The Club met once again to enjoy our Reunion Dinner, this time at a new venue for us, theĀ New Lanark Mill Hotel in the village of New Lanark, a former 18th century cotton spinning mill village located on the banks of the Falls of Clyde.
The venue for our two previous gatherings were unable to give us a suitable date for our 2024 so this alternative was found and proved to be very popular.
VSMA Chairman Chris Paton was pleased to welcome 76 members to this our 10th reunion.
The day started in the early afternoon as there was work to do setting up for the AGM and also finalising the table plan for dinner.
As always there was a good mix of rallying and racing buffs and a few hill climb fans joining together for an excellent meal and several refreshments.
Following it’s popularity of last year we again had the “all ladies” table to sit alongside the normal “all men” table.
Again having proved very popular last year we had the on-screen display of photos, this time being those submitted by members attending the event.
We were delighted to annouce our guest speaker Pat Smith whose Motorsport career began in 1959 and continued until 1975 having been involved in Rallying as a Co-Driver.
Pat competed in 35 International Rallies with mostly female drivers, from the Portugese with Nancy Mitchell in 1959 to the Scottish with Margaret Lowrey in 1975.
She won five Ladies Awards and was a member of the BMC Works Team in 1960 in a 850cc Mini with Tish Ozanne.
She competed in 4 Montes, 3 Tulips, 2 Alpines, 4 RACs and 6 Scottish Rallies ’66, ’69,’70, ’72, ’73 and ’75.
Six successful Economy Runs with Margaret Lowrey.
Pat finished 18th in 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally with Jean Denton in a British Leyland Special Tuning prepared Morris 1800 entered by Woman Magazine.
Pat gave us a spell binding account of her adventure competing on the gruelling 1970 World Cup Rally from London to Mexico. On display were many items of memorabilia as well as reproductions of the route maps which were included in the souvenir program (see below).
An important guest was Linda Cowan who had contacted the Association with the kind offer to provide a trophy to be awarded annually to a Scottish Motor Sport enthusiast, of any discipline, who had made an outstanding contribution to motor sport. The trophy will be named the Andrew Cowan Achievement Award.
Chairman Chris Paton was pleased to annouce that in consultation with Linda, the board unanimously decided the first recipient of the award should be our Honorary Vice President, Jimmy McInnes.Ā
Once again there was a souvenir programme with a centre spread detailing the guest speakerās background story.
Click on the image below to view the Programme.
A straw poll conducted during the event showed that there is the support to hold the event annually and therefore we are planning to hold our 11th reunion in October or November 2025. When a firm date is set and a venue decided we will make an announcement.
The venue for our two previous gatherings were unable to give us a suitable date for our 2024 Annual Dinner so an alternative has been found at the New Lanark Mill Hotel.
We are pleased to announce our guest speaker this year will be Pat Smith whose Motorsport career began in 1959 and continued until 1975 having been involved in Rallying as a Co-Driver.
Pat competed in 35 International Rallies with mostly female drivers, from the Portugese with Nancy Mitchell in 1959 to the Scottish with Margaret Lowrey in 1975.
She won five Ladies Awards and was a member of the BMC Works Team in 1960 in a 850cc Mini with Tish Ozanne.
She competed in 4 Montes, 3 Tulips, 2 Alpines, 4 RACs and 6 Scottish Rallies ’66, ’69,’70, ’72, ’73 and ’75.
Six successful Economy Runs with Margaret Lowrey.
Pat finished 18th in 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally with Jean Denton in a British Leyland Special Tuning prepared Morris 1800 entered by Woman Magazine.
Pat has now sorted out her World Cup Rally 1970 memorabilia so hopefully we will hear some stories from that grueling event.
click on the pictures to enlarge, Esc to return.
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Please use the Entry Form to book your tickets for the Annual Dinner
The Club met once again to enjoy our Reunion Dinner, now an annual event, at the Radstone Hotel near Larkhall where 70 members were welcomed by Chris Paton who had been installed as the new Chairman of the VSMA earlier in the evening at the AGM.
We returned to the Radstone again this year as they had looked after us so well last year and the venue is ideally placed right next to the M74.
Unfortunately there were some empty seats as some had to call off due to illness. Sadly missing from the proceedings was outgoing chairman Bob Baillie who had taken ill earlier in the week and was at home recuperating and hopefully will be feeling well again soon.
The day started in the early afternoon as there was work to do setting up for the AGM and also finalising the table plan for dinner.
Charlie Young, the newly installed treasurer, had brought along the last remaining club clothing and some of his own books and was asking not for a payment but only for a donation. He raised Ā£85 for club funds.
Before our meal was served Nancy Crichton presented a bouquet of flowers to Adele Paterson in recognition of her 18 years service on the board of directors as she and husband Duncan have both decided it is now time to step down.
As always there was a good mix of rallying and racing buffs and a few hill climb fans joining together for an excellent meal and several refreshments.
A new and popular innovation this year was an “all ladies” table to sit alongside the normal “all men” table.
Hugh MacKinnon had brought along his ex-works Mini Cooper S to display at the front door of the hotel and once again we had the on-screen display of photos taken from the Clubās website with almost every photo being connected in some way with those in the room.
Our guest speaker was Peter Scott who has had a quite prolific career in rallying as a co-driver at all levels right up to the very top with many national and International wins. He has also competed as a driver in local events. Peter is originally from Derry in Northern Ireland but now lives in England where he and his wife Victoria had travelled from to be with us.
In attendance were several important regulars of the Veteranās Dinner including founder of the Club and Honorary Vice President, Jimmy McInnes. Our Honorary President, Sir Jackie Stewart, had sent his apologies as he had a previous engagement but he sent his best wishes for a successful evening.
Once again there was a souvenir programme with a centre spread detailing the guest speakerās background story but also there was an excellent article written by Mike How on the career of Gerry Birrell and the recently installed memorial to Gerry and the other five drivers who perished at the infamous Six Freres corner at the Rouen-Les-Essarts circuit in France in 1973.
Click on the image below to view the Programme.
The directors have agreed that provided there is the support then the event will be held every year. Provisionally we are looking at 15th November 2024 but when a firm date is set and a venue decided we will make an announcement.
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 Clubās 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 Clubās 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 heāll be a hard act to follow next year.
In attendance were several important regulars of the Veteranās 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. Andrewās 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 70ās and 80ās, 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 BaillieĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Jim GrantĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Logan Morrison
Bob BaillieĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Graham HamiltonĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Val Morrison
Tom BicketĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Mike HowĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Alan Muir
Marion BicketĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā David JackĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Duncan Paterson
Mid BruceĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Jimmy JackĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Russell Paterson
Ian ButteryĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Marilyn JackĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Adele Paterson
Billy CaterĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Laurence JacobsonĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Chris Paton
John ClelandĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Andrew JeffreyĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Mary Paton
George CooperĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Robert KellyĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Jim Pettigrew
Stephen CooperĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Bruce LyleĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Martin Pieraccini
Carol CooperĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Hugh MacKinnonĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Harry Pieraccini
Ros CooperĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ian MarwickĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā James Pinkerton
Linda CowanĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Wilma MarwickĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Olly Ross
Willie CrawfordĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Hugh McCaigĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ken Rundle
Marnie CrawfordĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Rab McDonaldĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā George Scott
Barry CrichtonĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Sheila McDonaldĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ian Smillie
Nancy CrichtonĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Jimmy McInnesĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Margaret Smillie
Bill CuthbertsonĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Arlene McInnesĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Meg Sword
Anne CuthbertsonĀ Ā Ā Ā John McIntyreĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Marion Syer
Sandy DenholmĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Tim McKayĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Sir Boyd Tunnock
Laurie DoonanĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Dave McNairĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Lady Ann Tunnock
Tony FlemingĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Laura McNairĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Malcom Wishart
Hazel GalbraithĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā John MelvinĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Dan Wright
Ian GemmellĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Bill MontgomeryĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Charlie Young
Louise GemmellĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā 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!
It is hoped that in the coming years we will be able to organise an Annual Reunion or equivalent event.
The 8th Reunion of the Association will be held on Saturday 19th November 2022 in The Radstone Hotel, Ayr Road, Larkhall, ML9 2TZ.
We are proud to announce that one of our own, John Cleland, will be our guest speaker.
John is a retired British racing driver best known not only for winning the British Touring Car Championship in 1989 and 1995, but also for the controversial last round incident which denied him the 1992 championship. He is also known for his very entertaining repartee.
Ā
The cost of the event will be Ā£45.
Unfortunately all the hotel rooms allocated to us have been taken up but if you do require accommodation please let us know and we may be able to arrange something nearer the time.
Ā There are a few more Hotels in the vicinity.
If you wish to attend please Download and Print this Entry Form
As you will know by now this was our 7th Reunion since the first one which was held in 2001 in the RSAC Club in Glasgow.Ā Up to now, all of the past Reunions have been in and around the Glasgow, mainly because our founders were rally-folk from that part of Scotland.Ā We now have many members from much further afield and It was felt that this latest Reunion should be held closer to the east and particularly the north-east.Ā After a fair bit of research we settled on the above Dunblane Hydro Hotel as the venue.
This move has had a double-edged sword effect!Ā We certainly have attracted a few members from the North-East but there has been a slight drop in numbers from the south and west.Ā There are possibly a few reasons for this which we hope to investigate before the next Reunion.
We finally had 100 members with partners signed up to come along but there were a couple of last minute retirals due to illness.Ā So we started with 96 people (see the entry list below).Ā We did have a number of apologies from members who could not attend. Ā The entry included our main sponsor Sir Boyd Tunnock and his wife Anne.Ā Boyd had helped VSMA in many ways over the years, for which we are very grateful.
The event start with āSigning-onā, and a Reception from 6.0pm.Ā Thereafter we had dinner the the Hotels Strathmore suites.
