Tyne speed merchant

It’s good news to hear that the Robert Stephenson Trust has restored its 1848 office and adjacent boiler house, occupied by Robert Stephenson Ltd up to 1904, and then by George & Jopling, motor and agricultural engineers and coachbuilders – and also Ford agents.

Arthur George took up cycle racing aged 19. He raced an ltala in 1908, was third in the ‘Four-Inch’ TT that year in the loM with a Darracq, and took part in the 1914 Prince Henry Trials. At Brooklands in 1912 he was second in the 80mph Short Handicap and won the Ford race, Henry Ford himself presenting the Ford Trophy. The vee-radiator Ford, Reg No X 1911, raced on Saltburn sands. It still exists and is being rebuilt.

During the 1926 General Strike Mr George delivered the Government newspapers from Newcastle to London in five hours, driving a Vauxhall.

He was also a pioneer aviator, buying a Voisin from Moore-Brabazon in 1908. He then flew a Bleriot and built himself a biplane, exhibited at Olympia in 1910; he is said to have taught himself to fly by equipping a car with a joystick instead of a steering wheel.

The Trust intends to record Arthur George’s motor-racing and flying career in its restored building. Any info would be welcome. The address is 20 South Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PE.