The Bill Reid Memorial Roadrun

This summer The Bill Reid Memorial Roadrun will be celebrating the life of a much-loved lorry enthusiast. Bill Reid was a founder member of the original Ayreshire Roadrun, back in 1995 (part of an annual event run by the Ayrshire Vintage Truck & Bus Club). In those days, though, it was just a short run around Ayrshire, after which the participants joined a static display at the AVTMC (Ayrshire Vintage Tractor Machinery Club) annual rally, in Eglington Park, near Irvine. Most of you will know that Bill wrote a book a couple of years ago, titled 25 Years of the Ayrshire Roadrun.

Bill was born on an Ayrshire farm, near Maybole, in 1948, and educated locally while spending a lot of his time around the farm doing the usual jobs. The company of David M Reid livestock carriers operated from a farm close by, which gave Bill and his cousin, Allan, an opportunity to experience runs out with their father and uncle, who drove some of the fleet of four. There’s no doubt that these experienced fired Bill’s interest in lorries; a passion that lasted for the rest of his life.

After leaving school, Bill got a job with Alexander Jack, of Maybole (an agricultural implement manufacturer) and, in quick succession, changed to John Wallace & Son, working in the drawing office, then worked for a short spell in the Bru Office (Unemployment Agency).

Soon after, when in his late teens, he was heading for a Police career first in Prestwick, then Ayr Burgh and, eventually, into Ayrshire Traffic Division for the next 30 years. He then became the force’s driver trainer for all classes of licence, which he did for another 15 years.

During this period of unbroken employment, Bill must have spent all of his spare time taking photos of all kinds of commercial vehicles and buses, to amass his huge collection of over 200,000 photos documented in albums, CDs and loose prints. They feature vehicles from all over the world, and the collection is now in a secure archive. Interested parties can contact Jim Smith on 07980 315932, to access to collection.

Bill always had time for everyone, especially if you were interested in trucks or buses. He made many friends around the UK and abroad, and will be sadly missed.

I’ve assisted Bill and Robert for many years, delivering the outstanding Ayrshire Roadrun, and hope you will support The Bill Reid Memorial Roadrun on July 11th-12th, 2020, to celebrate Bill’s incredible contribution and life. For more information, contact Jim Smith on 07980 315932.
Jim Smith

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