Brooklands Bulletin Issue 61 Jan/ Feb 2020

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

brooklands bulletin

Making of the Wellington Alvis at Brooklands Hurricane restoration The Journal for Brooklands Members

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contents

brooklands bulletin

Welcome

One of the great pleasures of editing the Brooklands Bulletin is seeing so many of the archive images that go into creating the magazine. An example of this is this edition’s cover image taken in 1929 that shows three young men enjoying the Test Hill in wintry conditions. With some expert help from professional photographer Mike Venables, we’ve restored the clarity of this superb photograph and think it perfectly sums up the excitement Brooklands offers at this time of year.

We can’t guarantee you’ll be able to go sledging down Test Hill on your visit this winter, but we can tell you there’s a packed calendar of events coming up. 2020 gets off to a brilliant start on New Year’s Day with the Classic Gathering. It’s the biggest New Year’s Day classic car meeting in the UK and an opportunity to blow away the cobwebs and see hundreds of amazing vehicles. Shortly after that, there’s the Vintage Sports Car Club’s Driving Tests and plenty more besides.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Vice President Allan Winn and the Brooklands Museum team for recent awards. Allan received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural RAC Historic Awards for his work at Brooklands and it’s deserved recognition. The Museum was also presented with Tourist Attraction of the Year at the Surrey Business Awards and it’s great to see the hard work of so many people being rewarded. Both awards give Brooklands an amazing start to 2020, which promises to be a vintage year..

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REGULARS

FEATURES

News................................... 4

Saving the plane that saved

Letters............................... 11

the world........................... 14

Forthcoming Events........... 12 Members’ Matters............. 36

The making of the Wellington......................... 20

Alisdair Suttie Editor Brooklands Bulletin

Members’ Updates............. 42 Reviews............................. 49

Alvis at Brooklands............. 27

Front cover photo: Brooklands Museum Collection

Around the Collection........ 50

Not just anyone for tennis.... 33

Become a Member Brooklands Trust Members is the official support organisation for Brooklands Museum and is dedicated to raising funds for the preservation of the historic Brooklands site.

Members receive the Bulletin six times per year and enjoy free admission to the Museum, except when major events are taking place, in which case additional charges may apply. Club Level Members have access to the Clubhouse Bar on Thursday, Friday and Sunday lunchtimes.

For full details of membership benefits, contact the BM Administrator, Tim Morris: 01932 857381 ext 226; or www.brooklandsmembers. co.uk where you can find the latest news on Brooklands.

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news Classic start to 2020 Everyone is welcome at the Brooklands New Year’s Day Classic Gathering to get 2020 off to a great start. This is the biggest New Year’s Day classic car meet in the UK with more than 1000 vehicles expected and something for everyone.

Whether you arrive in a classic or not, the Classic Gathering has live music, a winter barbeque and other food outlets to keep you fed and entertained. We also have dedicated parking for any pre-1990 car, motorcycle or commercial vehicle, or if you’re part of a prebooked and pre-paid club display. See www.brooklandsmuseum.com for details of which gate to use and parking will be around the Paddock, and on the Finishing Straight and Members’ Banking.

New for this year, Members coming in classic cars have their own dedicated

‘Fast Track’ entrance off Brooklands Drive.

However, there is no facility for waiting at this entrance before the site opens so please don’t arrive before 8.45am.

Members get free admission with their membership and you can purchase advance tickets for non-members coming with you online in advance at a discounted price.

You can purchase tickets online costing £16 for adults, £15 for Seniors and students, and £9 for children aged 5-16. A Family

ticket is £42 for two adults and up to three children. Under 5s are free and the ticket prices include a voluntary donation to the Museum.

Gates open at 9am and the New Year’s Day Classic Gathering is open until 4pm on Wednesday 1 January, 2020. We look forward to seeing you there.

Testing times Did Auntie buy you a woolly hat for Christmas again? If so, Sunday 19 January is the perfect day to wear it when the Vintage Sports Car Club comes to Brooklands for its annual New Year Driving Tests event.

The Finishing Straight, Test Hill and Banking will all be used and for the photographers among us there is a great opportunity

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BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

to get close up for those action shots.

Entrants can range from a massive preWW1 Rolls Royce to the nimble Austin 7.

More than 60 cars are expected to turn out.

This wintry test is a chance to chat to drivers who range from teenagers to somewhat older pilotes, with different generations often sharing the same Brooklands racing period cars.

The night before, there is a film evening including buffet meal in the Clubhouse to which all are welcome. Content is an eclectic mix, with the chance of seeing something from Brooklands. Gates open at 10am and the event finishes at 4pm. For tickets for the film night, call: 01932 857381 ext 226; or email: members@brooklandsmuseum.com Gareth Tarr

news Allan Winn honoured

Bob’s long service

Allan Winn has been named as the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Royal Automobile Club at its inaugural Historic Awards. Vice President and former Director and CEO of the Museum, Allan’s outstanding contribution to Brooklands and the wider world of classic motoring earned him this justified recognition.

Among his accolades, Allan was part of the team that raised the funds for the Museum to buy the Napier-Railton. He was also part of the teams that acquired the VC10 and Concorde, while his work to complete the Aircraft Factory and re-open the Finishing Straight have brought pleasure to countless visitors.

Jeremy Vaughan, Head of Motoring at the RAC, said: ‘Allan has transformed Brooklands into what is now a remarkable destination with exhibits and attractions that could only be dreamt of 15 years ago.’

In typically modest fashion, Allan said of his award: ‘I almost feel like a cheat, being rewarded for something I love doing so much.’

Harry Sherrard

Bob French has been honoured as one of the Museum’s longest-serving volunteers.

His contribution goes back to when the Clubhouse was first restored in 1985 and handed over to the yet-to-be founded Museum to put some exhibits in. Before a single car or aeroplane was displayed, Bob negotiated the loan of an important collection of bicycles from the Cyclists’ Touring Club. It included machines an such as an ordinary ‘Penny Farthing’ and Boneshaker.

Bob’s unrivalled knowledge and enthusiasm are among Brooklands Museum’s greatest assets. His accomplishments include assessing and transferring the historic RGJ Nash Collection of early cycles from The National Motor Museum and overseeing the display of the Raleigh Cycle Collection. He has represented cycling at numerous museum events and manned stands at Outreach locations, often with his own bicycles.

Without Bob, the representation of cycling history at the Museum would be very different. We’d like to express our sincerest gratitude to Bob for the credibility he has given to an important aspect of Brooklands history.

Sue Lewin

G-HAWK engine refitted The Museum’s Hawker Siddeley Hawk G-HAWK/ZA101 was refitted with an Adour 851 engine donated by BAE Systems at Warton in October. After lengthy preparations by the Volunteer team led by Chris Hodson and Dave Cotton, the engine was raised up into the rear fuselage from beneath with help from Milly, the Brooklands AEC mobile crane.

The delicate operation was completed despite blustery conditions and takes G-HAWK one step closer to completion. G-HAWK was the eighth Hawk built and the fifth used for the flight test programme. It joined the Museum collection at the beginning of 2019 and was last flown in 2010.

Julian Temple

Message from Members’ Chairman Firstly, let me take this opportunity to wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Although this is may be a quieter time of year at the Museum, for your Committee it is an extremely busy period with the programme of Talks and Events continuing right up to midDecember. During November, we held the Annual Dinner, had a full Committee Meeting and on 30 November held a strategy workshop entitled ‘Fit for the Future’.

Although we meet as a Committee six times a year, those meetings are inevitably structured around a formal agenda, supported with reports and spreadsheets, and tend to concentrate on the day-to-day running of our various activities. This gives little time to consider the longer term strategy, and how we prepare for the future.

So, we asked our Committee, all of whom are volunteers, to leave their comfortable cosy homes early on a frosty Saturday morning to come to Brooklands and submit themselves to presentations, sheaves of statistics, hours of discussions and their only reward was a bacon roll and cup of coffee. Lesser mortals might have hidden under the duvet, but we had a full attendance, including Museum Director Tamalie Newbery and Administrator Tim Morris.

We proceeded on the assumption that the massive growth in membership during our first decade from less than 1500 to around 6500 would inevitably plateau, and although recruitment was steady, we need to concentrate on retention moving forward. In order to keep members, we must provide the membership with benefits they value and enjoy and that are responsive to changing expectations. The Membership Survey gave an invaluable background to our discussions.

At the end of a long day, we had a far better understanding of the nature of the challenges facing us and a clearer idea of how we might confront them.

All participants were encouraged to think imaginatively and not be constrained by the past - following the epithet of Albert Einstein that ‘Logic will get you from A to B, but imagination will get you everywhere’.

Sir Gerald Acher, the Chairman of the Brooklands Museum Trust joined us to close the session. We will prepare a brief summary of the event (in plain English, I promise) which will be available on the website in due course.

In order to retain members, at whatever level, it is of course vitally important that annual membership represents good value for money. I hope that when you read elsewhere in this edition of the modest increases that will take effect next year, you will agree that membership meets that requirement. We have tried to soften the blow of the increase by offering a discount for those renewing by Direct Debit and full details can also be found elsewhere in this edition.

At the Surrey Business Awards, Brooklands Museum was voted 2019 Tourist Attraction of the Year, which is a considerable accolade, and congratulations are due to the Director and her management team, all her staff and of course the volunteers who made it possible.

The award will help raise the profile of the Museum and perhaps we will hear ‘the best kept secret in Surrey’ rather less often!

You will see that our newest and multi-talented Committee member, Harry Sherrard, was present at the RAC Club when Allan Winn received his Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Historic Awards ceremony and has written a report for this edition. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Allan on behalf of all of us on the Committee for this thoroughly deserved award.

Neil Bailey

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 | BROOKLANDS BULLETIN

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news Motorsport shines in the rain

Umbrellas and race suits were the fashion for Autumn Motorsport Day in October. The former was needed just as much as the latter, but that just added to the fun for the Farnborough and District Motor Club who enthusiastically slid their cars around the demonstration autotest course. For a small donation, and with plenty of courage, you could enjoy a passenger lap as well.

Around the Museum you could get up close to F1 cars and some great Indy Cars sheltering in the Race Bays along with historic stock cars, Formula Nippon, GT1 and others.

Dallara supplies racing chassis for NTT Indy Car racing, but brought along its Stradale road car too.

The parade laps at neighbouring Mercedes-Benz World took place despite the wet conditions. The Lamborghini Hurracans of Barwell Motorsport relished the wet, sending sprays of water in their wake. Others, understandably, were a little more cautious and a casualty of the weather was the Test Hill where the afternoon ascents had to be cancelled as water running down slippery concrete was not a good combination.

Dacia provided two Dusters to support Future Terrain, a charity designed to help people, particularly ex-servicemen, with life changing injuries and it was great to them at the show.

Martin Overington brought his Bentley 4.5-litre along, fresh from winning the Brooklands Trophy at the Goodwood Revival, and threw it around the rain-soaked track in typical vintage style.

Tim Morris

Breakfast at Brooklands

Brooklands Breakfast meets are a great way to see all sorts of classics and there were more than 200 cars and motorbikes at the Autumn event. There was no set theme, but many similar makes and models congregated together at this relaxed mix ‘n’ match affair.

Centred on the Clubhouse, you could find a trio of spectacular MGCs underneath the Members’ Bar balcony and a group of NGs in the motoring village. Nearly the same but not quite, the NGs are usually based on MGB underpinnings. Other collections included some nicely modded Ford Anglias, a handful of VW campers and Microbuses, some modern Morgan three wheelers plus an array of assorted Americana.

Modified cars are not unusual and there were quite a few at this event that drew a smile, including a rat look Datsun Sunny estate and a similar condition Austin Allegro which was actually a VW Beetle in disguise.

