The Brunel Run
BRUNEL RUN LOWDOWN
The Brunel Run was held annually by BAMGOC from 1994
until 2016 and was revived in 2022 so some of you may
have no idea what it is all about. I don’t think is was actually
called The Brunel Run until 1994 so there’s no copy of any
rally plaque for 1993.
Like many good ideas, the Brunel Run was born in a pub,
the initial brainchild of Danny Fenton, Simon Hawkes and
George Barnard. The ethos of the event has always been
to enjoy a great run out in an MG (not compulsory) and,
hopefully, make a bit of money toward a charity along the
way. In 1993 the princely sum of £150 was raised. It is
thanks to Brunel attendees that, in later years, we have
been able to present much larger sums.
From 1994 to 2024 the Brunel Run was a weekend event
and, from 2007, we were privileged to use the premises of
the Bristol Children's Help Society at Barton Camp near
Winscombe.
After Brunel 2024, the BAMGOC committee held a lengthy
discussion about the possibility of a Brunel Weekend for
2025. We took into account the amount that Barton could
raise by renting out the camp for the weekend and it was
agreed that the Brunel Weekend would actually leave
Barton Camp out of pocket rather than adding to their
funds. With this in mind it was agreed that a day run would
be better for 2025 and beyond. This was a reluctant but
sensible decision.
Barton Camp, run by the Bristol Children’s Help Society,
has been in operation for nearly 140 years!
It offers residential and outdoor learning experiences for
children whose personal circumstances have significantly
depleted their life opportunities. This could be the result of
a wide variety of situations including disability, poverty,
parental drug or alcohol misuse, their own status
(including being in care or a carer), entering the UK as a
refugee, bereavement or mental health issues.
The aim is to promote aspiration, self-determination and resilience through a range of outdoor, team building
activities in a rural residential setting. The facilities at Barton are fantastic, with indoor accommodation and a
heated swimming pool.
All the funds raised go to help with this worthwhile charity and since 2007 we are proud to have donated around
£28,000 to this worthy cause.
The Brunel Run has always been known for its friendly, sociable, relaxed atmosphere and we hope to welcome
you at the event in the future.
The Brunel Run 2025 took place on Saturday 6th September.
Pictures can be found HERE
Approx 90 people had a good day out with 75 of them treated to an excellent
afternoon tea.
Our thanks, as usual, go to everyone who came and made the day so
enjoyable.
Thanks, of course, also go to the Brunel Tea Room "staff" and all the other
BAMGOC members who helped.
With a donation from BAMGOC, we raised £1750 for Barton Camp.
We will not be offering a weekend event in
2026. The Bridge Inn offers accommodation if
you need it.
Greene King Inns (for The Bridge) central
reservation number is 0345 608 6040 - ring
them to see what special offers may be
available.
(https://www.greenekinginns.co.uk/hotels/some
rset/bridge-inn) though there is other
accommodation in the wider area.
The following websites list other accommodation.
•
https://www.bestwestern.co.uk/search/united-
kingdom/england/somerset/yatton
•
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/
•
https://www.booking.com/
•
https://www.vrbo.com/
•
https://www.expedia.co.uk/
•
https://www.trivago.co.uk/
•
https://www.premierinn.com/
•
https://www.hotelscombined.co.uk/
•
https://www.bedandbreakfasts.co.uk/somerset/yatton/
BRUNEL RUN 2026 - Save the date
of Saturday 5th September 2026 .
The event will, once again, be a day run starting
at The Bridge Inn in Yatton, North Somerset
where breakfast is available - click here for
sample menu.
We know that some of you found our 2025 end
venue a little cramped so are pleased to inform
you that Brunel 2026 will finish at Barton
Camp, Winscombe, where there is ample
space to socialise and enjoy our afternoon
cream tea all together! The dining room at
Barton is spacious and airy with extensive
views to enjoy.
Weather (and Bert) permitting, we may even be
able to use the pool!
Those who have been to Barton Camp before
will know just what a fabulous venue this is and
it will give everyone the opportunity to see
where the money we raise at Brunel is used.