Our principal Guest this time was Brian Culcheth and his wife Sheila.Ā Brian would have been well know to our rally members. Other guest included Stephen Scott, his wife Jane and their son Ewan.Ā Stephen runs the large family business Gleaner Oils from Elgin.
I must give my sincere thanks to our “resident ” VSMA photographers, Margaret Smillie and Sandy Morrison who provided several hundred photographs taken at the Reunion, of which only a few have been used for this article.
Pre-Reception:
We had all been saddened by the very recent death of our Vice-President Andrew Cowan.Ā Just prior to has admission to hospital and his subsequent death, Andrew had insisted that his London to Sidney Hillman Hunter Rally car should be brought to the Reunion as he had promised.
We had arranged for rally cars and photographic display boards to be installed in the function suite during the afternoon of the event. In addition to Andrewās car, Chris Paton had brought along his immaculate Mini-Cooper S, and Robin Hamilton had brought his Metro 6R4 rally car for display.Ā We had carefully measured the entrance doors into the venue so that the cars could be brought in.Ā Measurements had been taken on two occasions, just to be sure the cars could get in.Ā As it turned out there was quite a struggle with the Metro – In fact both off-side wings and the door had to be removed to allow the car to be edged into the venue.Ā Robin fortunately was quite happy for this to be done and have the car rebuilt, plus going through the whole process in reverse the following morning.Ā The end result can be seen in the attached photographs.
John Brownie had also brought his rally Opel which was parked just inside the rear entrance to the Hotelās function suite for all to see.Ā In addition Charlie Young and Jack Davidson had arranged the erection of display boards holding numerous motorsport images which were of great internet to all present.
Some of the photos on the display Boards
Signing-on and Reception:
Our signing-on Ladies.
As per usual this was a very friendly and noisy affair, as members renewed acquaintances, old and new.
Dinner:
This commenced with Boyd Tunnock giving the Celtic grace.
Here are a few photographs taken during dinner.
Post Dinner:
Following dinner Chairman Jimmy McInnes said a few words prior to introducing our principal guest, Brian Culcheth, who is a well known character in Motor Sport having begun rallying in 1960, he retired the end of the 1979 season.Ā Probably best known for his long association as a works driver with BMC/British Leyland.Ā Ā He considers these his most notable achievementsĀ –Ā 2nd Overall in the 16,500 mile London-Mexico World Cup Rally, Class win in Finland’s 1000 Lakes (the first ever by a non Scandinavian driver) and winning his class in all seven rounds of the 1978 British Open Rally Championship for Opel.
He has competed in 112 International rallies through 53 countries and also had works drives for BMC, Opel, Mercedes, Lotus, Rootes, Triumph and Rover pre BL days.
A great supporter of British Motor Clubs and during his career spent a considerable amount of time travelling all over the UK giving after dinner speeches and talks on his experiences to motor club gatherings.
He worked from within the British Leyland International Marketing Division who funded the BL rally programme for 1973 and 74. Ā He was aĀ Member of the BL new model development committee 1976/77
Click on any of the images provided by Brian Culcheth to enlargeĀ
have been received from the following non-starters
Sorry, I won’t be able to attend.Ā
Iain Bennie, Milngavie
It was a delight to have your invitation and warmreminder of occasions now long gone.Ā Unfortunately I am too immobile theseĀ days to be able make such an event with any confidence.Ā So I hope you will understand why I am declining. Ā My warmest goodĀ wishes to all.
Andrew Bruce, The Earl of Elgin & Kincardine
Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m going to make it. So, regrets, I amsorry to say but best wished for a good event.Ā
Eric Dymock, Lincoln
I am not going to be attending the 7th Reunion.Ā Life is kinda hectic at the moment.
Marilyn Jack, Bothwell
Sorry not able to attend the Reunion this year as we are down south at a Championship dog show.
Jamie Gibbon, Cumbernauld
Regrettably it is unlikely it is unlikely I shall manage to the Reunion. With every good wish for a successful and enjoyableĀ evening, and with kind regards to you.
Gary Mickel, Newton Mearns
I regret that I will not be able to attend the Reunion. I have read the list of invites with interest.Ā It remindsme of some of those IĀ used to do battle with in the forestssome fifty plus years ago.Ā Best wishes for a succcesful gathering,
Charlie Bruce Miller, Cults
Once again I must sibmit my apologies for the Reunion – I’d planned my holidaysĀ to avoid October to enable me to finally attendĀ the Reunion but due to problems in the USA and travel issues I have had to rearrange my complete holiday plans …I will be awayĀ formost of October.Ā Itrust the event will run smoothly as always – please pass on my best wishes toanyone who remembersme.
Robert McKenzie, Barrhead
With regret, Lindsay Kerr and I will be unable to join you and our friends at Dunblane on the 25th.Ā We do hope however to makeĀ the next one.
Alasdair Pearson, Streatley, Berks
I hope the Reunion goes well and please tendermy apologies ormy absence.
