The Reliant Motor Club achieved one of its primary ambitions last weekend when a blue plaque was officially unveiled at Tom Williams' former residence at Bro-Dawel on the Kettlebrook Road in Tamworth.  This was the house where the first Reliant prototype was built in the rear garden by Reliant co-founders, Tom L Williams and Ewart S Thompson.

The plaque is something that the RMC has been working on since the club was founded in June 2016 and was made possible with the assistance of the Tamworth Heritage Trust of which the club is also a member of.

Initially E S Thompson's daughter, Pat Afford, was due to unveil the plaque although sadly, just 2 days before the event, she was taken into hospital where she is recovering well.  Pat's daughter, Charlotte Oliver (E S Thompson's Granddaughter), kindly stepped in and unveiled the plaque on Pat's behalf.

The plaque is now officially Tamworth's second blue plaque and following approval from the owners, the house is now listed on the town's heritage trail.  This is a map issued by the council that takes the reader on a walk through the town highlighting all buildings of historical importance.  Further more, Margaret Clarke, the Chairman of the Tamworth Heritage Trust has confirmed that this plaque has ignited a program that will now see several more blue plaques assigned around Tamworth.

The unveiling was marked with speeches by Caroline Payne, secretary of the RMC, Margaret Clarke and Barrie Wills, the president of the RMC.  A number of former Reliant employees came to the event and numerous stories were recalled in the back garden as visitors got to see the brick building Wiiliams and Thompson worked from.  All this whilst enjoying coffee, tea and cake kindly provided by the owners of the house, Jaymie and Marc Oliver.

The RMC has many other plans that it hopes to achieve and without its members, such things would not be possible, our greatest thanks therefore goes to all our members for their continued support.

The full story of the blue plaque will be detailed  in the next edition of the Reliant Motor Club Review No 3.

Best Wishes,

Caroline

Caroline Payne - Secretary