Jack Swanston: John Cleland - Motoring
Thu, Oct 1st 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Weekly meeting with guest speaker
Vice-President Jim Walker welcomed members
to last week's meeting of the Rotary Club. The high calibre of speakers
was maintained when the guest was John Cleland, Galashiels motor dealer and one
of Scotland's top racing drivers who was British Touring Car Champion in 1989
and 1995 driving for Team Vauxhall which was no mean feat considering the high
standard of the opposition. He has been competing since 1972 and raced all
over the world and he is now a FIA Driving Steward adjudicating on racing
incidents involving present day racing drivers. He also runs a Young
Drivers Course in the Borders for the 17-26 years old backed by the police and
the council to reduce road accidents which, it is hoped, will be rolled out all
over the country. He also related some humorous and interesting "inside
track" gems from his racing days. Many questions ensued after which
Past President Jack Swanston proposed the vote of thanks and said he was proud
that his son Duncan and grandson Nick were present.
