Just a brief Newsletter this time. Not much has been happening on the VSMA front. We did have our usual stall at the Knockhill Classic Speedfair in June which was very well attended by members – more people had found out where we were or maybe it was the free coffee, tea and pies. Anyway, all were very welcome. Alan Carlaw with the assistance of Bill Henderson produced a marvellous board of photographs showing past activities of many of our members. This caused much interest and amusement!
Death of Member – Nigel Kennedy (1922- 2008)
It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of one of our most senior members. Nigel Kennedy was connected with all facets of motorsport from 1945 until retiring from active participation in 1980. He built three cars for competition use, the “Burdmonk”, the “Stafonak” and the “Harfeachî driving all with considerable success. He was also deeply involved in administration and marshalling being Chairman of the Scottish Sporting Car Club in 1962 and 1968. He was a fund of knowledge in relation to our sport and will be greatly missed. He did, however, leave his bound volumes of “Top Gear” magazine and collection of photographs and other memorabilia to our organisation. Nigel was known to everyone in Scottish Motorsport as he was involved in almost every branch of the sport. He will be remembered for many things – both he and his cars for being immaculately turned out; his lively wit and a tremendous sense of fun. He loved motorsport right up to the end. He had attended all our Reunions and was a regular visitor to our stall at the Knockhill Classic Speedfair. Nigel, born on 23 October 1922, was a pupil of Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow and saw war service as an Aero Engine Fitter in the RAF Marine Craft division. On demob, he joined the family laundry and dry cleaning business (Castlebank) and had considerable involvement in trade associations. He never married but involved himself in golf, yachting, curling and swimming. He also enjoyed foreign travel and cruising.
It has been my privilege to have known him.
Alan Carlaw
Membership – Since the May Newsletter, we have added another 13 new members. Membership now stands at 271. We welcome the following to our ranks:
Tommy Dickson, Perth Chris Edwards, Glanfarg, Perthshire Jock Farquharson, Forfar Andy Fenwick, Edinburgh
Ricky Gauld, Huntley George Gordon, Bridge of Don Raymond Mann, Kirkcaldy William Montgomery, Perth
Kevin Pick, Blackhall, Edinburgh George Robinson, Aberdeen Steve Wallace, Aberdeen Alex Strathdee, Portlethen, Aberdeen
Alexander Young, Fenwick, Ayrshire
Merchandise – Those of you who were at the Knockhill Classic Speedfair in June, and who dropped into our “stall” at the Media Centre would be aware that we now have VSMA pullovers for sale to members. These are navy blue, v-necked items and come in the usual sizes similar to our anoraks. Also new are the navy blue baseball caps with the VSMA logo. Both of these items together with our anoraks can be obtained by Emailing me or just giving me a call at the number below.
48″ 50″ 52″ 54″ and 56″
Anoraks S M L XL and XXL £35 (Includes P&P)
Pullovers S M L XL and XXL £24 (Includes P&P)
VSMA Caps One size fits all £12 (Includes P&P)
An evening with Stuart Turner – I got a call the other day from Graham Henderson telling me about this evening with Stuart Turner. It is scheduled for Tuesday 4th November and will be held at Grassick’s garage premises, The Triangle, Inveralmond, Perth, PH1 3GA. The start time is 7.30 and there will be a light buffet. It is hoped to have 2 Works Replica rally cars ó a Mini Cooper S and an Austin Healey 3000. and maybe even a rally Ford Escort. All members of our association have been invited to attend. As you will know Stuart Turner has had a lifelong involvement with motorsport. After being British Champion Co-driver for 3 years he moved into team management, first with BMC where he led them to several Monte Carlo Rally wins and later with Ford where, as Director of Motorsport, he was responsible for their race and rally programmes across Europe. Under his leadership, Ford won both World and European Championships. And of course, he is a now a member of VSMA! The evening is being organised by the Caledonian Classic & Historic Motorsport Club (Contact Secretary Douglas Anderson 01382 731755 ). A visit to their website at http://www.caledonianmsc.com is well worth a visit. There I found details of “Friend of the Rest” a group with the sole aim of restoring the Rest and Be Thankful to return it to its former glory – at least for Classic and Historic events, something I’m sure we would heartily support.
Annual General Meeting – Our first AGM which will be held on Wednesday 8th October in the Glynhill Hotel, Paisley at 7.0 p.m. I do hope you will come along to the AGM. It is a time when you can air your views and give your suggestions/complaints to your Directors!
Stuart Parker