The Brunel Run

PRIVACY & WEB TERMS 2025-6

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! The event will, once again, be a day run starting at The Bridge Inn in Yatton, North Somerset. 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 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. So, save the date of Saturday 5th September 2026 and booking forms will be available in the New Year.

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.