In the Paddock, a 1961 BMW 502 2600 drew a lot of attention, as did an Australian Ford Falcon GT Coupe from 1974 and a Triumph GT6. Of course, there are too many great vehicles to make individual mentions of each one and it is always good to see the event full of Members’ vehicles with most attendees enjoying the full English breakfast in the Clubhouse too. As is usual at the Brooklands breakfast meets, there is the unique opportunity to drive your classic up Test Hill and along the banking, something not to be found at any other classic breakfast meet in the world. Look out for the Winter Breakfast in February 2020.

Tim Morris

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BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

Motoring Book Winners Two of Brooklands’ Talks Programme speakers were awarded prizes at the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year awards, held on 30 October at the RAC’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse.

Motoring Book of the Year went to Matthew Field for The Self-Preservation Society 50 Years of the Italian Job. Matthew recently gave a fascinating talk on this subject at Brooklands.

Simon Taylor’s book John, George and the HWMs received the Specialist Motoring Book of the Year award. This magnificent book, presented in two volumes, uncovers the history of the ambitious HWM racing team.

Congratulations to both Matthew and Simon. You can see their talks at BM.tv on Vimeo and YouTube.

Steve Clarke

All Stars entertain

The multi-talented All Stars musicians came together again to entertain a loyal group of Brooklands Members with an excellent programme of jazz favourites. It is the fourth time we have had the same line-up, from left to right, Bob Webb on soprano, tenor and alto saxophone and MC Andy Lawrence (double bass), Mike Cotton (trumpet, harmonica and vocals), Tony Pitt (banjo) and Graham Hughes (slide and valve trombones, harmonica and vocals).

Nigel Brecknell

Tickets please The London Bus Museum Transportfest focused on the AEC marque in October.

A splendid 1951 AEC Mammoth Major 8 parked in front of the Clubhouse to show these events are about commercial vehicles and taxis as well as buses. There was also a London Transport AEC Regent breakdown tender which started life as a double-decker in 1933 before conversion in 1950.

The horse-drawn omnibus was a popular attraction at the Bus Museum events and it is an unusual sound to hear the clip clop of hooves at Brooklands. Professor Clump enchanted younger visitors, along with the Punch and Judy show and a balloon modeller, when they were not riding on selected buses for a round trip to Weybridge.

Tim Morris

news Military Mudlarks

The 2019 Military Vehicles Day included a vast number of Land Rovers and Jeeps plus the arrival of a huge Centurion MK12 tank on an equally vast transporter. It all added to the patriotic atmosphere and re-enactment groups were dotted around the Museum site. Several of them represented foreign forces to add to the feel of the day and all were happy to talk about their particular interests. A poignant moment arrived at 11am as everything fell silent and those in uniform stood to attention for two minutes.

Mercedes-Benz World kindly allowed the use of its 4x4 course. It was the smaller vehicles that enjoyed this session the most, mainly Land Rovers and small armoured vehicles that plunged very enthusiastically through the muddy puddles, which had been replenished by some recent rain. It was fantastic fun, with great swathes of

Radio record

brown water cascading over the vehicles and for some in open cars an umbrella and mud-proof overalls were a must.

A selection of Scammell heavy loaders augmented the day by looming in the Campbell car park with troop carriers, Ferrets and more in their shadow. Finally, Test Hill beckoned for those brave enough to tackle the ascent, which many did with aplomb.

Tim Morris

VC10 Open Day

The Brooklands Museum’s Vickers VC10 was fired up in October at Dunsfold Aerodrome and gave visitors the chance to see the aircraft taxi up and down the runway. The well attended Open Day had an unexpected delay when the Auxiliary Power Unit refused to start, but the team knew what to do and soon had it sorted.

With help from additional volunteers and marshals from Brooklands Museum, the VC10’s runs up and down the Dunsfold runway went without any further hitches. Plenty of visitors took the opportunity to see ZA150 up close.

Before the aircraft was made available to the public, we held a presentation to mark the retirement of Tony Russell (left) from his volunteer work with the Brooklands VC10.

Tony had been with the team since 2013 and worked with ZA150 when he worked for East African Airways in 1970 when the aircraft arrived in Nairobi, Kenya after its delivery flight.

Alex Paterson, Director of Collections, Interpretation and Heritage made the presentation.

Paul Robinson

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BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

The Brooklands Wireless Communications Collection set a new record of contacting, or working, 101 other radio stations using a single frequency. This was achieved to mark the 101st anniversary of the ending of hostilities of the First World War. The team started its record attempt at 9.45am on Saturday 9 November and made contact with the 101st radio station at 1.17pm. Using a mixture of equipment, the team contacted stations in countries as far off as Austria, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland and Spain for the QSOs (twoway radio conversations).

Four operators were used on the day and they used the single frequency of 7.135MHz. This was because most radio equipment used in 1918 was only capable of operating on a single frequency or channel.

As part of the same record-breaking run, the team also set a new record for the Brooklands Museum Station by working 100 stations in only three and a half hours. The previous record was more than four hours, so this was a fantastic effort.

As part of the record attempt, the team set up a special installation in the former Press Hut for visitors to listen in. One of the Museum’s collection of communications receivers, a Racal RA17 was tuned into the correct frequency and picked up local transmissions with a small antenna.

Peter Burton, Project Leader of the Radio Section at Brooklands, said: ‘The event was a great success. Not only did we reach our target of 101 QSOs, we set a new record for the Museum station using its special call sign GB1BM.’

Correction In the Record Rudge Returns story in the Nov-Dec 2019 issue of the Bulletin, the story refers to George Barnes on page 38.

This should have been Frederick W Barnes and we apologise for any confusion.

RIE EKN G REDLINE ENG ND E ELRIIN NE G U

1959 AC ACECA “BRISTOL 100 D2” BLUE/BLACK RHD £155,000

ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 MKIII 1958 SILVER / BLACK, RHD · £185,000

100 D2” E N G I N E E1959 RACI ACECA N G“BRISTOL UK BLUE/BLACK RHD £155,000

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1997 AC SUPERB 09 GREEN / GREEN TAN INTERI

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C COBRA MKIV

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09/12/2019 10:40

TORCHLIGHT TOURS

Experience an after dark tour of Brooklands Museum, venture into the tunnels and discover the haunted tales of Brooklands.

20 January 2020 24 February 2020 CALL 01932 857381 OR VISIT BROOKLANDSMUSEUM.COM

5:30pm - 8pm Prices, timings and booking details on our website

Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL Photography: Douglas Kurn

Please send letters to the Bulletin on any topic connected with Brooklands to the Alisdair Suttie on: brooklandsbulletineditor@gmail.com

letters

Gwenda records

Fantastic Fete

Dear Sir, Having read the two articles about Gwenda Stewart in the last two Bulletins, I did some further research through my own library. Much of her success came from speed records, in particular in 1934 breaking the Class E (1500 to 2000cc) record in the Derby-Miller. In Great Motor Sport of the Thirties by John Dugdale, he lists all the records at the end of the decade and Gwenda Stewart’s still stood. Interestingly, at the end of 1939 the Class F (1100-1500cc) and Class G (750-1100cc) stood higher than Stewart’s record respectively at 164.0mph (Frank Lockhart in a Miller in 1927) and 187.6mph (Major Gardner in an MG in 1938).

Autocar reporter Dugdale states that Gwenda Stewart’s car was ‘capable of even higher speeds but was limited by Montlhéry’s short 1.6-mile oval with its concrete surface in indifferent condition’, a contrast to Stewart’s comment that the French circuit was ‘very smooth’ when compared to Brooklands. Lockhart’s record was set at Muroc dry lake in California, USA while Gardner used the autobahn at Dessau where a 13.7km stretch was available, 5km of which were dead straight.

Readers might assume that the Derby cars used by Gwenda Stewart were British but these were in fact built in Courbevoie, a suburb of Paris. Many manufacturers were based in that area, such as Talbot, Sénéchal, Aries and Amilcar, close to the modern La Défense which today is marked by the distinctive Grand Arche building. The Derby was manufactured between 1921 and 1936 and sold in Britain by Vernon Balls as Vernon-Derby. I believe Derby’s first appearance at Brooklands was at the JCC 200 Mile race on 13 October, 1923 where T Heaton lapped at over 70mph, eventually finishing 6th at 66.47mph.

Yours Gareth Tarr

Plaque location Clerk of the Course’s office a little over a year after his death in May 1928.

This illustration of it featured in the Light Car magazine and it appears to be a bronze plaque surrounded by a marble or stone cartouche. In my ignorance, I don’t know if the Clerk of the Course office still exists but I have certainly never seen the plaque. If it has disappeared, it would be lovely to reinstate a replica in memory of this very popular and highly successful 1920s Brooklands driver.

Dear Editor, Does anyone know what became of the memorial plaque to Parry Thomas? It was erected in the paddock on the wall of the

Dear Brooklands, Just to say that we really enjoyed your Summer Fete and I would like to pass on how much we enjoy the new Bulletin format.

We have been Members for over a year, although my husband has been many times with his friend, and have taken friends and family on lots of occasions. Good value for money and thank you.

Best wishes Julie Ebison

Kind regards, Jeremy Wood

Autogyro update please

Dear Sir, Regarding the article on Gwenda Stewart in the Bulletin, I have on my garage shelf the original Weber carb float chamber and float from her Derby Maserati! It would be great to get it reunited with the car. Has anyone any idea where it is now?

Also in the same garage is the ex-Brooklands and TT Zenith Chater-Lea which LP Driscoll owned. I read with interest the letter from Gwenda to Pat Driscoll submitted by Chris Driscoll and I wonder if he knows that his father’s bike still exists? It should be in your museum as it has not been seen by the general public for a great number of years.

Dear Sir, As a long-term contributor to Brooklands publications on Alvis matters, I send my congratulations on the splendid new Bulletin.

At the 1934 August Bank Holiday meeting, referred to in the Gwenda Stewart article, an autogyro was demonstrated on the Finishing Straight.

Can anyone add to this please?

Regards, Bob Thredder

Yours sincerely, KR Day

Driscoll finds

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 | BROOKLANDS BULLETIN

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forthcoming events 1

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2020 Events The Events List is subject to change, so please check the website: www.brooklandsmuseum. com. Email events@brooklandsmuseum.com or telephone the Museum on: 01932 857381 for information. Test Hill, car rides and engine runs are subject to operational conditions.

JAN

December 24-26 Museum closed

19 VSCC New Year Driving Tests. Don’t miss one of the most exciting events of the year. Check website for details 20 Torchlight Tour with soup and rustic bread. Pre-booking essential. Prices apply.

Please note: these tours are not suitable for people with mobility difficulties.

25 Gag House. It’s back for another evening of laughter with four top comedians.

Check website for details For over-18s.

January 1 New Year’s Day Classic Gathering. Don’t miss Brooklands’ biggest event of the year. Check website for details.

18 Vintage Motorsport Film and Dinner Night.

February 16 Winter Classic Breakfast. Gates open at 07.45. Test Hill in action.

24 Torchlight Tour with soup and rustic bread. Pre-booking essential. Prices apply. Please note: these tours are

not suitable for people with mobility difficulties.

March 15 CSMA/Boundless Autosolo 22 Mini Day April 5 London Bus Museum Spring Gathering 17 Whadd’ya Know… We’re In Love!

Music, theatre and comedy for all the family with David Mounfield, Amy Sutton and Joshua Crisp. 8-10pm.

Suitable for 7yrs and above.

