Birkin Memorial Rally

1993 is the 60th anniversary of the death of Sir Henry Birkin, and to mark it the Federation of the Motor Industry, in association with Bentley Drivers Club, is running a memorial rally. Based around Blakeney, Norfolk, where the great driver is buried, the rally runs over the weekend of the 19/20 June, and includes a visit to Blickling Hall, home of Ann Boleyn, a steam-hauled trip on the N Norfolk Railway plus tour of their workshops, and a tour of Gresham’s, which is one of the oldest public schools around. A memorial service will be held at the church on the Sunday. Cars connected with Birkin, not only Bentleys and Alfa Romeos but also the ABC he inherited from his brother Archie, will be on display in Blakeney, and it is hoped that one of Birkin’s speedboats, currently being restored, will be re-launched on the Sunday. Entertainments and refreshment facilities will be laid on, and a ticket for all events over the weekend will cost £15 per car.

The organisers are especially keen to attract cars with a Birkin connection, including any he may have raced against; owners, and anyone who wishes to attend the weekend, should contact David Ward, 71 Morston Road, Blakeney, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7BD Tel:0263 740943. GC