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 - 2025
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 Hendry and his daughter Leanne (who devise the route each year), and other friends and car enthusiasts, the rally goes from strength to strength.
THE RALLY TODAY
From the beginning, Charles wanted the rally to be open to everyone and every type of car, not just classics. Over the past 18 years, Brian has followed the same ethos which is why today you can see a mini moke parked beside a Lagonda, a Citroen 2CV next to a Rolls Royce Corniche. People tell us that they enjoy the rally hugely and many have returned year after year. We hope it remains a fitting tribute to Charles.
Charles was one of the most likeable and charismatic people you could ever hope to meet
and we hope that the rally remains a fitting tribute to him.
Friends of the rally
We remember with huge fondness the many friends that we have lost over the last thirty years including Charles himself, his parents Dorothy ("Sparkling D") and Dennis, John Allison, Robin Green and Kevin O'Grady.
The rally was all the better for their enthusiasm and warmth.
