Bournemouth Speed Contest 1913

[Viv Stanshall]

A real long shot this...........any help would be much appreciated.

I have silver medal/medallion that belonged to my wife's grandfather. One one side it has his name 'L W Adams' and one other is engraved '1st Award Bournemouth Speed Contest  1913'

I don't even know what sort of speed contest this might have been. The only thought I have is that he was later a member of the Royal Flying Corp so maybe its an air contest. I can find reference on the net to a 1910 air contest at Bournemouth but nothing for a few years later.

And, although I say he was in the RFC (joining from the Dorset Yeomanry),  his name isn't in the book 'A contemptible little Flying Corp' which names most of the airmen....

But maybe it's a automobile race/trial/contest as later in his life he became connected with Alvis cars of Coventry?

Can anyone shed any light please?

Thanks

[RRYFS]

I'm sure this is findable, and I am surprised no one has the answer. The 1910 contest is famous because Rolls (of Rolls Royce) was killed, but 1913 may well have been a similar event. Try asking in look-ups if someone will look at the newspaper archives in Bournemouth Library for you - I would, but am unlikely to get an opportunity for a month or so.

[Viv Stanshall]

Amazing.......I've finally found what it's all about.

Bournemouth MCC ran a speed trial at Canford Park, Wimborne on 3rd September 1913.  I've spoken to the Heritage Section at Bournemouth library and they've a report from the Echo with a mention of L W Adams.  My 70p will be off to them immediately to secure a copy of the report!

Now, anyone got a copy of 'Motor Cycling' magazine for early September 1913?

......maybe I'm asking too much but then again I didn't think I'd get this far......

[RRYFS]

I'm amazed that I replied to your original post in 2009 - and very contrite that I never looked it up for you despite paying occasional visits to Bournemouth Library!
Aside from the fact that the British Library collection (currently being digitised by Brightsolid) will include the magazine, I think you will find that the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu hold the archives of most (if not all) UK motor publications. I used to be a "Friend" and have visited their offices some years ago. Try googling and giving them a ring - they might well look up and copy for you. Alternatively there are several specialist traders in historic motor publications - try Pooks Motor Books of Rothley, Leicestershire

Unit 4, Victoria Mills, Fowke Street, Rothley, Leicestershire, LE7 7PJ
Phone: 0116 237 6222 or 0116 237 6661
Fax: 0116 237 6491
Email: pooks.motorbooks@virgin.net

I have found them to be very helpful.

[Viv Stanshall]

Thanks, RRYFS

....and no worry about the Bournemouth visit - all's well that ends well.

I took your advice earlier today and emailed Beaulieu and had a reply waiting when I got home this evening. They have copies of 1913 vintage and I'll use their service to get a copy of the article.

Many thanks again for your interest and information - it really is appreciated.