The Ken Blake lunch
On Sunday 9th June, about 30 people gathered together for lunch at the Laurel Hotel in Ascot Vale in Melbourne to remember Ken Blake, who died at the Isle of Man on this day in 1981. The event was arranged by Alf Robison and his wife Cherie, and Graeme ‘Gyro’ Carless. Each year, Alf invites a friend of Ken’s to say a few words about their friendship with Ken and this time it was Ray Quincey who spoke. Ray recalled the time, when as a 12 year old, he first met Ken at a Winton race meeting. Ray was at the meeting with his father, Maurie Quincey, and Maurie took Ray to meet Ken in the pits after a race. In later years when Ray also raced, he became good friends with Ken and they travelled together overseas. He remembered the kindness Ken showed him, particularly coming to visit him after Ray’s bad crash in Belgium, and later when they were both back home in Australia. Ray spoke extremely well and from the heart. It was quite emotional for him, recalling those memories, and for others listening. Ken Blake is well remembered.