As I am sure you are all aware, the current lockdown restrictions are placing an almost impossible strain on Pre-War Prescott 2021. And this week’s news from HMG is that the lockdown is likely to be extended to 19th July. As things stand currently, direction from the BOC means that we cannot have spectator access to the Paddock, there will be no catering in the Orchard, no traders or display stands in the Paddock, no camping over the weekend at all, no rides up the hill for the ATC Cadets, and we would have to man the gates and police arrivers against pre-registration lists and turn non-registrants away. And if that wasn’t enough, masks and six foot social distancing has to be policed in the Paddock and Orchard all day, including the evening BBQ which causes issues with the lunchtime auction and any real social interaction, which is what Pre-War Prescott is all about. We would also have to police the Clubhouse door for the duration of the evening, as well as on Sunday for the start of the Sunday runs and in the afternoon for the cream teas – and on and on.
Therefore, after much consultation and consideration, I have made the decision to postpone Pre-War Prescott 2021 to SATURDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER, and the rest of the weekend accordingly. The BOC has agreed to this date, as has the Winchcombe Rotary Club who will be holding their event at Prescott on Sunday.
I realise that this will cause inconvenience to many, with respect to accommodation, travel plans, etc. And I am also aware that other motor sporting events are going ahead right now with few restrictions, but I must abide by the BOC rules, which also apply to all other events at Prescott at the moment. On the other hand, we have many entrants coming from Europe who cannot currently travel but who may be able to by September.
Above all, Pre-War Prescott is all about having an enjoyable day in great company – it is a garden party with the opportunity to climb the hill. I cannot provide this in July, but I believe I will be able to do so in September.
When I moved the date from July to September last year, I had to cancel September as well because of the deteriorating situation. This year, unless Armageddon falls upon us, the September date WILL hold, even if all of the current restrictions remain. I am not prepared to postpone Pre-War Prescott for two years in a row.
So, in practical terms, I will roll over all of the entries for the weekend received so far to Friday 10th September to Sunday 12th September, and I will make arrangements with Morgan and Westons to move the Friday activities. If anyone who has already booked for July cannot make September, please let me know and I will either refund or roll your entry over to 2022, per your wishes. And for those who have already rolled over to 2022 because they cannot make July, I will be happy to reinstate your entries for September this year if you would like. Just let me know.
This will all take a bit of sorting out, but I believe this can be done without too much complication and we can all look forward to a great September weekend.
Please do come back to me with any questions, requests, concerns, etc.