Great Western Sprint in Memory of Chris Bigwood
As a club we felt it appropriate to commemorate the passing of our longest serving Club Life Member, who sadly died following a period of illness on 15th March this year. Throughout his time with the club Chris (affectionally known as Biggles) was active as a competitor, marshal and carried out a great number of official roles – many of which he did more than once.
Although competing in various disciplines sprinting, including at Castle Combe, that was a core part of his passion for motorsport so the opportunity to add his name to our club’s most prestigious event for 2025 was something we could not pass up.
Remembering many of Biggles’s roles took place long before the digital age, we have researched and pieced together some milestones showing how far he was embedded into the wellbeing of the club over a very long period of time.
Vice Chair 1958
Driving Mirror Editor May 1958
Chairman 1960
President 1968
Instigated Bristol Motor Show 1971
Received BMC’s Gold Centenary award from MSUK 2011
Whilst filling these roles he continued to compete and was at the forefront of innovation and moving the club forward. On taking on the Driving Mirror Editorial role, he revamped the format making it more suitable for the current time. Chris was also an enthusiastic hillclimb competitor in a single seater Vixen and later Ensign, shared with his late son Nigel
As Chairman in 1961, in association with the National Trust he announced to the press a new hillclimb venue at Dyrham Park, in order to run the hillclimb up the driveway from the stately home, the club had it resurfaced at a cost of £1200. So not only securing a new venue but also able to mobilise the club to commit the resources needed to ensure success. No doubt his knowledge of the building trade came in very handy.
His widow Janis has kindly donated many of Biggles’s trophies to BMC in excess of 50, showing a timescale starting with the 1959 Allen Trophy and the latest in 1982 the Sprint at St Athan. They encompass various motorsport disciplines and venues. Included are rounds of The RAC National Hill Climb at Wiscombe Park and events at the very prestigious Prescott Hill Climb.
As a club we have an ‘Allrounders Championship’ each year and checking our records from 2008 -2010 we see Chris as a points scorer . This is open to all members with points being scored for assisting the club at events as an official or marshal or as a competitor. Each year Chris scored points for attending at both Castle Combe (Dick Mayo Sprint) and Colerne (Two Clubs Sprint) – not bad at aged 80 + years. Chris also enjoyed competing in trialling. He often represented the club in his VW Beetle, very often as part of the (winning!!) Bristol Motor Cycle and Light Car Club team.
To repeat our words when announcing his loss to the club. ‘At the time of his passing Chris was aged 96 and had a very long and active association with Bristol Motor Club as a competitor, official, marshal, committee member and club ambassador. Chris we as a club will miss you and thank you for all you have done in supporting the club’.
So, Biggles finally the chequered flag falls – Christopher Charles Bigwood 1928 – 2025
Castle Combe Great Western Sprint In Memory of Chris Bigwood – Saturday 18th October 2025
