I am afraid my memories of Derrick Edwards (1916–2000) are rather scant other than racing against him well over 30 years ago. He was racing his Ulster and I was racing a Riley TT replica and for all you pre-war Aston aficionados I am embarrassed to say the Riley was faster (the car not the driver). However, the Aston in my eyes was the more desirable car to own.
Derrick was married to Pamela and was blessed with two children, Michele and Justin. Before the war, Derrick was a professional trapeze artist and speedway rider and he maintained fitness throughout his life, which probably started with the rigorous fitness needed for the trapeze. Wartime service with the REME working on tanks improved his engineering skills. So, following his release from the services he set up a modest repair workshop in Swiss Cottage, London. In 1947 Leslie Marr brought his 1930 International in for repair. This led to the setting up of Ecurie Oppidans with Leslie and Derrick agreeing to look after Leslie Marrʼs racing ambitions. In return Derrick got to race GO 1203 and in 1952 took part in his first St Horsfall race where he came second on handicap, 35 further St Horsfall entries were to follow. Derrick was a Club stalwart from the early 1960s right through to the Oulton Park meeting prior to his stroke in 1991. He was a committee member and served the competition section until Andy replaced him following his stroke. Derrick I believe almost single handedly kept pre-war racing alive with the AMOC for 25 years. Not only did he compete in AMOC events, but he was very active in VSCC racing competing against all manner of pre-war cars, many of which were faster, but he always put in very creditable performances with much verve and enthusiasm on his part. Throughout all his years as an AMOC Member he competed in various Astons and in 1963 he acquired his beloved Ulster CMC 614 painted in Oppidans Blue.
In 1976 he set up Morntane Engineering with Judy Hogg, who had previously been his secretary and joined Derrickʼs business in 1961. Along with Nick Mason, a previous customer, they specialised in pre-war Astons but no doubt were looking after other pre-war cars as well. Derrick did much to encourage pre-war owners to use their cars and maintain them to the high standards he attained with his own car. Derrick was a happy go lucky character and even persuaded his mechanics to go out and race customers’ cars. I am informed that perhaps some customers didnʼt know their cars were at Silverstone, Oulton, Mallory or Cadwell on certain weekends. In all fairness extended tests out on the racetrack improved the reliability so naturally he was looking after his customers’ interests without paying Lewis Hamilton level salaries to better their cars. So, the customers were being well looked after for a fraction of the cost.
In some circles Derrick may have been considered a bodger. My memory of VSCC racing is that the whole paddock was full of bodgers but a friendlier bunch you could not have hoped to meet. Everyone was ready and able to help when in dire need and Derrick was one of those – ‘The Best Bodger’ when in need and certainly someone to have next to you.
After Morntane collapsed via Middlebridge Engineering, Derrick and Judy were off to drum up new backers (sorry Nick Mason I couldn’t help myself). The new backer found hailed from North London and had previously worked for Derrick some years earlier, and Ecurie Bertelli emerged from the ashes of Morntane. Once again ready and able to help the pre-war Aston owner.
Andy initiated the trophy after Derrick died in 2000 as a way of recognising his efforts over many years to encourage owners of pre-war cars to actually use them... ideally at Club events.
When it was donated to the Club the general idea was to present it to the owner of the car ‘most used’ during the previous year, to include Club concours, Club racing, hillclimbs and sprints and all other Club events including tours etc. Andy devised a simple points system for each event so that the owner with the most points won the trophy.
The trophy itself is made from the old worn gear lever and gate from CMC 614, Derrick's beloved old Ulster.
My sincere thanks to Andy Bell of Ecurie Bertelli for the help he gave me in preparing this article. And additional thanks to Andy for not only the trophy but for maintaining Ecurie Bertelli for so many years. Without Ecurie Bertelli many owners would find themselves stumped for parts, advice and maintenance of these amazing pre-war vehicles loved by owners and public alike.