REIGNING champions and past class winners are back to defend their titles tomorrow as scores of well-preserved vintage and classic vehicles undergo their annual test of endurance and reliability.
A bumper field of 165 ‘veterans of the road’ will tackle the testing 150-mile route in the 49th running of the Beamish Run, as ever staged on Father’s Day, one of the nearest Sunday’s to the Summer Solstice, offering entrants’ maximum daylight.
Starting and finishing at the events field in at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, the cavalcade of ageing cars and motorbikes, none dating post 1960, begin heading off, from 8.15am.
Leaving, generally oldest first, at one-minute intervals for cars and every half-minute for motorcycles, they must pass through nine marshal-controlled checkpoints, where entrants’ knowledge of ‘the rules of the road’ will be put to the test.
The third of those is at the portico of Bowes Museum, offering spectators an excellent vantage point, with the first vehicles expected to pass through from 10am.
There is the usual lunch-stop of at least an hour per vehicle on the village green in Bainbridge, North Yorkshire, where the arrival of the fleet of road veterans brings an almost carnival atmosphere.
Post-lunch, competitors still mechanically sound, will pass Tan Hill, the Market Place in Brough, the Rose and Crown, in Romaldkirk, Bollihope Quarry, Stanhope, The Moorcock, at Waskerley, and the first finishers expected to complete the return to Beamish events field by 3.45pm.
One regular figure missing this year is ever-present organiser George Jolley, who usually plays the role of course opening flag marshal.
A long-term knee problem, however, has left him immobile, “confined to barracks” at home in Cleadon, South Tyneside, awaiting an imminent operation.
But the Jolley family will be represented at the run as wife Maureen will help to oversee events at Beamish Museum throughout the day.
Mr Jolley said the event is a revival of the inter-war years’ tests of reliability and endurance on the rickety roads of the North Pennines for motoring pioneers, the first staged exactly 100 years ago, following the return of peace after the 1914 - 18 conflict.
“It was used by manufacturers, clubs and organisations to prove the road worthiness of their cars.
“It used to run from London to Edinburgh, but diverting into the Dales, going up Askrigg Bank.
“So, in its revived form, we have been running this more than twice as long as the original.”
He thanked the team of 150 marshals and other volunteers who help with the smooth-running of the event and, as with all entrants, is keeping his fingers crossed that the weather gods are kind tomorrow, following the recent unseasonal wet weather.
