13 replies to this topic

[Kingsleyrob]

Following the success of the book produced by George Dutton of the MG Car Club North West Centre, "Pay it Yourself", http://forums.autosp...howtopic=108830
another project is now underway.

Some impressive film footage was included in a DVD with the Le Mans book, and along with that "loft find" was some other footage of trials, autotests, hill climbs, rallies and snippets also of Donington from 1938 and Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Oulton Park from the 1950s. It is the intention to make the footage available as a modestly priced DVD and already much research has been done prior to editing the footage and providing an appropriate commentary.

One name has been unearthed - a gentleman who features a number of times in the footage, possibly as he was a local in relation to the late Jack Twyford, whom we have to thank for this precious footage. He is Alan Rogers - who is mentioned here in the 500 website http://www.500race.org/

If anybody has any background to Alan, or any idea how we might contact any family members, then there is just a chance that we might be able to find some pieces of the jig-saw in relation to some locations and dates that still need nailing down.

Thanks in anticipation - I'm optimistic that the wealth of knowledge and contacts on TNF will provide a pointer or two.

Rob

[David McKinney]

In 1957 Alan Burgess Rogers was living at 14 Highfield Parkway, Bramhall (Tel: Branhall 1457)

[Kingsleyrob]

In 1957 Alan Burgess Rogers was living at 14 Highfield Parkway, Bramhall (Tel: Branhall 1457)

Many thanks David!

You may light up your pipe and play a few tunes on your violin.

Alan Rogers was definitely also "A B" Rogers, so the initial fits, and we know he was Cheshire based. Let's hope it's the first of a few further clues.

Rob

[Roger Clark]

An Alan B Rogers raced extensively in F3 during 1950 and 51. In Autosport, 1st June 1950, there was a photograph with the following caption:

"Alan Rogers, Cooper driver from Didsbury, and Jane Sherwin, of Notts, who are being married today (1st June) at Hazleford Ferry, Bleasby."

He seems to have competed less in 1952, but in March set FTD in a sprint at Rhydymwym. His partner, Tim Leigh, made second FTD in the same car.

[HiRich]

The 500OA page is pretty accurate. Alan Burgess Rogers appeared on the 500 scene rather suddenly, and with a skill that suggests other experience. He was certainly taking it seriously - the 19 sightings I have in 1950 cover the length of the country (plus Ostend), hills and circuits, major and minor events. 1951 follows a similar pattern, then he all but disappears (presumably to another class). All I can add is a birth date of 13th March 1922.

I haven't come across a Tim Leigh, but do have a Tom (William Thomas) Leigh racing Coopers, 1950-1955 (born 6th May 1920, living in Oldham in 1951), who is probably your man.

[Sharman]

The 500OA page is pretty accurate. Alan Burgess Rogers appeared on the 500 scene rather suddenly, and with a skill that suggests other experience. He was certainly taking it seriously - the 19 sightings I have in 1950 cover the length of the country (plus Ostend), hills and circuits, major and minor events. 1951 follows a similar pattern, then he all but disappears (presumably to another class). All I can add is a birth date of 13th March 1922.

I haven't come across a Tim Leigh, but do have a Tom (William Thomas) Leigh racing Coopers, 1950-1955 (born 6th May 1920, living in Oldham in 1951), who is probably your man.

Didn't Alan Rogers also drive a Cooper Bristol? I did know a chap of that name (wifes name Jeannie or perhaps Janie which might fit) who was a regular attender at Wilmslow Rugby Club when I played there in the mid 50s. I met him there again in the late 70s early 80s, I did ask if he was the AR who drove Coopers and he was dismissive and did not answer me. I was on a UK visit and met another old friend in the Rodney complete with black tie who told me he was going to AR's funeral. Must be 6 or 7 years ago.

[David McKinney]

Didn't Alan Rogers also drive a Cooper Bristol? I did know a chap of that name (wifes name Jeannie or perhaps Janie which might fit) who was a regular attender at Wilmslow Rugby Club when I played there in the mid 50s. I met him there again in the late 70s early 80s, I did ask if he was the AR who drove Coopers and he was dismissive and did not answer me. I was on a UK visit and met another old friend in the Rodney complete with black tie who told me he was going to AR's funeral. Must be 6 or 7 years ago.

