THE PRESCOTT MARSHALS' CLUB NEWSLETTER Summer 2013

THE PRESCOTT
MARSHALS’ CLUB
NEWSLETTER
Summer 2013

Gosh! What a weekend…….La Vie en Bleu 2013
We normally start to plan an event twelve months ahead but for
this year’s La Vie weekend we started planning much earlier as it formed
part of a three week programme of events centred around the Club’s
2013 UK Bugatti International Rally. The International Rallies are held
each year in a different country however this year was a little special as
it was fifty years ago that the BOC held the very first Bugatti
International Rally here in the UK.
Following La Vie en Bleu, many of the hundred Bugatti cars which
are assembling from all round the world move on to Cadwell for a track
day together with a special evening celebration of ‘Williams’ who won the
very first Grand Prix of Monaco back in 1929. The following day, we hold
the annual ‘Williams’ Trophy race, a part of the Vintage Sports Car Club
annual race meeting at Cadwell Park. From Cadwell the cars head north
for a week touring the Highlands and Borders of Scotland. A hundred
Bugatti cars assembled in the centre of Edinburgh should be a
spectacular sight.
This year La Vie was blessed by exceptional weather which
attracted record crowds for Prescott. We have yet to review our ticket
count but I suspect this was the largest spectator count we have ever
experienced at Prescott. The Bugatti factory was marvellous in sending
over three Veyrons for us and their test driver certainly entertained the
crowds. My favourite memory of the weekend was the sound of the F1
Benetton echoing around the hill.
Events like this take a lot of planning and commitment from a huge
number of volunteers. I would particularly like to thank all the marshals
who supported us over the weekend and especially those involved on
Sunday when due to a number of incidents on the hill we ended up running
much later than we would have liked. Your support and help was, and is,
much appreciated by the Club and the competitors. A number of marshals
have asked about the Bugatti driver who had a nasty “off”at Esses. I am
glad to say that the driver was fine if a little sore. The following day he
rang and asked me to pass on his thanks to all those who helped him on
the day. If I recall his words correctly – “it is only when you have an
incident that you really appreciate the exceptional team of marshals,
paramedics and officials at Prescott”. I am delighted to confirm that
the car is also well on its way to recovery, the damage not as bad as it
looked on the day.
I appreciate that our event clashed with the ‘British & Midland’ at
Shelsley. I spoke to the team at Shelsley over a year ago to explain our

eason for holding our event over these particular dates. We agreed that
while not ideal, we could run both events over the same weekend and it
seems that both were a success. Next year we will back to our normal
Bank Holiday weekend.
Next on the Calendar is our Mid-Summer Speed Fest, the Midland
Championship meeting at the end of June. A special feature of this
meeting will be a team of six English drivers representing Prescott driving
against six drivers from Rob Roy Hill Climb near Melbourne, Australia. It
should be fun.
Looking forward to seeing you all soon.
Ian Patton: General Manager BOC
Chris Rogers: The New Kid on the Block
The first tentative steps into the paddock at Prescott some 13
years ago as a result of being asked to come along and help by Dave Riley
are remembered well. Having no more motorsport experience than being
a keen spectator I really did feel like a duck out of water. Under the
guidance of Pete Tottman, Tony Miller and the late, great Max Miller, I
was encouraged and supported at every turn until I felt comfortable in all
paddock duties and procedures.
At no point did I feel that there was a structured training regime
in place but with Max’s background as an apprentice trainer within the
midlands motor industry, you know that there was a well thought out plan,
just not a plan that was written down.
How different it is today. We see Ray’s team getting their training
cards signed after each event, and now with me being allowed through the
paddock gate to take on Clerk of the Course training, I am definitely
embroiled in a very structured and regulated training schedule.
When asked whether I would like to join the COC team little did I
know what was in store. Maybe a few seminars, an away day training at
Loton or Shelsley maybe. How wrong could I have been? Within a very
short time it was clear that this would be the start of a very serious and
intense training programme. Dave Riley was assigned as my mentor, John
Felix as Clerks Training Administrator outlined what was expected and
timeframes. A training manual arrived which was divided into modules.
Each module would be walked through both theoretically and practically
with my mentor and colleagues.

