The Annual Maurice Brockwell Run

Sunday November 11, 2007

Predicted heatwave conditions - a maximum of 39 degrees Celsius, or 103 in the old money - held numbers down at the annual Maurice Brockwell Memorial Run on Sunday November 11. As it turned out, it was even hotter at Whiteman Park, where the run concluded. There was a disappointingly small turnout of RROCWA members, maybe 10 cars, and if I am any judge an even smaller turnout of Bentley Drivers Club members.

The start was from Ryrie Park in South Perth. A highlight was the arrival of a vast chain-driven monster racing car of the sort last seen in about 1908. It was in fact converted from an American La France fire engine, La France continuing with chain drive well into the 1920s. It certainly was a show stopper, and its turning circle, only slightly less than the Titanic's, caused much amusement.

We were joined at the start by visiting Federal President Eric Henderson, who was being chauffered by Neil Williamson in David Jay's very fine Silver Cloud 3, loaned for the occasion. Neil was disconcerted at first when he turned on the ignition, and then couldn't find the starter button to start the car. David had to explain that the Silver Cloud has that radical modern concept the key start, unlike Neil's own Bentley Mark 6. Neil can report that the Cloud 3 is easier to drive than his Mark 6, equipped as it is with power steering, automatic tranmission and air conditioning.

The route took us along the coast past beaches teeming with people, upon which we looked with great envy, until we turned inland and made for Whiteman Park. There was a motoring flea market in the Museum itself, with lots of interesting things for sale. The kids' swimming pool was doing land-office business, while the adults sat under marquees and gradually melted down. Or, in fact, rapidly melted down. It was indeed a warm welcome to our Federal President.

Neil Williamson took the helm of David Jay's Cloud 3 for the day, while David himself steered his Corniche.

Lunch break: and Federal Presidernt Eric Henderson (second from left, next to Harry Heuchan), re-hydrates before touring the Museum.