Jim Clark 50 year anniversary of 7 April 1968 plans announced

We are pleased to announce a programme of events to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of double Formula One World Champion Jim Clark, who died on 7 April 1968.

The programme over the weekend of 7 & 8 April 2018 is a collaboration between The Jim Clark Trust, Club Lotus, Live Borders and Chirnside Common Good Association all coming together to welcome visitors to the Scottish Borders who would like to pay their respects, share fond memories and celebrate plans for a new Jim Clark Museum.

The programme will involve a commemorative Church Service in Chirnside, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new museum in Duns, an anniversary dinner at Carfraemill Hotel and an open exhibition at Chirnside Village Hall for anyone who would like to showcase their own Jim Clark memorabilia.

As part of the anniversary programme Classic Team Lotus are planning to exhibit some of Jim Clark’s famous race cars with the addition of over 100 classic and modern sports cars from Club Lotus.

Plans have been announced to provide details to visitors and car clubs expected from across Scotland, the UK and around the world – everyone is welcome.

Saturday 7 April 2018

• The Jim Clark Museum, Duns: open all day
• Anniversary Exhibition, Chirnside Hall: open all day
• Classic Team Lotus race cars on display
• Club Lotus sports cars on display
• 11:00 The Jim Clark Museum, Duns, ground breaking ceremony for the new museum
• 15:00 Chirnside Church, Chirnside, Commemoration Service
• 19:00 Anniversary Dinner, Carfraemill Hotel, Lauder – Ticket Only from Club Lotus

Sunday 8 April 2018

• The Jim Clark Museum, Duns: open all day
• Jim Clark Anniversary Exhibition, Chirnside Hall: open all day
• Classic Team Lotus race cars on display
• Club Lotus sports cars on display

Doug Niven, cousin of Jim Clark and Trustee for The Jim Clark Trust said:

“Everyone is welcome over the weekend of 7 & 8 April. It is quite incredible how his memory remains so strong and emotional even 50 years on. We feel honoured that so many people have shown interest and we want this weekend to be both a commemoration and celebration to inspire future generations. We would like to thank Club Lotus, Live Borders and Chirnside Common Good Association. It will be intriguing to see if we can uncover new memorabilia that may be of interest to the new museum with the Chirnside Hall exhibition. We are delighted with the support of Classic Team Lotus and a display of some of Jim’s incredible race cars which I am certain will help attract people from far and wide.”

Jim Clark inspired a generation in the 1960’s. He was killed in a tragic accident in a Formula Two race at Hockenheim in 1968. His death shocked the world leading to a greater emphasis on safety led by his friend Sir Jackie Stewart still relevant to this Formula One to this day. The world of Formula One and people from all over the world came to Chirnside Church in the Scottish Borders in 1968 for his funeral. He was a shy farmer at heart, much admired for his modesty and humility alongside his success, and is widely regarded to this day as one of the greatest and naturally gifted racing drivers of all time.

In Sep 2017 plans were confirmed for a new £1.6m Jim Clark Museum funded by Scottish Borders Council, Heritage Lottery and The Jim Clark Trust. The new museum is expected to open in the spring of 2019. Additional anniversary events are being planned at the Hockenheim Jim Clark Revival 20-22 Apr, Loretto School 22 Apr, The Argyll Festival of Performance 2-3 Jun and at The Goodwood Festival of Speed 12-15 Jul.