The Forest of Dean Autograss Club is looking forward to 2013 following a successful, if very wet 2012. They have all the more reason to celebrate this year as it will be their Golden Anniversary. This will be the club's 50th year having been founded in 1963 at the Golden Lion, Cinderford by a group of racing enthusiasts, and holding their first race meeting later that year at Wellingtons Farm, Blaize Bailey on the 1st September, when the admission fee was just 2 shillings and sixpence!

The sport has moved on significantly since the early days, now being called Autograss and ruled by a National governing body. In essence the spirit remains the same – those that do the racing also give up their time to organise and run the race meetings, clubs and leagues that keep the sport alive.

2012 was a washout up and down the country with numerous meetings cancelled. The Nationals held in Yorkshire went ahead as planned but still didn't manage to totally escape the British weather! This didn't hold back one member of the Forest Club though, who went on to claim the National Class 10 crown, Graham Bennett (7F). Graham, who builds and repairs cars for customers through his "Bennett Built" workshop, is hoping to repeat his success this year in Class 8.

If you'd like to find out more about Autograss, or join the Club in its 50th year, then please visit the their website at: http://www.wix.com/forest_autograss">www.wix.com/forest_autograss or call Club Chairman Darryl Smart on 07815509330. The Club can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.