Hi, I was Walter Boyce's co-driver on the 1973 and 1974 Rally of the Rideau Lakes, when it was observed for, and then in, the World Rally Championship. We got a win and a 3rd place.
I've recently been going through some old photos, press cuttings, (I covered the '73 event for the UK's "Motoring News") etc., reviving old memories and wonder if anyone has contact with Walter or Doug Woods (his regular co-driver, who was the Rallymaster for the Rideau Lakes)? If so, I'd be grateful for any news.
I assume that OVAC, the organising club, is no longer functioning.

I would consider contacting St. Lac club - there may be members there that can help.

Many thanks to all for your interest. I have now made contact with Doug Woods and have looked with interest at the Lanark Highlands Rally website - that would be quite a treat to see those stages in daylight! I'll be in touch.

Everyone, we are delighted to share the news with you: http://www.monmouth-today.co.uk/news.cf ... ly+veteran

In the 1973 international Rally of the Rideau Lakes, the winning team was Walter Boyce and Stuart Gray, from Great Britain. We knew that Walter and Doug Woods, his usual co-driver, were coming to the Lanark Highlands Forest Rally on May 1 - 2. But Stuart has also confirmed that he will be here to join us!

We will have a ceremonial start featuring these three Rally legends.

Don't miss the Lanark Highlands Forest Rally with a new road (Umpherson's Mill Road), more than 80 km of stage roads and rally HQ back at McDonald's Corners.

And definitely don't miss meeting our Rally legends!


Jeannie, for the LHFR organizing team

Stuart intends to bring lots of memorabilia over with him. We'll have it on display at Rally HQ, aka the MERA Schoolhouse in McDonald's Corners. I'm also putting together a colour copy of the program for the 1974 World Championship Rally of the Rideau Lakes.

Best of all -- by a long shot -- we will have Walter Boyce, Stuart Gray and Doug Woods as our honoured Rally guests!

I hope lots of you can make it to MCO's Lanark Highlands Forest Rally on May 1-2! http://www.lhfr.ca/

Jeannie

Stuart Gray wrote on 05/07/15 at 11:03:43:


Stuart, the pleasure was ours!

Our goals were to create an event that the drivers would find fun and challenging and get some good competition going; try to make sure the workers would enjoy volunteering; and top it off with something special by having you, Walter and Doug there.

Re publicity, well we did what we could. The Ottawa Citizen didn't bite but we've had good support from The Lanark Era. I submitted a story this morning which will be in the May 12 edition. We also spread the word on Facebook and on the LHFR website.

I've never been to an event where all the teams finished -- except for the one poor soul who was called back to work!

This was Jim's first time organizing and it was like creating a new event, with the new road and approvals needed from the township. It was very busy for us, but well worth it. We raised more money than expected for the Food Pantry, plus lots of boxes of food which are really too heavy for me to carry easily (this afternoon's tasks are to deliver them). Just as well I've been working out!

Thank you to all who came to our event to compete or work, and special thanks to our Rally legends -- especially you, Stuart -- coming from WALES!! We created memories that many of us will treasure for a very long time.

Jeannie