19 MG and British Marques Day. Includes Silver Arrows display and cavalcade in the afternoon.

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APR

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APR

Beaulieu Events Booking form on website and must be returned with a cheque made payable to National Motor Museum Trust Ltd. Send to Theresa Browning, National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, SO42 7ZN. Please enclose a SAE. Alternatively call Theresa on 01590 614792 to purchase tickets over the phone - £7.50 for Brooklands Members, £10.00 for non-members. Tickets will be emailed but can also be collected on the night. Payment must be made in advance. Evenings commence at 7.30 pm in the Collections Centre and finish around 10.00 pm. A pay bar is available for hot and cold drinks. Brooklands Members enjoy entry to the NMM at the discounted Group rate on non-event days.

January 18 The Goodwood Story with Harry Sherrard. A talk about the life of Freddie March, 9th Duke of Richmond, and his fascinating life that included racing at Brooklands and building the Goodwood Circuit.

February 15 Austin Adventures with

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George Mooney. Tales and travels from a life spent with Austin 7s.

March 21 Steph Jeavons Returns.

Author, adventurer and journalist Steph Jeavons entertains with her experiences of leading the first-ever all-female group to ride from Kathmandu to

BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

Mount Everest Base Camp.

Learning and Participation February 19 Photographing cars, planes and engines. The Sharp Shots Photo Club helps children learn

April 18 The Petroliana Experience with Alan Chandler. Alan’s hobby of collecting petrol pumps, equipment and period advertising has helped him meet many people and write four books. He talks about his life and experiences.

about composition and how a camera works. More details Lillian on: info@ sharpshotsphotoclub. co.uk; or visit: wwwsharpshotsphoto club.co.uk

forthcoming events 2020

Talks

February 5 Silverstone Experience. Coach trip to this new immersive attraction.

Refreshments and lunch included. Leaves Brooklands at 8.30am, return 5pm. Members £60, non-Members £65.

We can now look forward to a superb series of Classic and MotorSport Legends Series of Talks in 2020. Ahead of this, I would like to to thank Members for your continued support of our Talks Programme. My thanks also go to the those who make these events happen with such style and success. Yvette and Cliff Bolton, Tim Morris, Sarah Dover, Mark Jarman, Robin Cordery, Mike Dawes, John O’Dell, Peter Maskell, Mel Goodworth, Julian Grimwade, Gareth Tarr, Rob Rennie and the entire catering team at Creative Events and our good friends at Zest4tv. Finally, thanks to Steve Cropley, Simon Taylor, Steve Parrish and Rebecca Leppard.

For Classic Talks contact: talks@ brooklandsmembers.co.uk; or by telephone 07880 670359. For the MotorSport Legends Series, go to brooklandsmuseum.com/members and follow links for online sales or call Tim or Sarah in the BTM Office: 01932 857381 ext 226. To check the food menu at each Talk please call: 07857 874456 (recorded announcement) available four days before the event.

Steve Clarke January 9 Carl Fogarty. Four-times World Superbike Champion and I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here King of the Jungle Carl Fogarty in conversation with Steve Parrish. 7.30-9.30pm. Suitable for adults. Tickets: Members £12, non-Members £17.

23 The Golden Age of Flying with BOAC with Malcolm Turner.

Celebrating the iconic British airline that symbolised the luxury jet age. Doors open at 6pm for hot food and bar, talk begins at 7.30pm in Napier Room. Tickets: Members £3, Volunteers £5, non-Members £8.

April 7 Trip to Sewerage Cathedral, Crossness.

Coach trip to the restored pumping station built by Sir Joseph Bazalgette.

Leaves Brooklands at 8.30am, return 5pm. See website for more details.

Spring or Autumn: Possible Hill Climb. A number of Members have asked for a non-competitive, fun hillclimb. We are now talking to Shelsley Walsh to see if this is feasible May 8 Outreach at RHS Wisley. We have been invited to put on a display of Pre-war cars at RHS Wisley for their VE Day commemoration.

Please contact David Norfolk (BM Outreach) on: david.norfolk@ outlook.com. Tombola donations can be left at Brooklands Museum Reception marked for Kelly Webb’s attention or handed to the Outreach Team at any event.

June 4-8 Weekend away to Jersey International Motoring Festival.

Writing and Photo Courses For each Writing Workshop, refreshments will be provided, but please bring your own lunch. £35 for Members, £45 for non-Members. Contact Virginia Smith on: 01932 857381; or email: virginiasmith@brooklandsmuseum.com 2020 January 21 Whose Story is it Anyway. 10.30am – 3.30pm. Suitable for adults. Techniques to improve your writing from Adrienne Dines.

February 13 The TSR2 Story. Part of Project 240, Napier Room. Denis J Calvert explores the development and demise of the TSR2.

Doors open at 6pm for hot food and bar, talk begins at 7.30pm.

Tickets: Members £3, Volunteers £5, non-Members £8.

March 12 Round the World with Elspeth Beard. Architect and motorcyclist Elspeth was the first Englishwoman to ride around the world. She won the Royal Institute of Architects award for redesigning Munstead Tower, Godalming.

April 16 Design and the Bristol Cars. John Hobbs discusses the evolution of this famous British car firm interspersed with the life story of his father and chief designer Dudley Hobbs who was responsible for almost all models between 1945 and 1976.

February 18 Heroes and Villains. 10.30am – 3.30pm. Suitable for adults.

Looking at the roles characters play from Adrienne Dines.

March 24 Emotional Conflict. 10.30am – 3.30pm. Suitable for adults.

Looking at issues readers care about from Adrienne Dines.

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SAVING THE PLANE THAT SAVED THE WORLD Words: Julian Temple and Alisdair Suttie Photos: Brooklands Museum Collection

The Hawker Hurricane was key to winning the Battle of Britain and Brooklands Volunteers have restored one to almost working condition. Here’s how the painstaking work was completed.

Brooklands’ Hawker Hurricane MkIIA, Z2389, enjoying the sunshine in its current state.

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Some of the Volunteer team who have worked so hard to restore Z2389 over more than 20 years and 60,000 hours.

O

n the 80th anniversary of the start of the Second World War, Brooklands marked a much happier chapter in the history of the Hawker Hurricane fighter aircraft. The 3 September, 2019 celebrated the Topping Out Ceremony of the Brooklands Museum’s very own Hurricane MKIIA, Z2389, after a restoration spanning more than 20 years and 60,000 hours.

This image clearly shows the simple steel tube construction of the Hurricane’s airframe that made it robust and easy to repair after any damage when it was in service.

Almost all of this work has been undertaken by Volunteers who have painstakingly rebuilt Z2389 from a wreck that was recovered from Russia. One of the leading lights in this work is Bob Borchardt, a former BOAC and British Airways flight engineer who has been involved with the Museum’s Hurricane project since 1998.

‘It was long-time project leader Roy Lomax who got me helping with the Hurricane’s restoration,” explains Bob. “I’ve

been interested in aircraft since I was a boy and I worked with aircraft as an adult. I started working on the centre section build back in 1998.

“Over the years, I’ve also helped with the general build, electrics, instruments, engine preparation and maintenance, pneumatics and painting. Like many of the Volunteers, I’ve helped where I can and where my previous experience has been most useful.’

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Inside the cockpit shows how many instruments had to be checked and restored where necessary.

The landing gear now attached to the airframe as the restoration progresses.

The Hurricane’s relative simplicity of design was a big help to the team of Volunteers, though this was by no means an easy restoration. Originally, the plan had been to complete the aircraft to the point where it was suitable for ground running if an appropriate engine could be found, and happily in late 2004 a Rolls-Royce Merlin II engine was loaned to

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A suitable Merlin V12 engine was loaned to the Museum in 2004. It’s seen here being installed by Volunteers in 2015 for the third time.

the Museum. With this, the goal shifted to rebuild Z2389 as an aircraft capable of moving under its own power, even if it would never fly again.

‘Getting the aircraft prepared for the proposed engine running was one of the most satisfying parts so far for me,’ says Bob. ‘The other element of this project that has been hugely rewarding is the

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interaction with the rest of the team. On the other hand, the most challenging aspect has been obtaining the correct parts.’

Even with more than 14,500 Hurricanes originally built, finding the right parts for a MkIIA model that are also in serviceable condition has been very trying. There have been many other challenges too, including the wings that

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The story of Hurricane Z2389 The Hawker Hurricane that is part of the Brooklands Museum was from the fifth production batch of these aircraft built between August 1940 and July 1941. This makes Hurricane Z2389 one of the earlier MkIIA models supplied to the Royal Air Force and it was assembled and test flown at Brooklands or Langley (sadly vital records are missing) before it went into service.

This particular Hurricane served with five RAF squadrons throughout 1941, including the American volunteer 71 (Eagle) Squadron and the restored aircraft is now finished in these colours. While flying with 71 Squadron, Z2389 was based at Martlesham Heath to the east of Ipswich, Suffolk.

Here, it may have served alongside Spitfires, as well as Bristol Blenheim bombers.

Then, as part of emergency war supplies to Russia, Z2389 was crated up and loaded on to merchant ship SS S85 that formed part of the largest Russian convoy up to that point during the Second World War. Convoy PQ16 sailed for Murmansk on 21 May, 1942 with 35 ships, though seven cargo vessels were lost to enemy fire before they reached their destination.

When it arrived, Z2389 was put into service with 767 Regiment of the Red Air Force on the Kola Peninsula in the far northwest of Russia close to the Finnish border. On 20 June, 1942, the Hurricane engaged with two Messerschmitt Bf109Fs and five Bf110s over remote territory near Murmansk. Flight Lieutenant Ivan Kalashnikov was at the controls of Z2389 and the aircraft was seriously damaged, requiring a forced landing. Two other Hurricanes were shot down during the same engagement.

The Hurricane lay undisturbed for 50 years until it was rediscovered by Russian historians who removed it to a base in St Petersburg in 1996. Some minor work was carried out to preserve the remains and it was put up for sale at the beginning of 1997. After it had been reported to Second World War recovery expert Jim Pearce, he soon viewed it and informed Brooklands Museum’s Curator of Aviation Julian Temple. The latter then inspected it with consultant engineer Geoff Rodwell before the Museum purchased the airframe and brought it back to Brooklands on 14 October, 1997 to begin its long restoration back to the condition it is in today. Z2389 gained further distinction in becoming the first aircraft ever purchased with a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

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New aluminium skins had to be carefully applied to the wings to replace the originals.

Restoring the wings was a lengthy job and required more than 33,000 rivets to finish the job

had to be rebuilt by first removing the original skins. Although some of the spars underneath had been bent when the aircraft crashed in Russia, they could be straightened and a new skin was put on. Sounds easy, but this work took around five years and 33,000 rivets.

Hurricane history

Z2389 has been restored in the colours of the American volunteer 71 (Eagle) Squadron with which it served in 1941.

The Hawker Hurricane may not be quite as famous as its Supermarine Spitfire contemporary, but that cannot take away from the importance of this fighter aircraft. Developed from the successful Hawker Fury biplane, the Hurricane used a monoplane wing designed by Sir Sydney Camm. Work started in 1933 and in September 1934 the project was given proper funding.

Changes to the specification were dictated by the government, which meant a swap to eight fixed machineguns. Camm was determined to keep the construction of the Hurricane as simple as possible, so these guns were mounted in the wings as this meant there was no need to synchronise them to fire through the propeller. The simplicity of the design also made it easier and quicker to repair when damaged after engaging with enemy aircraft.

Power for the Hurricane came from Rolls-Royce’s new PV-12 engine, later to be called the Merlin and shared with the Spitfire. In August 1935, a kit of parts including an engine were sent to Brooklands to be assembled into the first prototype, serialled K5083. It took its maiden flight on 6 November, 1935 with Flight Lieutenant PWS ‘George’ Bulman at the controls.

The Hawker company was so confident in its design for the Hurricane, it took the unusual step of gearing up for production before it had received a single order. This proved a wise decision and subsequent tests generated very positive comments from pilots. Its speed made it the first fighter the RAF had that could exceed 300mph and pilots revelled in its manoeuvrable handling.