Runners and riders
1. Dave Armstrong, Crook, 1938 Austin 7 Opel.
2. Robin Willis, Brancepeth, 1930 Humber 9.
3. Russell Story, Chester-le-Steet, 1929 Humber 16/50.
4. Ian Bean, Consett, 1927 AJS 350 SU.
5. Nigel Pearson, Doncaster, 1953 Velocette mac and sidecar.
6. Jonathan Privett, Barnard Castle, 1955 Austin A30.
7. Simon Robinson, Darlington, 1955 BSA Bantam D1.
8. Michael Fortune, Yarm, 1958 Bantam 175 D5.
9. Richard Ingleson, Guisborough, 1953 BSA Bantam 125.
10. Ged Watson, Thornaby, 1954 BSA Bantam 173 D1.
11. Ian Tigwell, Swainby, 1949 BSA Bantam 125.
12. Alan Bee, Hamsterley, 1933 Austin Tourer.
13. Jack Smithers, No Place, 1935 Bonstard Special.
14. Nathan Hadwin, Ireshopeburn, 1933 Austin 7.
15. Christopher Oliver, Whitburn, 1936, Austin 7 Nippy.
16. John Lennox, Seaham, 1949 Landrover Tickford body.
17. Eric Nunn, South Shields, 1933 Lanchester 10 Tourer.
18. Ben Jobling, Catterick Garrison, 1939 Sunbeam Talbot.
19. John Stephenson, South Shields, 1934 Austin 7 sports.
20. Philip Newbold, Ireshopeburn, 1935 Austin Ten.
21. Chris Veevers, Carlisle, 1946 MG/TC.
22. John Anderson, York, 1935 Morris Eight tourer.
23. David Bond, Spennymoor, 1936 Morris tourer.
24. David French, Darlington, 1935 Vauxhall 14hp 4st.
25. Andrew Grabham, Wellington, Somerset, 1935 Austin 7 Arrow.
26. George Lee, Blyth, 1935 Morris Eight.
27. Peter Brook, Jesmond, 1934 Morris Minor 4-door saloon.
28. Tom Jobling, Bedale, 1936 Hillman Minx.
29. Henry Curry, Spennymoor, 1936 Morris Eight.
30. Peter Baglee, Wolviston, 1928 Morris Tourer 2-seat.
31. Geoffrey Grigg, Frosterley, 1955 BSA 250cc.
32. Hughie Hindmarsh, Darlington, 1955 Douglas Dragonfly.
33. JM Rumney, Tow Law, 1951 MK5.
34. Geoffrey Elster, Camberley, Surrey, 1928 Lea Francis P 12/40.
35. Jeremy White, Ovingham, 1928 Alvis 14/75.
36. Kevin Howe, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, 1936 MG TA.
37. Allan Bruce, Darlington, 1928 Austin 7 Chummy.
38. Raymond Gowling, Mickleton, 1927 Ariel ‘A’ 557cc.
39. Richard Sidgewick, Eaglescliffe, 1953 AJS 16lts.
40. Duncan Sams, Bishop Auckland, 1955 Sunbeam S8.
41. David Knotts, Stanley, 1927 Austin 7 Chummy.
42. Charles Teall, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, 1924 Austin Ranelagh 20hp coupe.
43. Tim Hallam, Pateley Bridge, 1925 Lorraine Detrich 4-seat tourer.
44. Howard Masters, Darlington, 1936 Scott Flying Squirrel.
45. Darryl Pollard, Old Penshaw, 1933 Alvis Firefly.
46. Mick Seward, York, 1932 Cotton 350cc.
47. David Hutchinson, Darlington, 1929 Scott TT rep 600cc.
48. David Hook, Durham, 1949, 1949 MG TC.
49. Edwin McLay, Ferryhill, 1948 Rover P3.
50. Ian Graham, Crawcrook, 1946 MG TC.
51. Rufus Cant, Littletown, 1948 BSA B31 349cc.
52. Gerald Breedon, Shildon, 1947 MG TC.
53. John Reddcliffe, Chester-le-Street, 1946 Royal Enfield 350cc.
54. Chris Raw, Rosedale, Pickering, 1946 Norton 16hp 490cc.
55. Michael Tonks, Wingate, 1946 MG TC.
56. Charles Dodd, Chorley, Lancs., 1946 Ford Anglia 8.
57. Martin Raine, Staindrop, 1939 Austin 10hp.
58. Chris Wiper, Darlington, 1939 Austin 10hp.
59. Roy Kingan, Cleadon Village, 1938 MG TA.
60. Edward Mahoney, Sunderland, 1938 MG TA.
61. Alan Wilson, Gateshead, 1938 Ariel Red Hunter 500cc.
62. Richard Evans, Beamish Museum director, 1937 Austin Cambridge 10hp.
63. Colin Wise, Willington, 1937 Austin 12 hp.
64. Peter Robinson, Esh Village, 1934 Austin 10hp.
65. David Simpson, Richmond, 1929 Ford Model A Tudor.
66. George Astbury, Stocksfield, 1934 Lagonda Rapier.
67. Julie Mackenzie, Stanhope, 1949 Alvis TA 14.
68. Geoffrey Maskell (2018 Overall Winner), Seaham, 1943 Ford GPW Jeep.
69. David Petfield, Northallerton, 1942 Willys Jeep.
70. Mike Lee, Darlington, 1942 Ford Willys Jeep.
71. Peter Baillie, Frosterley, 1939 Autovia Sport Special 2-seat.
72. Anthony Mather, Allendale, 1938 Delahaye 135 MS.
73. Robert Cook, Hetton-le-Hole, 1937 Chevroletcoupe.
74. Tony Gray, Darlington, 1955 Jaguar XK140.
75. Laurence Hogarth, Hexham, 1949 Daimler DE 27 Sport.
76. John Blundell, London, 1948 Lea Francis 14hp Sports 2-seat.
77. Thomas Simpson, Richmond, 1950 Ford VS Pilot.
78. Roger Lombard, Richmond, 1950 V8 Pilot.
79. James O’Neil, Stanley, 1951 Bentley MK V1.
80. Neil Jackson, Ripon, 1948 Allard K1.
81. David Coates, Richmond, 1934 Singer Le Mans.
82. David Loveys, Worton Devizes, Wiltshire, 1950 Allard P1 saloon.
83. Jeff Gordon, Newcastle, 1950 MG TD.
84. Chris Gillings, Mickleton, 1950 MG TD.
85. Laurence Acher, London, 1953 Citroen traction Big 15.
