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Swansea Motor Club 1924 to 2011 |
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19th July 2009 - An Explanation On behalf of Swansea Motor Club, I would like to thank you everyone for their support and understanding at last Sunday's hillclimb at Llys-y-Fran Country Park. I would also like to take this opportunity to explain the reasons behind the need to abandon the meeting before the first timed runs had had a chance to be completed. This July meeting clashed with the church service held in the small Chapel in the grounds of the park, and when held, we are not allowed to disturb their service. These services are held on a rota basis and we don't usually have too many to allow for. This delayed the time we are allowed to start the event, making smooth running of the day a priority. As you know the rain got into the timing transmitter equipment and caused us a lengthy delay in the proceedings whilst the timing crew sorted out an alternative cable connection to their setup. Once the event got back up and running, the intention was to complete the full length of the meeting. However as you may be aware, car number 115 driven by Mike Griffiths, had a nasty accident which involved the rescue units in a lengthy extraction. The driver was removed unconscious from the damaged car after all necessary precautions had been observed. Once removed, the driver was taken to the main paddock area under observation by the medical crew. Unfortunately during the examination of the driver, Mike took a turn for the worse. A land ambulance from the nearest hospital dispatch could not be guaranteed within an hour. Therefore the medical official decided to transfer Mike to the St.Johns ambulance on site and to escort the ambulance in the rapid response vehicle to enable the St.Johns unit speedy clearance to the A&E department and treatment for Mike's injuries. As soon as our medical cover was removed from the event, we were forced to abandon the meeting there and then. Our decision was based on the needs of the injured driver at the time and the possibility of serious internal injuries. Mike has fortunately been released from hospital and is back at home, nursing some cracked ribs and many very painful bruises. I hope you will agree that, in the circumstances, we made the right decision. I know, as an ex competitor who has had a few meetings abandoned over the years, that it is an unsatisfactory way to finish your day's motorsport, especially after all the time and effort of getting yourself and car to the venue. I hope this event has not put you off supporting our club in the future, and hope to see you at Llys-y-Fran in 2010. Mike Jones Chairman Swansea Motor Club |