Brooklands Re-Union—June 27th

This year’s Re-Union of Brooklands’ car enthusiasts—which means anyone who drove, passengered, acted as mechanic or official, or who spectated at the Track, will be held on Saturday, June 27th. Judging by the success of last year’s gathering and the number of people who have since expressed regret that they were not present, the attendance this time should be truly formidable.

The organisers, William Boddy, Editor of Motor Sport, and Dudley Gahagan, have persuaded Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd. to let visitors take a glimpse inside the old Motor Course. This will be a privilege accorded to badge-holders only, and those who wish to attend this Track visit are asked to apply to Mr. Boddy at “Carmel,” Wood Lane, Fleet, Hampshire, so that in due course badges and a time-table can be dispatched to genuine Brooklands personalities. Those definitely coming to the evening Re-Union in Weybridge are also asked to send a p.c. to the organisers, stating their connections with Brooklands, but they will receive their identification badges on arrival at “The Hand & Spear” from 6 p.m. onwards. Casual callers of the right calibre will also be welcome. Brooklands motor-racing films will be shown during the evening, either in the hotel or at Brooklands Technical College (formerly the Locke-King residence), depending on the numbers attending.

It is appropriate that this annual Brooklands Re-Union (an idea originated by Rex Judd for B.M.C.R.C. old-timers) should assemble in “The Hand & Spear,” because this historic hostelry was a favourite haunt of drivers and riders after pre-war B.A.R.C., B.M.C.R.C., J.C.C., L.C.C., B.R.D.C. and other race meetings at the Track. Although modernised within, externally this hotel looks much the same as it did in those days, or, indeed, when Robert Louis Stevenson stayed there while writing “Treasure Island.” In fact, a notice on its walls reading—”POST HORSES, OPEN CARRIAGES and neat flies. Horses Taken In to Bait & Stand at Livery” suggests it is just as anxious to recall the horse as the motoring age!

On June 27th let us do our best to ensure that the Brooklands days are not forgotten!