86. David Gardiner, Bishops Itchington, Southam, 1951 Citroen Light 15.
87. Adrian Church, London, 1949 Citroen Light 15.
88. John Dawes, Cumbria, 1949 Citroen Light 15.
89. Craig Sams, Staindrop, 1953 Ariel Red Hunter.
90. Jonathan Green, Chester-le-Street, 1953 Morris Minor Saloon.
91. David Porteous, Darlington, 1946 Triumph Speed twin.
92. Josh Westwood, Leyburn, 1951 Sunbeam S8.
93. Graeme Curtis, Sunderland, 1952 MG TD.
94. David Holden, Richmond, 1960 Matchless G3LS.
95. Vince Carr, Richmond, 1953 Landrover Series 1.
96. Nigel Fallows, Bolton le Sands, 1956 Matchless G3LC 350.
97. William McCall, Rowlands Gill, 1949 Triumph Roadster 2000cc.
98. David Berry, Yarm, 1936 Bentley 3.5 sports saloon.
99. George Hope, Hunwick, 1956 Norton 99 600cc.
100. Andrew Hope, Hunwick, 1958 AJS M30cs 600cc.
101. Mark Plumpton, Bedale, 1957 Matchless G3Ls 350cc.
102. Peter Westwood, Leyburn, 1957 BMW R50 500cc.
103. Ian Dockerty, Stanley, 1954 BSA Golden Flash 650cc.
104. Robery Whinney, Consett, 1950 Bentley Mark 6.
105. Michael Letherland, Stanhope, 1953 Austin Healey BN4 Prototype.
106. Geoffrey Henderson, Consett, 1951 Bentley Mk6 Special.
107. Geoff Mansfield, Rushyford, 1950 Jaguar MKV.
108. Tony Pollard, Tynemouth, 1954 Morgan Plus4 DHC.
109. Stuart Edwards, Tynemouth, 1955 Landrover.
110. Kevin Halls, Crakehall, 1955 Landrover Series 1.
111. Paul Walton, Darlington, 1951 Landrover S1 80.
112. Terry Walton, Darlington, 1955 Rover P4 75.
113. Thomas Robinson, Darlington, 1951 Landrover.
114. Michael Glendinning, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, 1950 Alvis TA 21.
115. Simon Weightman, Seaham, 1951 Jaguary markV11.
116. Alan Ramsey, Bishop Auckland, 1955 AJS 16 M.
117. Nigel Chapman, Leyburn, 1955 Norton Dominato 500cc.
118. Charlie Holborn, Thornaby, 1955 Matchless G9 500cc.
119. Arthur Plumpton, Masham, 1954 Matchless G3LS 350cc.
120. Peter Bates, Chester-le-Street, 1950 Triumph 3 HW 350cc.
121. David Hardy, Middlesbrough, 1954 Norton 88 deluxe 500cc.
122. Alan Coe, Richmond, 1951 Singer 4AB Roadster.
123. Patricia Kearton, Barnard Castle, 1951 MG TD.
124. Trevor Robinson, Merryoaks, Durham, 1957 Velocette Viper.
125. Brian Ward, Chilton, 1957 Norton Dominator 500cc.
126. Keith Bell, West Auckland, 1957 BSA A 10 650cc.
127. David Russell, Northallerton, 1958 AJS 16 MS 350cc.
128. John Ward, Ouston, 1960 Triumph 5TA 500cc.
129. Gary Emmerson, Spennymoor, 1960 Royal Enfield Meteor 500cc.
130. Richard Derrick Melsonby, 1960 Norton ES2 500cc.
131. Peter Hewitson, Norton, Stockton, 1960 BSA Golden Flash 646cc.
132. Howard Clague, Houghton-le-Side, 1929 Ford Model A.
133. Andrew Robison, Hurworth, 1949 Matchless 350cc.
134. Norman Stevens, Darlington, 1959 Royal Enfield, Crusader 250cc.
135. John R Davison, Consett, 1936 Riley 9 Merlin.
136. Ken Wiper, Darlington, 1952 Morris Minor.
137. Peter Shaw, Sheffield, 1937 Morgan Tourer.
138. James Emson, Richmond, 1934 Austin 7.
139. Oliver Whickham, Whitburn, 1932 Bentley 8 litre.
140. Sophie Whickham, Whitburn, 1937 MG/TC.
141. Harry Whickham, Whitburn, 1924 Rolls Royce 20hp.
142. Keith Whickham, Whitburn, 1937 Bentley 4.25 litre.
143. Thomas Cummings, Sunderland, 1952 Austin Champ.
144. Brian Jobling, Bedale, 1937 Austin 12.
145. Jack Jobling, Bedale, 1054 Morris Minor.
146. David Armstrong, Woodland, 1953 Sunbeam S7 500cc.
147. Donald Best, Woodland, 1954 BSA 500cc.
148. Jeremy Crowther, Wakefield, 1925 Lea Francis 10hp K type.
149. Richard Bell, Ushaw Moor, 1951 Sunbeam S8 500cc.
150. Terry Carlton, Crook, 1954 BSA 650cc.
151. Peter Thompson, Ebchester, 1931 Royal Enfield 350cc.
152. Maurice Standish, Wolsingham, 1939 MG/WADHC.
153. Simon Thompson, Ferryhill, 1953 BSA Bantam 125cc.
154. Stephen Chittock, York, 1948 Lea Francis 14hp sports 2 et.
155. John Craven, Workington, 1957 Matchless 500cc.
156. Andreas Shrocksnadel, North SDhields, 1930 Sunbeasm 500cc.
157. Dr Rachael Houchin, Durham, 1938 Norton 16h 500cc.
158. Alan Beaty, Barnard Castle, 1956 Matchlesds G9 500cc.
159. Roger Tushingham, Pately Bridge, 1934 MG/N type.
160. Colin Bennett, West Auckland, 1953 BSA/B31 350cc.
161. Dennis Gardner, Durham, 1955 Triump 110/650cc.
162. David Airey, Spennymoor, 1930 Indian Scout 750cc.
163. George Tyson, Catterick Garrsion, 1926 Vauxhall.
164. David Thornton, Whitley Bay, 1949 Matchless 350cc.
165. Bryan Ramsey, Whorlton, 1947 Triumph 500cc.
Len and Ian Ball, Washington, end marshals and flag marshals.
Malcolm Byrne, Hamsterley Mill, breakdown assistance.
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