Introduction

Somewhere around 1990 over a beer or two, (where all the best ideas are formed!) a few friends came up with the idea of starting an informal Off Road Club. No records were kept in those days, but if memories are correct the original conspirators were Lee Findul, Neil Douglas, "Trapper", Larry Byrne and Brian Leeson. The group agreed to meet monthly at a suitable hostelry – run by Lee’s parents – and called themselves the “4 Counties Off Road Club”. While it was never actually clear which counties were referred to, membership is generally drawn from Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire.

The club, later joined by Neil Hopkinson and an ever-increasing network of enthusiasts, spent many an hour getting stuck and then unstuck again in reasonably controlled circumstances! The club was also involved with the first events held at Avon Dasset Quarry along with Mick Walters and his "Heavy Band" of off roading military vehicles.

When "Trapper" stepped down from the steering wheel in 1994 the decision was made to formalise the 4-Counties Off Road Club. At this point a constitution was drawn up, a committee was elected and R.A.C. affiliation was sought.

In 1997 the 4 Counties joined GLASS and actively encourages its members to follow the guidelines laid down by them and L.A.R.A. Two green laning weekends are arranged each year for any club members who wish to join in. In the past these have been to Mid and North Wales, Derbyshire and Wiltshire not to mention the single day outings which have taken place in Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire. Future aspirations include Ireland, France, Spain and Norway. Smaller groups arrange runs as and when the spirit moves.

For eight years the club provided vehicles to support a 32-mile sponsored walk, run by an Oxford College. The club has provided a vital link in the safe running of this event and the assistance is always much appreciated by the sore-footed walkers who can go no further and in some cases literally drop by the wayside!

To keep up with gossip and rumours the club meets once a month at a North Oxfordshire Hostelry. For more information email us on ignition(at)4corc.org

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