Book - Launch event

What a night …. The Bears did it again, thanks this time primarily to Ally Shaw. In the nicest possible way Ally is hard work. A force of nature. Slice him through the middle and it will read “Number 1 McRae Fan!” through him like a stick of Blackpool rock.

It was Ally who was behind the award marking Jim McRae’s 50 years of success in rallying and Malcolm Wilson OBE was there to stamp a bit of authority on proceedings. Ally had also commissioned two rather special ‘trophies’ for the presentation accompanied by accurate scale models of the actual Ford Escort Mk1 which Jim drove on the recent Grampian Stages. It was therefore really nice to see the owners of the car, Wullie and Mike Stuart amongst the audience having travelled all the way from the awfy far north. Even four times Scottish Rally Champion Ken Wood (with his carer Andrew!) had made the long trek south for the night.

And once again, what a turnout. Dalserf Bowling Club was packed and yet the dance floor remained untouched by any threat of ‘rhythmic movement to music’ which is an alien concept to the Bears.

Folk started queuing before the doors were open and the room filled up quickly once the lights were switched on. The noisy chatter levels rose to such a pitch that it would have made an MS UK Noise Official flinch while the flowing banter was punctuated by bursts of raucous laughter and more than the occasional profanity was uttered.

Meanwhile ‘the bookseller’ was doing a busy trade and was quite overwhelmed by the reception and the warm words of praise for this latest rallying epic. Only one punter queried the price (thanks Alex!) but its all your own fault. You wanted more, and you got it. It was indeed most gratifying thereafter to note little knots of people hunched over opened copies of the book, flicking through the photos and remarking on weel kent faces and of course, those who are no longer with us. So once again, thank you all, from me.

All too soon, Stewart ‘the Larkie Lip’ Weir called the rom to order and aided by his glamorous assistant (Ally!) the presentations were made to Jim and to his navigator on the Grampian Rally, Gail, with Malcolm doing the business. Although ‘some years’ apart in age it’s perhaps odd to think that both Jim and Malcolm started rallying in 1974, but as 5 times British Champion Jim gleefully pointed out, it wasn’t till Jim stopped competing that Malcolm won the British Championship title for himself!

The ensuing chat amongst the guests was notable for just how relaxed they were in this company – the constant smiles and laughter ‘on stage’ echoed around the packed room as insults were traded and secrets revealed. It looked very much as though Malcolm enjoyed his evening as much as Jim although there was one moment of tension when Jim mentioned that negotiations for next season with regard to young Max’s (who was also in attendance) plans would soon have to begin bolstered by Stewart adding the threat that Jim was considering the appointment of Ronnie Gray as Team Manager  - that nearly brought the house down!

Once the show was over, Malcolm’s chauffeur, none other than Arthur Gallacher, whisked his Boss back over the Border ready to resume normal business life on the morrow after a good natured night of ribaldry and fun.

And that surely is what rallying is all about.

As for the latest book, ‘The Scottish Rally Championship 1990-1999’, it will be available on-line sometime tomorrow when I update the wee website but I’ll let you know the details when it’s done.