During a visit in 1936 to RAF Martlesham Heath, where Brooklands Hurricane Z2389 later spent some of its service, King Edward VIII gave the prototype aircraft its official Hurricane name. By October 1937, the Hurricane went into production and was with the RAF by December that year.

During the Battle of Britain that lasted from June to October 1940, the Hurricane is now estimated to have accounted for 80 per cent of all enemy aircraft shot down by the RAF. During this period, the MkIIA Hurricane was introduced, of which Z2389 is an early example. The MkIIA gained more power to make it an even more effective fighter aircraft.

The last Hurricane was built in July 1944 at Langley, Buckinghamshire and the type was finally withdrawn from RAF service in December 1946. In total more than 14,500 Hurricanes were produced (lost production records mean that historians disagree on a definitive total) in 20 different variants.

Hilary Lomax, wife of Roy Lomax and herself a Hurricane Restoration Team Volunteer, receiving a framed picture from the Mayor of Elmbridge at the Topping Out ceremony.

Other lows and highs for Bob are when team leader Roy Lomax sadly passed away in December 2016 and when specialist historic aircraft restoration firm Retrotec gave the work on Z2389 a glowing report. Not only did this prove the high quality of the work carried out by the Volunteers on the Hurricane, but also that it was up to modern safety standards as one of the Museum’s exhibits. An impressive feat when working with an 80-year old aircraft.

The report is a testimony to the work of the 28 Volunteers who have contributed to the Hurricane’s restoration over more than 20 years. In that time, some of these Volunteers have passed away, while others have stepped back from the work. At the moment, six Volunteers look after Z2389 and they hope to have it outside and proudly on display for the Battle of Britain’s 80th anniversary in 2020.

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THE MAKING OF THE WELLINGTON A Wellington under construction where the rear gun turret is clearly visible. The heavily defended bomber was still vulnerable to attack from the side by German fighter aircraft.

I Bristol Pegasus MkVIII engines were chosen for the Wellington as they offered a better rate of climb, speed and higher operating ceiling than the Rolls-Royce Goshawk engine that was also considered.

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t is 80 years since the crucial Battle of Heligoland Bight of 18 December, 1939. The Wellington bomber played a key role in this first named air battle of the Second World War. This aircraft was built at Brooklands and the Museum’s own Wellington took part in these raids.

At the outbreak of war, the Wellington was the RAF’s frontline medium bomber and remained a mainstay of the fight in the skies all the way until 1945. This put Brooklands at the forefront of the war effort as the Wellington was built by Vickers and as many aircraft were needed as it was possible to build.

The Vickers Wellington was designed and built at Brooklands, but it was the infamous Battle of Heligoland Bight that was the true making of this bomber aircraft.

Words: Mike Forbes and Alisdair Suttie Photos: Brooklands Museum Collection

The Heligoland raid showed the RAF would need those planes as the air force’s thinking at the time was its bombers would always get through to their target.

There was some justification for this as the Wellington was able to carry a bomb load up to 4500lbs (2045kg). It was also quicker than most other planes of the period and heavily armed to defend itself with four Browning 0.303in machine guns. They were positioned in pairs in twin turrets in the nose and tail.

There were three raids on the Heligoland Bight in December 1939.

The first took place on 3 December and

was aimed at the German naval base at Wilhelmshaven and the bight which is the stretch of water between the German mainland and island of Heligoland. This was where many German ships were anchored and this first bombing raid sank a minelaying ship and shot down a single German fighter plane with no losses for the RAF. Emboldened by this, a second daylight raid was launched on 14 December to attack the ships called Nurnberg and Leipzig. On this occasion, six out of the 12 Wellingtons were lost, half to German fighter planes and the other half to antiaircraft batteries.

At this point, the RAF believed daytime operations were still preferable to night raids. The events of 18 December altered that thinking forever. Wellingtons from 9, 37 and 149 Squadrons were briefed to attack German ships in Heligoland Bight moored outside of the harbour. However, when the bombers arrived over the target, the ships were inside the harbour and the decision was made to turn for home without attacking as the British wanted to avoid civilian casualties.

Unfortunately, the heavily laden Wellingtons were fair game for the German fighters, which continued to attack the

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MINI ACES UNDER 5s CLUB

2nd Thursday of the month

Two 45 minute session (10:30-11:15am & 11:30am-12:15pm) Sessions are limited, please book in advance email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com or call 01932 857381 VISIT BROOKLANDSMUSEUM.COM Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL

Wellington design

The geodetic construction of the Wellington’s airframe is clearly visible in this picture. Designed

by Barnes Wallace, it was light, strong and could cope well under enemy fire.

Vickers-Armstrong chief designer Rex Pierson was responsible for the Wellington and came up with a twin-engined medium bomber. The design parameters were set out by the Air Ministry in specification B.9/32 in 1932. It used geodetic construction methods pioneered by Barnes Wallace and previously used in the Wellesley. This construction made for a lightweight base that was also able to withstand a considerable battering from enemy fire while continuing to fly. In other words, this was the ideal beginnings for a bomber going into the Second World War. The first prototype, numbered K4049, was flown at Brooklands on 15 June, 1936.

It was originally called a Crecy, but was renamed Wellington by 8 September that year.

Over the next two years, the Wellington was intensively developed and tested, with much of the work carried out alongside its Warwick sister.

Two Bristol Pegasus MkXVIII engines were chosen for the Wellington as they offered a better rate of climb, speed and higher operating ceiling than the Rolls-Royce Goshawk engines also trialled. The first flight was undertaken by Vickers’ Chief Test Pilot Joseph ‘Mutt’ Summers and he regarded the aircraft as very satisfactory. Sadly, this first Wellington was destroyed in a crash in April 1937.

By the end of the Second World War, 11,461 Wellingtons in 19 different models were made. Production at Brooklands reached 2515, while others were made at Broughton near Chester and Fylde close to Blackpool. The last Wellington was withdrawn from service in March 1953.

On 18 December, 2019 there was a commemoration of the Heligoland raid held by the Heligoland 39 Project at the RAF Memorial, Runnymede. Brooklands Museum was delighted to host the attendees afterwards and show them the H39 Exhibition in the Museum Art Gallery that runs until 20 January.

RAF planes over the North Sea. Out of 22 Wellingtons sent on this mission, 10 were shot down and another two were forced to ditch in the sea before reaching British soil. A further three were lost in crash landings, leaving only seven Wellingtons left and with only two German fighter planes downed.

This engagement showed the Wellington’s fuel tanks were a chink in its armour. Not only were they vulnerable to enemy fire from the side, they were not self-sealing so would readily catch fire. This led the Luftwaffe to think its Messerschmitt fighters were the best in the air, though this was soon dispelled when they met the Spitfire.

The Heligoland raids taught the RAF and Vickers some valuable lessons, albeit

Heligoland Bight was a key stretch of water for the German Navy as it was the access to its base at Wilhelmshaven. There were three Wellington bomber raids here in December 1939.

The beginnings of a Wellington at the Vickers factory at Brooklands. 2515 Wellingtons were built here out of a total of 11,461 of all types made. The aircraft withdrew from service in March 1953.

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Brooklands Museum Wellington The Vickers Wellington on display at the Brooklands Museum is a Mk1A and N2980 is the only known surviving example built at Brooklands. It had its first flight on 16 November 1939 by Vickers’ Chief Test Pilot Captain Joseph ‘Mutt’ Summers.

Afterwards, it was dispatched to 149 Squadron at RAF Mildenhall shortly before it took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight.

Wellington N2980 went on to serve with 37 Squadron at RAF Feltwell, Norfolk

and flew in many day and night raids.

Then, a little more than year after it had entered service, it crashed during a flight with 20 Operational Training Unit over Loch Ness after taking off from RAF Lossiemouth on New Year’s Eve, 1940. The plane ditched in the loch and eight crew escaped.

However, the rear gunner died when his parachute failed to deploy.

The aircraft lay undisturbed until 1976 when a group of American Loch

Ness Monster hunters discovered it.

N2980 was raised in September 1985 and delivered to Brooklands later that month by British Aerospace. It is the only surviving Wellington to have seen operational service as a bomber. Its restoration took 100,000 hours and it was decided the fuselage would be only partly covered in fabric to show the geodetic method of construction.

at a terrible cost. Firstly, daytime bombing raids were abandoned in favour of operating under cover of darkness, though major operations didn’t recommence until March 1940 with the threat of invasion from Germany into Britain. The second outcome was the Wellington quickly received upgrades that included self-sealing fuel tanks and the retractable

ventral turret was replaced by a gun on either side of the aircraft to defend itself from side-on attacks.

With these modifications to the Brooklands-built Wellington and the RAF’s change in tactics, the bomber went to

be a very reliable aircraft and the only one to serve throughout the entire war.

It was retired from frontline duties in October 1943 but carried on working as a transporter, crew trainer and maritime patrol aircraft searching for submarines.

It even went on to be used post-war as a development platform for turbojet engines.

Wings under construction.

Although a medium bomber, the Wellington grew in size and weight from its original brief set out as early as 1932 to when the first prototype flew in 1936.

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MILLE MIGLIA VIP TOUR 2020 Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 May 2020 (tbc)

The original and the best!

Join TV celebrity and motoring legend Tiff Needell as we dip in and out of the epic 1,000 mile Mille Miglia on our all inclusive 5 day hosted tour.

Our carefully planned programme will immerse you in the history of this classic event as you enjoy exclusive viewing and privileged hospitality at some truly memorable locations, transferring in the comfort of our chauffeured vehicles. Our boutique hotels are perfectly located and of course you’ll enjoy wonderful locations, breath-taking scenery and fabulous wining and dining throughout.

We will ensure a stress free, relaxed environment for you to fully enjoy this iconic event and Italian hospitality at its very best!

We look forward to meeting you in Italy!

HOSTED BY

TIFF NEEDEL

L

4 NIGHT VIP HOSTED PROGRAMME INCLUSIONS: With numbers limited to around 25 clients this tour is intimate, friendly and exclusive. » Arrival meet & greet with chauffeured transfers directly to your hotel » Boutique hotel accommodation including breakfast » Hosted chauffeured transfers throughout the programme » Welcome drinks reception and superb regional wining and dining included throughout » Private tour of the Mille Miglia Museum including dinner & drinks

» VIP Day in the beautiful walled city of Corinaldo.The day includes privileged access passes with viewing of the cars just feet away » Informal guided tour of Bologna’s key and hidden sights with your own guide » Private tour of select motoring museums including optional exclusive behind the scenes access to the Lamborghini Factory » Motor Passion concierge management on-site throughout the weekend with hosting by motoring legend Tiff Needell

» View all the build up in Brescia and view the cars as they pass our private balcony overlooking Lake Garda Price Per Person £2,770 For further details and a full colour proposal contact steve@motor-passion.co.uk, call 01635 31658 or visit www.motor-passion.co.uk

The 12/50 of CM Harvey that won the 1923 Junior Car Club’s 200 Mile race at Brooklands with an average speed of 93.29mph. It beat off the challenge of the Fiats that proved unreliable.

ALVIS AT BROOKLANDS Photos: Brooklands Museum Collection

TG John was the force behind Alvis and its cars that competed at Brooklands. Ken Day charts the company’s successes and otherwise at the track.

T

homas George John was born in 1880, the son of a shipwright in the naval dockyard at Pembroke, and was educated at the Royal Naval College and the Royal College of Science. He was a Whitworth Exhibitor, Member of the Corps of Naval Constructors and acquired qualifications in motor and aviation engineering and cost accounting. John was appointed Assistant Constructor at the Devonport naval dockyard and was then placed in charge of Research and Development at Vickers, the world’s largest builder of naval vessels in 1907.

