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Victory Bells At Newcastle

16th June 1961, Page 57
16th June 1961
Page 57
Page 57, 16th June 1961 — Victory Bells At Newcastle
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Keywords : Newcastle Upon Tyne

LIGHTand medium-weight eniries I—, scored by far the best marks in the Newcastle Lorry Driver of the Year Contest last Sunday, the outright winner being J. Bell (Newcastle Chronicle and Journal, Ltd.) on a Commer. He won the Class A award and led his company to success in the team section. Other team members were S. Morrison (Commer, Class A) and J. Heads (Commer, Class B).

Second overall individual was D. Bell (A. Robinson (Newcastle), Ltd.), Thames, from Class D, who was seven marks behind the winner. The only other competitor to beat the century was the Class B winner, H. Bainbridge (Gateshead and District Co-operative Society, Ltd.), Commer, with 97 penalty points.

There was a total of 116 entries, including 20 teams mostly from the north-east, but including some useful support from S.P.D., York and

Greenock. Over 30 operators were represented. There was local comment on the fact that the considerable haulage industry in the north-east contributed less than a quarter of the entries.

In torrential rain the competitors assembled at Brough Park Stadium. Newcastle upon Tyne. First came the Highway Code questions in which an early success was scored by A. Donaldson (Newcastle Co-operative Society, Ltd.), Commer, who led Class A with full marks on theory. Altogether 15 drivers came through the examination without penalty, there being a remarkable showing in Class G, where four out of six entrants came through with clean sheets. They were G. Shearer' (N.C.B. Northern (N. and C.). Division), Dennis; S. Orwin (Esso Petroleum Co., Ltd.), Leyland; T. W. Johnson (B.R.S.), A.E.C. Mandator; and J. Parker (Shell-Mex and B.P.), Scammell.

After covering a road circuit of 18 miles in absolutely aquatic conditions the vehicles returned to the Corporation bus depot adjoining the stadium for the three driving tests. These were laid out on the ample concrete road which is one of the features of the site.

Generally speaking the competitors performed their various tasks decisively and with a minimum loss of time. An interesting point is that the standard exhibited in these contests often appears to be higher when drivers are not watched and possibly embarrassed by holiday-making crowds such as appear in some centres.

In the width-judging test few competitors got the " gatepost " in really tightly. so that most negotiated the double opening at steady if slow speeds. As a fleet the Scottish Brewers' drivers showed both confidence and competence here. The very first results brought J. Bell out as a Class A winner, his advantage mainly being secured on the road section. H. Bainbridge, who was best in Class B, had a good all-round performance except in the width-judging. Leaders in Class C were much closer on marking, test two again proving the main source of penalties. Some of the large vehicles fared particularly badly on width, although their parking and reversing was nearly always outstanding.

RESULTS

CLASS A—Up to IS ft.: J. Bell (Newcast(e Chronicle and Journal, Ltd.), Comrner, 84 penalty points, I; W. Nixon (Thomas Bell and Sons, Ltd.). Bedford, 112, 2; A. Donaldson (Newcastle Cu-operative Society, Ltd.), Albion, 113. 3.

CLASS B-15 to 19 ft.: 14. Bainbridge (Gateshead and District Co-operative Society), Commer, 97, 1: W. Banks (Pease Transport. Scotland, Ltd.). Comtncr, 130, 2; A. R. Greases (W.-IS. Transport. Ltd.), Bedford, 143. 3.

Class C—I9 to 22 ft.: J. MeClusky (13.R.S., Ltd.). Austin. 122. 1; T. B. Allison (British Oxygen Co.. Ltd.), Bedford, 125. 2; A. R. Lee (Newcastle Co-operative Society, Ltd.), Bedford. 128, 3.

CLASS D—Over 22 and Up to 25 ft.: D. Bell (A. Robinson, Newcastle, Ltd.), Thames, 94, 1; A. Lax (Petrofina (G.B.). Ltd.), Dodge, 105, 2: 3. Grice (Emerson and Walker, Ltd.). Austin, 120. 3.

CLASS E (1)—Over 25 ft. two axles: J. IsleGac (Newcastle Breweries. Ltd.). Albion. 133, 1: C. Chantter (Scottish Brewers, Ltd.), E.R.F., • 137. 2; Y. Shore (British Oxygen Co., Ltd.), Bedford, 138, 3.

CLASS E (2)—Over 25 ft more than two axles: W. Robinson (Beecham Foods. Ltd.). Atkinson.

122. I; N Barnes (Northern Gas Board). A.E.C., 193, 2; F. Cribbs (Newcastle Cleansint Dens.), Leyland. 247, 3.

CLASS F—Semi-trailers under 22 ft. and iractnr ender 3 tons! M. Simpson (Newcastle Co-operative Society, Ltd.). Karrier. 336, I; W. J. Riddle (ShellMex and Bt'..,Ltd.). Bedford, 460, 2. CLASS G—Semilrallers up to 27 tractor ever 3 tons: G. Shearer (N.C.B. Northern (N.C.)

Divis(on). Dennis, 178, H. Wood (Guest Keen and Nettlefold, Ltd.), Leyland. 185, 2; Orwin (EsPo Petroleum Co., Ltd.), Leyland, 207, 3.

CLASS 111—Semi-trallers over 27 ft., tractors any weight: J. MeErlane (North Eastern Elcetr.city Board), Cornmer, 165. 1; 1. Hood (B.R.S.. Ltd.). Bristol, 270. 2; J. H. Cawthorne (North Eastern Electricity Board), E.R.F., 320, 3.

Best overall performance: J. Bell,

Team: Newcastle Chronicle and Journal, Ltd.


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