Tribute to a Legend
The Barrie Murdoch Memorial Trial has gained national importance – and it’s easy to see why...
Gone but never forgotten – that’s Barrie Murdoch. And that was the emotion uppermost on the minds of the group of individuals congregated on the disused Wickenby airfield in Lincolnshire for a very special CCV trial – the fourth running of the Barrie Murdoch Memorial Trial.
It is held in recognition of an individual who was not only respected within the Lincolnshire Land Rover Club, but within the whole Land Rover community – as was proved not only by the numbers attending the trial but also the mileage some of the participants had travelled to take part.
The day started with three sections held on the old airfield itself and the early morning proved to be a real wake-up call for drivers Jon Sharpe and Graham Allen, who both rolled their motors on one of the more trickier sections. These sections proved that this was not going to be an easy day – evident by the evil and cunning smiles of the two individuals who set the course, Jim Bradford and Chris Murdoch (Barrie’s son), and it was a look that stayed with them throughout the day.
The banter ebbed and flowed as individuals were encouraged, verbally abused and their driving skills questioned at every turn. This mostly coming from the abundance of marshals that had once again turned out in good numbers, but all was in good spirits and come dinner the stories of the day soon started to emerge between the two groups of drivers.
Back within the wooded areas of Wickenby, Allan Roberts proved to be the pick of the bunch as a constant and thoughtful drive saw him stay ahead of the competition in the coil 80-inch class and ultimately an overall win. It was a deserving reward for an early start and a long drive for the Brecklander. A creditable second place belonged to the youngest competitor in the event, Harry Powell, a young man with a very bright future in the sport. Previous winner Dave Naylor captured third place after an out of sorts day. The Roberts surname secured further success with Colin Roberts capturing first place in the 88-inch class with Simon Baden in second position. Despite an early roll in the day, Jon Sharpe secured first in the Leaf Spring section pushing his motor in a very entertaining manner which drew much encouragement from spectators, marshals and fellow competitors alike. Nathan Pearson took second place who once again entertained throughout the day.
With help from the generous landowners Martin Farley and Geoff Hill, in addition to the sponsors, the total profits from this event, which were added to other funds that were raised throughout the year, came to just over £500. The worthy cause was the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.
“It was fantastic – with an unbelievable atmosphere – a good day of motorsport in memory of a really great man,” said Jim Bradford.
Chris Murdoch added: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that turned up to support Dad’s trial to make it such an enjoyable day and to raise money.”
The final word comes from the hardworking Linconshire Land Rover Club’s Sue Blackshaw: “It was just the perfect way to remember our friend Barrie, and a fitting tribute to end on.”