Veterans of Scottish Motorsport Association

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Gerry Birrell

Gerry Birrell Memorial – an update by Mike Mitchell.

It has been some time since I sent an update, indeed last year, so let me start by wishing you all a very belated Happy and Healthy New Year!

At last the stone and plinth have arrived at the mason’s yard, cut to size and polished. The engraving remains to be done but this is only two to three days work. During this week I have spoken to the mason, the builder who will be laying the foundations and the Mayor of Orival to arrange a meeting with them all at Les Six Freres to agree the exact location of the stone, I hope this will happen in the second week of March.

There was some mention of people coming to France in June to celebrate Gerry’s life and to Christen the memorial. Can I ask if these thoughts are turning into arrangements and, if so, who is organising it and how many are likely to be coming? I don’t know Rouen so if the trip is ‘on’ I will ask the Mayor for guidance on where to stay, to eat etc when I see him in March.

This is a seminal moment for me, the first tangible result of two years work and at last the certainty that this memorial is no longer a pipe dream but will be a reality. Again, thank you all.

With Best Wishes,

Mike Mitchell

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Reunions

8th Reunion – 19th November 2022

After 3 years of Covid and other issues 72 members of the Club met once again to enjoy our Reunion Dinner at the Radstone Hotel near Larkhall and all were welcomed by Chairman, Bob Baillie. Ideally placed right next to the M74 the Board hoped to attract a few more enthusiasts but those who made it had a great afternoon and evening chatting about their memories. As always there was a good mix of honorary members, rallying and racing buffs and a few hillclimb fans joining together for an excellent meal and several refreshments. Sponsors products were visible on the tables courtesy of the Club’s greatest patron, Sir Boyd Tunnock.

We had a couple of cars on display in the foyer courtesy of Chris Paton with his beautiful red Mini but also a huge thank you to Steven Cooper who still insisted on bringing the Cooper MG belonging to his father George who sadly passed away earlier in the week and was so well known to a great many of the members. Chris was also responsible for the excellent on-screen display of loads of photos taken from the Club’s website. Almost every photo was connected in some way with those in the room.

Guest of Honour and main speaker was one of our members and the twice BTCC Champion, John Cleland, who entertained everyone for about 40 minutes with his usual mix of laughs and hilarious stories. It was all delivered off the cuff without a note and he’ll be a hard act to follow next year.
In attendance were several important regulars of the Veteran’s Dinner including founder of the Club and Honorary Vice President, Jimmy McInnes and the ever tolerant Arlene making a guest appearance with Jimmy commenting how surprised he was to still be with us! Sadly not with us of course were our Past Honorary President, Andrew Cowan and his great pal, Johnston Syer but it was wonderful to see Linda Cowan there to support us along with Marion Syer. Andrew’s sidekick Logan Morrison was there as usual with wife Val although he was using a stick due to the after effects of a fall the previous week but he was in great spirits. Sadly missing from the proceedings were Board Members, Barry & Nancy Crichton after Barry had taken ill earlier in the week. Nancy was so disappointed to miss it as she had put in a massive amount of work making all the arrangements for the event and only turned up to drop off some flower arrangements before heading home to look after Barry.

We were pleased to see some newcomers to the event in the form of Hazel Galbraith, daughter of the late Norrie coming along with Billy Cater, and one of the top Scottish hillclimbers and racers in the 70’s and 80’s, Jimmy Jack along with his son David. Hopefully they will encourage a few more of the hillclimb fraternity along next year as we try to widen the scope of the Club.
The directors have agreed to have this event every year now so we will all meet again at the same venue on Saturday 11th November 2023 and hope to see more of you all there.

Mike How

Photographs by Margaret Smillie.

List of Entrants

Margaret Baillie           Jim Grant                          Logan Morrison
Bob Baillie                     Graham Hamilton           Val Morrison
Tom Bicket                    Mike How                          Alan Muir
Marion Bicket               David Jack                        Duncan Paterson
Mid Bruce                      Jimmy Jack                      Russell Paterson
Ian Buttery                    Marilyn Jack                    Adele Paterson
Billy Cater                      Laurence Jacobson         Chris Paton
John Cleland                 Andrew Jeffrey                Mary Paton
George Cooper              Robert Kelly                     Jim Pettigrew
Stephen Cooper            Bruce Lyle                        Martin Pieraccini
Carol Cooper                 Hugh MacKinnon           Harry Pieraccini
Ros Cooper                    Ian Marwick                    James Pinkerton
Linda Cowan                 Wilma Marwick              Olly Ross
Willie Crawford            Hugh McCaig                  Ken Rundle
Marnie Crawford          Rab McDonald               George Scott
Barry Crichton              Sheila McDonald            Ian Smillie
Nancy Crichton            Jimmy McInnes               Margaret Smillie
Bill Cuthbertson           Arlene McInnes               Meg Sword
Anne Cuthbertson       John McIntyre                 Marion Syer
Sandy Denholm           Tim McKay                       Sir Boyd Tunnock
Laurie Doonan             Dave McNair                    Lady Ann Tunnock
Tony Fleming               Laura McNair                   Malcom Wishart
Hazel Galbraith           John Melvin                      Dan Wright
Ian Gemmell                Bill Montgomery              Charlie Young
Louise Gemmell          Eileen Montgomery

 

email received by VSMA Secretary Nancy Crichton on Monday 21st November.

