Issue 053 June 2005 - Nailsworth News

Local History — Ann MakemsonFrom“The Light Car and Cyclecar”. Sept.10 1921Over 4,000 people on the LadderThanks to the able assistance of the police, thecongestion in the village of Nailsworth and on the road atthe foot of the ‘Ladder’ was not at any time serious.Spectator’ machineswere parked onMinchinhamptoncommon, whilst thedrivers who hadsignified theirintention of tacklingthe gradient drew uptheir machines onthe road at the footof the hill.Long before 2o’clock, …... peoplestreamed up the steep slopes of the hill to take up theirposts. A crowd almost equal in volume came down fromthe parking ground on the common, and it was difficult tosee how this tremendous number of people would be ableto accommodate themselves on each side of the ‘track’.Just before the proceedings were officially opened, Mr.L. G. Hornsted, the well-known Brooklands racingdriver, came up the hill on his speed model Dodge; but ashe breasted the 1in 2½ portion of the hill, his machinedarted first to the left, and then, with a terrific swerve,came across to the right. By keeping his head, the driverwas able to bring his car to a standstill before anydamage was done. As it was, one wheel hungthreateningly over a steep decline. ….. It was amiraculous escape, and the fact that there was nountoward happening must be put down to the coolnessand skill of Mr. Hornsted.……… Next in order was a black racy-lookingHorstman, with Captain Horstman at the wheel. …...Nosooner had the Horstman disappeared over the crest, thana silver streak came into view. This was the 8h.p.Baughan, which is manufactured locally. Unfortunately,when it appeared to be going really well, the enginesuddenly revved at a tremendous speed. In an instant thechocks were placed under the wheels and many willinghands helped the machine down the hill, where it couldbe placed out of theway. The troublewas a broken chain.This was soon putright, and the driverwas again ready foranother attempt.The Hampton, withMr. Daniel again atthe wheel, came upwith 8 passengers,but even this abnormal load did not appear to slow downthe speed or to injure the car in any way. A Warren-Lambert, with Major Warren-Lambert at the wheel,…….. even with three passengers it took no noticewhatever of the abominable surface or the gradient. …….Once the 1in 2½ part of the hill came into view, the driverzig-zagged in a clever fashion, although at times he musthave struck terror in the hearts of the spectators close by.He put up a very good performance, butunfortunately at the top, where the ‘Ladder’ meetsthe ‘W’ he bent his under-shield and twisted theframe. The injury, however, was not severe, for hewas shortly afterwards careering up again. ……………Mr. H. F. S. Morgan, accompanied by his wifeas a passenger, sailed up on the machine that hehad driven on the Six Days’ Trial. The engine didnot seem to have to make any special effort to getto the top. Another driver of a similar machinewho had the temerity to take up a child did notfollow the previous good example, as his Morgancame to a standstill on the steepest part. After much effort,he was successful in reaching the foot of the hill insafety… …….Mr. Daniel’s Hampton next appeared inview, although it was difficult to see the chassis itself onaccount of the extraordinary load on board. Fourteenpeople in all were perched upon the chassis, hanging on tothe best of their ability as the machine leapt from bump tobump in its onward path. ……...just as it was approaching4 o’clock, Mr. Eastwood made an attempt on hisChristchurch-Campbell. This machine, which had beenadmired on account of its smart bodywork, came to grief.It would appear that after it came to a standstill, it rushedback like a shot out of a gun, having jumped over thechocks which were placed under the wheels. Fortunately,the crowd, into which it ran backwards, were able to meltaway rapidly, or a nasty accident might have occurred.Having mounted a steep bank, it turned turtle. Strange torelate, the driver and his lady passenger escaped,unscathed, although they were naturally badly shaken.Week-end end brevities‘Nailsworth West is none so easy!’ remarked the driver ofa three-wheeler, shaking his head. He was referring, ofcourse, to the ‘Nailsworth W’!Those who were disappointed at the fact that lunch wasnot ready at 12.30pm at the George Hotel are remindedthat 1pm was the time fixed for this important function.The ‘All Clear’signals were given bythe three holders ofpolice whistles, whowere stationed atstrategic points on thehill. It is said that so16much blowing ofpolice whistles hasnot been heard in thelocality for years.