THE HISTORY of the
MIDDLESBROUGH & DISTRICT MOTOR CLUB
PART 2
3 of 97
THE HISTORY
OF THE
MIDDLESBROUGH & DISTRICT MOTOR
CLUB
Researched by:-
ALFRED VICTOR BUTTRESS
Elected
Hon.
Secretary
January 25th. 1923.
PREFACE.
The Armistice ending the War with Germany was signed on 11th November 1918
and immediately consultations took place towards recommencing the activities of
the Club. The President, Lawrence F. Gjers, had died on 4th Feb.1913 and his son,
Vice/President Lawrence Gjers, had been killed at Arras on 4th Oct.1917. A
Committee meeting was convened on 13th Feb.1919 with W. H. Rudland in the
Chair. G.W.Liddle, J.Gilchrist, C.C.Close, .F.W.Trotter, W.Ryan and W.Pepper
attended. This was the commencement of an era in which the Club progressed
from local prominence to a nationwide reputation. The great advances made in the
design and performance of the Internal Combustion Engine as a result of the War
and the interest engendered in same, resulted in the commencement of an era in
which the motorcycle and motorcar attracted a new and enthusiastic public.
Another son of the former President, John Gjers, was elected President and he
proved to be a most enthusiastic and generous benefactor, encouraging the Club in
numerous ways and providing several valuable trophies. He was instrumental in
obtaining permission from Lord Zetland for Speed Trials and Races to be run on
Saltburn Sands, then controlled by the Zetland Estates and presented the first Gold
Cup to be competed for in respect of a 50-mile race for solo motorcycles. He
replaced the Gjers Cup won outright by C.W.Smith and provided the "John Gjers
Cup" for a Sporting Trial. (This Cup was won outright by F.C.Barker in 1929 who
gave it back for perpetual competition.) The Gjers family always had magnificent
cars - Rolls-Royce, Straker-Squires. John drove a Bentley.
Fred W. Dixon became an outstanding word, competing in the T.T.Races,
Continental Grand Prix's, 500-mile Races at Brooklands, and startled the car-racing
fraternity when he transferred from two wheels to four. Ronny Parkinson ("The White
Devil of Pendine") also enhanced the name of the Club, both at Saltburn, Pendine
and at Southport. Undoubtedly one of the king-pins in the organisation was W (Bill)
Ryan whose enthusiasm and drive was responsible for several innovations such as a
Hospital Insurance Scheme, Motorcycle Football originated to revive interest in the
Richmond Meet and which was subsequently adopted by other Clubs, culminating in
an A.C.U. Knockout Competition. With a view to increasing membership he
inaugurated a "Motor Club 400" slogan and was prominent in the renting and
subsequent acquisition of the present premises in Clarendon Road. It was his idea to
have non-stop Dancing, two Bands being engaged at the Annual Ball held in the
Town Hall. In its day the premier social function in the Town. Tickets always at a
premium. He was President in 1938/45 and died in office.