I at first wondered if it might have been A P O Rogers, the Cooper-Bristol driver. But he was Bert, and was killed at Goodwood in IIRC 1956

[CoulthardD]

Rob,

You’ve already got this data, but it might help to jog other people memories of Alan Rogers. We have identified him at the following events:

1950
Brough, Blackburn Welfare 500 Meeting, Good Friday
Goodwood, 27th May
Silverstone, 500 Club, 8th July
Brands Hatch, 500 Club Daily Telegraph Trophy Meeting, August Bank Holiday Monday
Ostend-Middelkerke Airfield, Coupe du Monde, 14th August
Gamston, “Sheffield Telegraph Trophy” (F1 race), 19th August
Prescott Hillclimb, 10th September
Brands Hatch, 500 Club, 17th September
Castle Combe, F3 Race, 7th October
Brands Hatch, 500 Club Daily Telegraph Trophy, 14th October

1951
Brough, Blackburn Welfare 500cc Meeting, 24th March
Gamston, NSCC, March 26th
Gamston, Sheffield & Hallamshire MC, 14th May
Brands Hatch, International Meeting For the ‘Daily Telegraph Trophy’, August 6th
Prescott Hillclimb, 9th September

Over a decade later, Alan also seems have taken part in Formula Junior. In 1962, he raced an Elva 100 with a BMC engine. He raced at Snetterton on 18th March, Rufforth 21st April, Aintree 19th May, and Elvington 8th July. Then he disappears again…

DC

Edited by CoulthardD, 11 January 2011 - 16:57.

[Carl R.S.]

There was an A.B. Rogers who drove in Trials and Speed Events in the late-1940's. Could it be the same man?

Here are some events I have found that he competed in driving a 3622cc Ford-engined Rojah Special.

27th November 1948, Liverpool Motor Club, Jeans Gold Cup Trial. Second Class Award - 11 marks lost
9th July 1949, Rhydymwyn, Wirral 100 Motor Club, Speed Trials. 1st in Unlimited Sports Car Class - 1m 29.0s
10th September 1949, Rhydymwyn, Wirral 100 Motor Club, Rhydymwyn Speed Trials. 2nd in Sports Cars over 3,000cc Class
15th October 1949, Royal Automobile Club, British Trials Championship. Souvenir Award
22nd October 1949, Motor Cycling Club, Sporting Trial. Tied for Best Performance
23rd October 1949, Sheffield and Hallamshire Motor Club, High Peak Trial. Finished 14th
27th November 1949, Liverpool Motor Club, Jeans Gold Cup Trial. First Class Award
3rd December 1949, North West London Motor Club, Gloucester Trial. Won Committee Challenge Cup for Best Performance over 1,500cc

[HiRich]

Carl,
I'm sure that's the same guy. It would fit very well with the 500 career.

CoulthardD, I can add:
Brough 7/04/50 was Alan Rogers' 500 debut.
Prescott, 20/05/50
Prescott, 11/06/50
Brands Hatch, 25/06/50
Rhydymwyn, 1/07/50 (setting FTD)
Prescott, 16/07/50 (setting a class record)
Croft, 9/09/50 (winning, before driving down to Prescott the next day!)

[CoulthardD]

Thanks Carl and HiRich!!! I can also add the following:

November 1947 - MCC Sporting Trail, Buxton. 2nd class award driving an 847cc MG
December 1948 - Liverpool MC Jeans Gold Cup Trail. 2nd class award, 8 marks lost, driving his 3,622cc Rojar.
12th December 1948 - MGCC Cecil Kimber Trail. 3rd O/A driving 847cc MG. Also 2nd in Class 2 and part of the winning 'Norwesters' team, with Scales and Holt.
10th April 1949 - MGCC Cockshoot Trail. Special award presented. Driving the Rojah again.

The 'Rojah Special' seems to have many spelling variations!

Motor Sport reported a Rogers driving a 2.5 litre Riley Saloon at the 13th August BARC Members Meeting at Goodwood. Can any identify this 'Rogers'?

Thanks again.

David

[Eric Dunsdon]

Thanks Carl and HiRich!!! I can also add the following:

November 1947 - MCC Sporting Trail, Buxton. 2nd class award driving an 847cc MG
December 1948 - Liverpool MC Jeans Gold Cup Trail. 2nd class award, 8 marks lost, driving his 3,622cc Rojar.
12th December 1948 - MGCC Cecil Kimber Trail. 3rd O/A driving 847cc MG. Also 2nd in Class 2 and part of the winning 'Norwesters' team, with Scales and Holt.
10th April 1949 - MGCC Cockshoot Trail. Special award presented. Driving the Rojah again.

The 'Rojah Special' seems to have many spelling variations!

Motor Sport reported a Rogers driving a 2.5 litre Riley Saloon at the 13th August BARC Members Meeting at Goodwood. Can any identify this 'Rogers'?

Thanks again.

David

This would have been A.P.O (Bert) Rogers who has been mentioned previously.

[CoulthardD]

Ah, of course. Silly me...

DC

[Kingsleyrob]

Many thanks gentlemen for your information and insight - I knew I could rely on you.

This link will provide a taste of the trials action, featuring "Rojah".

We may yet post some more appeals for information, possibly with some footage.

Kind regards

Rob