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.
PLANNING IS IN PROGRESS FOR
BRUNEL 2026 -
WATCH THIS SPACE!
Current plans are for a one day event
on Saturday 5th September 2026.
Starting at the Bridge Inn, Yatton and
finishing at Barton Camp, Winscombe,
where there is ample space to
socialise and enjoy our afternoon
tea all together!
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.