Memories sought of Severn Valley club (From Hereford Times)

Memories sought of Severn Valley club

9:20am Monday 22nd March 2010 in

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AN appeal has been launched to trace members and photographs of the former Severn Valley Motor Club.

The local grass roots motoring club was very popular throughout the county in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s, and ran the meetings at Loton Park Speed Hill Climb at Alberbury, near Shrewsbury.

Late Shrewsbury solicitor Brian Corser and late Shropshire Star motoring journalist Tom Leake were both actively involved in the original efforts to create the hill climb at Loton Park in the first place and succeeded, working jointly with landowner Sir Michael Leighton in 1960.

To mark this year’s 50th anniversary of the deer park location, which is now Shropshire’s only national sporting event venue, Sir Michael and villager Roy Griffiths are compiling a history of the club’s involvement, featuring Sir Michael’s collection of old documents, timing records and photographs from throughout the years.

Griffiths, himself a former club competitor, said: “Severn Valley was a thriving club, not only running Loton Park events but local rallies, production car trials and treasure hunts in Shropshire and the Welsh Borders.

“There must be many former members out there who have various items of memorabilia tucked away in drawers and attic and we would be delighted to borrow them to put on display at a special hill climb meeting in June.”

A Gala Lunch for invited Severn Valley Motor Club stalwarts, officials and guests is being hosted by Sir Michael in the Theatre Gallery of his home at Loton Hall in May.

The National British and Midland Hill Climb Championship meeting in June will include a marquee display of documents and pictures from over the years and former successful drivers from past events will also be invited to attend with their original competition cars.

Anyone with memories, documents or pictures of the former Severn Valley Motor Club should contact Roy Griffiths on 01743 884472.