These photographs were taken at the start of the TSB’s Annual R E Gillies Car Rally held on April 23rd
1978. The Bank’s team finished in third place with Gordon Hancock and John Rogers winning the L& N Trophy for best placed Vauxhall.
A Commemorative Brochure regarding the R E Gillies Rally described the 1978 event as follows:
1978 – THE ONLY EVENT TO USE THE
TSB COLLEGE & THE FIRST ONE TO BE STARTED BY A MAYOR
Started by the Mayor of Solihull from the TSB College, on 23 April 1978
to follow a route through the Vale of Evesham, Malvern Wells & Worcester to Stoke-on-Trent. The course included a level crossing
at Tredington where the gates were opened by the lady gate-keeper, 54 times without complaint. There were 2 crashes (minor) including
one by the eventual leading lady driver, with a gate post.
Marshals stayed the night at the Greswolde Hotel, Knowle during a
brewery strike & had to cook their own breakfasts – or miss the start of the rally.
Prizes were presented by Mr H C Rodgers
(Mid-Lancs & Merseyside TSB) at the North Staffordshire Hotel, Stoke-on-Trent.
Winners (Individual) – Mike & Ian Robson
in a Viva from Yorkshire & Lincolnshire TSB.
(Team) – Lancs & Cumbria TSB – Dave Bradbury & Peter Whalley (Marina), Bob Mawson & David Taylor (Triumph 2000) &
Bob Moorcroft & John Parker (Civic)
The Trust Company Cup was presented for the first time – leading Ford Entry,