W Brown (8 Sunbeam sc) 11 marks lost

RED BRAE HILL CLIMB Saturday 16 April BELFAST AND DISTRICT MOTOR CLUB

It was proposed that a Hill Climb should take place at Red Brae, Carrickfergus on 28 March to include the following classes:

A: up to 350 cc (for those who have not won a Hill Climb to date) B: open for machines up to 350 cc C: unlimited (open to club members only) D: unlimited E: open side car event (combined weight not less than 20 stone)

The first event was to commence at noon and entry fees were set at 3/6 for members and 5/- for nonmembers. Prizes were to be £1. 10s.0d for first place; £1 for second and 10/- for third. In addition, £1.1s.0d would be awarded to the fastest side car outfit. Arrangements were made for Mr D Robb to act as Starter, Mr J Millar and Mr J McBride were to be judges at the top of the climb and five stewards were named. The secretary was instructed to obtain badges for the stewards, sets of numbers for competitors, flagpoles, streamers, etc.

Records show that the hill climb on 28 March was in fact postponed due to poor weather. It subsequently was rescheduled to take place on Saturday 16 April and was reported upon in the press as follows:

“The postponed hill climb under the auspices of the Belfast and District Motor Club, which took place at Red Brae, Carrickfergus, on Saturday last was a great success. There was a splendid attendance of spectators ranged along the slopes of the hill and when it is stated that the great majority of the 79 entrants turned up, it can be realized that they were well rewarded for their journey. Some excellent riding was seen and it was only in the sidecar event that any thinness was noticeable. In this competition, only three started but as against this, it must be remembered that most of the entrants were competing in the solo classes. J McBride, riding a Sunbeam, was the victim of rather an unfortunate accident. He developed a wobble at speed and coming off, hurt his shoulder rather badly. All his club mates and friends will join in wishing him a speedy recovery. The arrangements for the hill climb were excellently carried out. Mr D Robb acted efficiently as starter and Mr J Miller and Mr J McBride as judges, while they had the assistance of a capable and willing band of stewards. The following are the official results:-

Class A: Open for machines up to 350cc – for those who have never won a prize in a hill climb: 1, M Andrews (2¼ New Imperial); 2, A E Gregg (2¾ Douglas); 3, R D Wadsworth (2¾ Verus).

Class B: Open for machines up to 350cc: 1, S Adams (2¾ Verus); 2, M Andrews (2¼ New Imperial); 3, A E Gregg (2¾ Douglas).

Class C: For machines unlimited, confined to members of the Club: 1, J W Shaw (3½ Norton); 2, H McGimpsey (3½ BSA); 3, W J White (3½ Norton).

Class D: Open for machines unlimited: 1, W J White (3½ Norton); 2, W C Campbell (3½ Norton); 3, S Adams (2¾ Verus).

Class E: Open sidecar event unlimited: 1, W Simms (4 Norton); 2, W J Chambers (7 AJS); 3, S Wallace (8 Acme). Special prize for fastest time in this class – W J Chambers.” It was decided to reschedule the Reliability Trial which was due to take place on 30 April to 7 May and that it would start from the City Hall at 2pm. Fees of 15 shillings and 11 shillings were agreed for the purchase of bunting, poles and ropes although the Club does not have a record of the results.