It is with great regret that I must announce the death of Dave Coppock, who died suddenly last Thursday 10th August. Dave was a stalwart of the South West Centre Committee for many years and arranged events and venues for the members to enjoy grass roots motor sport.
To this end we have decided to postpone the MGs On Grass Autotest, scheduled for the 2nd of September, so that we can have time to honour Dave and rename the event The Dave Coppock Memorial Autotest. A new date is being planned and I have contacted the owner of the fields that we use and will continue to liaise with him to ensure the event will take place.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised, but I will up date the website once they are confirmed.
The photos below (from Chris Pelmear) show Dave doing what he enjoyed most, driving his MG TC. RIP Dave.
Dave and myself had a really good boy’s day out when we entered the Minehead motor club grass autotest on July 30th. We double drove my Midget. Dave had great fun and enjoyed the day fully. He was also quite taken with later MGs and 5 speed gears when he drove the midget from Nether Stowey to Minehead. Thanks for the wine Dave, we will raise a glass to you. RIP. Chris.
Sad and shocked to hear about Dave Coppock.
Didn’t know him well but thought he was very encouraging for all MG”s and their drivers.
Good to hear his name will be connected to MG’s on Grass. Those pictures say alot about him and MG.
I didn’t know Dave well, but when I used to compete in the odd event many years ago in my PA I got to know what a really nice chap he was. I am very sorry to learn about his passing, and hope you will include my condolences when the SW Centre sends a message of sorrow to his family.
Shocked to read this awful news; Dave was a legend and a thoroughly nice bloke. We met at my local natter back in the seventies, and he wasted no time in tempting me to start in motorsport, and we ran the Heston (later Fleet) Autotests together for a dozen years. He was ever-present encouragement as I progressed through Classic Trials to sprints and hillclimbs. Little did we know that 25 years later I’d be racing in the Spa 6 Hours but Dave had certainly lit the flame and shown me the possible. I owe him so much. Please give my condolences to his family, and I wish to be kept informed of funeral arrangements.
Very sad news, we have many great memories of Dave and Doreen in both TC and campervan holidays. RIP Dave.
This is so hard read read, thank you everyone, we know Dave was a huge enthusiast not just for the cars but the people too. He had so many friends here. I’m Penny, his step Daughter. His daughters, Emma and Katy and I were indoctrinated into the MG Car Club camping weekends and gymkhana we we were very young and so grew up in the lovely spirit of the Car Club. We are devastated at losing Dave. He was starting to come out of his own grieving for Doreen, my mum, who passed in December last year. We are at a loss, but it would be an honour for us to welcome any Car Club members and friends at the funeral. In due course we will know much more about dates, but early Sept is most likely.
Kind regards and love to all who knew Dave. Please raise a glass of beer or wine!
Penny