1940 continued
THE HISTORY of the
MIDDLESBROUGH & DISTRICT MOTOR CLUB
PART 3
7 of 32
those Members who were performing so valiantly in Flanders and the names of 4
Members who had returned to this Country were recorded. Reported that the effort to
form a Musical Section had resulted in H. Wilson, R. Burnicle and A. Smith agreeing to
provide musical items at the Pie Supper and Presentation of the Snooker Championship
Prizes on the 6th June.
JULY.
Trial Riders Club Night continued. There was a Lecture under the auspices of the
Ministry of Information by Dr. Pallister Barkas on National Socialism and the German
People. It was decided to disband the Golf Sections for the duration of the War due to
the number of its Members who were actively in War Work.
AUGUST.
A SPITFIRE FOR MIDDLESBROUGH. W. Oliver proposed that the Club should promote
a scheme to provide a SPITFIRE AEROPLANE which would carry the Arms and name of
MIDDLESBROUGH, the cost would be about £5,000. The Mayor of Middlesbrough was
interviewed and he agreed to support the effort and to invite Subscriptions. The Club
agreed to organise a Spitfire Week with a House to House collection with envelopes, all
expenses to be paid out of Club Funds. The Committee to meet every Thursday and the
Executive every evening in connection with the effort. The use of a vacant Shop on
Linthorpe Road was given free. An attempt was made to secure trophies from German
Planes and, Frank Barker on behalf of Messrs Binns Ltd., agreed to arrange a window
display of such trophies.
Mr Stewart of the Gazette who attended a Committee Meeting spoke of the development
work which had been carried out as a result of Motor Competitions, thus enabling our Areo
Engines to reach their present day efficiency and promised to write an Address which
could be delivered to various organisations eliciting their support.
THE SPITFIRE CONCERT IN THE ODEON CINEMA. Amongst many schemes for
raising money was a Concert in the Odeon Cinema, free use of same was given by the
Directors of Odeon Theatres Ltd. (although I have a programme of the Concert, for some
unknown reason, the date of same is not given but it was on a Sunday evening,) attended
by the Mayor. The Programme was arranged by Harry Wilson, the Accompanist was Ray
Burnicle, the piano was loaned by Geo. A. Williams and Group Capt. S. P. Simpson, stage
furnishing and sound amplification by Messrs E. Upton & Sons. Those taking part were
Middlesbrough Boro Prize Band, Pat Fox, Arthur Smith, Harry Whitcombe, Enrys Evans,
Miss Margaret Graham, Miss Betty Maltby, Roy Carter, Jimmy Belts, R.A.F., L. A.
Wakling, R.A.F., Jack Mendelson, Jenner Menhennet, The Entertainment concluded with
an Address by the Mayor Sir Wm. Crosthwaite, J.P., followed by the singing of "Land of
Hope and Glory".
Mr C. Amer organised a series of Dances in the Grand Hotel with the object of raising
£100. The Motor Club lent its name to same. The Secretary of the Rotary Club wrote
conveying congratulations on the courage shown in inaugurating the Middlesbrough
Spitfire Fund and the vigour and enterprise with which the project had been carried
through. He stated that it was a pleasure for the Members and Officers of the Rotary Club
