Club Affairs, September 1952
Seventeen members of the Southern Jowett Car Club participated in the rally held at Balls Cross, near Petworth, on July 27th. The first event was a manoeuvrability test which involved the reversal into four rectangular parking spaces, finally reversing through two awkwardly placed stakes. Results: 1st: P. Kehl (7 h.p.), 1 min. 24 sec.; 2nd: D. E. White (10 h.p.), 1 min. 30 sec.; 3rd: N. Stranger (Javelin), 1 min. 43 sec. The second driving event consisted of driving forward and reverse over a number of tapes; this event formed an effective acceleration and braking test. The results were: 1st: R. Palmer (A40), 45 sec.; 2nd: Mrs. Rimer (8 h.p.), 52 sec.; 3rd: Mrs. Fletcher (Ford 8 h.p.), 54 sec. The ladies’ competition was won by Mrs. Hadaway.
According to the chairman’s report at the annual general meeting, the affairs of the Citroen Car Club have been maintained at a satisfactory level during the past twelve months. There has been a substantial increase in the membership and the past year has been one of considerable progress both from the number of competitive events that have taken place and with regard to social activities. All the officials were re-elected and several new members will now act on the standing committee. The competitions secretary reported that arrangements for forthcoming major events are well advanced and that details will be announced shortly in the monthly bulletin, known as “The Dip-Stick.”
The Albert Hotel, Kingston Hill, Kingston-on-Thames, is now the club’s official headquarters, where present and new members will meet for the monthly “get-together” socials. The appointment of a well-known Citroen car expert as technical consultant to the club is an innovation that should prove most valuable to keen Citroen owners. The summer issue of “The Citroenian,” shortly to appear, will contain much information of technical value as well as articles of general interest to club members.
Mr. John Layton, 103, Kingston Hill, Kingston-on-Thames, will be pleased to send particulars of club membership to all motorists who own Citroen cars.
His very many friends will be sorry to learn that Mr. T. B. N. (Bruce) Leadbetter, the popular and energetic hon competitions secretary and council member of the Bugatti O.C., is sailing for South Africa at the end of August to take up an important post for his company in that country.
As Bruce Leadbetter will no longer be able to deal with the B.O.C. International Meeting at Prescott on September 14th, the duties of clerk of the course and secretary of the meeting have been taken over at short notice by L. J. Roy Taylor, chairman of the B.O.C., to whom all inquiries should be directed.
A social rally was held recently by the Mercedes-Register in celebration of Le Mans at the King’s Arms Hotel, Hampton Court. The meeting was well attended and a wide range of models filled the car park. Notable examples were a 540K roadster in immaculate condition, some very fine 38/250s and 36/220s, two 37/220s fitted with diesel engines and numerous smaller cars, amongst which was a very rare 170V two-seater sports. Announcement was made of the formation of a Mercedes-Benz Club, details of which will be sent to all 80 members of the Register before the next meeting., Secretary: R. H. Johnson, Chequer Trees, Limpley Stoke, near Bath.
Commencing on Wednesday, September 3rd, the S.E. Section of the Alvis O.C. will hold a regular Noggin and Natter at the Osterley Hotel, Great West Road, 8 p.m. onwards, on the first Wednesday in each month.
Details: B. Connelly, Paddington Hospital, Harrow Road, W.9.
The M.C.C. has changed its address from 26, Bloomsbury Way, W.C.1. to 76, Kinnerton Street, Knightsbridge, S.W.1 (Sloane 9087).
Nina Imhof tells us she can still accept a few entries (up to September 6th) for the London M.C. London Rally of September 19th/20th with starting points in Croydon and Leeds. Details from Nina at Robin Hill, Coombe Hill Road. Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey.
On September 20th and 21st, 1952, the S.O.D.C. is holding a 24-Hour Rally commencing from the headquarters at the London Gliding Club, Dunstable at 12 noon on the 20th.
After Rally-type tests at the start, competitors will cover a 300 mile road section, which will include a timed ascent of Prescott Hill, observed sections in North Devon, terminating in a ten-lap Reliability Trial at Thruxton Aerodrome.
Tunbridge Wells Motor Club have much pleasure in announcing that plans are now laid for yet another of those delightful events known as a Night Navigation Trial. There is a welcome awaiting any member of the following clubs: Hants and Berks M.C., A.C. Owners’ Club, V.S.C.C., London MC., Brighton and Hove M.C., M.G. Car Club (S.E. Section) and Cranleigh and District M.G. and C.C., who can now obtain the regulations and entry forms from the Club Secretaries, or from the Event Secretary: W. J. A. Donnelly, 1, Calverley Park Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
The date is October 25th/26th, and the start and finish is at the Kings Head, Wateringbury, Kent. The course is covered by maps 171/172 of the 1 in. Ordnance Survey.
This will not be entirely a cross-country scramble by the poor benighted search party, so put on your best navigational intelligence and come along.