Jolyon Palmer secures F1 race seat for 2016

Guild Driver of the Year 2014 Jolyon Palmer has been confirmed as a Lotus F1 Team race driver for 2016.

“It feels pretty unbelievable! It’s been such a long journey and I’m so glad to have been confirmed as a race driver with the team next year,” said Palmer. “A lot of hard work has gone into preparing for this to happen and into proving what I’m capable of delivering. I’m very grateful to everyone who has so far helped me at the team; I’m now looking forward to 2016 and to build on the experience that I already have.”

Palmer, 24, has driven the Lotus E23 Hybrid (below) in several Free Practice 1 sessions at 2015 Grands Prix as the team’s third driver, supporting race drivers Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado. 

He joined Lotus F1 Team in January after dominating GP2 in 2014 with the DAMS team winning four races and wrapping up the championship with three rounds to spare, becoming the first British driver to win the series since Lewis Hamilton in 2006. Current Sauber F1 race driver Felipe Nasr was third. In December 2014 he received the Guild’s Driver of the Year trophy from Derek Warwick and Guild chairman Guy Loveridge (below).

“We’ve seen Jolyon’s hard work and talent this season in the way he’s approached his third driver role,” said Lotus team principal Gerard Lopez. “As well as having a great future ahead of him behind the wheel, Jolyon is an intelligent and highly marketable asset to the team. He deserves this opportunity, and everyone at Enstone is excited to see what he can achieve next year.”

Previous Guild Driver of the Year winners include 2015 Le Mans 24-hour winner Nick Tandy and BTCC champion Andrew Jordan.

Images: Lotus F1 Team and Jeff Bloxham/GOMW

Lord Montagu of Beaulieu

Honorary and Life member Edward, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, 88, died in the early hours of  Monday morning at Palace House, Beaulieu in the New Forest after a short illness writes Chris Adamson.

He was best known as the creator in 1952 of the Montagu Motor Museum, which started off as a selection of vintage and veteran cars in the entrance hall at Palace House. This eventually became the National Motor Museum in 1972 and is run by a charitable trust.

In addition to being the driving force behind the internationally renowned museum and its collection (which includes a display of Guild memorabilia), Lord Montagu was also a motoring journalist, editor and publisher and author of numerous books.

He was the founder and editor of Veteran and Vintage Magazine between 1956 and 1979, President of the Federation Internationale de Voitures Anciennes between 1980 and 1983 and President of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, Historic Commercial Vehicle Society and the Disabled Drivers’ Motor Club.

An active campaigner on all things related to motoring, he was a prominent member of the All-Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Club.

A member of the Guild for more than half a century he was made a Life member in 2010 and created an Honorary member in 2011. Last year he hosted the Guild’s 70th annual meeting at Beaulieu and opened the Guild exhibition within the museum.

The Guild extends its deepest sympathy to his wife Fiona, his son and heir Ralph, daughter Mary and second son Jonathan.

The National Motor Museum and the Beaulieu visitor attractions continued to operate as usual this week and will host the International Autojumble, which Lord Montagu created, this weekend where the Guild will have its own stand raising funds for the benevolent fund.

An estate funeral will be held at Beaulieu, followed by a memorial service at St Margaret’s, Westminster. The dates of these are to be advised.

Guild chairman Guy Loveridge adds:

Lord Montagu had long been a leading figure in British motoring and alongside his establishment of The Montagu (Later National) Motor Museum in 1972, he was until the last decade, actively involved in the Upper House in matters concerning transport and road users. He also launched what could be termed the first “Music Festival” with the Beaulieu Jazz events of the early 1960s.

Edward was always hugely supportive of The Guild and was, as he told me on more than one occasion, very proud of his membership. He was on hand to help Murray Walker, Richard Aucock and I unveil the Guild display for our 70th Birthday at last year’s AGM and even though frail and wheel-chair bound he made a point of attending all NMM functions. My own chief memory will be of Lord Montagu in one of the Beaulieu Veterans on the London to Brighton Run – swathed in furs and clearly revelling in the event.

His last journey, we understand, will be made in his father’s 1909 Rolls-Royce, which the Beaulieu workshop team under Doug Hill are preparing for this purpose. His legacy in the world of motoring will endure, and with The Guild, his Lord Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy will continue, with Mercedes-Benz support, as it has done for 43 years. God Speed, sir. You will be missed.

Guild Awards now open for entries

The 2015 Guild of Motoring Writers Awards have opened for entries, with categories open to Guild members and to non-members and a total prize fund in excess of £20,000.

To enter simply go to the awards pages and complete the online entry form.

For 2015 the awards welcome new sponsor GKN Driveline and an increase in the prize money for the consumer journalism and light commercial writer awards. There are 25 award categories covering features, video, business journalism, blogging, campaigning and much more.

Entries must have been published between 1 October 2014 and 30 September 2015, and must be received by 23:59h BST on Wednesday 30 September 2015. Entrants are asked to ensure the Guild has permission to reproduce their entry, and winning entries will be collected together as a booklet which will be available after the awards are announced.

The awards will be presented at the Guild’s black-tie Annual Dinner at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall in December.