IanScott-Watson, Greenlaw
I regret I will be unable to attend the Reunion (or anything at presnet) due to a nasty surgical procedure.
Peter Speakman, Cumbria
Regretfully, I am unable to attend this or indeed any future events of this kind, as I amsure you will understand as I am 95 yearsĀ old, and this event is now of no interest to me.
JeanStenhouse, Bearsden, Glasgow
We would have loved to have joined you bit it is a bit to come from Burgundy and, sadly, that is where we will be on October 25th.Ā We will raise a glass to you.
Firdstly, I must apologise for the contents of this report as it has streched my memory of the event which was held over 17 months ago. Ā Some of the contents are a bit vague and the images too are shorter than usual, having misplaced most of them!
Following the success of the previous Reunion in 2014, it was decided to go back to the Radstone hotel, near Larkhall. The numbers however were down since 2014 but did have 96 people attending. Ā We also had a number of Apologiesfrom members who could not attend. The format was very similar to the previous year with the addition of a raffle for the Charity “The Race Against Dementia” which had been founded by our Honorary President. Ā Several members had denoted prizes including paintings by Arlene McInnes. One of the main items on the programme was the presentation to Kenny Allen after dinner. This was in recognition of his many years supporting Motorsport by competing in Scotland and abroad.
The Reception –
Instead of the room holding cars, as earlier events, we had display boards showing images of members’s past motorsport achievements, etc. Ā We also had a table showing the prizes to be one on the raffle.
Dinner –
The Radstone again produced an enjoyable meal. Ā During dinner Adele Paterson and some of the Reception “Staff” were busy going round the tables “encouraging” members to buy tickets for the Raffle. Ā Their efforts were very successful as we were able to pass on Ā£665.00 to the “Race Against Dementia” Charity.
Adele Paterson persuading Hugh McCabe and Sandy Denholm to part with a few pennies!
Following Dinner, Chairman Jimmy McInnes chaired a discussion on the stage with Kenny Allen, Johnstone Syer and Andrew Cowan. Ā This was quite a lively affair, especially when Johnstone related his many adventures as a co-driver with some of the world’s best Rally Drivers, including Andrew Cowan. Ā At the conclusion Kenny Allen was presented the award from VSMA for all his efforts over the years, in supporting Motorsport.
Kenny’s “Trophy” was a clock in the centre of a refurbished crankshaft wheel. I think he might have appreciated his connection with this piece of hardware!
Kenny Holding his Award.
Here is an excerpt from the evening’s Programme which explains what everyone felt about Kenny. He is surely one of the unsung heroes of Scottish Motor Sport and it was time that this was recognised.
Charlie Young has managed to put together a brief resume of his life to date including just a few of his motor sport achievements. āKenny Allen was born in Lanark on the 23rd August 1937 into a family which was already in the garage business. His grandfather had started the business in Crossford. This was continued by his father before Kenny joined the business in 1953, having served his five year apprenticeship with the Ladyacre Garage in Lanark. The family also ran buses between Hamilton and Lanark. There was one special open top bus which older members of VSMA and locals to the Clyde Valley area may remember. This ran between Lanark and Glasgow. Because of the colour scheme, it was named āSweet Lavenderā Having just married local girl, Mary Bankier in 1958, Kenny received the call to National Service. The army beckoned and he was duly shipped down to Aldershot where his initial interest in motorsport began. A friendship had developed between Kenny and a Welsh colleague, whose name Kenny couldnāt recall, who was interested in cars and motorsport. It was at that time that Kenny was hooked by motor sport. Following his National Service he returned home to Crossford and the business. It was about that time the Mini Cooper arrived on the scene. One such little number was duly purchased from Bill Cleland at the Bogside Garage. Initially a road car, it soon became a racer, and as they say āthe rest is historyā. Family matters involved the arrival of two daughters, Margaret and Grizel. Margaret shared her Dadās passion for motorsport and became a medical secretary as well as a racer. However, Grizel showed little interest in cars, instead headed for the Law Society. Kennyās involvement in motor sport was primarily in speed events in which he competed in throughout the UK. Achievements: Northern Sports Car Championship Various SMRC Championships Nottingham Sports Car Championship Scottish Speed Champion Top 10 British Hill Climb Championship Seven times Scottish Hill Climb Champion UK Speed Records at M.I.R.A. in a Lynx D Type Jaguar. This with Louise Aitken-Walker Seven circuit class records in a Clan Crusader ranging from Siverstone in Northamptonshire to Kirkistown in Ulster In 1977 Kenny and John Fyda campaigned their two Clubman cars and in one International race at Zandvoort they secured a one / two victory.
