into Graham Hill bend being visible from where I was stood which was the glade inside of druids.

A great day’s racing – Brands Hatch has a good layout from which to enjoy the racing with far reaching views as well as the ability to get really close to the cars, and to feel the rumble in your chest!

My companion for the day was John H, an old friend with whom I have been watching motorsport for perhaps 15 or more years, it was great to catch up with him and I am grateful to him and his wife Linda for the overnight stay, for driving me to and from the event, for the packed lunch and dinner on Saturday. Utterly spoiled!

Tips for future events – take headphones to stream the commentary on your phone.

I will remember the summer of 2018 as one of the hottest in recent years. We’ve had some hot days, but it has surely been a couple of decades since we’ve had such a sustained spell of fair weather, bordering on sweltering. Consequently, the MG restoration has taken a back seat while I lay about and socialise in the sun (too hot for overalls anyway). Today, we went to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Considered by many as the premier motoring event of the year, I haven’t been for several years because the crowds put me off, and its not exactly a cheap day out. However, with some other friends going, that was enough to tip us into going, and for once, Helen and I were going together.

Setting off from Brighton at 6:30am meant that queues were minor and by 8:00 we were sat by the start line eating bacon rolls. I’ll admit to feeling a bit emotional when I first climbed the grandstand only to look down on a Graham Hill Yardley F1 car catapult off the start line. The ear splitting howl of the Cosworth DFV V8, and the beautiful setting of the tree lined avenue as the next amazing car lined up was all a bit overwhelming. Many of the cars were doing burn-outs from the start line. Utterly pointless, but absolutely joyous.

We moved on from the start line, and took up seats in the Park grandstands which provide a view of the track with the house behind. A beautiful setting, we stayed here for a while watching the batches of exotic bikes and cars sprinting up the hill. Some cars are going for a fast time, others just cruise up and some perform stunts such as donuts and burn-outs. Its all fabulously variable and there is a great sense of both occasion and of people wanting to put on a good show for the benefit of the crowds. The F1 cars have a tradition of showing off – there was a mouth-watering selection this year, a handful of the old normally aspirated V8s and V10s from the noughties – these are absolute screamers, and there was a Red Bull which did a particularly spectacular donut and drift. Valtieri Bottas was there with a Turbo Hybrid Mercedes and he did some cracking donuts and looked to be having a great time. Jenson Button, a Goodwood regular, was on Honda ambassador duties, piloting an ex-John Surtees 1967 Honda F1 car respectfully up the hill, singing out its V12 song.

MK Jaguar trying hard

Dolomite Sprint Kicking up the dust

Burning out a £60,000 bike

Billy Munger received a warm reception

There were many manufacturers and trade stands, too many to see in one day really. Helen won a key ring on the Mini stand and we both queued up for Michelin straw hats. We had hog roast rolls for lunch sat on a picnic table in the sweltering sunshine yards away from at least £20m worth of supercars which were displayed with typical Goodwood informality around the in-field.

You have to pinch yourself at Goodwood because almost wherever you look there are amazing cars and bikes, it really is quite exceptional. Its hard to convey just how relaxed and convivial the atmosphere is  – what the organisers have pulled off is the knack of putting on a beautifully well organised and presented event, while making it look incredibly easy.

The Porsche stand was worthy of mention – a blend of classic cars, contemporary cars and racing cars, it was presented with a light touch and surprisingly, a coffee shop with the best coffee of the day, served with panache by young staff who really had no business being that cheerful when we met them later in the day.

A fantastic day, we enjoyed catching up with our friends and becoming reacquainted with the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

(I’m going to have to get on with that restoration at some point, but Cornwall beckons…)

MK Jaguar trying hard

Dolomite Sprint Kicking up the dust

Billy Munger received a warm reception

Burning out a £60,000 bike

I thought it would be a good idea to stay local to the Goodwood Festival of Speed (FoS), tomorrow’s adventure, so we can get in early. With local hotels booked, I looked further afield and happened on Brighton as a viable pre-FoS day out. I booked a seafront Hotel and we looked forward to a lovely stay.

We had an easy drive into Brighton, observing as we got the town that it’s a bit shabby in places and not in the shabby-chic way. We abandoned the first car park which was extremely tight and gloomy looking in favour of a car park under a Hotel, expensive, but looks safe.

We headed to the fashionable ‘Lanes’ where we had coffee at a trendy independent coffee shop.

After perusing a few shops we headed for the beach where we ate last night’s Risotto leftovers, a lot nicer than that sounds.

A beautiful sunny day with virtually no cloud, just endless blue sky and a shimmering sea, dotted with bathers and boats. It was all lovely and I dozed lightly on the pebbles and life was good.

A bit more browsing of the shops was followed by drinks and a snack in All-bar-one.

As check in was now open, we headed to our Hotel, the not-so-salubrious Royal Albion on the seafront. A rather run down establishment, we were disappointed with our room, a roomy first floor space with windows overlooking adjacent air conditioning which was rattling away cheerfully. We called up reception to see if any alternative was available, but only the windowless basement was offered. A fan was however provided and this was put to use, pushing the hot air around with little cooling effect [sigh]. We paid £182 for this one night privilege (no breakfast included) so we will later reflect on whether there is an lesson in this for us, or are quite a few seaside Hotels a bit crap and expensive. It’s all relative of course, and our night will be more comfortable than the homeless people we saw on the pavement earlier.

Another day of not making any progress on the MG. Instead went for a long walk (13 miles) with friend Chris. We are planning a long walk next year so need build up the miles.

It was a blisteringly hot day (probably 30 deg) but we had some shade en-route to Calne on the old railway track. Good chat and saw some nature – hare and hawks.

Not getting much done on the MG this weekend as Helen and decided to go to the beach.

However in a quirky shop in Swanage was a second hand Jerry Can for £5. This looked to be good value and will allow me to drain the tank of petrol and dispose of it (it is dented and the gauge is u/s.

Helen and I had a yummy coffee and cake in a cafe.

Also bought a reflective shade for the Honda.

Also today, England beat Sweden to go through to the Quarterfinals of the football World Cup. I’m not really into football, buts it’s kind of exciting. We were at the beach during the match but caught the last few mins on the radio and before that over our phones.

Attended the Bowood Classic Car Show with Helen in the Cappuccino. Had some good conversations with MGB owners. One chap recommended a restoration book (insert here) and showed us around his restoration. He had fitted electronic ignition (see photo) and recommended this. Most owners had supplementary cooling so this is a definite for the re-build. Another owner fired up his ‘B’ to demonstrate the TT manifold and exhaust which was nice and loud, but does change the distinctive MGB burble. The manifold is key to the sound, so truthfully would prefer mine to stay sounding authentic as to me that is part of the appeal. Lots of owners had stainless steel oil cooler hoses some of which did not foul the distributer as much so worth considering. The engine bays were a mixture, with quite a lot of scruffy ones. It was common to see polished dashpots and pancake filters, some retaining the original and nice new decals everywhere. Where brake lines had been done, there was a weird mixture of shapes so that makes that job a bit more daunting, but worthwhile overall I reckon. The interiors also varied with horrible wooden dashboards in some cases. Overall it was encouraging to see the finished article and seeing a couple of white ones was good as it gave a good impression. None had the autumn leaf interior, so ours will be uncommon I think.