On Sat. 24 November 2007 the group celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
We are extremely grateful to the Classic Car Club Scotland for providing two stunners to grace the red carpet. No, I'm not referring to your Chief Observer and Newsletter Editor (although we were there on the red carpet too – well muffled against the cold!). I mean, of course, the glorious Rolls Royce Corniche and the enticing Porsche Spyder. A 2 day drive of the latter of these was even generously offered by the director of the car club as the top prize in the raffle. There was also a Wolsey and an MG to enjoy. Pictures from the last 50 years of Edinburgh's automotive history were also on display, along with some fascinating articles from the Group's past, such as “Fixture” schedules detailing upcoming Blether Nights and treasure hunts, and old Highway Codes, including the very latest one.
We were also very pleased to present members with a lovely pen set. Current Observers are also being thanked with the gift of a fleece – perfect as the weather gets colder! Gifts will be posted to those members that could not attend the dinner and fleeces will be distributed to Observers in January.
Our local group Chairman, Neil Proven, began by reminding us that our Edinburgh group is one of the oldest in the national organisation. After a brief anecdotal tale of a typical Observer's route to their position, he thanked Observers past and present for their time, expertise and effort, and all given willingly. Next to get recognition were committee members, not least long-standing chairman Mike Green, who had given their time during the last 50 years and helped to make the group such a success. And finally he complimented all the other members who have committed to making the roads safer, including encouraging dinner guests who weren't yet members to think again, before toasting the next 50 years for the Edinburgh IAM.
Inspector Murray Dykes then hobbled to his feet – he managed to stand despite a recent serious sporting injury! He gave us a brief, potted history of his career in the police force, and highlighted a little of how driving has changed. One example he gave was the current habit amongst younger drivers for having fog lights as an accessory that actually make driving more difficult for other drivers caught by their glare, rather than as the safety feature for which they were designed. He also revealed himself as an enthusiastic motorcyclist, and related a very funny tale from an occasion when a royal family member was being escorted through town – in a nutshell, be careful what you say when your comments over police CB radio might be heard by someone rather respectable!
The rest of the evening was spent enjoying the good food and excellent company, admiring the cars and trophies, and laughing over the old photos and group artefacts.
View 50th Anniversary Photo