I am sad to report that member Duncan Laing lost a battle with prostate cancer and died on 25th October. His funeral on 2nd November was exceptionally well attended by many colleagues from both mainstream motorsport and several of the Classic Car Clubs which had become his passion in later years. He had been a member of VSMA since 2001. He was one of the sport’s true gentlemen and will be sorely missed by many. Duncan’s career can now be viewed in the Past Veterans section.
Another equally sad piece of news – at the Lanarkshire Car Club AGM on the 4th of March 2011, it was unanimously decided to close the Club. For the past few years, there has been a decline in members and events, until it was no longer viable to run a productive and active club. The club was formed in the 1930s as a combined motorcycle and car club. It was only after World War II that the car section continued on its own. Like most clubs, it had its ups and downs. In its early days, under the charge of the Neil Sisters, Chrissie and Andy, it ran very social events which were very popular. In its heyday, it ran Scottish Championship rallies including a series of Burmah Rallies. The latter rose in status to become an International event. Those who were members of Lanarkshire Car Car during those days will be very sorry indeed to hear of the club’s demise.
Database Changes:
Some amendments to members’ details – email address changes for Alastair Findlay, Archie Simmonds and Jim Pettigrew. Each of these changes can be found in the Members and Details pages.
More photos :
Roy Allingham submitted the image below showing himself, the late Stuart Brown, Chris Paton and Pat Hilley. During the sixties Roy, Chris and Ray were part of Stuart Brown’s Service crew on his many rally outings. Sadly Stuart died in his prime. He had quite an illustrious career in rallying and rally-crossing having competed throughout the UK and Ireland with many successes. The year this photograph was taken the Scottish Rally had been cancelled because of a Foot and Mouth outbreak.. The Hotel had been booked so they went anyway. There were various ‘adventures’ on that short and rather alcoholic break – Jimmy Pinkerton, who had taken the photograph, seems to remember rather more than the rest of the group for some reason……! Just look at the flappy trousers and the HAIR – nearly all gone now !
About a year ago Alastair Finlay moved back to the Yukon where he had been for a few years in the ’60s – he is still there having spent last winter in extreme conditions! It looks as if he intends spending another winter there. He sent the photo below to show that winter had already set in on 2nd October! I only just noticed the VSMA badge in the window! Alastair has contributed several articles on his motorsport career which you can read in “Tales from the Past“. Here’s hoping he might send us something from his recent exploits.
You may have noticed a few additional photographs which have recently been added to the Public Photographic Gallery. Ronald Proudlock from the South of Scotland Car Club has kindly donated a number of photos from the 1950s through to 1990s. I’m sure these will bring back memories of both our rally and racing members. Have a look.
Annual General Meeting:
This was indeed a VERY brief affair! Starting just after 6.30 pm in the Parklands Country Club in Newton Mearns on Wednesday 16th November and finishing just after 7.0 pm. In all eleven members turned up (which included most of the Directors) just sufficient to form a quorum. Following the reports from Chairman Jimmy McInnes and Secretary Stuart Parker, Bob Baillie, our Treasurer submitted the Accounts. He reported that we had made a loss of £158 during the year to 31st July. Apparently, this had been due to the Association being over generous in its donations to charity! Bob also gave details of the proposed 2012 annual Run (see below). The election of Office Bearers and Directors followed which produced no changes – all being re-elected! Otherwise, there was no other business to be discussed and the meeting was closed.
2012 Annual Spring Run:
As we had been going up north to Grantown-on-Spey for the past three years a number of members had requested that, for a change, we should try another area. In view of this, the Directors had asked Bob Baillie to investigate other areas and hotels to find a suitable alternative to the Grant Arms Hotel. He had looked at the Oban area but found that there were no hotels that would come close to the Grant Arms. He eventually settled on the South West of Scotland, centred on Stranraer. He felt that the North West Castle Hotel in Stranraer would meet all our requirements both in location and in price. As a result, it has been agreed that for next year we should travel South.
The event is to be held on the weekend starting Friday 20th April 2012.
Entry forms and further details of the route, etc will be issued early in the New Year. In the meantime – PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THE DATE IN YOUR DIARY.
Finally, although a bit early, compliments of the season to you all.
That’s all folks………………. !
Stuart Parker,20th November 2011