The Airedale & Pennine MCC decided that some of it’s hard earned cash should be spent on sponsoring the football kit for a local primary school.

We held a presentation ceremony today when the team showed off their new clothes to the rest of the pupils. Two club members brought along a pair of competition cars and displayed them in the playground so that everyone could get a close look at the exotic machinery.

The star of the show was undoubtedly the white and orange Mini, (not to be confused with a Jaffa Cake), owned by Sam Oddy and driven today by Dave Toft. After being amazed that a steering wheel could be clipped on and off, a dozen or more pupils took their first turn in a bucket seat. We were told many stories of interesting cars owned by adult relations or neighbours so some knew a little about motorsport already.

It was a great relief to be able to take a photo of the red Suzuki being surrounded by people who were not there just to help push it out of a ditch for a change, although I must admit that leaving a packet of biscuits on the passenger seat was also probably part of the attraction.

Sam’s Mini held together for long enough to cover the three mile round trip and much attention was paid to the big orange roll cage, particularly the part where the back seat should be. Some were very concerned about where they would sit if they were to be given a ride. Neither David nor I could think of a polite way of telling them that it wouldn’t happen so we smiled and told them to ask their teacher.

We hope the new kit, with a prominent APMCC logo, brings good fortune to all who wear it.