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I only got to know Brian just over two years ago when he advertised
for a navigator to join him on the Classic Marathon. One month later
no-one had volunteered – so two more weeks found us in Robert’s A-H 3000,
running around the lanes on the TR Register’s Tour of Kent. Deciding
that we could work together, a busy summer of preparation was followed
by the ferry to Ypres, in September 2000. There were more than 1600
miles of hot, hard work before we arrived in St. Remo. Throughout
the long days, Brian was the perfect companion – never allowing me to see
any frustration when I “wrong-slotted” us. Across the Alps and around
endless hairpins, his handling of the Big Healey was superb. Always
able to press on when asked, yet never making me nervous. By the
end of prize-giving, we had already decided to give it another try in 2001.
Then came the shock. In hospital for observation, Brian had a
big heart attack. Thereafter, from March through Spring and Summer,
we watched him get fitter and stronger until we decided that the Marathon
was still “on” – this time bound for Cortina over some of the most famous
alpine passes forever associated with Austin-Healeys.
I remember one evening; we had been on the road all day and had already
climbed (and descended from) the Stelvio, the Gavia and many other passes.
Waiting at the start of one “regularity section” the marshal asked how
things were going:
“Alright,” replied Brian, “but I don’t ever want to see another
hairpin!”
“Oh, dear” said the marshal – and launched us on yet another
serpentine climb.
It was a pleasure and a privilege to sit beside Brian as he took that
Healey through its natural surroundings. I shall miss him.
Gordon Franks
I was shocked to hear of the death of Brian Chambers. I first
met him in the late 1970’s at Farthingloe Hillclimb and at that time he
was a garage proprietor in Aylesford. I subsequently bought an Alfa
Romeo GTV from Brian by part exchanging my older green Capri RS3100.
He was well known in Autocross circles with his Ford Popular and Mini Cooper.
Brian was a member of many motorclubs including 7Oaks DMC, Maidstone MKCC,
Jaguar DC and Austin Healey OC. He just loved competing whether it
was in sprint, rally, hillclimb or autocross. Brian owned at different
times cars as diverse as a Lotus Cortina and Daimler 4.2, an Escort Mexico
and a Cooper S. Following on from the Alfa dealership, he sold Colt
Mitsubishi until his retirement.
Many of you will remember Brian double entering the Healey 3000 at
Crystal Palace with son Robert. He would travel far and wide to do
events from the Isle of Man to France and Italy, but he was also happy
to be Entries Secretary for a Lydden Sprint. Only a few weekends
ago he and Robert had the faithful red Healey up at Cadwell Park.
Brian was not the sort of driver to let a stay in hospital alter his
future competition plans. Sadly after this week those plans will
not come to fruition. We shall miss him, both in the paddock and
on the track.
Steve Pattinson
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It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of Joan Elkington.
Joan was never (as far as I am aware) a member of our club but without
her we would be considerably poorer. Her husband Basil and two sons John
and Dick were heavily involved with the club since the family’s return
from service in Africa in the early 1960’s and you will find their names
on many of our trophies; Joan herself was awarded the Trenham-Cresswell
Trophy in 1981 in recognition of her supportive efforts.
As many of you will know, Basil Elkington and I competed and organised
together for many years and I became a part of the Elkington family after
the demise of my parents (It’s not everyone who is lucky enough to choose
their family!!). Joan was a wonderful person being warm, tolerant and very
bright and was the foundation stone of a wide, varied and active family
who gave her plenty to worry about (even the dog Jasper was well known
to Bromley’s butchery trade).
I shall miss Joan greatly, as my surrogate mother (before that phrase
held doubtful connotations) she was supportive during the harder parts
of my life and encouraging during the more successful times.
Thank you, Joan, not only for letting Bas come out to play, but for
encouraging him, me and all of us. If there is an afterlife then Bas and
the rest will be fairing better with you there.
May our thoughts be with Diney, Liz, John, Dick, Sarah and the rest
of her fine family.
Chin