As many will know Kenny, at the ripe young age of 79, is still competing successfully in speed events in his Lotus Elan. He is ever popular and a local hero in the eyes of Scottish Motorsport fans in particular, and has gone on to achieve enormous success over the years. We wish Kenny well for the future so we all Salute āKing Kennyā.ā
Here are photographs of Kenny’s past exploits in Motorsport. These were provided by many people who knew Kenny –
Young, Charlie Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Netta Young
Apologies
The following Apologies have been received from non-starters
āThank you for the note about the dinner and I love the reference to being āover the hillā I donāt think I will Ā be able to come over for the October affair but I may be able to reschedule the recce for our Ecurie Ecosse event to near that weekend but I also have to be down in Modena around the same time so as you can see I am still climbing the hill and not yet over it !!!!!ā Graham Gauld, Claviers, France
āI regret that I shall not be able to attend the Reunion on October 14th (my birthday!). Have a great party! Derry Dickson, Sherbourne, Dorset
āFather Bill is unwell at the moment and it doesn’t look as if he will be fit enough to attend the reunion so, I think we’ll decline the offer to attend.ā William Henderson, Falkirk
āMy wife has organised a reunion of all her old pals from water skiing in the 70ās at Lochearnhead on the Friday and Saturday the VSMA Reunion weekend.Ā So please pass on my apologies to all and have a great night.ā Mike How, Edinburgh
āRegretfully I will not be able to attend but please pass on my regards from Vancouver Island Ā to all. I am sure it will be another very successful evening.ā J Peter Jeffrey, Vancouver Island BC
āI was just about to fill in the entry for the Reunion, but it unfortunately falls on the same weekend as Mull. Maybe the next one !!! ā Jimmy McRae, Lanark
āI shall not be able to come to the Reunion as I will be in Devon on that date. I hope you have a most successful and enjoyable evening.ā Gray Mickel, Newton Mearns
āĀ I regret that the date clashes with another commitment and I will be unable to attend. I’m really sorry as I thoroughly enjoyed the two I’ve been at meeting up with friends made some fifty plus years ago.Ā Wishing you a great evening. Charlie Bruce Miller, Cults
āWe are unable to join you for the Oct16 reunion due to a clash with a previously arranged event, the 125th Anniversary of the Association of Scottish Master Bakers. All the best for the night and hope to meet up.ā Bill and Eileen Montgomeey, Perth
āSadly Iām out the Country from the 13th until the 20th of October, so I will be unable to attend. Maybe next time? Have a wonderful evening. Best wishes to all in attendanceā Innes Muir, Rutherglen
āUnfortunately I will be unable to attend the reunion in October and send my apologies. Best wishes.ā Gordon C Neave, Edinburgh
āThis is an event in which I would dearly love to compete, but my lack of mobility and stamina now sadly puts it beyond me. Could I give my best wishes to you, and all the lucky entrants, for what I know will be a cracker of an evening.ā Malcolm Parkin, Kinross
āUnfortunately I will be unable to attend the Reunion as the date clashes with the Mull rally. I no longer compete but this will be my 47th consecutive trip to the island for the rally.ā Chris Paton, Hyndford Bridge, Lanark
āWhile young at heart and mind the āchassisā lets the side down. I wish all attending members a very pleasant evening. I will be thinking of you.ā Ken Strachan, Ladybank, Cupar
āSorry – won’t be able to make the Reunion this year as have an after-dinner commitment on that date. I hope BOTH functions go well!ā Stuart Turner, Chipping Norton
āAs I will be racing my Formula Junior Cooper at Portimao on the 18th of October I will be unable to attend the reunion. My best wishes to you and all attending what I know will be a splendid evening.ā Malcolm Wishart, Glasgow
āUnfortunately I am sorry to say that my wife and I will be touring South Africa at that time. I hope the event is a great success and Iām sorry we will miss it.ā Mr Alex Young, Fenwick
It was decided to have a change of venue for our 5th Reunion. This was not an easy thing to do as we had to make the venue accessible and easy to get to for most members, as well as the normal requirements – comfort, good food and at a reasonable cost.Ā We looked long and hard, but eventually came up with a comparatively new Hotel, the Radstone, just off the M74 south of Larkhall.
As it turned out the choice was excellent, as those who attended the Reunion I’m sure will affirm.Ā We had a very similar turnout of members and guests as we had in 2010, but a fair number of apologies for absence were received. Unfortunately Ian and Louise Gemmell, and Tom and Margaret Bicket had to call off at the last minute. Three well known people from motor sport past and present had been invited as our principal guests.Ā The format was the same, as in past Reunions, with Chairman Jimmy McInnes interviewing our guests and notable members between each course during dinner.Ā This kept us interested and amused during and after the meal.
Our Principal Guests
Rosemary Smith will be remembered as the Dublin dress designer who rose to fame as a Works Rally driver in the 1960s, having won many Ladies awards in International Rallies including the Tulip, the Monte, the Alpine, the Acropolis, the Circuit if Ireland, the Scottish and many others.
Anthony Reid – a racing driver, born in Glasgow in 1957, who now lives in England.Ā He spent many years in Formula 3, winning the Japanese Formula 3 Championship in 1992 and winning Japanese GT Championship races, but his success has mostly been with a roof over his head, firstly in sports cars and later in Touring Car Racing.Ā More recently he has been racing these cars in South America for the Works Honda Petrobras Team, film work with Top Gear and is now with team mate Jordan Witt were crowned 2011 British GT Champions (GTC) in a Works Chevron.
