CHARLES CLARK

LANDLORD OF

THE WIVETON BELL

 Charles Clark was always passionate about cars from an early age, as well as cooking, and he loved being ‘Mine Host’ of the Wiveton Bell pub in the north Norfolk village of Wiveton.

JAGUARS

Jaguar cars were his car of choice and the ‘E’ type Jaguar engine in the fireplace was one of the many eccentricities he introduced to the Wiveton Bell. The engine was fully functioning, with the exhaust making its exit through the chimney, and it was often fired up to entertain the regulars.

THE INAUGURAL RALLY

There was always something going on at the pub – guest speakers, film shows and new beers. In 1997 Charles produced three new beers to echo three engine sizes in their alcohol content - 3.8%, 4.2% and 5.3%.  In 1995, Charles organised a car rally. Although termed a ‘classic’ car rally, it was open to anyone who shared his passion for cars and driving.

1998-2007

Sadly, Charles was lost at sea in a boating accident in May 1998 but his parents, Dorothy and Dennis, and family, were determined not only to continue to run the pub, but to keep the rally going as well. In 2001 the running of the rally was taken over by Richard and Margaret Rushmer at the Alby Horsehoes Inn in Alby and for the next seven years, cars departed from the picturesque village green of Aldborough.

2008 TO THE PRESENT DAY

Since 2008, the rally has been organised by Brian Monks, a friend of Charles for many years. With the help of his wife Heather and family, Colin and Belinda Hendry (who devise the route each year), Pat and John Postle, Geoff and Ann Cleal and Margaret and John Allison, the rally goes from strength to strength. 

THE RALLY TODAY

For many years the rally has started from The Goat Inn in the village of Skeyton. Up to eighty cars gather at the pub in the morning and, after enjoying coffee and a bacon butty, entrants are waved off in style by Charles' parents Dorothy and Dennis before beginning their trip around the Norfolk countryside.