Description:This postcard view shows a competing motor car labelled ‘310’ on a Hill-climb event on Star Bank, near to Cotton and Oakamoor. The car is a London registered 1928 Model V4 Standard, YW 2734.
The photograph was taken in the 1920s. In later years re-enactments of the hill climb event took place during 2016, 2017 and 2018, following a similar route from the bridge over the River Churnet in Oakamoor to the Star Inn on Star Bank, Cotton.
Events such as this took place annually, from about the turn of the century to the start of the First World War. They were organised by 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 and on the 1 in 8 incline Star Bank. Oakamoor. He donated and presented The Bolton's Silver Challenge Cup for this event. The First World War 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.
Postcard published by Thomas Illingworth & Co. (T.I.C.).