Pendle Run 2001
On Sunday 22nd July 2001, we held our 9th Pendle Run – which is our premier event of the year and one which was bigger and better than before.
The event started on the Saturday afternoon with a gathering of MG’s at a campsite. Here a gazebo, BBQ and an array of tents were erected for the evening’s entertainment. Around the same time, those with more sense were booking into the Old Stone Trough in Kelbrook, just a couple of miles away. At the campsite we had a roaring BBQ and drinks, when three Swedish MG’s arrived. It was the first time we’d ever seen a Speckled Hen welded to the front of a TD.
The next morning we awoke to the smell of bacon butties and coffee. The day was overcast but at least it wasn’t raining. However just before 10am, the heavens opened – Nigel, Suzanne, Cathy and I huddled under trhe gazebo – watched by Ted from the shelter of his caravan! However it was time to move on to the Old Stone Trough, so we braved the rain and drove the two miles. MG’s were arriving from all directions and were being guided into the car park by Ray and his cronies. Inside, Lynne and Janet were greeting everyone with warming coffee and tea, whilst outside John and Jose ensured everyone had their rally plaque, route book and various leaflets. Peter and Susan were busy selling raffle tickets.
We had in the region of 108 cars filling the car park, all of which were professionally photographed by Neil as they left. As the hoards of MG’s roared down the leafy Lancashire lanes, Neil was busy running around getting his photogrpahs developed before they all returned. The run took us through the villages of Kelbrook and Foulridge, before leading us over Trawden, Thursden, Widdop and the appropriately named Slack Bottom, before dropping down to the picturesque West Yorkshire Village of Hebden Bridge. Upon leaving Hebden Bridge, the run took us past the famous Clog Factory to Mytholmroyd and then up through coiners country Cragg Vale, before passing through the small villages of Steep Lane, Sowerby. It was down to Sowerby Bridge and then up the other side of the Calder Valley and the villages of Luddenden Foot, Midgeley, Chisley, Old Town and Pecket Well. Back across Wadsworth moor to the tourist spot of Haworth, where the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway runs. Next it was Oakworth and back over to Lancashire, winding through Earby and back to Kelbrook and the Old Stone Trough.
The sun came out during the run and many cars had their hoods down. We did have a few odd cars in our midst, including a Triumph Stag, Porsche Boxster and a Mazda MX5. The weary travellers were greeted back with a mass of framed photographs. All they had to do, was work out the colour coding we had used, find their own car and take their free souvenir to remind them of the 9th Pendle Run. However the colour coding seemed to confuse many people! So next year remember that all the red cars are together, all the green cars are together etc etc. If you drive a red MGB, then you can spend all day looking at the green cars, but you’ll never find your photo!
More raffle tickets were sold, tea and coffe was served and then the buffet was served. The food was excellent once again and included whole black puddings. We were entertained by the local Lancashire clog dancers Padiham Panache, who demonstrated a variety of dancers from the old weaving sheds, the Welsh valleys and many more. Peter and John attempted to draw the raffle without the aid of a microphone and it seemed to last for ever – where did alltheose prizes keep appearing from?
It was yet another very successful event and we presented a cheque for £500 to the local Burnley Hospice. Therefore a very big tahnk you to everyone who attended the run, to everyone who purchased raffle tickets and to everyone who helped us raise this money for such a worthwhile cause.
I have no doubts that plans for the 10th Pendle Run will shortly be made. If you were at the 9th Pendle Run, then I’m sure you will want to book again. If you couldn’t make it this year, then book early and make sure you don’t miss out next year.