Stuart Turner has had a chequered career in Motor Sport as a competitor, journalist, Competition Manager for BMC, Director of Ford Motorsport Europe, author, after-dinner speaker, etc.Ā He was one of our guestsĀ at the 2007 Reunion and has been a V.S.M.A.Ā Member since.
Ā Signing-on and Reception
As usual, the Documentation Table was manned by our “Ladies” including Adele Paterson, Fiona watson, Nancy Crichton, Margaret Smillie and Catriona Gordon.Ā Ā We were lucky to have a couple of extremely interesting vehicles on display in the Reception area – Andrew Cowan’s restored works Hillman Imp in which he had won many events; and the Cooper Sports MG of George Cooper which has a fascinating history.Ā Apart from the cars on view there were several photographic stands.Ā Images for these had been suppliedĀ from the collections of Bill Henderson, Jim Moir and Jack Davidson plus many others came from images supplied by members over the years.Ā We are indebited to Alan Carlaw for adjusting and printing most of them.
Following a very noisy Reception, a marvellous meal had been laid on by the Hotel which seemed to please everyone.Ā An amusing Motorsport Grace was delivered by Stuart Turner at the request of Chairman Jimmy McInnes. As usual, between courses Jimmy interviewed individually our three Guests, starting with Rosemary Smith who responded appropriately withĀ amusing anecdotes about her career and the various vehicles she had had at her disposal while a Works driver.Ā Later Jimmy talked to Anthony Reid who is still racing in the British Touring Car Championship in a Works Chevron having had a career in racing which took him from as far afield as Japan and S. America. Other members were also asked to say few words to the assembly. Finally, Stuart Turner said a few words.Ā Those who remembered Stuart from the 2007 Reunion would recall what an entertaining speech he gave then.Ā He had everyone in stitches once again.
Ā
At the end of the evening Vice-Chairman Bob Baillie gave the vote of thanks to everyone who had contributed to such an enjoyable evening.Ā Before he did this he requested that members looked under their seats to find a surprise ticket.Ā A lucky winner from each table was then presented with a bottle of Scotch!Ā We look forward to the next Reunion,Ā whenever that may be.
Tom Bicket, Troon I’m sorry Tom and I will have to cancel tomorrow night’s dinner.Ā Sorry, we will be missing what will be as usual an excellent evening. Regards to all,Ā Marion Bicket
Mid Bruce, Annbank, Ayrshire Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the dinner this time as we have my son and his family here for that weekend.
George Dean, Edinburgh and Islay
Sorry to say I cannot make the reunion this time.Ā We have not managed
a getaway so far this year, and Portugal seems to have won the race against the dinner!
George Cooper, Kilsyth Glasgow Looks like we cannot attend the Reunion. We would be away anyway on that I weekend to Portamao.
Stan Hutchison, Lenzie Unfortunately, due to ill health, Inez and I will be unable to join in the fun at the reunion on 18th October. I am sure it will be as successful as in the past.
Bruce Lyle,Ā West Kilbride It gives me no pleasure at all to have to advise you that I will not be able to make the Reunion, as I will be on holiday in France.Ā Had I not already had to reschedule this trip, I may have done that, but a
certain Mrs Lyle would not be a happy person!Ā My apologies for absence and I am truly disappointed that I will not be there, to enjoy
the company of old friends.Ā I am sure you will have a great time and hope that I will still be around for the next one!
Allan MacVarish,Ā Lemington Spa Sorry to say I wonāt be able to make the Reunion on 18th October
as Iām competing at Buckmore Park Historic Go-Kart Championship.
Apologies I wonāt make it ā hope you all have a great time.
Robert McKenzie,Ā Barrhead I must apologise for not being in contact earlier but I have been out of the country
and the date of the Reunion just slipped my memory.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend as I will be away from home that
weekend but I hope the dinner goes well ā please minute my apologies.
Best wishes to all my fellow members.
Gray Mickel,Ā Newton Mearns Unfortunately, we will be unable to attend.Ā We hope all goes well at the
Reunion.
Charlie Bruce Miller,Ā Cults
Much to my regret, I will be unable to attend.Ā If George Forbes or
Alistair Clark is there please give them my regards…..I had many a
great battle with them in our Minis.Ā Ā I still tell the story of how
Jimmy McInnes introduced hisĀ CharterhallĀ mechanic at an earlier
Reunionā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦Jackie Stewart no less!Ā I doubt if I will ever hear a
better introduction.Ā Ā Every best wish for another great evening
Jim Moir
I am afraid we will not be able to attend this time as we expect to
be down south.Ā I hope that we can attend a future event and wish
you all the best for the evening.
Stella Morgan, Kemnay
We have booked a holiday to go see Roy Campbell in Dubai on 19th
so will be too rushed to do both.Ā Ā Apologies for missing the event.
