Brooklands Society Newsletter - September 2000

This meant that the illustrious gathering of cars came and went by our doorstep, leaving our ears ringing to the sounds of TT Sunbeams and E.R.A.s. Sadly Mitchell Rasanky had to telephone us from Texas late on the previous Thursday night to tell us that the Derby Miller would have to pull out of Goodwood at the last moment as it was not ready to travel. This meant of course that we were not able to have the car at our Reunion the following weekend either. Our thanks go nevertheless to Richard Sutton and his team at Goodwood who put in some good work on our behalf. Maybe we will see the car, which has not been seen in public since the early 1950s, next year.

However there were one or two 'creations' present which I won't name. I feel that it isimportant that a 'Jenkinson' level of historical accuracy is maintained, with VSCC-type blue forms on display, that allow you to assess how much of what you are looking at actually did the business at the time.

The soap boxes were wonderful - that of the VSCC being constructed by the Gunn brothers and being very clearly 'of our period'. Maybe next year the Brooklands Society will put in an entry!

A few notes of the reunion, another hugely successful event, are inside. We hope to see you all at the AGM in September and the Dudley Gahagan High Speed Trial in October.

A major product of this work is the modernisation of the Schedule of protected monuments which is maintained by the Secretary of State. The Brooklands site as a whole, including the existing scheduled Ancient Monuments and listed buildings, is to be reviewed this year.

Both the Society and the Museum Trust have been involved in site meetings with the English Heritage archaeologist and have had the opportunity of making written representations to him and supplying him with material which will hopefully assist the review process.

The Brooklands Society Archive.
A sensitive point! Whilst you know that you are a member of the Society, will your nearest and dearest know this on the day that you slough off this mortal coil?

We only mention this as we are aware that members from time to time say; "The dear old Brooklands Society should have that so that it is saved for posterity." But sadly due to the failings of human nature do nothing about it.

We can't quibble too much about what you do with your own possessions but do try and remember us, if only to make sure that that Brooklands related items go to a good home and don't end up in limbo - or worse still, in the skip.

Our particular thanks therefore to Norman Jolley who recently sent us from the USA his father's amazing De Dion archive - cars and boats! - more of which in due course.

2. The Society will be including some of its films in the Members' Evenings during the winter months. (See the What's On section) However some of these are showing their age and it is often necessary to make 'splice repairs' during the evening. Does any member have a redundant hand splicing machine that they would be willing to donate to the Society? Details to Len Battyll.

3. We are on the lookout for a good second hand video projector for our Members' Evenings. These are the sort of thing that large companies discard at various times so if anyone hears of anything going that we can move on at short notice please could you e-mail Len Battyll or Rob Titherley who knows a bit about these devices.

The planning authorities have to advise neighbours of planning applications but we don't fall into this category. Local papers generally publish lists, which must be worth scanning. Is there anyone out there who would be prepared to do this on a regular basis?

Also, are there any sites or artefacts in the areas around the track that have a Brooklands connection that we might not know about? Don't assume - if in doubt please check with Tony Hutchings, our Archivist who you can telephone on 01344 844287.

The above is only a small extract from the quarterly Newsletter. Members receive a complete Gazette and Newsletter four times a year. To join the Society now click here.