Good morning Nancy,

I cannot let the opportunity pass to thank all the Committee members who contributed to the success of our dinner. I know that the numbers were far down on the 200 who assembled at the old RSAC in Blythswood Square so long ago, but it was a very happy number for circulating among and not missing any opportunity to renew old acquaintances in the time available (of which there were many)! Anyway Marnie and I both thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and also the value for money that The Radstone presented us with.

It was great to see Bob enjoying himself so much after being through the wars, so to speak, recently. Particular credit to Chris for producing such a detailed and professional brochure to celebrate the event – the internet site is the same these days as well!

To the Board members – looking forward to seeing you all again next year!

Best wishes: Willie

(Willie and Marnie Crawford)

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Tour

Tour – 2023 Spring Run

Spring Run 2023.

The Run took place April 21st – 24th staying at the Old Manor Hotel, Lundin Links, Fife.

Our meeting point for the start was at Caulders Garden Centre in Cumbernauld. There was tea and coffee served to members, along with a breakfast roll.

The route plan and information for the weekend were distributed to all participants prior to departure from Caulders.

Prior to departure we enjoyed a bite of breakfast and chat.

Setting off for the Fife coast and a quick look at our route instructions before departure.

Our first port of call was Morris Leslie Auctions where we had a very interesting tour of the site. It was fun and informative. 

Some members of the VSMA have a go at being an auctioneer. Not sure what they were selling!

A quick visit to the Jim Clark statue at his birthplace before heading to the hotel.

Jim dons a cap.

Could this be an aspiration to being a member of the VSMA?

Back at the hotel.

Dining at the Old Manor Hotel with a chance to put on best bib and tucker.

Saturday took us on a trip and visit to the Fisheries Museum in Pittenweem.

A fabulous place and our excellent guide, Ronnie took us around this tardis of fascinating exhibits. Ronnie pointed out some terrific art work and told stories giving a real feel of how hard it was, and still is, for fishermen and women then and now. He spoke with real knowledge as he was a skipper himself and his talk was enthralling.

Mid found the ‘Dress up’ box!

Mosaic by a staff member made from sea glass found on the shore.

This full size boat, which was undergoing renovation, was brought into the museum through the service area on a trailer! It was maneuvered in one movement by the driver, without assistance.

Some of the apprenticeship models show the variety in boats.

Scottish whaling was also on display!

Ronnie describes the use of the navigation equipment and it’s evolution with a captivated audience.

A dangerous and difficult occupation but humour is seen here too.

Apologies for darkness of pictures as although photography was allowed, the use of flash photography wasn’t. Some pictures have been lightened.

After Anstruther and the Fisheries museum a visit to the Kingsbarns Distillery.

Sunday was a free day to enjoy the Fife Coast at leisure and then dinner at the hotel. A suitable end to a thoroughly enjoyable Spring Run.

List Of Entries.

Billy & Ann Cuthbertson

Chris & Mary Paton

Ian & Louise Gemmell

Ian & Margaret Smillie

Bill & Jean Montgomery

Ian & Wilma Marwick

Tom & Marion Bicket

Duncan & Adele Paterson

Jim & Margaret Howden

Barry & Nancy Crichton

Hugh & Pat McKinnon

Bob & Margaret Baillie

Mid Bruce & Meg Sword

Tony Fleming

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Tour

Autumn Run 2022

 

AUTUMN RUN 9th OCTOBER 2022.

This years Autumn Run was a 70 mile route starting outside Biggar and ending in Moffat organised by Charlie Young and Eddie Hawke.

We gathered at the Carmichael Bistro & Tearoom, where the friendly staff served up bacon rolls and other goodies while Road Books and final instructions were handed out.

There was a large car park and it was great to see a variety of “real” cars like Mini, Imp, Lancia Fulvia among others. Some members had opted for their “grown up” cars, leaving the “toys” at home with feeble excuses like “my backʼs too bad to get into the car” and “the carʼs in a worse state than me”! We are the Veterans, I suppose! The staff, leaving the washing up till later came out to photograph us being waved off by Charlie and Eddie, with “itʼs a Run, not a Race” ringing in our ears!

 

Right from the start, the minor, mainly single-track roads were just great. There was almost no traffic and despite overcast but dry weather, wonderful scenery to behold. Must be spectacular in the sun. Most of us were lusting after the excellent road surfaces on almost the whole route and would kill for similar on our major roads in own areas!

We passed signposts to Kirkfieldbank, Sandilands, Douglas Water and then through Wiston to Lamington and then east to Drumelzier before turning south and heading to Tweedsmuir. Here we turned left to cross the river Tweed and travel along the side of the Talla reservoir before ascending the steep Talla hill that would make a great hillclimb that would have rivalled the Rest and be Thankful. It was then up to Meggethead and along the side of the Megget reservoir and out to St Maryʼs Loch in the Scottish Borders.

