Over the years we have had good contact with Brighton and Hove Motor Club with the Brighton Speed Trials and of course the Veteran Car Run. Sadly, towards the end of last year a good friend Len Woollen passed away. Len was a leading light in organising the events for the club and he is gravely missed.
The Brighton Speed Trials were first held in July 1905 after Sir Harry Preston persuaded what was then Brighton Town Council to tarmac the surface of the road adjacent to the beach between the Palace Pier and Black Rock to hold motor racing events. The road was named Madeira Drive in 1909, and the speed trials were held there nearly every year since, usually on the second Saturday of September.
It had been planned that next September the Brighton Speed Trials will be on as normal. Unfortunately, it has been decided that the Trails will no longer be held. For some time the bikes haven’t been able to take part- they were sadly missed – and the upper terrace so loved by spectators are still closed off. When you add all this up the Trials have been making a loss in recent years. This is very much the end of an era.
On behalf of our Club I would like to send our belated sincere condolences to Len’s family and friends. Also, I would like to congratulate Brighton and Hove Motor Club for running the Brighton Speed Trials off and on since the early years of the 20th Century. A fantastic contribution to Motor Sport in this country.
Our First-Thursday and third Sunday lunchtime Noggins are going well with lots of new members coming along to find out what we are getting up to. You are all most welcome.
Chris Beck has been very busy. We now have monthly events, usually during the week for better deals for those of you looking to enjoy your retirement in a fulfilled manner.
Firstly, on Monday 18th March we are visiting the JCB factory for their guided tour. We are booked on morning tour starting at 10:00. The tour lasts 2 1/2 hours and will be followed by lunch. Some of our members have booked into The Premier Inn on the Sunday night giving them a leisurely drive up on Sunday afternoon and after a good breakfast they will be fighting fit for the JCB Factory tour. Full details are on our website.
On Thursday 18th April, there are 23 centre members booked the BMW Mini plant tour. At the time of writing this tour is full booked, and we are on the BMW waiting list for any cancellations.
In May we have two events. On Tuesday 14th May we are visiting Tuckett Brothers, who are Model T Ford Specialists with 40 years’ experience in renovating these 100 year old machines. And, once again, ThamesMOG member Graham Larby has been offered, on behalf of the club, half-price entry for up to 20 Morgan cars and drivers to the ‘Masters Historic’ race meeting on Sunday 28th May. Full details of these two events can be found on our website.
Please remember, if you have any suggestions for events, please contact the committee by emailing
Full details of all our events can be found at on our events page.
I hope you will all take care, along with your family and friends, and that you will all stay well.
Best wishes, Roger.