Jim Clark Trust Confirm Weekend of Events on 50th Anniversary of Champion's Death
A programme of events to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of double Formula One World Champion Jim Clark, who died on 7 April 1968, has been confirmed by the Jim Clark Trust.
The weekend of 7th and 8th April 2018 will see a collaboration between The Jim Clark Trust, Club Lotus, Live Borders and Chirnside Common Good Association all coming together to welcome visitors to the Scottish Borders who would like to pay their respects, share fond memories and celebrate plans for a new Jim Clark Museum.
The programme will involve a commemorative Church Service in Chirnside, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Jim Clark museum in Duns, an anniversary dinner at Carfraemill Hotel and an open exhibition at Chirnside Village Hall for anyone who would like to showcase their own Jim Clark memorabilia.
As part of the anniversary programme Classic Team Lotus are planning to exhibit some of Jim Clark’s famous race cars, with the addition of over 100 classic and modern sports cars from Club Lotus.
Plans have been announced to provide details to visitors and car clubs expected from across Scotland, the UK and around the world – everyone is welcome.
Saturday 7 April 2018
The Jim Clark Museum, Duns: open all day
Jim Clark Anniversary Exhibition, Chirnside Hall: open all day
Classic Team Lotus race cars on display
Club Lotus sports cars on display
11:00 - The Jim Clark Museum, Duns, ground breaking ceremony for the new museum
15:00 - Chirnside Church, Chirnside, Commemoration Service
19:00 - Anniversary Dinner, Carfraemill Hotel, Lauder - Ticket Only from Club Lotus
Sunday 8 April 2018
The Jim Clark Museum, Duns: open all day
Jim Clark Anniversary Exhibition, Chirnside Hall: open all day
Classic Team Lotus race cars on display
Club Lotus sports cars on display
“Everyone is welcome over the weekend of 7th and 8th of April,” confirmed Doug Niven, cousin of Jim Clark and Trustee for The Jim Clark Trust. “It is quite incredible how his memory remains so strong and emotional even 50-years on. We feel honoured that so many people have shown interest and we want this weekend to be both a commemoration and celebration to inspire future generations.
“We would like to thank Club Lotus, Live Borders and Chirnside Common Good Association. It will be intriguing to see if we can uncover new memorabilia that may be of interest to the new Jim Clark Museum with the Chirnside Hall exhibition. We are delighted with the support of Classic Team Lotus and a display of some of Jim Clark’s incredible race cars which I am certain will help attract people from far and wide.”
Jim Clark inspired a generation in the 1960’s. He was killed in a tragic accident in a Formula Two race at Hockenheim in 1968. His death shocked the world leading to a greater emphasis on safety led by his friend Sir Jackie Stewart still relevant to this Formula One to this day.
The world of Formula One and people from all over the world came to Chirnside Church in the Scottish Borders in 1968 for his funeral. He was a shy farmer at heart and much admired for his modesty and humility alongside his success. Jim Clark is widely regarded to this day as one of the greatest and naturally gifted racing drivers of all time.
In September 2017 plans were confirmed for a new £1.6m Jim Clark Museum funded by Scottish Borders Council, Heritage Lottery and The Jim Clark Trust. The new museum is expected to open in the spring of 2019. Additional Jim Clark anniversary events are being planned at the Hockenheim Jim Clark Revival 20th-22th April, Loretto School 22nd April, The Argyll Festival of Performance 2nd-3rd June and at The Goodwood Festival of Speed 12th-15th July.
