This was our fourth Beaulieu One Hundred Annual Dinner and what a fantastic night it was!

The evening began with sparkling aperitifs on arrival and a chance to have an exclusive look around the museum before being invited outside the entrance to witness the ‘start up’ of the legendary Sunbeam (Bluebird).

This is the actual car that was driven by Sir Malcolm Campbell at Pendine Sands back in 1925 to achieve the land speed record.  What an amazing spectacle!  Once the engine had warmed up the museum lights were extinguished so that we could revel in the sound and sight of this amazing and iconic vehicle, flames spouting forth from the exhausts, a truly memorable experience!

Following this magnificent display we were escorted back in to the museum to enjoy a sumptuous meal while meeting new Beaulieu One Hundred members and catching up with those we have met before. The ambience of the night was set!

Once the meal was concluded, Lord Montagu presented this year’s special award to racing legend and motoring journalist Tony Dron, whose acceptance speech was both entertaining and poignant.

The guest speaker for the evening was Don Wales, grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell and nephew of Donald Campbell. His talk was extremely entertaining and informative and was a great insight into the life of both his grandfather and his uncle.

Then, the Auction! Again this year there were some really special prizes and experiences, including the unique opportunity to bid for a fragment of Donald’s Campbell’s Bluebird mounted on Coniston slate, with all the proceeds going toward the refurbishment of his father’s car.

What an amazing evening! Thank you to everyone involved for making this such a special night!

Thank you Kaye and Gary for this lovely description of the Annual Dinner – so glad you enjoyed the evening.

And thank you to everyone who contributed to our Sunbeam Appeal.  For further information about the Sunbeam and why we need to raise funds please visit http://www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/sunbeam_appeal