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The clocks have slipped back, dark afternoons are now in prospect as Autumn’s grip on 2018 slips and Winter arrives to conclude proceedings. For those of us with a motoring habit to fix, events are now heading indoors till the Spring. However, almost as a form of salute to what has been a remarkable Summer, there have been one or two last rays of automotive sunshine in the past few weeks.<\/p>\n

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Sixty years ago there were celebrations in Britain’s Motorsport community as Mike Hawthorn had secured the Formula One World Championship, the first driver’s title to won by a Briton. It is a strange paradox when we consider that Lewis Hamilton has now secured his fifth such title, an achievement that is almost commonplace or natural. Times have changed for sure.<\/p>\n

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Although Hawthorn was actually born in Yorkshire he is commonly associated with Farnham in Surrey. So a few weeks back the streets were closed off and there was a celebration of the “Farnham Flyer”.<\/p>\n

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Wreaths were laid at his grave, as he died in a car crash a few short months after he retired as Champion.<\/p>\n

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A fine selection of classic cars led the parade, many with a personal connection to Hawthorn.<\/p>\n

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The local police even got in on the act bringing out their own classics.<\/p>\n

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Typically after such a dry and hot summer, it tipped with rain all day, but that could not dampen the spirits, as illustrated here by Simon Hildrew’s wonderful imagery.<\/p>\n

John Brooks November 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t\t