Logan Morrison, Stirling
Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend the Reunion.Ā I will be in
Australia visiting my daughter and grandchildren at that time.
Hope everyone has a great time.
Monty Pearson,Ā Bridgend, DunsĀ Ā
Unfortunately, my son is doing the Cambrian Rally the weekend of 18th
October as a shakedown for Rally GB four weeks later and as Team
Manager I need to be there.Ā Hope the Reunion goes well
George Robinson,Ā Aberdeen
Sorry I cannot attend the dinner.Ā If anyone remembers me, please
Pass on my good wishes.
Ian Scott-Watson,Ā Greenlaw
I very much regret I will not be able to attend so please tender my
apologies for absence and best wishes for a happy and enjoyable
meeting of kindred souls.
Ken Strachan,Ā Cupar
I am very sorry that I will have to pass on the Reunionā¦. I am out
of circulation driving-wise at presentā¦ā¦. I wish all the members a
very pleasant Reunion on the 18th.Ā I trust all will go well on the night.
Ian Stewart, Crieff
I am afraid I have reached the age and stage where such pleasures
are no longer possible, but please accept my very best wishes for a
thoroughly enjoyable Reunion!
David Swinton, Morpeth
I will not be able to join you all for the next reunion due to an
existing engagement but hope to be able to make it up to see you all
before too long.
Peter Weall, Lenzie
Please note my apologies for the upcoming event on 18th October.Ā I
would very much like to have been there but have a family wedding
on that same day.
Geunda Young, Islay
Initially, I thought that it would be a good jaunt for big Deans and
me, but then I spotted the date.Ā Unfortunately, it is a couple of
days after Mike and I return from my sonās wedding in Ibiza, and I
couldnāt in all conscience, take more time off work.Ā Such a shame as
I am sure it will be a jolly good evening!
The Glynhill Hotel was the venue for our fourth Reunion.Ā However, before the festivities started we had to hold the Association’s Annual General Meeting.Ā As you would imagine this was as usual, an uneventful event lasting just under 30 minutes.Ā Then it was a rush to “sign-in” and get on with the real business!Ā The attendance was down this year, quite why we are not sure but those who did manage along were certainly up for a good night, as you can see from the attached photographs.Ā Thanks are due to Sandy Morrison for supplying the bulk of the photographs taken on the night (but not one of himself), and also to Pat Smith and Mairi Parker who made up the rest. Just over 100 members and guests started and I think they all finished in one piece! We did have a good number of apologies from members who were unable to attend. Unfortunately, at the last minute Wendy Jones, John and Mary Sword were unable to be present.
Three well kent members from the not-too-distant motorsport past had been invited as our guests. Each of these gentlemen was to keep us interested and amused during and after the meal.
The oldest of these, from a motorsport perspective, was Ian Scot-Watson who had launched Jim Clark on his career in the 1950s. Ian was the co-founder of the Border and Scottish Motor Racing Club, Team Manager of the Border Reivers. In addition, he was the designer of the Ingliston Racing Circuit and co-founder of Scotcircuits Ltd.
The second was Mike Wood, a well-known rally co-driver during the late 1950s right through to the late 1990s! He had competed in at least over 100 International Rallies and was involved in numerous outright wins! His last event was in 1998 when as a co-driver to Tony Fall he won the Mini Monte Rally outright!
Finally, John Cleland represented the more recent racing fraternity.Ā Apart from a short spell at Rallying in 1976 in which he knocked down lots of trees, John has had a fantastic career in racing.Ā He had competed in eleven Bathurst 100kms races in Australia and has been both the BTCC Champion and the Thunderstorm Champion TWICE!
“Signing-On” and Reception.
At Signing-on, a name badge and a Programme had been given to everyone.Ā Ā Ā During the Reception, members had the opportunity to browse the many old photographs that Jim Moir and Bill Henderson had supplied for the occasion.Ā Bill was unable to be present,Ā having to have a surgicalĀ procedure performed the following morning. Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā However, I am delighted to report that Bill has made a good recovery and gettingĀ Ā Ā Ā back to normal. Also on display was aĀ signed copy of a book donated by our Honorary President Sir Jackie Stewart.Ā A copy of the limited edition “Collage”.Ā
Click onĀ any thumbnail to get a larger image
This was a truly magnificent leather-bound book detailing Jackie’s incredible motor racing career told through the archive of the Stewart family which his wife Helen had faithfully kept. It included many items of memorabilia collected over the 10 years of his life in Formula 1.
Ā Dinner and Presentation
During an excellent meal, between courses, Jimmy McInnes once again did his microphone interviews with many of our members.Ā This was accompanied by images of the members and/or their car being displayed on two large screens.Ā Ian Scott-Watson revealed some interesting and less well-known factsĀ about Jim Clark’s motoringĀ exploits from his early days competing in Club rallies right up to his famous F1 career.Ā Then it was Mike Wood’s turn to entertain us with his very many exploits as a co-driver for some very famous drivers. Towards the end of the meal, Mike How and Sandy Denholm took over from Jimmy to interview JohnĀ Cleland.Ā To say this was hilarious would be an understatement – Ā everyone was in stitches with John’s exploits!