The MSA Steward would be required to sign off that he was happy
that the module was completed and understood and a whole lot more. But
so much for the formal stuff, one of the best and deepest fonts of
knowledge springs from you guys and gals in orange. The person that does
not regularly drink from that well is destined to wilt and die so I thank
you all that ‘my cup runneth over’.
As I come to my sixth and final upgrade signature (yes, even the
Clerks licence is subject to similar upgrade rules as drivers), three senior
officials whom I have worked with need to approve my upgrade to the
MSA as well as the approval of The Club. Let’s hope nobody saw the sad
attempt to move the stricken Porsche at Ettores! As someone so aptly
said ‘How many Marshals does it take to push a Porsche’ twelve to push
like mad and one old hand to show the trainee Clerk how to take the
handbrake off’.
Does it stop there? Not on your life! A final working evaluation
will take place by the MSA before approval for a B Licence can be
finalised. A world of difference to my first steps through the Prescott
gates all those years ago.
Once the enormity of what I was embarking on had sunk in it was
down to the business of trying to be a valuable member of the team. It
looks so serene from the outside, cars are running up the hill, clerks are
chatting about the weather and occasionally taking a nice ride up the hill
in a posh Range Rover. What could be easier? Fast forward to reality…
Never mind trying to keep the entry in compliance with the regulations in
the lead up to the event, the MSA Steward will want to see the track
licence, fire extinguisher certificates, marshal numbers, rescue and
medical facilities comply, timing is in order and certified, driver briefings
are done, marshal briefing, track checks, radio checks. It always happens
together and the new boy can feel like a sponge, head spinning in a sea of
information. And all before breakfast! Newcomers may be not aware, the
Clerk of the Course has responsibility for everything that happens on
race day and has to be able to deal with it all. Here is where the training
kicks in. The first time panic slowly develops into a structured approach
and hopefully by the completion of the last training module, calm,
measured professionalism.
What I have learned from my experience is not to fear training. In
fact it is the training that will give you the confidence to carry out your
duties knowing that you are doing the right thing. So I would appeal to
everyone in the Prescott Marshals Club to embrace the opportunities you
will be offered. Join an MSA training scheme, speak to your Post Chief
or Chief Marshal about extending your experience and qualifications.

Come and see what the Scrutineers, Timekeepers, Environmental, Paddock
Marshals or any other colleagues who support the club so ably do and, as I
have, investigate a new niche in life. Come and see Dave, Stuart, Ron or
myself to get a feel for what the Clerks do. It really is more than Range
Rovers, Tea and Bacon Rolls!
Chris Rogers
Wicky Writes
Well, the season is well underway now and what an amazing turnout
of marshals we had at our last meeting.
It wasn’t a true reflection of our marshalling numbers as we had
two visiting clubs swelling the numbers to see how we run our meetings.
However, it is a true reflection of how well we do run our meetings that
other clubs are looking to learn from us. Pat yourselves on the back!
On a serious note, yes we are getting a high number of marshals.
There are some people talking of limiting the numbers but as Chief
Marshal, I will fight any plan to do this. It was only just over a season
ago that the average “no show” was around 15 – 20 per day.
To this end, I do need your cooperation - when the numbers on any
day are high and I ask you to work a rota of stand-downs on your post,
please help me by doing this. If too many marshals stay on a post, you put
yourselves at risk.
I write this the day after our “Post Chief’s Training Day”. We had
a very good turnout on a very sunny day. We spent the morning in the
village hall with Ray Cook heading the sessions and the afternoon was a
gentle and pleasant walk up the hill led by myself.
I wish all marshalling could be done on days as good as this. A big
“Thank-You” to Ray and to all who turned up on the day. I do hope you
found it informative. Don’t forget, we were only talking about marshalling
at Prescott.
Dave Wickham
Chief Marshal

