Rising membership

Local motor club among best in country

Organising many different events to suit all budgets has hit the right note with South Hams Motor Club. The club, which was formed in 1965, has more members than at any other time – doubling in size over the last 3 years to a record 270 so far this year. With over 2000 members at one time or another - mostly living in the South Hams - the club is one of the most successful in the country.

"Offering a wide range of events from fun days and autocrosses to stage rallies keeps members interested", said Roger Gillard a long standing member. "We have some great events here in the southwest and competitors travel from far and wide to compete" added Roger. Although the club leans toward rally type events it has organised "Sprints" too. If members aren't competing in their preferred discipline they will be out helping on other events organised by the club.

In an ever tightening economy everyone is seeking maximum value in all aspects of their life and that is where club Chairman, Paul Watts thinks the club is winning, "We put on great little events that don't cost the earth, at least one a month - and everyone goes home smiling! The last stage rally we organised had a capacity 90 car entry and many crews had travelled more than 200 miles to take part because of the value we offer." The next event the club is organising - together with four other Westcountry clubs - is a new rally at the Boconnoc Estate in Cornwall on July 29th. The maximum number of rally cars is 45 and 33 spaces had been reserved, including a World Rally Ford Focus, within days of the event being announced. This will be a great day out for all the family who can get up close to the action in a controlled environment.

Watts added, "Our members are kept informed of events and experiences in the monthly magazine ‘Chequered Flag’, and we have a popular Facebook page too." Prospective new members are always welcome, see the club's website www.shmc.co.uk for details or call Roger Gillard for a chat on 01548 550529.

• Picture shows club members preparing to marshal on the Somerset Stages Rally 2012. Roger Gillard seated. Paul Watts standing 1st on left.

Issued: 20 June 2012