THE HISTORY of the
MIDDLESBROUGH & DISTRICT MOTOR CLUB
PART 1
8 of 24
1909
The Annual General Meeting was held at the Corporation Hotel, the attendance
numbered about 30. Mr J.Bellaby was in the Chair. Stan L,Gjertsen, Hon,Sec.
gave a report of the work and competitions held during the past 12 months. Mr
R.Sanderson, Hon, Treasurer, reported the Club's finances were in first-class
order, there being a balance in the Club's account at the bank of £6.12.9d. The
Club had started the year with an adverse balance. The following were elected:-
Mr L,F,Gjers President, D.Almgill, S.Sadler, C.Dorman, L.Ennis, J.Fowler,
N.Downing, F.Shaw, A.Forbes and J.Newhouse, Vice-Presidents: Mr Alec
Lauriston, Hon.Solicitor. Messrs J,H.Dale and E.Reece, Captain, & Vice-Captain.
Committee - J,Blincoe, F.Downing, W,H,Rudland, G.McLaughlan, W.Armstrong,
F.G.Fairgreave and A.George Hon,Sports Secretary, G,W,Liddle Hon,Secretary.
A lecture on Oils and Lubrication was given at the Corporation Hotel. The lecturer was
W.A.MacGregor who had a much and varied experience on the subject for years.
Mr G.R.Sanderson, one of the founders and Hon.Treasurer of the Club, resigned
his position. His business took him away from the district and he was unable to
act in that capacity.
Following publication of the Winter Programme the Committee decided to call the
attention of readers of the Sports Gazette to the existence of the Club and its
exceptionally low subscription.
A most enjoyable Smoker was held in the Corporation Hotel. Coun.S,Sadler J.P.
presided and was supported by Coun.E.Turner, Mr.G.H.Sanderson, Mr
G.W.Liddle and others. A capital programme had been arranged. Those
contributing to the harmony included Messrs Sweeby, Smith G.Jefferies,
A.Birkbeck, Pringle, Byers, Nelson, A.W.Deuchar, Wild, W.A.George and J.Goult.
A letter was read from the Darlington, Bishop Auckland & District Motorcycling
Clubs, wishing the gathering every success,
The Chairman in a happy speech, presented the prizes won by members during
the past season as follows:
12-hr. Reliability Trial for Gjers Cup and Triumph Gold Medal - J.H.Dale.
Complete set of Motor Overalls - E.Young (presented by Messrs Stewart & Co.)
Motor Lamp - W,Archdale (presented by Wm.Armstrong)
Spirit Flask - W,A,George (presented by R.Richardson)
Club Bronze Medal and Badge respectively to Messrs Reece and Bellaby for
finishing in the scheduled time.
Awards for other events such as Hill Climb on Birk Brow, Hill Climb Yearby Bank,
Fuel Consumption Trial, were also presented. The Chairman, responding to a
vote of thanks, remarked that it gave him the greatest pleasure to present and
take part in the proceedings because he was a "road-hunter" himself (applause).
There was no doubt that they were in for an era of side-valve engines. He
predicted that in less than 5 years time all the engines would be of that type. After
relating interesting and amusing experiences
that he had had on the road he
