A change of venue this year took us the the British Motor Heritage Museum at Gaydon for the Annual General Meeting and Prize giving. A welcome change which allowed us to enjoy the exhibits at leisure as well as the first class facilities.

The formal business was dealt with efficiently with reports from the Chairman and Secretaries. The Treasurer reported that the accounts are in good health with growing membership and a positive balance for the year's activities. Nigel Challis proposed to use some of the current surplus to have a complete set of Iota magazines scanned and made available to members, this was accepted and the committee agreed to look in to the feasibility of making a bound hard copy available.

The Competition Secretaries both reported plenty of activity during the year, circuit racing having is most active season since the late 1950s! The 2009 calendars are still evolving but it is hoped to publish a provisional list before the year end. Gordon Russell announced the new class structure which will give more opportunities to earlier cars. The Chairman reported that the Vehicle Identity Scheme is now firmly established with nearly all of the regular race cars registered, he encouraged the remainder to get on board and reported that VIF's would be mandatory for circuit racing.

Phillipe Giron's Cooper, freshly imported from America.

The Issigonis Special

The members were reminded of the significance of Wiscombe to the standing of the club and its coffers and volunteers to assist with marshalling (no experience necessary) were encouraged to come forward as soon as possible to help make 2009 successful. The Committee agreed to stand again and were promptly re-elected before they could change their minds!

After lunch came the prize giving followed by an excellent presentation by Nigel Ashman of the year's activities, in the form of a picture show followed by the complete video of the Earl of March Trophy Race at the Goodwood Revival. For the participants, it was a first chance to see how everyone else did as well as having their best and worst moments revealed in full glory! For everyone an entertaining reminder of just how good a show we put on and how far the 500 scene has come.

Mike Fowler needed a wheelbarrow to take home all his awards having had a great season on the hills and circuits!

Paul Hewes receives the Chairman's Cup for his determination to get to Goodwood.

Hill Climb

John Parker Trophy (pre 1954)                                                       1st Mike Fowler, 2nd Jan Nycz, 3rd John Dent

Girling Trophy (1954-1961)                                                            1st Steve Lawrence, 2nd Mike Lawrence, 3rd Patrick Riley

David Latham Trophy (Lowest Aggregate at Shelsley & Gurston)     Patrick Riley

Schroeder Trophy (Fastest time at Shelsley)                                     1st Steve Lawrence

Alan Walker Trophy (Fastest at Prescott Classic)                             1st Mike Fowler

Bodyline Trophy (Lowest aggregate at Loton)                                  1st Mike Fowler, 2nd John Dent, 3rd Alistair Dent

Sprint

Douglas Sprint                                                                                 1st Jan Nycz, 2nd Humphrey Collis

Nigel Ashman looks quite pleased.

Jan takes the Douglas Sprint Trophy

Circuit Racing

Overall Championship                                                                      1st Nigel Ashman, 2nd Mike Fowler, 3rd John Turner

John Turner Trophy (Fastest JAP engined)                                        1st John Turner, 2nd Neil Hodges, 3rd Gordon Russell

Strang Trophy (Best pre 52 car)                                                        Mike Fowler

Other Awards

Perseverance Award                                                                         Richard Bishop-Miller

Peter Collins Trophy (Most meritous performance)                            Simon Frost

Peter Kendall Trophy  (Most original car)                                          Jan Nycz

Iverna Wright  Trophy (Dedicated supporter)                                    Andrew Turner

Trevellick Trophy (Best non-series car)                                             Colin Rawlinson

Fast Lady                                                                                         Shirley Monro

Concours Trophy                                                                              James Holland

Brian Hall Memorial Trophy (Literary merit)                                      Richard Hodges

Chairman's Cup                                                                                Paul Hewes

Coupe Cinzano                                                                                Geoff Gartside

Equipe Brutoni (fastest at Brighton Speed Trials)                               Hakan Sandberg

Always immaculate, James Holland gets the Concours Trophy.

and Geoff