Any Ideas??
We are currently looking at speeding up signing on so we can all
have a lie in (well get up later at least). If anyone has any ideas on how
we can do this from any other venues or your own thoughts please let
Kevin Cornwall know on 07776 254300, or email kevin.cornwall@sky.com
or see him at a meeting. We already have a few ideas but the more the
better!
How I Started Marshalling ………………..
I started marshalling at Prescott in 2007 so I am a relative novice.
However, over the next six years, I gained experience quickly as I was
able to attend all the meetings at the three Midlands hills. I graduated
through the marshalling jobs – general duties, fire, flag/whistle, first
response and finally becoming a Post Chief.
Through this period I received plenty of help plus the knowledge
learned at the yearly training sessions. Again, experience was gained with
my fair share of incidents, both on and off the track, which earned me
the nickname “magnet”.
This year I became Chief Paddock Marshal at the Prescott Driving
School, a job I have taken over from “The Master”, George Shetliffe who
wanted to retire after a very long run. Well done George and many
thanks for all the help you have given me.
The part of marshalling I never forget is that I am a small part of
a large team.
What comes next? Who knows but here’s to many more days on
the “hills” hopefully furthering my marshalling career.
Roger Jobson
Membership Update
As at 29 th
timers.
May, we boast 133 paid up members of which 14 are first
John Hicks

British/Midland Championships
27/28 April 2013
As I was away for this meeting, this item of news has been
provided by Mike Webb who kindly stood in for me – many thanks, Mike.
The weather was rather naff but a total of 86 marshals signed on
for Saturday and 100 on Sunday. A pat on the back to you all. The
winners of the marshals’ raffle were L Tomkins, R Watkinson and C
Porter.
Dave Wickham raffled eight hats and these were won by A
Mepham, E Lacey, S Greenwood, B Sketchley, R Nunn, A James, J Cook
and A Mudge.
Classic Invited Clubs / La Vie en Bleu
1 st & 2 nd June
What a fabulous weekend, the sun didn't let us down for once. We
had a great turnout of marshals' both days, but 14 didn't arrive or report
in for Saturday & 7 were again missing for Sunday. Dave Wickham did
tell me that the telephone number I gave out was incorrect so some of
you may have been unable to contact him.
As the three winning tickets for the marshals raffle were left in
my rear pocket – and Bridget washed my trousers – I can't remember who
won!!
Once again thanks to Janine and Bridget for looking after us all in
'The Pound'.
It was a long day on Sunday, with a late finish due to incidents but
the B.O.C. have asked me to pass on their thanks to one and all.
John Hicks
Annual Barbecue – Saturday 29 th June.
The barbecue will take place following practice on Saturday.
Tickets may be reserved by e-mailing John Hicks at
hickups@btopenworld.com or telephone 01242 676848. The price is
£5.00 per adult (special price for Tim Kempster!). This price is the same
as last year. Please come and support your Club and remember to bring
your own drink as we are not allowed to sell on site.

Regalia Price List For 2013
Available During Lunch Breaks At The Signing-On Hut
Sew on Badge £4.00
Enamel Lapel/Hat Badge £2.00
Windscreen Sticker £1.00
“T” shirts £5.00
Mugs £2,50
Baseball Caps £6.50
Sew on Badge (50 years) £3.50
Ball Point Pen £0.50
Sweatshirts – good quality with Club logo/your name
Marshals’ Proban Suits
£15.00 Special Order
Please ask for details
Remaining Prescott 2013 Fixtures
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30 June
Saturday 3 rd & Sunday 4 th August
Saturday 31 st August & Sunday 1 st September
Saturday 5 th and Sunday 6 th October
Midsummer Speed Fest
VSCC (please contact VSCC)
British Championship
The Autumn Classic
To volunteer to Marshal at any of the events above please contact John Hicks
apart from VSCC who need to be contacted directly. If you are interested in
marshalling at any other venues please speak to Kevin Cornwall.
Committee Contacts
Greg Dixon-Smith, Chairman –
greg.dixon-smith@morgan-motor.co.uk
Simon Bloomfield, Secretary –
swblotus@aol.com
Rod Kay, Treasurer –
r.kay953@btinternet.com
Kevin Cornwall, Deputy Chairman/ - kevin.cornwall@sky.com
Deputy Chief Marshal Tel 07776 254 300
John Hicks, Marshals Co-Ordinator hickups@btopenworld.com
& Membership Secretary Tel 01242 676848
Charles Beardsell –
beardsell@aol.com
Tel 07768 043 272
Spencer Colquitt -
spencer@tomstown.plus.com
Tel. 07508 863 133
Margaret Parkes -
user@mparkes.wanadoo.co.uk
01789 296466