Club Night – A talk by Roger May on Goodwood and so much more..

Roger May moved to Chichester in 1989 and was pleased when Lord March (now the Duke of Richmond) applied for planning permission to re-open the historic Goodwood Circuit, which had closed in 1966.  However, Lord March’s application produced a storm of protest from local residents, most of whom had moved to the area since 1966.

Roger decided to set up a supporters’ association, and five enthusiasts met in a local pub.  This was the nucleus of the Goodwood Supporters’ Association, and Roger was appointed Chairman.  Over the next three years the association invited retired racing drivers – Derek Bell, John Surtees, Tiff Needell – to give talks to the members, charging a fiver to attend.

The association invited its members to write to their local councillor in support of the application, and when the full Council met in 1993 the application was passed.  Lord March was delighted. 

With the excess funds, the association purchased a large second-hand trophy and presented it to Goodwood.   This was named the Spirit of Goodwood Trophy, and Roger, with Goodwood’s help, has to decide who wins it at each Revival Meeting.

Roger will give a short history of the Goodwood Circuit, and then describe how the supporters’ association helped to bring the Circuit back to life.   

Don’t forget to let Alice Know if you would like to eat before at the club from 6.30pm ( events@chichestermgoc.org.uk )