Enter the Guild awards now at www.gomw.co.uk/awards

Gallery: 2015 AGM, Science Museum

2015 AGM votes for the future

Guild members attending the 2015 Annual General Meeting played a key role in shaping the Guild’s future and were later treated to an exclusive private tour of London’s Science Museum. 

The AGM, chaired by vice-president John Blauth and attended by more than 40 members, voted to establish a new stand-alone trust which would safeguard the Guild’s trophies, paintings, memorabilia and other artefacts. Some of these, such as the Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart helmets, now have considerable and growing value. Honorary secretary Chris Adamson explained to the meeting that the establishment of the trust would preserve our 70 years of heritage even if a legal or financial disaster threatened the Guild.

The meeting also confirmed the Guild committee’s nominations for officers in 2015, with Guy Loveridge continuing as chairman, Matthew Carter as honorary treasurer and Chris Adamson as honorary secretary, while Andrew Noakes takes over from Richard Aucock as deputy chairman.

Two changes to the committee were confirmed by the AGM, with Sophie Williamson-Stothert joining and John Kendall standing down. The meeting thanked John for his many years of service on the committee, which included a spell as chairman in 2006-7.

Following the AGM, Citroën’s Bekir Hassan gave a short presentation on the brand’s heritage and revealed new details of PSA’s DS premium brand.

Members were then given an after-hours private viewing of some of the engineering exhibits at the museum, and a tour of the new Information Age gallery. 

A full report on the AGM will follow in the next issue of Update.

Clear your clutter at the SMMT Test Day

The Guild’s Benevolent Fund is collecting unwanted press kits, brochures, books, memory sticks, lanyards, model cars and more. Why? Because all this quality automobilia – which to some might look like worthless clutter – will be sold at the Beaulieu Autojumble in September to raise money for the Fund’s essential work.

The first of a series of collection points over the summer will be at the SMMT Test Day at Millbrook on 21 May, so if you’re attending that event bring along any surplus automotive items (except magazines, which unfortunately can’t be accepted) and drop them off. A collection area is being organised by Friend of the Guild Janet Wilkinson – just ask for details at the signing-on desk.

Last year the Ben Fund stall at the autojumble (above) raised over £2000, and the total was boosted to more than £3000 after higher-value items were sold on eBay. All of the proceeds will help to support the vital, and confidential, work the Ben Fund does to support Guild members in times of hardship.

Guild vice-president Sue Baker is seeking volunteers to help run the stand at the autojumble from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September. If you’d like to help out get in contact now.

Experience new tech at Thatcham Chairman’s Day

Autonomous braking and self-parking systems are just two of the emerging technologies on the agenda for the next Chairman’s Day, at the Thatcham research centre on 29 April.

Established by the motor insurance industry in 1969, the centre concentrates on research into safety, security and vehicle repair. It has 180 staff and facilities include a state-of-the-art research workshop and a EuroNCAP-approved crash test laboratory.

During the visit Guild members will be able to see and experience evolving automotive technologies and gain an insight into Thatcham’s research work. The day begins at 10.30am with tea and coffee and a presentation about Thatcham, followed by demonstrations and a tour of the workshops. The event will include lunch.

Members are asked to make a £10 donation to the Guild Benevolent Fund to secure a place on the event – see the latest Update newsletter for details.

www.thatcham.org

Guild Awards 2014: The winners

In front of a capacity audience at the Royal Automobile Club in London, which included HRH Prince Michael of Kent, Guild President Nick Mason and BRDC President Derek Warwick, 27 awards were presented on the night, including several with multiple categories. Some writers scooped more than one award and there were many first-time award winners too.

The biggest award of the night was for the Renault UK Journalist of the Year. The category was as hotly fought as ever. Alistair Weaver was revealed as the 2014 winner for a series of films he made for ITV on the history of the British Touring Car Championship. Writers Ben Oliver and Mark Tisshaw were joint runners up.

Weaver also scooped the Mercedes-Benz Award for the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy, with Davide Bassoli and Gordon Bruce as runners up.

New and young writers were well represented at the event. Stephen Kilbey collected the Sir William Lyons Sponsored by Jaguar Award after an outstanding social media campaign over the past few weeks. There was a high-profile announcement on stage for Stephen, too – his prize, for the first time, would include a place on the 2015 Mille Miglia event.

The Phil Llewellin Student of the Year Sponsored by CAR Award was won by Emma-Louise Pritchard and presented with the help of Phil’s widow, Beth Llewellin.

For these writers, the headlineauto Young Writer of the Year Award represents the next step in the Guild’s development programme, and was won this year by Hal Ridge.

Blogger John Redfern was awarded the first Motoring Research Breakthrough Blogger of the Year Award, while professional new media expertise was recognised with the Newspress New Media Award, won by Chris Davies.

The PFPR Editor of the Year proved to be a tough call in 2014 – so tough, judges found it impossible to split the top two. Both What Car? Editor Jim Holder and Motor Sport Editor Damien Smith thus shared the prize and the title.