At the end of the evening Jackie Stewart’s “Collage” was duly raffled which produced a grand total ofļæ”600.Ā This was later delivered to Dyslexia Scotland.Ā An excellent effort – and thanks to all who contributed.Ā The lucky winner was Stan Hutchison’s wife Inez.
And so ended another enjoyable Reunion.Ā When and where will the next one be?
“I shall be in the south of France during the week of the Reunion!”
Neil G F Barrington,Ā Langbank, Port Glasgow “I shall, unfortunately, be abroad again during this period.Ā Hope all goes well for the event.”
Ian Bennie, Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire “As I am beginning to feel that age is becoming a bit of a problem I wish to submit my apology for non-attendance at the AGM and the Reunion.Ā I hope that you all have a very enjoyable evening.Ā Ā Best Wishes to all.”
Sam Colman, Overton by Wishaw, North Lanarkshire “I got a replacement knee on 1st March and it’s not behaving itself – I am now waiting for word to get the other one done but no word yet!Ā Whether or not we’ll be at the Reunion I just don’t know, but I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed. Hope its a success anyway.”
Alex Graham,Ā Lanark “Due to a prior engagement, I will be unable to attend the Reunion or the AGM.Ā Hope all goes well and I look forward to the next one!”
Bill Henderson, Falkirk “Unfortunately neither I nor William can attend…….. I am sure the event will be a great success and I will miss seeing the many friends I have made through motorsport.”
David Hockey, Perth “Sorry, thought that I might have made it this year but circumstances are against me, AGAIN !!Ā Please accept my apologies and I wish you all another great night.”
Marilyn Jack, Bothwell, South Lanarkshire “Once again my apologies for the reunion. I will be at a Soroptimist Conference in Manchester. Ā I am sure it is shaping up to be another good night.”
Andrew Jeffrey, Torphichen, West Lothian “Sorry I cannot be with you all at the Reunion, hopefully, next year.”
Tom Legget, Kilwinning, Ayrshire “Sorry I will not be joining you as age is taking its toll and regrettably curtailing my lifestyle.Ā Ā Have a boisterous evening.Ā With best wishes.”
Charlie Bruce Miller, Cults, Aberdeen “I am sorry, but I will not be able to attend the Reunion because it coincides with the 40th birthday of our youngest daughter which is a very special occasion.Ā I thoroughly enjoyed the last two Reunions and wish you all the best on the 23rd.Ā A great job keeping all the oldtimers in touch. Many thanks.”
Stella Morgan, Kemnay, Aberdeenshire “I’m having a wee birthday party on the 23rd October, so give my apologies, but won’t make it to the reunion.”
Logan Morrison,Ā Stirling “Unfortunately I will be down under in Australia at the time of the Reunion.”
Innes Muir,Ā Burnside, Glasgow “Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend the Reunion.Ā Have a wonderful evening.Ā Cheers.” Ā Malcolm Parkin, Kinross “With regret, I am not going to be able to attend the reunion.Ā My health is now not reliable enough for me to be able to make forward commitments. My best wishes to you all.”
Ron Smith, Cupar, Fife “We are now in France and although we will both be back in Scotland by the 23rd, and we will have French guests with us for a weekend hunting!Ā Please accept my apologiesĀ –Ā I hope you have a super time and look forward to the next one –Ā no matter how far ahead!”
Douglas Steedman, Bothwell, South Lanarkshire “I regret that I will be unable to attend.Ā Please give my apologies to the meeting and I hope the evening will be as successful as previously”
Kenneth Strachan, Ladybank, Fife “Please accept my apologies of absence from both the Reunion and the AGM.Ā I wish those that do manage a very pleasant evening.”
Andrew Bruce, The Earl of Elgin & Kincardine “It is with very great regret that I must decline the invitation for the 23rd of October.Ā I have been told by my medical advisers that I must lie low for a bit.Ā All good wishes to you all.”
Bill Thomson, Peebles “I will not be available to attend either the AGM or the Reunion on the 23rd October.Ā Best wishes for a successful and enjoyable gathering.”
Roger Turnbull, Berwick-upon-Tweed “Sorry can’t make the reunion this time.”
Andy Watson, Glasgow “I will not be able to attend the Reunion. I will be away on business the weekend of 23rd. Apologies to all”
Reunions
Ā Several members had denoted prizes including paintings by Arlene McInnes. One of the main items on the programme was the presentation to Kenny Allen after dinner. This was in recognition of his many years supporting Motorsport by competing in Scotland and abroad.
Here is an excerpt from the evening’s Programme which explains what everyone felt about Kenny. He is surely one of the unsung heroes of Scottish Motor Sport and it was time that this was recognised.
Rosemary Smith
