Motor Sport

One of the enjoyable aspects of working for Motor Sport is that one never knows what interesting item will next turn up in the post. For instance, there was a little book called “Rails Round the Rectory”, by The Rev. E. R. Boston, M.A., which told me about an enthralling little narrow-gauge steam railway built, out of sheer enthusiasm, round the Cadeby Rectory near Market Bosworth, Leics., and which is in its 10th year of passenger-hauling—taking rather under ten minutes each way, between Cadeby and Sutton Lane, on the second Saturday each month from May to September. This sounds an essential pilgrimage for steam enthusiasts and the book is sold, at 30p net, to help this remarkable venture. It is published by The Book House, 37, Frederick Street, Loughborough, Leics., LE11 3BH, who say: “. . . it’s not quite the thing for a motoring magazine but we know your interest in old machinery”. The illustrations of the portly Rector enjoying his trains are the greatest fun .—W. B.

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Following the success of their 1972 annual, Queen Anne Press, Paulton House, 8, Shepherdess Walk, London, N1 7LE, have gone ahead with their “John Player Motorsport Yearbook 1973”, edited by Barrie Gill, with contributions from Motor Sport writers. Running to 420 pages and containing over 250 black and white and 16 full-page colour illustrations, this is the most comprehensive ever review of the 1972 motor sporting season. The size is rather odd (8-7/8 in. x 6-7/8 in.) and the soft covers unsuited to the weight of the information-packed pages; otherwise, full marks! My only real grumble is that only racing and rallying are covered, historic-car racing being neglected, so this is no truly motor racing’s “Wisden”. Obviously subsidised, this remarkable book sells for only £2.20—and one of my criticisms is obviated by paying an extra 80p for hard covers—W.B.