Now I have to admit a personal affinity for this particular trophy. (A bit of a misnomer as none of the cars saw Feltham unless they went for a service there. The bulk of these cars were assembled at Farsley Road in Leeds and the 2/4 Mk II and Mk III at Newport Pagnell.)
For one it allowed a kiss and embrace with Lady March when she presented it to me. Secondly it brings back fond memories of an old friend sadly passed away – a few older Members will remember Neil Ross from Haslemere in Surrey. Neil was a keen Feltham man and on the day I won the Loveridge Salver it was as much him as me that achieved the award, not to mention the many fine craftsman that helped restore my car to its former glory. It was Neil that kindled my love affair with the motor car and particularly Aston Martin. It was Neil that drove me at age 7 over a ton for the first time in a Lagonda. In fact at age 13 I helped prepare Neil’s Mk III for a concours, which it won.
That day at Goodwood House was also my first meeting with Barry Weir, who will enjoy a short article devoted to him and his trophy at some later date. (No wonder you are cowering Barry, I was jealous of the entourage of very attractive ladies under the age of 25 you had with you that day. Oh it wasn’t your wife and daughters, so sorry, hope you are not in trouble. Only teasing Mrs Weir honestly!)
I wish I could say a great deal more about Gordon Loveridge than I am able and for that I am truly sorry. Perhaps this article may prod a Member older than myself (yes I know you are saying are there any older than The Cad, perhaps not) to write a line or so about Gordon.
Gordon Loveridge was not a pre-war Aston enthusiast but one of the new breed of Aston men in the 1950s. He owned a truly magnificent DB1 that he clearly cherished. He was the type of man to whom perfection in things mechanical is a goal that could never be reached, and his cars were considered as working show pieces in the true concours tradition. Very sadly Gordon passed away suddenly in the prime of his life.
Gordon’s wife felt that his ideals of presentation should be encouraged amongst Members and in his memory presented the salver to the Club.
I am much indebted to Mrs Loveridge for that Spring day in 1999 at Goodwood House, when I was awarded first in class for Feltham cars and the Loveridge Salver. It still brings back so many wonderful memories on what was a gloriously sunny spring day, and Lady March was a tad younger! Not I hasten to add quickly that she is unattractive today, far from it. You know my number dearest when Charles is busy sometime.