Ron Cottrell appointed “Officiel d’Honneur”
The
year 2005 was significant for Ron Cottrell as it was the 30th
anniversary of his involvement in motorsport. Ron’s interest in motorsport
was sparked by the now defunct Valence School Hill Climb, an event organised
by SDMC for many years during which time, a substantial amount of money was
raised for the benefit of the disabled children resident at the school.
A pupil at Valence School, Ron quickly got involved in this event and equally quickly got involved in various other events be they race meetings, sprints or other events. These events were not only those organised by SDMC but also events organised by clubs such as BARC (SE) and the BRSCC.
It is fair to say that most people involved in South Eastern motorsport during the last 30 years will have come across Ron. During this period Ron has achieved much despite being disadvantaged by being a sufferer of cerebal palsy.
The MSA invites persons who have completed a long period of active service in motorsport to become an “Officiel d’Honneur”. Ron accepted this invitation and thus joined a select band of less than currently 30 persons so honoured.
To mark his appointment, at the Autosport Show, Michael Southcombe, Vice-President of the MSA, presented Ron with an engraved clock and certificate. The certificate records the award being made in recognition of all Ron has achieved, despite the many difficulties he has encountered.
Recognising Ron to be the poser we all know him to be, he was also presented with a suitably embroidered sweater which, quite correctly, Ron will wear with pride on all appropriate occassions.
Congratulations Ron, it is an award well earned and one to be proud of.
John Symes