Special Friends

Christine Francis

Malton Motor Club lost a valued member and close friend in February 2004, when Christine Francis was tragically taken from us on the Kallkwik Rally.  Christine was a regular face in the forests of Yorkshire and was a well respected co-driver and club supporter, but most of all you could always rely on her to brighten your day.

During the months after Christine's death, her family were astounded by the kind and thoughtful messages that were passed to them by the rallying world, and also by its generosity, to date over £3600 has been raised in tribute to Christine through Malton Motor Club.  The money raised through the Motor Club, Rugby Club and from the funeral has been distributed between Pennine Rally Rescue, Malton & Norton Rugby Club and Malton Motor Club.

Malton Motor Club used some of this money to purchase a memorial plate in memory of Christine, which is to be awarded as a perpetual award on the Malton Forest Rally.  The award is for the highest placed Malton Motor Club co-driver on the day.  A replica of the award is presented, and is sponsored by TVC Electrical of Malton.

The Celtic Style of the plate stands for Christine's love of Irish Tarmac Rallying, and for the love of the Isle of Mull.  The plate was commissioned through Salen Silver on the Isle of Mull.

Many events simply won't be the same without Christine's infectious laugh and the smile that lit up her whole face.  The Motorsport world is lucky, and honoured to have known her and we at Malton Motor Club are indebted to Chris for what she has given us.  Christine you have many more finish lines to cross, as you will be carried with us all in our hearts.

Liz Young

Liz was the Club's Chief Marshal for as long as most of us can remember, and was highly regarded in the world Marshalling. Liz gave up much of her own time to organise all kinds of events from treasure hunts and quizzes to the Dalby Gravel Sprint. She also organised First Aid and Marshal Training days on behalf of the MSA, as well as Fire Safety Days!

Liz died suddenly during August 2001, and left a huge void in the club. It was shortly after that Richard Ashton from Calder Rescue came up with the idea of naming Calder's new rescue unit after our 'Chief Get On And Sort-It'. Liz had been involved in the Charity Auction run by the Club to raise the money Calder Rescue badly needed to buy the new unit, so this idea seemed very fitting.