Roadfarer's Club Papers

RF

Roadfarer's Club Papers

1942-1989

Papers relating to the business and members of the Roadfarer's Club

English

5 boxes

Open to bona fide researchers.

The Roadfarers Club was started by members of a Cycling Club. It was formed as the result of a luncheon at the Bequinot Restaurant, Soho, on 20 March 1942, for Mr F. J. Camm in recognition of his services to the Cycling Club. At the meeting the desire was expressed to form an exclusive club, membership to be by invitation only, and restricted to the male sex. An inaugural lunch was held at the Clarendon Restaurant on 6 June 1942, followed by a foundation lunch on 18 July and an inaugural dinner on 9 October 1942. Between the inaugural lunch and dinner, the Committee drafted rules and chose those who were to be invited to become Founder Members.

The object of the Club was 'To provide regular opportunities of meeting old roadfaring friends and to promote discussion of any subject of mutual interest. To be representative of all sections of road users, to be non-political and non-profit making. To consider road problems and road policy for submission to the Ministry of Transport.' From 1946 onwards most meetings were held at the Savoy Hotel, following either lunch or dinner. The first President was Lord Brabazon of Tara. Within six years the Club had advanced to national status, recognised by the Ministry of Transport and other organisations. In 1948 the Club had offices in Pall Mall, the Roadfarer Magazine was published monthly, and a Club Buttonhole Badge and Car Badge were available for Members to purchase. The Club was affiliated to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in 1950. Publication of The Roadfarer magazine was suspended in 1951 as it was making a loss. One of the Founder Members was Mr A. H. Bentley. Following the death of Lord Brabazon, the Marquis of Donegal became President and he was followed by Lord Montague of Beaulieu who was President when the Club was wound up in 1989.

The Honorary Secretary tried to arrange for a Speaker at each Club meeting, some of the more well-known being Sir Malcolm Campbell, Donald Campbell, who spoke on two separate occasions about his Water Speed Record, Sir Jack Brabham on Motor Racing, Sheila Scott, MBE on her solo Atlantic flight, Chief Superintendent Jack Slipper on the Flying Squad, and Paul Condon on New Scotland Yard. Each year an award of a Gold Badge and Honorary Life Membership was made, the first being to Lord Brabazon of Tara. In 1956 the award was given to Donald Campbell in recognition of the World Water Speed Record, and in 1971 to Mr R. A. West, Founder Member and Honorary Secretary. Mr West died in 1987. A meeting of the Council was held on 26 May 1989 to discuss the future of the Club, which had been almost defunct for several years. At this time Membership was only 17.

Following the decision to wind up the Club a letter was sent to Members seeking their views regarding the funds that were held; whether these should be divided between the Members or donated to Charity. As it was a Members' Club the assets had to be equally distributed amongst the Members. A final meeting was held on 15 November 1989 when the Club was wound up. After funds had been distributed to those Members who had requested this, the remaining sum of £153.51 was donated to the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund.