Description:The start of the Gordon Bennett Eliminating Trials held on the Isle of Man. Car No.1 was a Star driven by F R Goodwin.
This is one of a set of photographs belonging to Mr F A Bolton, of Moorcourt, Oakamoor, who was the younger son of Mr Alfred Sohier Bolton, of Thomas Bolton & Sons Ltd, copper smelters, etc., of Oakamoor. His elder brother, Thomas, lived across the valley, at Light Oaks.
Mr Frank, as he was known locally was a pioneering motorist of great zeal and tenacity, and his red cars were well known at early Midlands Meets and Speed Events. He was a Founder Member and, subsequently, Life Member of the RAC. Mr Frank, as the movement gathered pace generally, organised 'meets' of local Motor Clubs at Moorcourt on the 1 in 8 incline Star Road. Oakamoor. He donated and presented The Bolton's Silver Challenge Cup for this event. World War 1 brought closure to these events as Bolton's Works went over to munitions production for the duration of hostilities. He went on to become the President of the Derby and Staffs AC. He was also a local Magistrate, and Chairman of the Cheadle Bench for many years. He died in 1951, and is buried in the family vault at The Works Chapel, now the Memorial Free Church, Carr Bank, Oakamoor.