In 1910, following the growth of the German airship fleet, the government ordered Vickers to build one at its Cumbria base. John was appointed Shipyard Manager at Barrow in Furness and was the youngest man to hold this position. The airship Mayfly was completed in 1911 but damaged in a handling accident on only its second outing.

Winston Churchill became First Lord of the Admiralty and, expecting a major battle in the North Sea, the 300ft long K-class submarines were introduced driven by steam-turbine engines on the surface and electric motors when submerged. Vickers

TG John worked for Vickers’ naval division on submarines before setting up his own car maker in 1919. The company changed its name to Alvis in 1921 and John remained in charge until 1944.

diesel engines charged batteries. Due to this submarine’s design and poor record for reliability, TG John was ordered to redesign four without steam engines as the M-class,

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An Alvis Firefly at the 1925 200 Mile race at Brooklands with Norman Freeman on the left and Belgian racing driver Paul Dutoit on the right.

Dutoit used the Firefly to test Dunlop tyres at Brooklands.

M1 and M2, the first to be designed with a warship-size gun to attack enemy ships and dive quickly. The Sea Lords at the Admiralty feared the enemy would learn of M1, so their construction was covered up and the plans hidden. The M-class was not a success, eventually both the gun-equipped M1 and M2, converted into a submarine aircraft carrier with a seaplane hangar in place of the gun, being lost with all hands in accidents.

Formation of Alvis

The Earl of Cottenham was a keen Alvis driver.

He’s seen here at the wheel of a front-wheel drive model in 1925 at the Junior Car Club’s 200 Mile race.

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Following the disastrous Gallipoli campaign but before Churchill left the Government as First Lord of the Admiralty, he set up the Landship Committee in February 1915.

This project was to develop what became the first tank. John may have sat on this committee because of his engineering brilliance, but what is clear is that he joined Siddeley-Deasy in 1915. This car maker had

turned to building aero engines for the war effort.

After the First World War, John set up the eponymous TG John Limited in 1919 following the acquisition of Coventry-based and American-owned company Holley Brothers. That same year, he also bought the rights to the Electra engine and a new fourcylinder design by Geoffrey de Freville, which came with the rights to the name ‘Alvis’. In 1921, the company changed its name to the Alvis Car and Engineering Company and TG John was Chairman and Managing Director, posts he held until his retirement in 1944.

Racing success

The first Alvis 10/30 appeared in 1920, performing well in competitions and selling well with 770 built. In 1922, Captain GT Smith-Clarke joined Alvis as Works Manager and Chief Engineer, and he had a keen interest in racing. He and John

followed a policy of improving design through motorsport and in 1923 an Alvis 12/50 won the Junior Car Club’s 200 Mile race at Brooklands at an average speed of 93.29mph. This car was driven by CM Harvey and took the win a little unexpectedly when the leading Fiats both broke.

There was to be no repeat of this success in 1924 for Alvis. However, to challenge Continental competition for the 1925 200 Mile race, the 12/50 engine was supercharged and installed in a completely new chassis with front wheel drive and all independent suspension. To achieve the front-wheel drive configuration, the engine was simply turned through 180-degrees. In this 1.5-litre form, the Alvis went on to set Class F records for the half-mile, kilometre and mile standing start at Brooklands.

For the 200 Mile race, Harvey vied for the lead with the Talbot-Darracqs, but the car faltered around half distance and retired.

An eight-cylinder 1.5-litre engine was developed for the 1926 and 1927 200 miles races and the British Grand Prix. Alvis was the only established British manufacturer to enter these races, and luck was not on its side. Two cars were entered in 1926 for the 200 Mile race and the British Grand Prix driven by Harvey and the Earl of Cottenham. Reliability proved a problem with the complex design of this straight eight engine.

The derogatory press reports caused John to list all the benefits of racing and the superior financial position of Continental firms helped by government subsidies and the UK government’s failure to assist the British industry to export. However, Urquhart Dykes managed ninth place overall in the 1928 race in his 12/50, though the factory chose not to enter any cars of its own.

Captain Smith-Clarke was still keen to race, however, and developed a twin

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This is the second of the two Alvis specials created for the 1926 200 Mile race and British Grand Prix at Brooklands with a 1.5-litre eight-cylinder engine. The Earl of Cottenham is at the wheel.

Alvis’ racing manager George Tattershall stands behind the 1925 four-cylinder FWD car entered in the 1925 200 Mile race. It was driven by the Earl of Cottenham, who is sitting in the car.

Alvis was a pioneer of front-wheel drive with its cars.

This FWD is in the pits during the 1931 Double Twelve race at Brooklands. It was privately entered

by E Farley and P FotheringhamParker.

overhead camshaft version of the 1.5-litre eight-cylinder engine with a supercharger.

It was a continuation of the 1927 Grand Prix engine and powered four cars for the 1929 Double Twelve race. Sadly, poor reliability struck again and all four cars failed to finish, though one lasted to within an hour of the finish.

A change of tack came in 1930 when Alvis entered a team of conventional Silver Eagles for that year’s Double Twelve. The engines were reduced in capacity slightly to meet the 2.0-litre class rules and three cars started. That of Leon Cushman retired after just 30 mins, but the Honourable Victor and Mrs Bruce ran their car at an average of 74mph despite running on only five out of six cylinders due to a broken valve and holed piston. They finished 13th, while the car of Cyril Paul and Harold Purdy came home in 16th place.

However, the increased pace from teams such as Alfa Romeo convinced TG John that Alvis could no longer compete on an even footing due to the handicapping system. So, in 1930, Alvis withdrew from racing and stuck to that decision. The company had scored some success and set 37 International Class F (1500cc) records at Brooklands. Harvey and Purdy also set an International 1000 Mile record in 1929

at Brooklands with an average speed of 95.24mph that remained unbeaten until 1934.

Private entries

With its racing career ended, Alvis focused on producing a ‘car for the connoisseur’.

TG John may have given up on racing at Brooklands and was focusing on road cars and armoured vehicles, but plenty of private owners still competed there in Alvis cars. A 1930 eight-cylinder car from the victorious Ulster Tourist Trophy race team won a Canada Trophy race and placed fifth in the British Empire Trophy meeting in 1933 driven by Frank Hallam. CGH Dunham’s 12/70 special made the fastest lap and came second overall in the very last race at Brooklands in August 1939.

The Alvis car factory was destroyed in an air raid on Coventry in 1940. John moved production to his Rouncil Towers home in Kenilworth and retired in 1944.

He died in 1946 at his home in Putney, London. Even after that, Alvis and Brooklands were still linked when the air portable Scorpion tank was tested in the Stratosphere Chamber at Brooklands. Alvis ended car production in 1967, while the military side of company was eventually taken over by BAE Systems in 2004.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 | BROOKLANDS BULLETIN

31

M

ost of us associate Brooklands with motorsport and aviation, yet there was another sporting pursuit carried out within the circuit, involving a racquet and ball. Tennis was first proposed by members of the Brooklands Automobile Racing Club (BARC) as early as 1911, a time when most of the available infield was being developed for use as a centre for the new-fangled pursuit of aviation. Much of the ground was still very rough with the remains of large gravel pits dug for the construction of the track along with a sprinkling of cottages and a few trees that had escaped being felled during that hectic period of construction in 1906-07.

This did mean, though, there was space to develop another facility to both serve existing members and encourage more to join for the social activities on offer. To

Sammy Davis’s AC gets some attention on the Banking with the tennis courts immediately behind in 1921.

NOT JUST ANYONE FOR TENNIS Alongside racing and aviation, Brooklands enjoyed a thriving tennis club with some notable members, as Tim Morris explains.

Photos: Brooklands Museum Collection/Tim Morris

All six courts can be seen between the banking and Finishing Straight. This 1925 picture shows the small wooden storage huts.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 | BROOKLANDS BULLETIN

33

that end, four tennis courts were built to the rear of the Clubhouse in the area that now houses the Jackson Shed, Motorcycle sheds and Administration block. The hard courts were surfaced with fine gravel by the British Hard Court Company and the Brooklands Lawn Tennis Club was formed, despite these being gravel courts.

They were officially opened, not at the height of summer as you may expect, but in the depths of winter in December 1911.

Not an auspicious start. The weather on that day consisted of light rain, a strong wind and poor light. Nevertheless, the novelty attracted a large crowd and a doubles game commenced resulting in a six-all draw before failing light stopped play.

The new hard courts proved popular enough that another six were laid between the Shell Way Tunnel and the Finishing Straight in 1913. By this time, the Membership of the Brooklands Lawn Tennis Club had reached 120 members including Hugh Fortescue Locke-King, Tommy Sopwith and the Clerk of the Course, Major Lindsay Lloyd. Other local dignitaries were also members of the club and included Lady Dorothy D’Oyly Carte of opera fame who lived on D’Oyly Carte Island in the middle of the Thames at Weybridge.

An annual subscription was £3 3s for gentlemen, while ladies had only to pay £1 11s 6d for a whole year’s membership. The tennis club gained in popularity up to the outbreak of the First World War. Afterwards, it continued but declined as motor racing and aviation grew in popularity and scale, and the club was discontinued in the early 1930s. The four courts behind the Clubhouse were redeveloped as the motorcycle sheds and the larger area by the Finishing Straight

made a handy base for a car park until 1939. From that time on, the area became a general dumping ground for industrial waste with an ever-increasing pile of redundant aircraft parts and general junk.

When the Museum was created in the late 1980s, the height of this scrap pile had grown considerably and the plateau was at a level with the Finishing Straight. This top section made a handy area as a landing pad for any helicopters paying the museum a visit or a nice vehicle display area, even if it could become a little muddy sometimes.

With the advent of the London Bus Museum, the lower slopes and wooded

November 2010 and the pile of rusty ironwork from the dump grows.

A small selection of the ‘treasure’ being uncovered from the dump in 2015 as preparations are under way for the Flight Shed.

34

An aerial image from the north shows the tennis court’s close proximity to the track.

The courts were surfaced by the “ British Hard Court Company and the

Brooklands Lawn Tennis Club was formed, despite these being gravel courts

BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

”

area were cleared and revealed much of the dump’s contents. This was followed by the excavation of the rest of the dump for the more recent project to re-site the Bellman Hangar and create the new Flight Shed.

Again, more interesting items were revealed in the land reclamation stage and every day brought up a new ‘treasure’ from the mud.

Sadly, no discarded tennis racquets were found and there was no trace of the courts themselves. The whole area is now covered by buildings, but if you listen carefully on a still summer’s morning you can just imagine the gentle thunk of ball against racquet.

members’ matters

by Tim Morris

Cotswolds Weekend

Members battled through heavy rain showers to reach Wyck Hill House Hotel for cheery introductions and a glass (or two) before Road Books were presented followed by dinner.

Saturday morning was sunny as we drove to the Bugatti Trust next to the Prescott Hill Climb. We were introduced to the trust and Bugatti Owners Club by Angela Hucke and Charles Trevelyan, followed by a guided tour.

We then departed for Sudeley Castle to view the ruins and still occupied rooms. The Castle Chapel contains the tomb of Katherine Parr, the only English queen buried in private grounds. In the afternoon, some Members headed to the Jet Age Museum near Gloucester with its collection of Gloster Aircraft, exhibits and story boards.

On Sunday morning, we headed to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway.

Seated in our own coach, we were given a talk about the railway and local points of interest by guide Anne Brown. The weekend was also the Cotswold Food and Drink fayre and members were seen stocking up with local produce. Despite a small hiccup with Rachael and Graeme Hogg’s beautiful 1957 Austin Healey 100/6, all made it back to the hotel for dinner and quizzes. A most impressive score by Allan Fuller and Rene Zeederberg won them the top prize.

