50 Years Young
Sir,
May I take this opportunity to offer my warmest congratulations on your 50th anniversary?
It would be impossible in a mere letter to begin to do justice to the service which you have rendered the enthusiast over the years, but suffice to say that for honesty, integrity, quality and a refreshing down-to-earth, nononsense approach, you are without equal. It is this maintenance of standards which is, I am sure, the reason for your outstanding and continuing success, and your monthly tonic comes as a welcome foil to the usual clap-trap associated with this age we live in. Your healthy regard for the past, and matters vintage, are particularly appreciated.
Whilst offering thanks to all your hardworking staff, I am sure they will not mind my singling out you, sir, and Denis Jenkinson, for special mention. The initials W.B. and D.S.J. are legendary among true enthusiasts, and are synonymous with motoring journalism of the highest order. Clear thinking, good sense, a thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject, and an ability to sec the wood “in spite of the trees”, are characteristic.
Your undying hard work as Editor over the years, particularly during the dark years of the war, and your uncompromising defence of what you know to be right, has made Motor Sport more of an institution than a mere motoring magazine, and it would indeed be sorely missed, whereas if most of your “competitors” (I use the term loosely) were to fold up tomorrow, it would hardly be noticed.
Denis Jenkinson’s attitude and reporting techniques in motor sporting matters, is, to my mind, the ideal, and should be an object lesson to some of the self-styled “experts” we have with us, whose experience, by comparison, is nil, as is their apparent knowledge and understanding of what motor racing is all about. Reading a letter written by a youthful D.S.J. in my copy of Motor Sport for Nov. 1939, recently, led me to reflect on how little he knew at the time of the important and integral role he would play in later years.
There is much left that I could add, but I will end by saying that your efforts in writing as enthusiasts for enthusiasts, are greatly appreciated, and I thank you enormously for the pleasure you have given over the years, and long may you continue in your splendid work. I only hope that either your modesty, or lack of space does not preclude publication of this letter.
Barking, Essex. J. R. Bellamy