Feb 2011 - MG Car Club Newcastle

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CLUBTORQUEOBITUARY – MIKE HAWKE 1934 - 2010We sadly report the passing of Mike Hawke in Bradford-on–Avon following a fallat his home.Mike owned J2396 for 57 years, after purchasing it in 1953, and the MG is number3 on the Triple-M Register. He was a regular competitor and has many storiesto tell. I mention that he looped the loop in 1977 and, using his InternationalCompetition licence, competed in all manner of events around Europe. With hisson Jeremy, DG 5405 undertook a record attempt at Millbrook on 27 August,1989. They took 2 International Class “I” records plus 20 National British Class“I” records. These were the 1 st new MG International records achieved since1959 with Phil Hill & EX 181 in Utah USA.Mike was a Marine Engineer, and while stationed in Singapore, noticed a trailerin a wrecking yard with K3 wheels. To save K3 007 from the advancing Japaneseinvaders in 1941, the MG had been broken up and buried to prevent it fallinginto enemy hands. Mike located the buried metal, and reconstructed theracer with guidance from R.T. Horton, the 1 st owner. Ronnie Horton won manyraces at Brooklands including the British Empire Trophy and set lap records up to120 mph, and was awarded a 120 mph Brooklands badge in 1934. K3 007 alsoachieved numerous International and National Class “G” 1100cc Records for 50& 100 km and miles, plus a 200 km record. These latter 2 Records still standtoday. A.T.G. Gardner later set further records in K3 007 which also still standtoday. Mike told me he regarded the discovery and resurrection of this notableMG as his greatest achievement with the marque.Mike owned several other MGs including an MGC and a Midget, which he ownedfor 30 years. I always stayed at the Hawke residence in December every secondyear, and he drove me to the MG Christmas dinner at Lacock in his MGF, whichhe owned from new. During other visits we travelled the length and breadth ofthe UK, and had many laughs together. Mike and Ann stayed with me in Australia,and I usually arranged a set of prewar MG wheels so he could compete at theMG Nationals. We last met and competed in MGs in New Zealand.I always received a copy of his latest book and copy number 49 had a note onthe flier: “To Peter for encouragement from Down Under.” I treasure his kindnesswith the books, letters and cards, and usually rang him after he came home fromchurch on Sunday. Mike had a strong Christian faith, and was a deacon and laypreacher at his church, but never sought to impose his beliefs on others.Mike was a committee member and Secretary of the Triple-M Register, andmade a major contribution when he took on Chairmanship of the MGCC for threeyears. He went to the clubrooms to supervise, direct, and organize the staff.John Thornley had encouraged Mike, in one of his last requests to him, as theclub was having difficulties. Mike told me the benefit was he could research materialfor his books from the archives, while the staff got on with their jobs. HePage 40
February 2011stepped down after the re-organisation, but remained a Vice President ofMGCCUK until his death. He was astute and I recall the club property was heldin trust, to minimize risk of loss if the club faltered again. As a CPA, I endorsedthe actions taken. Mike was a friendly, likeable club member, who was just asenthusiastic when meeting new members, as he was with his long term friendsand acquaintances. We were all blessed by his contribution.I spoke with Ann by telephone, and offered condolences from us all out here.They were also offered by card and on the website. I am sure we all offer supportto Ann, Marcus, Jeremy, and their families and we offer support at the Memorialservice on January 19, 2011.His new book is available on the UK MGCC website, and may be purchased directfrom the club.Peter KerrTripe M-Rep AustralasiaPage 41
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Feb 2011 - MG Car Club Newcastle

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