Bob Pigott

Outreach Our Outreach Team wrapped 2019 up in traditional style at Military Vehicles Day. It’s usually a cold and damp day, which suits the military enthusiasts very well. I’m sure our team had a celebratory glass of something warm on the day after they posed for our picture. A big thank you to the team who have been out in all weathers promoting the Members and the Museum this year.

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BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

Members Annual Dinner 2019

‘What would your father think of McLaren today?’ It is the question most often asked of Amanda McLaren, daughter of Formula 1 ace Bruce who founded the Woking-based company that bears his name. Amanda was speaking at the Brooklands Members annual dinner about her father’s career and the history of the company.

Amanda McLaren was four years old when her father died. She was brought up in the UK but used to return to New Zealand every two years or so to visit family. One such holiday in her early twenties got extended from an initial 6 weeks to 26 years. Attending the opening of the 50th McLaren dealership in Auckland on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the team, Amanda and her husband met McLaren cars CEO Mike Flewitt who offered them both jobs back in England. So, the answer to the question ‘What would Bruce think of the modern McLaren?’ is answered by his daughter proudly representing the company today as Brand Ambassador.

The speech was followed by an auction run by Clive Emms with his usual aplomb and humour. When one cheeky bidder upped a £475 bid by a solitary £1, the auctioneer’s riposte was ‘Ah. That, Sir, explains why you are wearing last year’s poppy.’

The dinner was attended by BM President Damon Hill OBE and his wife Georgie, Brooklands Museum Trustees Chairman Sir Gerald Acher and his wife Joyce, and Museum Director Tamalie Newbery. For the past 10 years Michael Sands has designed and created the wonderful 3D model menu cards for the annual dinner. This year’s menu is the last of the series which take 1500 hours to create and Michael and his wife were special guests at the dinner in recognition of their efforts over the years.

Gareth Tarr

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members’ matters

Binders Ferraris for breakfast The Brooklands breakfast meetings are a great opportunity to catch up with friends over an English fry up, served in the Clubhouse dining room. This time, I took my Ferrari 360 along and I was pleased to see a few other Ferraris there too. There were two racing 308’s courtesy of QV London, 328, 348 and 355 examples. The yellow 348 was displaying a very nicely detailed engine bay.

Also on display were two very rare cars. The first was beautifully restored and was one of 14 Connaught cars built at the nearby Connaught works in Send, back in 1953. The other car was a Trojan (right), which is the most simple and basic of cars built in Kingston in the 1920s.

A very enjoyable morning was had wandering around the display of cars, having a hearty breakfast, chatting to people and enjoying the sunshine – yes, we had that too. As the classic car season draws to a close, this was one of the last events before Christmas. The next big event is the New Year’s Day meeting and I think you might find me there this year too.

Nigel Carter

This is the third issue of the new style Brooklands Bulletin and I am sure you will be wondering what to do with them once you have read them. Well, the answer is at hand as we have just taken delivery of new Bulletin binders which are similar to the old ones but bigger. They are priced at £10 each and you can buy them direct from the Members Office or by mail order from our website shop.

There are other items of Members’ regalia available from the office, including new logo mugs and the last of the old logo beanie hats and baseball caps, so hurry whilst stocks. You can also order items of clothing online from our clothing store partners so you can wrap up warm in fleeces, polo shirts and sweatshirts. See: www. https:// www.brooklandsmuseum.com/shop

In Memory of...

Subscriptions

Sadly, each issue we do lose some of our Members and we’d like to pass on the condolences of the Brooklands Trust Members, Chairman and Committee to the families of the following who have recently passed away.

• Mr Peter Smith from Kingston who was a member for over five years.

• Mr John Boon who passed away in August and was a member for a year.

• Mr Clive Chard passed away in October and was a member since 2015.

• Mr Mark Billingham who passed away in October and was a member for a year.

The committee has been looking at ways to make it easier for you to pay your subscriptions. We introduced bank transfers for renewing Members in the last edition and from January 2020 there is a discount for Members renewing or joining by Direct Debit. If you are already on a Direct Debit, you do not need to do anything as the new rates will be automatically applied to your subscription.

You will find the Direct Debt prices in brackets below.

Membership rates are rising in January in line with the rise in Museum admission prices. This is a little earlier than normal as we have been out of kilter with the Museum’s entrance fee rises and in future any price changes will be made from 1 January.

The new price structure is as follows:

Spinning Wheels We would like to start afresh with our Spinning Wheels series as other filming and a shortage of Members offering their vehicles for inclusion caused a relapse towards the end of 2019. We’d like to get Series 2 running in the Spring and need your input and your vehicle. Please get in touch and let us know what you have and we’ll set up a recording session at Brooklands. It generally only takes two hours to film an episode and all you need is some knowledge about your car or bike for the commentary.

To get involved, email Tim in the Members office: timmorris@ brooklandsmuseum.com; or phone: 01932 857381 ext 226.

To find all the BM.tv programmes and links to the channels please go to our website at: https://www.brooklandsmuseum.com/ brooklands-members/archive/btmtv

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BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

Club Level £140 (£135) Family 1+3 £60 (£55) Family 2+3 £90 (£85) Double £73 (£68) Individual £47 (£45) Youth £26 International £64 There are now two Family levels and this has been introduced due to Members requesting a Membership level to help single parents with children, hence Family 1+3. The original two person and up to three children remains but is now called Family 2+3.

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Looking for a venue for your club or friends in 2019 or 2020 contact us to discuss packages and dates.

We already have 18 clubs booked in 2019 & 7 for 2020 Tours include dinner, bed & breakfast, drinks reception on 1st night, a welcome pack containing a memento of the weekend, rally plate, window sticker, Ordnance Survey Mid & South Wales road map, road books containing the route for each day & entry to a local attraction.

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BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

members’ matters RAF Hendon visit

BM.tv Despite the early start, 31 Members made the trip to the RAF Museum at Hendon, London on 13 November. We were divided into two groups, one touring the museum and the other enjoying the Dambusters Virtual Reality Experience.

Although the museum has had a considerable revamp, sadly some of the buildings are not watertight and the Focke Wulf Fw 109 was draped in tarpaulins to protect it. However, the Dambusters VR Experience was truly immersive so you really felt part of the action. We were kitted out with helmet and vibrating backpacks before being whisked into the cockpit of Lancaster G for George just a few miles out from the Möhne Dam to begin our bombing run.

Some more impressive navigation from our coach driver had us back at Brooklands in good time and Angela Hume deserves our warm appreciation for her logistical expertise and perfect planning.

John Axtell

We continue to film Members’ Talks events and there have been several recently that you can now view on BM.tv. The Steve Parrish and Mick Grant evening was great fun and you can see their unedited banter now on our channels.

Maurice Hamilton (above right) has led an interesting journalism career among the greats of Formula 1 and you can enjoy reminiscing with him. The Electric Cars event was enlightening and our expert panel put the case for the future very well. Look out too for a follow up event at Brooklands in 2020.

You can find links at: https:// www.brooklandsmuseum.com/ brooklands-members/archive/btmtv

Brooklands Karting Challenge The 2019 Brooklands Karting Challenge certainly lived up to its name due to torrential rain. Fourteen teams lined up for the event and all performed exceptionally well, with only a few laps separating first and last places.

Two groups doubled their chances of victory by entering two teams each, so thank you to the MGF Register and Weybridge Physiotherapy Centre. Overall victory went to the father and son team of Andy and Sam Hampshire racing as ‘Hare today and Gone Tomorrow’. This is the second year Sam has won the 1.5hour endurance race, albeit with a different team in 2018.

You don’t have to be Lewis Hamilton to take part but it was evident Sam Hampshire has a lot of potential as his kart seemed to run on rails despite the wet and slippery conditions. Runners up this year were ‘JamTam’ (James and Tamsin Hebditch), while third place went to the Museum’s Mark Dover with his son James.

The Brooklands Trophy at the Goodwood Revival and the Brooklands Karting Challenge are the only race events continuing the Brooklands legacy. We hope to see another good

Stats all, folks We are keen on graphs in the Membership office and there is one that shows the average number of members joining throughout the year. It shows the lowest months being October and November and this year it has pretty much followed the same trend. Overall, we are looking to end the year at a little

entry for the 2020 Challenge, which will be in late summer next year and hopefully with dry weather.

Tim Morris over 6300 Memberships, which is much the same as last year.

The Summer Fete in the Paddock proved popular with families and 148 new Memberships were taken in August, an all-time monthly record. Of course, the success in new Members joining is counterbalanced by members not renewing and the committee will be concentrating efforts to understand why Members leave and if there is anything we can do to persuade you to stay with us.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 | BROOKLANDS BULLETIN

41

members’ updates Director’s Annual Review I’m writing this at the beginning of December and we’ve just won Best Tourist Attraction in the Surrey Business Awards. We’re very proud of all the work that has gone into improving Brooklands Museum over the past year and delighted everyone’s efforts have been recognised in this award. We hope you’ve also appreciated the developments as a Member.

The improvements came out of research which showed visitors wanted: • A more relaxing and attractive environment • More focus on the stories of people to balance the technology and engineering • A better understanding of the overall story of the site • More compelling marketing and communications information backed by a stronger brand We created more relaxation space during the summer holidays, when the Brooklands Fete offered a haven of relaxation, transforming the tarmac outside the Clubhouse into a ‘lawn’ with bunting, deckchairs, games, ice creams and a tea tent. While it was on, Member repeat visits were up 24%, membership sales up 10% and in the first three weeks like-for-like visitor numbers rose 11%.

It’s been so successful, the Fete will be back for longer in 2020.

Stories of people are the focus of The First to the Fastest exhibition, supported by Brooklands Members, which opened in April. It tells the story of the people who designed and flew the Vimy and the Harrier, which is on loan for the exhibition. This approach makes our history interesting to more people and we will use it in other areas in the future.

Our new five-minute film gives a succinct introduction to Brookland’s history and what there is to see at the Museum. It has been extremely popular with new and long-standing visitors alike.

We launched a new marketing campaign, based on helping people understand what it feels like to visit Brooklands and why it is such a special place. We advertised in new places like trains and buses and our new logo and brand has helped us stand out and appeal to a broader range of people.

Other highlights included the gift of G-HAWK by BAE early in the year, the celebrations of Concorde’s 50th anniversary and the completion of the restoration of the Hurricane after 20 years of work by a dedicated Volunteer team. Work started on the repainting of the Vanguard and the Aircraft Park was made more attractive with new picnic benches by Concorde.

So what about 2020? We are working on improving the Clubhouse reception area, including installing a lift to reach the first floor. We are very grateful to the Members for supporting this through the Winter Draw and other fundraising. We will be commemorating the role of Brooklands in the Battle of Britain, 80 years after these momentous events. Also, we have exciting new elements to many of our events, including more opportunities to get involved during Double 12 in June and a new event in May focused on electric vehicles.

In 2020, we’ll be developing a site-wide masterplan and interpretation strategy. This will give us an overall plan for the long-term development of the site and the stories we tell here.

It will respond to a desire for more stories about the people associated with Brooklands, their challenges and successes; more understanding of how Brooklands impacted the local area and the history of ordinary people who worked at the site; and more links to wider national and world events.

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BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

The Museum will continue to play an important role in its community through our dementia café, early-opening for people with autism, evening openings for uniformed groups, a young people’s council, volunteering opportunities for young people (often towards Duke of Edinburgh awards), Saturday Science Clubs, Engineering Taster Days, visits from schools and much more.

Our 11,000 Members are a very important part of the Museum.

Your support, through your membership, visits, fundraising and much more all help the Museum connect with those who care about it and help it to develop. We hope you’re enjoying the progress that’s being made and we look forward to seeing you at the Museum in the coming year.

