The Earl Shilton Trials Club has been running trials at its Yennards venue for many years, however this has always been under the kind patronage of the Calor Gas Company. A couple of years ago Calor got worried about the possible risk of an incident on land under their control and the club has undergone a some difficult times with practice being limited in 2005 and the future of events at the venue being in question.
However 2006 has brought a change of fortunes, with a strong committee under the guidance of long time chairman Edgar Jones and some sound financial judgement by treasurer Dave Cole the club found itself in a position earlier this year to purchase most of the land used for trials and practice at this popular East Midlands venue, and this week it received the news it has been waiting for from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council who have granted the club planning permission for trials and practice on the land.
This means the club is now operating totally legally on its own land and members can enjoy the use of this venue for events and practice for many years to come.
The club has only been able to purchase the land thanks to support from the ACU but now finds itself with the task of raising a substantial sum of money over the next few years to meet the financial commitments it has had to undertake, the cost of the planning application, diverting footpaths and paying rates all being added burden on the club.
The main source of income for the club is members who take up the option of a practice membership and the club will welcome anyone who would like to take the opportunity to train at this excellent venue. Details can be found on the clubs website www.estc.co.uk.
The club is running its normal series of monthly trials, and has a 2-day event coming up in the summer with overnight camping and a B-B-Q. There is also a training day with 3 national standard coaches being organised for June, again details can be found on the web site.