In the Hot Seat

This is the first of these columns that I will be writing in my new role as Chairman of Sevenoaks & District Motor Club. For those of you who don’t know, I have been an active member of this club for the last twenty years. I have competed in both circuit racing and rallying during that time, with occasional forays into sprints, hillclimbs and off-road events; Basically just about every form of event that the club has been involved with!
You will already be aware that we have an excellent club with a strong membership and a committee that is committed to the promotion of club motor sport in the South-East of England. I don’t intend to change that emphasis at all, but I would like to see it expanded. Specifically, I would like to see us with another premier event to rival the Crystal Palace Sprint that will enable us to maintain the high profile that the club rightly enjoys. However, I would also like to see us taking a more proactive role in encouraging younger members to join the club and take part in the large variety of club motor sport that we already offer.
On a more poignant note, I and other club members were saddened to hear news of the recent death of Jack Kemsley. Jack was one of the founder members of our club and is credited with having the vision to take rallying into the British forests in 1961, in what became known as the RAC Rally. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Jack’s family. Sadly, I also have to report the death of Martin Williams, a relatively new member of the club, who was sadly killed in a road traffic accident during December. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family too.
Finally on a lighter note, I’d like to wish you all a very happy and successful New Year and wish you every success with your chosen sporting activities during 2002. See you all at the Dinner Dance!

Colin Rodger

The Acorn : January Edition