Tamalie Newbery

members’ updates Bedford CA Crew Bus

Remedial work to the Bedford’s floors is now complete

Welding the floor panels and cross beams of the Bedford CA Crew Bus was completed in early May 2019 to allow the crew bus to be in a presentable condition for the Brooklands Vintage Festival. The bus sat on the Outreach stand where we met the former British Airways employee who painted it in aircraft blue. No wonder the bodywork has lasted so well. It was next to a brightly painted 1958 CA model. Both were very similar to look at, but with subtle differences to the bodywork and interior. For example, the 1958 CA had a bench seat arrangement with seats running either side from front to back. Our vehicle has two rows of seats across the width of the van and smaller lengthways benches in the space behind.

Since May 2019, remedial work has been completed in the new floor and rubber matting has been finished and fixed over the front wheelarches using the original aluminium strips. Talking of the front wheelarches, we didn’t need to remove the wings after all, as the work was completed from below. The pale blue vinyl upholstery has been scrubbed with soap and water, dried and buffed to a shine.

Sadly, some of the seat back tops are badly faded due to sun exposure, but the overall appearance is much brighter and the white piping much cleaner. The front wheelarch recesses, into which the doors close, still need work but we are working on this.

Gloster Saro Fire Tender With the engine, carburettors and wiring back in place, we filled the Gloster Saro with water, but to our dismay another trickle appeared. This time it was from a crack just above the core plug on the engine block.

After some tricky grinding to expand the channel, which required the use of a mirror, a metallic sealant was applied and seems to have had the desired effect.

Attempt number two sadly failed to start the engine due to low oil pressure. Some will remember the oil pump, long handled screwdriver and dark hole episode. Well, success and the engine fired. Some adjustments were made to the mixture and the motor ticked over nicely.

After strong-arm attempts to get the transmission into first gear, it popped in.

We estimate the Gloster Saro had been sitting for six months since the new clutch

Duesenberg Regular readers of the Bulletin will remember the Duesenberg was going to the upholsterer earlier in 2019. If you have visited the Museum recently, you will have noticed nothing has changed.

Unfortunately, synchronising calendars has proved troublesome, but we will endeavour to get the work done as soon as possible.

44

BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

had been fitted, so it’s likely it had become stuck. With a makeshift seat, one of the team raised the clutch pedal and inched the vehicle forwards and back.

In early June 2019, the tender finally moved from the front of the Dunlop Mac, almost exactly 12 months after we took possession. Touring around the site, it reached the dizzy heights of third gear, which felt like a great achievement. However, it has not all been roses as we’ve recently experienced electrical problems such as lights and wipers not working. Unfortunately, the loom and connectors sit on the bulkhead and had been affected by heat from the engine. The dashboard and steering column were largely dismantled when we took on this vehicle, so tracking the wires proved challenging. Even so, our electrical hero John Philips has sorted the wiring.

Debbie Crawt

The Gloster Saro can now move under its own power

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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 | BROOKLANDS BULLETIN

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members’ updates Curatorial

‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ as they say, and this is certainly the case for the Brooklands Museum Collection.

The photographic record of Brooklands is invaluable to helping us to learn about the history of the site and the amazing people who worked and played here, and to convey these stories to our visitors. Two recent new additions to the collection have made a significant contribution to our existing archive and will no doubt feature in exhibitions or illustrate stories in the Bulletin in the future.

The first is a collection of almost 100 photographs covering a wide selection of mostly motoring subjects ranging from staged press photographs to casual snapshots. As well as those featuring the big names of Brooklands in marquee races, some detail interesting events that used the circuit in unusual ways such as relay races or racing on the access roadways surrounding the circuit. Others shed light on social groups among the Brooklands drivers as they are snapped in friendly conversation, as well as showing them in action behind the wheel.

The second new addition to our photographic collection is an album of aerial views of Brooklands produced

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Recently added photos include this one of a relay race at Brooklands

Vickers’ aerial photos show the development of the site

for Vickers Aviation around the second half of the 1920s. It bears the Vickers Limited Weybridge logo embossed onto its cover and naturally focuses on the aviation-focused parts of the site at the time, including the airfield and a set of images around the Vickers works.

However, it also captures features of the

BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

racing circuit alongside the main subject of each photograph, including the Fork Grandstand and the Motoring Village as it grows around the time of the two British Grands Prix, building up a picture of how Brooklands as a whole developed over time.

Andrew Lewis

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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 | BROOKLANDS BULLETIN

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF

brooklands bulletin

brooklands

ER 2019 SEPTEMBER – OCTOB

I

t is odd realise that in this age of gender equality there are few top women racing drivers. In the ‘Golden Days’ of Brooklands this was certainly not the case. There were many. One such was Gwenda Stewart, who was born Gwenda Mary Glubb in Preston, Lancashire on 1 June, 1894. She was born into a military family and her father was Captain Frederic Manley Glubb of the Royal Engineers, later to become Major General Sir Frederic Manley Glubb and her brother John became famous as Glubb Pasha while serving as the commander of the Arab Legion.

In January 1913, aged 19, Gwenda started as a student at St Hilda’s Hall, Cheltenham, which was a residential college attached to Cheltenham Ladies’ College. While there, she taught herself to drive in a car belonging to the family of a school friend. Her education was ‘finished off’ in Paris and as a result she became a fluent French speaker.

bulletin

Wartime The Design Office, with Spud Boorer in the left foreground

A FLYING START

Relived comes to life

What was it like to work and train on the Brooklands site at a time of extraordinary activity?

Malcolm Reid remembers the profound effect of being an apprentice at Vickers-Armstrong in the 1950s had on his career, life and friendships.

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Brooklands Sept19.indd 34-35

A

s you make model aeroplanes, you should enter the aircraft industry’. Following this guidance from a careers advisor, I applied to Avro, De Havilland and VickersArmstrong (Aircraft). The first two required my father to pay them for the privilege of being an indentured apprentice, whereas the last one offered £3 per week, so it was no contest.

Starting in the autumn of 1955, my apprenticeship commenced in the newlybuilt apprentice training school situated near the Campbell gate. The first task was to make my tool box in aluminium, which I still have. After a few months, I was introduced to the fitting shop making and riveting together small airframe sub-assemblies. Then it was into the ‘tin bashers’ assisting the very skilled men

shaping Viscount stainless steel exhaust pipes where the noise of the hammering was horrendous.

Enrolling for the engineering course at the Brooklands Technical College, I noticed the queue divided into two and asked why.

The answer was: ‘Mechanicals to the left and Electricals and Electronics to the right’.

I had no idea of this distinction and as those who I was chatting to turned left, I went with them and became a mechanical engineer. A mistake as electronics were to be the big future.

At this time, my friend and fellow apprentice Mike Walker and I had digs in a small hotel that was a watering hole for pre-war Brooklands drivers. It was where the Multi-Union and a Bugatti Type 23 were stored. Particularly memorable was meeting Charles Brackenbury and have a ride in his Jaguar XK140. I also met Dudley Gahagan, owner of a Bugatti Type 37 and ERA R7B. After a year at college, I went on a three year ‘sandwich’ mechanical and aerodynamics-aerostructures course at Kingston Technical College. During this time, I attended a Weybridge branch meeting of the Royal Aeronautical Society. This was a Question and Answer forum, chaired by Vickers-Armstrong’s Managing Director, George Edwards, later Sir George. When asked if the company was going to produce helicopters, his characteristic wry answer was: ‘We have enough trouble keeping wings on, let alone them going round!’

This was in the aftermath of the Valiant wing-spar fatigue issue created by the late requirement to include low level operations.

Working on Valiant bombers, my job was to assist a ‘mate’ with wing assembly.

This was labour intensive work by teams of two men inserting thousands of rivets.

With this aircraft, the rivet material was unusual because they were ‘age-hardened’.

The process involved storing them in a fridge to maintain their softness to avoid cracking during the actual riveting and they were issued at the beginning of every morning and afternoon. The rivet cans were colour coded to prevent the use of old rivets and it was one of the apprentices’ jobs to collect these coloured cans. The end results were completed airworthy aircraft.

Every week, a Valiant with minimal fuel load took off over the gap in the Byfleet banking and landed almost immediately at Wisley airfield for flight testing.

Then there was the Viscount. Initially, it was wing assembly again, but across the airfield near the New Haw gate were the twin assembly lines for BEA, KLM and another for Howard Hughes, which he never collected. As with the Valiants, the wings were assembled in a jig at 90-degrees to the normal flight position to give the riveting teams good working access.

Later, I was transferred to airframe assembly for two jobs in parallel. The first was installing the special clips that held the cabin window glass panels in place

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2019 | BROOKLANDS BULLETIN

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THE GREATEST

WOMAN DRIVER Gwenda Stewart was arguably the best woman racing driver of her time. Roger Radnedge looks at her life and career in the first of two instalments.

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Brooklands Sept19.indd 26-27

When the First World War broke out in 1914, Gwenda joined the SCottish Women’s Hospitals organisation as a volunteer driver and was sent to the Crimea. The train journey there took several weeks as the passengers had to disembark and chop up wood for the engine every 20 miles or so. Once there she drove ambulances under difficult and dangerous conditions. She was involved in what became known as the Dobruja retreat.

This happened in the autumn of 1916 when the hitherto successful Romanian army got pushed back. The ladies of the Scottish hospital contingent were awarded the Crosses of St George and St Stanislav by the Romanian Government. Gwenda was also mentioned in dispatches probably because she was seen carrying out repairs to her ambulance while under fire.

By 1918, she must have been attached to a flying unit because on 1 April when the RAF was formed, she became an Assistant Administrator in the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF). Fifteen months later on 1 July, 1919 she became its Deputy Administrator. Unfortunately, while she was at the Air Ministry (AM) the WRAF’s administration was in turmoil and she got involved in this in a very personal way.

The WRAF’s original Commandant was intended to be Lady Gertrude Crawford, but on the 4 April Sir Geoffrey Paine, the AM’s Master General of Personnel, informed the Air Council that the lady ‘lacked the qualities necessary for organising a large body of women’. The lady seems to have accepted this and

stood down. The second choice was the Honourable Violet Blanche DouglasPennant.

However, there were two views in the AM as to what the Commandant’s function was. One view was that it was just a figurehead and the second saw it as a normal command function. Sir Geoffrey assured Violet that it was the latter. Yet she soon faced a series of increasing difficulties both within the AM and outside it. Sir Geoffrey was replaced with Sir Sefton Branker who found the whole business unacceptable and he sacked Violet. That might have been the end of the matter except that Violet had a strong feeling she had been wronged and she had many influential supporters. They managed to raise a House of Lords enquiry into the matter. By now the affair had become a national scandal and was making headlines.

During the enquiry, the excommandant had been asked to give examples of the problems she had faced.

One such example she claimed was the immoral behaviour of some of her officers and the case she cited involved Gwenda. It was said that she and Colonel Janson had conducted an affair in a London lodging house. What follows is almost hilarious. The landlady said she had found Miss Glubb’s hot-water bottle in Colonel Janson’s bed and saw Miss Glubb emerge from his room one morning. Gwenda explained that she had given Janson the hot-water bottle because he was ill with a recurrence of trench fever and had gone into his room in the morning to take his temperature. To remove any suggestion of impropriety, a doctor was called in to settle the matter. He stated: ‘There is no definite physical sign of virginity, but I am of opinion that there has never been penetration of this girl.’ The popular press accepted this explanation and the Evening Standard ran a headline that complained about ‘Cruel and wicked charges’ that put a ‘Girl’s honour at stake.’

Racing and adventure

After the war, Gwenda married Colonel Janson on 17 February, 1920. He was then the London Manager of the London Spyker motor company. Perhaps missing the excitement of war, Gwenda decided to take up motorcycle racing and started competing in events at Brooklands.

