New Jim Clark Museum under starter’s orders
Works begin 50 years to the day since the racer’s death
WELL OVER 1000 Jim Clark fans joined family members and friends of the Borders legend in Duns on 7-8 April. The ceremony to begin a new phase of works to the Jim Clark Memorial Room coincided with the 50th anniversary of Clark’s death in 1968, marked by a service of remembrance at Chirnside Church where he is buried.
Before that, Clark’s sister Isobel waved a chequered flag to close the existing Memorial Room and then took a green starter’s flag to begin work on the £1.6-million extension. Clark’s cousin and Family Trustee Doug Niven spoke to the assembled crowd.
‘I was recently over in Paris when Jim was being inducted into the Hall of Fame by Jean Todt,’ he said. ‘Jim was described as the most revered driver in Formula 1, and always will be. His reputation just grows and grows… Sir Jackie Stewart still talks of him as the best driver ever, and I’m sure that’s right.’
Niven thanked Scottish Borders Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, plus the many members of the public who had contributed to the fund-raising effort. ‘I’m sure Jim’s parents would have been proud to see this if they were alive today,’ he said, ‘and to see Jimmy’s legacy continue.’
Clive Chapman’s father, Colin, felt he lost his best friend when Clark died. ‘When we work on his cars at Classic Team Lotus, we still think of Jimmy,’ said Clive. ‘It’s terrific to see so many others here who remember him.’
Classic Team Lotus brought three ex-Clark GP cars and a Lotus Cortina to add to an impressive show that also included two of Clark’s personal Elans. The street was lined with Lotuses and other marques brought by many fans from all over the UK and Europe.
Among Clark’s friends, including his original mentor in racing, Ian Scott-Watson, there was gladness that their pal was still so widely loved, even if Clark himself never sought such attention. ‘It’s a great turn-out, but I think Jimmy might have been a bit overawed at all the fuss,’ he said.