The Rider and Driver of the Year awards were presented by Derek Warwick and Guild Chairman Guy Loveridge, with former winner Tom Sykes scooping the Rider trophy and Jolyon Palmer winning the Driver prize – the second time in Guild history that a former winner’s son has also won the award. Another former Driver of the Year, Richard Noble, collected the Kia Award for Motoring, for combining educational work and boundary pushing with the Bloodhound SSC project.

John Surtees, World Champion on both two wheels and four, was awarded The Guild’s President’s Trophy, for his motorsport achievements and setting up the Henry Surtees Foundation. John’s daughter Leonora Surtees collected the Trophy on his behalf.

The much-anticipated event at The Guild’s spiritual home also saw its 70th anniversary celebrated. HRH Prince Michael of Kent helped cut a commemorative cake and a special booklet looking back through 70 years of Guild history was produced; all attendees received both to take away.

HRH Prince Michael of Kent also revealed scoop news on the night: the London Motor Show, he announced, will return in May 2016, to be held at Battersea Power Station to complement the existing Goodwood Festival of Speed Moving Motor Show and Canary Wharf Motorexpo events.

The 2014 Guild of Motoring Writers Award Winners

(click thumbnails for full-size images)

Award titleWinnerCommended
AA EnvironmentAlex GrantDavid Williams 
Audi Photographic – GeneralNick Dimbleby (collected by John Brooks)Alisdair Cusick
Audi Photographic – MotorsportJakob EbreyMartyn Goddard
Automotive PR Consumer JournalistJames RuppertJames Foxall
Bentley Motors InternationalBen OliverDale Drinnon
BCA Feature Writer of the YearDale Drinnon 
Cummins Bus and Truck Writer of the YearBrian Weatherley 
Headlineauto Young Writer of the YearHal Ridge 
IAM Safety Award in memory of Christopher Bullock MBEDavid Williams 
Phil Llewellin Student of the Year Sponsored by CAREmma-Louise Pritchard (collected by Paul Nieuwenhuis) 
Sir William Lyons Award Sponsored by JaguarStephen Kilbey 
Market Engineering Automotive TechnologyWilliam Kimberley (collected by Chris Pickering)James Scoltock
Mercedes-Benz Award for the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy1st Alistair Weaver
2nd Davide Bassoli
3rd Gordon Bruce		 
Motoring Research Breakthrough Blogger of the YearJohn Redfern 
Newspress New MediaChris Davies (collected by Chris Adamson) 
Peugeot Motorsport CupMaurice Hamilton 
PFPR Editor of the YearDamien Smith and Jim Holder 
Pemberton TrophySue Baker 
President’s TrophyJohn Surtees (collected by Leonora Surtees) 
Prova PR Business WriterJohn MaslenJames Baggott
Renault UK/GoMW Journalist of the Year1st Alistair Weaver
2nd Ben Oliver
3rd Mark Tisshaw		 
RM Auctions Classic Writer of the YearBen OliverDavid Burgess-Wise
David Lillywhite
Skoda Design AwardPaul Horrell (collected by Ray Hutton) 
Skoda Video AwardAlex Goy 
Rider of the YearTom Sykes 
Driver of the YearJolyon Palmer 
Special Award for Contribution to Motoring, sponsored by Kia Motors UKRichard Noble 

Congratulations to all those named above, and the Guild is particularly grateful to all existing and new sponsors for their support in 2014.

Science Museum to host 2015 AGM

So for those who will appreciate an antidote to the political rhetoric that will flood the airwaves on the same day, we have the perfect solution: a private tour of the Science Museum in London.

As indicated in the Guild-wide email survey in November, the plan is to host the meeting at the South Kensington Science Museum. It will take place in the late afternoon to allow time for as many people as possible to work during the day rather than commit to a full day out of the office.

The feedback from the survey was overwhelmingly in favour of the proposed location and timing. Three quarters of those who replied said they would plan to attend the AGM.

The event will start with members assembling in the Director’s Suite at the Science Museum in time for the AGM to start at 4.30pm. It will take about 60 minutes and be followed by a presentation from Citroën which will sponsor the event. Citroën sales and operations director Bekir Hassan will speak at the event.

When the AGM is over there will be a light buffet reception and guided group tours of the museum after it closes to the public. A highly relevant new exhibit that members will be able to see is the recently unveiled Information Technology Gallery from which the Queen sent her very first Tweet!

Following the tours the formal part of the event will be over. Members can choose whether to leave for home or perhaps arrange an evening meal with colleagues in one of the many local restaurants.

Full details will appear in the March/April edition of Update and formal invitation letters will be sent by the General Secretary during March. Please put the date in your 2015 diary now…THURSDAY 07 MAY 2015.

Updated 29 April 2015

Guild Dinner tickets now on sale

Members should already have received a personal email outlining the options for purchasing tickets which cost £90 for the three-course dinner, welcome drinks, wine with the meal and port and brandy with the coffee and mince pies.

As this is the Guild’s 70th anniversary this will be a special event with a few extras at the dinner so as many members as possible are encouraged to attend. Among those who have already accepted is new Honorary Member, HRH Prince Michael of Kent.