She also offered to undertake longdistance promotional rides for motorcycle manufacturers. In November 1921, SF Edge took up her offer and entered her in ACU (Auto Cycle Union) monitored trials using a Ner-a-Car. The machine she was riding was best described as motorized scooter. It had

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2019 | BROOKLANDS BULLETIN

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15/08/2019 13:59

BENTLEY MYSTERY UNRAVELLED Anthony Saunders unravels the mystery surrounding the creation the first Bentley cars and it appears they owed a lot to Humber’s TT model.

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ritain was still recovering from the devastation of war in the autumn of 1919. Yet in a small garage off Baker Street, London, a group of men were creating what was to become a legend in the annals of motoring. One of the finest and best known of sporting and racing cars was being developed. The men were WO Bentley, Frank Burgess, who had been chief designer and racing driver at Humber, draughtsman Harry Varley and Clive Gallop, a racing driver and engine designer.

A massive number of articles and theories have been published about the experimental Bentley cars made by WO Bentley and how he managed to design and produce a whole new car from scratch in less than a year. Research over the years has been done, not least by Bill Boddy, Tim Houlding, archivist of the Bentley Drivers Club, Kenneth Neve, as well as Brian Demaus and John Tarring both of the Humber Register and many others.

In 1914, Humber had many successes in trials and competition and decided to enter a team of three cars into the Isle of Man TT race. These TT cars were purpose built by the factory. As well as being Chief Designer, FT Burgess was also a driver and competed in the TT in Car number 2, the other cars being driven by WG Tuck and S Wright. Humber are known to have also built a number of spares for the TT cars.

Although no documentary evidence has been found, Humber also probably built a spare TT chassis as this was a very different design to standard chassis.

Another competitor in this TT was WO in a DFP. None of the Humber cars finished the race, all retiring with mechanical problems.

However, Tuck’s TT car was supposedly the most powerful of the three and he successfully raced this car later that year, proving the potential of the design.

Aero development

Prior to World War 1 and before deciding to go it alone, WO was working and racing with the French car company, DFP, whose engines would overheat dramatically in competition. WO realised this was mainly due to the cast iron pistons used which were heavy and had poor heat dissipation properties, so he started to work on the problem. Experiments with lighter magnesium pistons had ended up with the pistons ‘disappearing down the exhaust pipe’. Ordinary aluminium would not stand the temperatures and stresses involved but WO thought that if he could develop a strong, heat resistant alloy of aluminium then that might work. He did and it did. An alloy of 88% aluminium and 12% copper provided the necessary qualities and WO

BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2019

went on to achieve many racing successes with his new idea incorporated in DFP cars, which he tried to keep secret for as long as possible.

Then came WW1 and the need for fighter planes. Over in France, British planes were fitted with French Clerget engines which had a very limited life of 15 hours or less due to overheating. This caused the British Government to get somewhat worried, so they called for help. WO stepped in as he knew exactly what the problem was and how to cure it. He fitted the Clerget engines with aluminium pistons and redesigned the cooling system to solve the problem.

The next step was for him to develop the Bentley Rotary engines (BR 1&2) using, of course, aluminium pistons and in 1916 the Humber factory in Coventry was chosen as one of the manufacturing sites. The Humber workers were delighted as, up until then, their war efforts had been confined to making mobile kitchens and military bicycles. Making proper engines was a much better use of their skills. It was here that WO and Burgess started working together and became firm friends, although they had already met on the racing circuits.

A new car

After the war ended, WO asked Burgess to join him in the development of a new type of high performance car and the rest is history, but not quite! WO developed his engine, with aluminium pistons and many other novel features, in a mews workshop off Baker Street along with Harry Varley and Clive Gallop as well as Burgess.

When it was first fired up in October 1919,

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2019 | BROOKLANDS BULLETIN

Brooklands Sept19.indd 22-23

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CONTACT NICK ON 01452 730770 OR EMAIL nick@hinemarketing.co.uk BROOKLANDS MUSEUM 187,000 VISITORS PA • A4 • FULL COLOUR • 10,000 MEMBERS • 6 ISSUES PER YEAR • 52 PAGES

aled Bentley mystery reve ile Gwenda Stewart prof memoir Vickers-Armstrong ands Members The Journal for Brookl

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THE BEST MAGAZINE FOR CARS FROM THE DAWN OF MOTORING TO THE 1950S

Subscribe online at www.theautomobile.co.uk

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BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

reviews Phoenix from the flames Many of us have dreamed of building a Brooklands-style special from the bare bones of a classic car. Few of us make the dream become a reality, but Roger Fountain has made it happen and overcome almost endless obstacles to complete his vision of the ideal 1930s sports car. This includes dealing with a knee replacement, broken back, cancer and a burnt-out wreck as the starting point for the project. No wonder he called the book Phoenix.

The 80-page book is not a detailed how-to guide to building a special or all of the skills and techniques needed to make one.

Instead, Phoenix is about the personal way that Roger arrived at the car he used as the base, decided on the style of body he wanted and how he went about designing it.

Although not broken down into individual chapters, Phoenix is written in a logical manner that follows the restoration of the Riley’s components and the creation of the body. It also talks about the many different elements that go into restoring a pre-war classic, such as the electrics, wooden body frame and aluminium skin, engine, chassis and instruments.

Perhaps just as importantly for many thinking of embarking on a restoration project or already involved in one, Roger Fountain goes into some detail about the problems he encountered when trying to register his car. Finding the car had been written-off and was no longer registered was a body blow, but Roger tells a heroic tale of determination and patience. Through a 10-month process with the DVLA, he had the car reinstated on their records and even managed to retain the original registration number. This is a lesson for all in the classic car world about not giving up in the face of bureaucracy.

Written in the style of an extended magazine article, Phoenix also comes with lots of colour images that ably illustrate

much of the work on the car. They also have longer than usual captions on many images to further explain in detail the processes being shown. For this alone, Phoenix is worth the asking price as an inspiration for anyone considering a restoration or who needs a mid-project morale boost.

A more detailed contacts list would be welcome to help those working on cars similar to Roger’s Riley. Otherwise, Phoenix is a charming story of how one owner and restorer went about building his perfect Brooklands-style special.

Alisdair Suttie Phoenix by Roger Fountain is available from Roger Fountain Publishing and is priced £15 for the hardback and £10 for paperback. ISBN 978-1-9161600-19

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 | BROOKLANDS BULLETIN

49

AROUND THE

COLLECTION Brooklands Members Members’ Administrator Tim Morris 01932 857381 ext 226 members@brooklandsmuseum.com Members’ Assistant Administrator Sarah Dover 01932 857381 ext 226 Mon-Fri Chairman Neil Bailey 07970 206778 chairman@brooklandsmembers.co.uk Secretary Kevin Lee 01932 562246 kevin@abbeywalls.com Tours and Trips Angela Hume 07884 184882 Angelahume@brooklandsmembers.co.uk Outreach David Norfolk 01372 373929 david@davidnorfolk.wanadoo.co.uk Talks Steve Clarke 07860 355525 steveclarke@brooklandsmembers.co.uk Bulletin Editor Alisdair Suttie 07768 372440 brooklandsbulletineditor@gmail.com Contributors John Axtell, Cliff Bolton, Nigel Brecknell, Peter Burton, Nigel Carter, Steve Castle, Steve Clarke, Debbie Crawt, Ken Day, Jason Dodd, Mike Forbes, Martin Gegg, Andrew Honour, Angela Hume, Georgina Lange, Stefan Lange, Sue Lewin, Andrew Lewis, Tim Morris, Julian Nowell, Alex Paterson, Jenny Pettit, Harry Sherrard, Paul Stewart, Gareth Tarr, Julian Temple, Mike Venables, Allan Winn Advertising, Design and Production: Hine Marketing, Tel: 01452 730770 Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Gloucestershire GL2 9LN E-mail: nick@hinemarketing.co.uk Address change and Bulletin distribution queries 01932 857381 ext 226 members@brooklandsmuseum.co.uk Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0QN 01932 857381 Fax: 01932 855465 www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Brooklands Museum Chairman Sir Gerald Acher CBE LVO gerryacher@brooklandsmuseum.com CEO Tamalie Newbery ext 243 Director of Collections, Interpretation and Heritage Alex Paterson ext 247 Volunteer Resources Manager Sue Lewin ext 242 Heritage Estate Projects Manager Julian Temple ext 240 Director of Learning and Participation Virginia Smith ext 248 Curatorial and Archive Enquiries Andrew Lewis ext 246 Chief Operating Officer Amanda Squires ext 255 Head of Track and Air Events Steve Castle ext 244 Events Manager Donna Marshall ext 253 events@brooklandsmuseum.com Concorde Bookings ext 266 flyconcorde@brooklandsmuseum.com Hospitality Sales Manager Joanna Rodgers ext 251 hospitality@brooklandsmuseum.com

At the bottom of a display cabinet in the Jackson Shed is a Christmas card from 1935 or ’36 and shows caricatures of members of the workforce outside the Jackson Shed, or Robinry as it became known.

They are (l-r) Zilliacas known as ‘Sinbad’ Milledge, the Auto Designer (in the car), FGS ‘Curly’ Skelton, the Chief Mechanic, Robin Jackson and PR ‘Bert’ Hubbersty, the Manager.

Robin Jackson, a Cambridge-educated engineer, set up the shed at Brooklands in 1931. His particular interest was engine tuning. RR Jackson was an MG Specialist, although they also built cars for many clients as well as collaborating with Thompson and Taylor. In 1936, Jackson began a re-build of ST 3001, an ex-works Le Mans-winning Bentley nicknamed ‘Mother Gun’. After a year of extensive modification to chassis and engine, the Bentley RRJ1 ‘Jackson Special’ was born and campaigned successfully until 1948.

During the Second World War, Jackson worked on the development of Bristol Aircraft Engines. After the War, he returned to his passion of motor engineering and relocated the business to Weybridge after the closure of Brooklands. During this period, he worked on the development of Norton engines for Formula 3 and an example of a Jackson testbed 500cc engine can be seen in the Manx Norton on display in the Jackson Shed.

Built by Jackson’s development engineer

George Soanes, the engine contains many modifications that are a secret to this day.

Robin Jackson remained an active consultant engineer right up to his death in 1979. George Soanes went on to become the owner of the Manx Norton and subsequently loaned it to the Museum.

He died never revealing the secrets of the Jackson Soanes special. The motorcycle was left to a neighbour who has kindly continued the loan in George’s memory. The Jackson Manx Norton, that includes a unique fuel injection system, is regularly exercised by members of the Motorcycle Team, who continue to be intrigued by its engineering.

Parking arrangements Please note that for all events marked ‘Parking in The Heights’, designated vehicles only can enter via the Campbell Gate, off Brookland’s Road. All other Members including Club level and visitors please park in The Heights or main public car park unless otherwise specified.

Parking arrnagements for other weekend events are: Club level Members: entry via Campbell Gate and parking outside the Paddock. Period and classic vehicles only inside the Paddock by invitation. Please abide by staff directions.

All other Members and visitors: entry via main public entrance off Brooklands Drive.

This issue of the Brooklands Bulletin (incorporating The Spirit) is published on behalf of Brooklands Members, supporters of Brooklands Museum Trust Ltd, by Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire GL2 9LN. The statements and opinions expressed in the Bulletin are not necessarily those of the Brooklands Members’ Committee or Brooklands Museum Trust Ltd.

Marketing Director Sam Hart ext 225

While every effort has been made by the Publishers to include correct information, they are unable to accept responsibility for errors or omissions. The Publishers, Brooklands Members and Brooklands Museum Trust Limited cannot accept responsibility in the event of misinformation or lack of source relating to images supplied by a third party by electronic or other means.

Email addresses are available on the Museum website www.brooklandsmuseum.com/about/contact-us

Charity number 296661. Please quote this if making donations or requesting them via a funeral director.

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BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020

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