A giant of the city's motoring history

CHRIS ROBINSON ASSESSES GEORGE TURNBULL'S LEGACY

- CHRIS ROBINSON

WITHIN the local motoring world, George Turnbull was something of a celebrity. His mother had been a founding member of Plymouth Motor Club and George competed in competitions organised by the club ‘as soon as his feet could reach the pedals.’

In due course, he become “one of the most successful motor sport competitors in the West Country”, noted his obituary in the March 1986 edition of ‘Spotlamp’, the PMC magazine.

“That he brought a wealth of experience, as a competitor, into the committee room is perhaps less appreciated, but without George’s foresight and drive there may well have been no Plymouth National Rally, no Davidstow Race meeting, no Ivybridge Autocross, no successful PMC teams on Autotest drives.

“Thanks to his efforts, PMC was known and respected throughout the country. From the late 1940s until the end of the ’60s to most Plymothians, George WAS Plymouth Motor Club.

“His views on all matters motoring were sought by the media, the Road Safety Organisations and by members of the Motor Trade. He was one of nature’s gentlemen. Never afraid to voice an unpopular opinion, he nevertheless listened to other points of view and respected them.”