Huttonian was aroused from a peaceful Saturday non-golfing activity-weeding-if you must know-by the snarl of supercharged engines on South Promenade. It reminded me of the cars going past Old Pub corner in Hutton during the Jim Clarke Rally. In fact it was not a race but cars leaving their assembly point in down town Newcastle heading south for wherever the action is to take place. Two red cars are pictured above. One coming towards me took scant notice of the 30mph limit past the Great Wall of China which surrounds the Police Station, the other one, seen opposite Bath Lane with the Huttonian Retreat clearly visible up the road, was advertising itself for sale and the driver appeared to be on his mobile, perhaps negotiating a deal or even talking to Jeremy Clarkson.

Talking of the Clarke Rally a couple of villagers have suggested that Hutton be given the miss next year having had the cars blocking off the village two years running. But I think the consensus is in favour of hosting the Whiteadder stage again in 07. It puts Hutton, briefly, on the map and provided three hours of rare entertainment. It could be that the organisers might compensate us with a small gift for all the noisy disruption on a Saturday afternoon. A bench perhaps for the spectators at Old Pub Corner, or free ear plugs all round.  ¶ 11:13 AM