The finish was in Moffat at the Moffat House Hotel who put on an excellent afternoon tea. There was a happy and relaxed atmosphere as everyone had enjoyed the Run. Charlie took a bit of good natured leg-pulling over some spelling in the Road Book which caused wrong-slotting and u-turning!

Thanks to Charlie and Eddie for organising this excellent event. We all went off in our separate directions, looking forward to meeting up again at our Reunion in November.

 

 

Ian Smillie.

Entrants:

Colin Laird and Brian Shute (Hillman Imp)

Ian Marwick and Wilma Marwick (Lexus LUX)

Tom Bicket and Marion Bicket (Porsche 944)

Nancy Crichton and Barry Crichton (BMW)

Margaret Smillie and Ian Smillie (Porsche Boxter)

Chris Paton and Mary Paton (Morris Mini)

Bill Cuthbertson and Anne Cuthbertson (Jaguar XK)

Linsey Giles and Dan Wright (Aston Martin DB7)

Jim Howden and Margaret Howden (TVR Chimaera)

Rouben Phillips and Hope Phillips (Audi TT Roadster)

Anne Head and George Head (BMW Convertible)

Ian Gemmell and Louise Gemmell (Ford Sierra Cosworth)

Craig McGibbon and Kirsten Brown (Lancia Fulvia Coupe)

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News

Kenny Allen Memorial Hill Climb

Report on The Kenny Allan Memorial Hill Climb

Doune

21st& 22nd May 2022

 

This event was a fitting memorial to Kenny who was 7 times Scottish Hill Climb Champion and a founder member of the Veterans of Scottish Motorsport Association.

He campaigned, with amongst others, a Mini, a Vision, a Ralt (single seater) and finished his long career in motorsport in his favourite Lotus Elan.

Bo’ness 2011 – Photo by James Moir

Kenny was born in Lanark in August 1937. The family was in the garage business started by his grandfather, continued by Kenny’s Father. Kenny joined the business in 1953 having completed his 5 year apprenticeship in a garage in Lanark so cars had been a large part of his life. After marrying in 1958 he received the call to national service in the army where he began his interest in motorsport. After national service he returned to the business in Crossford. His first competition car was a mini cooper, a road car, which quickly turned into a racer. Kenny’s involvement in motorsport was mostly in speed events competing throughout the UK. He competed into his 80’s in his Lotus Elan.

A few of his achievements are;

7 times Scottish Hill Climb Champion

Scottish Speed Champion

Top 10 British Hill Climb Championship Runoffs

This memorial Hill Climb had an approximate entry of 50 plus cars entered in twelve classes. The results should be posted on www.resultsman.co.uk. If you wish to see the entry list it is on www.dounehillclimb.co.uk, simply enter the date.

There were a few Classic cars on show on Saturday 21st May but many more on Sunday 22ndMay. It was decided by the organisers on Sunday to allow, for a small fee, classic cars to run up the hill under supervision by the Clerk of the Course vehicle leading the cars. This I thought was a very progressive decision because it could be done between the competition runs when all the marshals were still in post. The classic drivers had the opportunity to drive “the King of the Hill”. The only hill in Scotland used in the British Hill Climb Championship. Quite a few classics took part. I persuade my wife, Nancy, to drive her classic MGB roadster up the hill. She had spectated there on many occasions but was amazed by the Hill and I was very glad I had persuaded her to do so. It gave the drivers a taste of what the competitors did but at a safe speed. As far as I know it is intended to hold such a historic event every year.

If you have not been to the Doune Hill Climb you should do so, walk up the spectator track and watch the cars at speed, you will be impressed.

My apologies for the long time it has taken for me to write this report, reasons being my time in hospital and my efforts to locate the results.

Barry Crichton

September 2022.

 

News

Brian Culcheth

Brian Culcheth. 1938 – 2022.

It is with regret that I heard of the death of Brian Culcheth at his home in Porlock. He passed away on Sunday 11th September 2022 with his family at his side. Brian took ill in June while he was at his home in Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula – a place where he spent a lot of time – and his son-in-law came up from down south and drove him back home. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour in June but did not let that get him down. For example he cycled 20 miles on 11th. August 2022.

Some of you will probably remember that Brian was our guest speaker at our 2019 Reunion Dinner at Dunblane Hydro. He was a very well respected rally driver who enjoyed a long and successful career with works drives with B.M.C. / BL. and Triumph. He competed in National and International events and his long-standing co-driver was the late Johnstone Syer who was also a member of our Association. He competed in the London to Sydney Marathon Rally and the Mexico World Cup Rally coming second. He also became the first non- Scandinavian to win the famous 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland.

He owned and ran a hardware shop and was a model train enthusiast. He also tried his hand at various other sports at which he was successful but he said that rallying allowed him to see the world.

He won the British Rally Championship in 1978 driving an Opel Rally Kadett GT/E. He said that he found it frustrating that after his 14 years or so with B.M.C. / B.L. that he won the Championship with an Opel.

Brian was a very open person and mixed well. He will be sadly missed by all who new him.

Bob Baillie

Chairman

V.S.M.A.

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