Can we help get MJK a gong?

[Bibs]

Something Tony has mentioned a few times is that he's keen to help his father be rewarded by the country to which he has contributed so much over the years. As I'm sure you'll agree, MJK is an inspirational figure in UK Manufacturing and the automotive industry and has achieved a great deal in his lifetime, which I agree should be recognised.

Here are some of the finer moments...

Contribution not only to the Motor Industry but to UK Manufacturing as a whole.

Involved in design of all of the Jaguars from 1959 to 69 including the E type and XJ13

Either designed or was Project leader on Lotus Europa TC, Elite, Eclat, Excel, Sunbeam, Esprit, Carleton, M100 Elan. Many of the cars are recognised British Icons throughout the world and represent the ingenuity of UK manufacturing and design.

Made a huge contribution to vehicle safety by heading up development of Lotus's innovations including active suspension, Anti Lock Braking, Crumple Zones and "anti noise" etc. Winning the Don Safety Trophy for his "built in safety" design of the Elite in 1974. Safety designs built into the Lotus as standard 5 years ahead of any other manufacturer, who's designs are based on those original Lotus designs! How many lives did that save and continue to save now?

When he took over in 1983 Lotus was on the verge of closing down, this has reoccured twice, most recently last year, when he returned to stop the losses and rejuvinate the company, saving the company and 1200 jobs. Since then the company has grown to 1500 employees around the world, the majority in the UK.

Instigated a specialist "Green" design department, making Lotus at the forefront of Hybrid/electric and Eco Fuel development in the UK and represent UK industry worldwide, especially in the USA where they have developed a fully electric sports car called the Tesla. Also currently initiating a wind farm at Hethel to supply all the factories electrical needs and supply the local community.

Cares about the local community and has helped enthusiasts raise thousands of pounds for McMillan Cancer Care.

Been involved with many Govt think tanks over the years, including representing the Manufacturing industry to the govt in the Mid 80's to early 90's.

To help, it would be great if you could put pen to paper (erm, or ink to inkjet paper) and write a letter addressed to:

Ceremonial Secretariat

Cabinet Office

35 Great Smith Street

London

SW1P 3BQ

however post it to Kimbers at:

34 Mallow Way

Wymondham

Norfolk

NR18 0XF

Thanks for any assistance you can offer, remember to be personal and show your passion about Lotus and the Esprit.

[wiseraven]

Great idea Bibs. I note the lack of any replies. I don't know if it's just me, but I nearly always miss new threads that are pinned from birth. You may get more response if you unpin it for a bit.

[Loose Cannon]

Great idea for a guy who has gone out of his way to make Lotus fans feel like family.

[Kimbers]

Thanks guys. As you know, the old man has, in his time, also represented the UK in other countries, including Working in the Far East for GM and President of Lambo in Italy.

Everytime I see someone from Industry get a gong I think "crikey they haven't done half as much as the old man". And I see him working from 7 am to stupid o clock even at weekends and travelling to close contracts and negotiate deals. In one week earlier in the year he was on 3 continents in the same week! 1 to 2 days at each and then 16 hour days.

I couldn't do it at my age!!

So i see him nearly killing himself, constantly, to keep things together and thought.....he's never won or been given anything in his life. Everything he's got he's worked hard for, so i really thought that it would be great to see him given something back from all of us, who know and appreciate, if not what he's done, the products we all drive that he's been instrumental in.

Please, please take 5 mins just to put something in writing and send it to me as I need as many letters of support as I can get to put in with the application to my MP. And please mention the money he helped us raise for Macmillan and other charities.

Needless to say, the old man knows nothing of this and wouldn't approve as he is actually a modest man. I promote him more than he does!!

[Mark Blanchard]

Bibs or Kimbers,

Just writing a letter now. Could you please tell me a name of the someone to address the letter too, or is to the Ceremonial Secretariat? Thanks very much.

[Kimbers]

Address to Ceremonial Secretariat....BUT PLEASE SEND IT TO ME.

[Mark Blanchard]

So the Ceremonial Secretariat is the name of a person. Sorry if I'm being a bit stupid!

[Bibs]

I guess a 'Dear sir/madam' will do matey.

[Mark Blanchard]

Cheers.

[Setras]

Shall pen a letter this evening

[iainskea]

Bibs, Kimbers,

I am keen for this - it might help with some international words of support and recognition (always looks good).

My letter has the car stuff out of Bib's post, but is there any MJK Australia-specific things I could add?

Iain

[MPx]

Tony,

...my letter's "in the post" as they say. Hope its useful.

Mike

[yeller77]

dumb Yank question: what's the "gong" connection, is there a specific award which may be bestowed or some variety of recognitions the the "Ceremonial Secretariat" bestows? I think I'll cc one to the Queen and Charles, too, and go for knighthood while we're at it!

anyway, +1 from the States, will try to get it on the fastest pigeon over...

E.

[MPx]

dumb Yank question: what's the "gong" connection, is there a specific award which may be bestowed or some variety of recognitions the the "Ceremonial Secretariat" bestows? I think I'll cc one to the Queen and Charles, too, and go for knighthood while we're at it!

anyway, +1 from the States, will try to get it on the fastest pigeon over...

E.

A knighthood is an example of a gong (or medal or honour) Eric, and its one of the higher orders, just below a peerage (Lord). As you might expect, we Brits have a huge hierarchy of honours - even knighthoods come in different flavours with KG (Knight of the Garter) being the most exclusive. Most ordinary folk, who do something exceptional, get one of the British Empire medals (MBE, OBE or CBE) but there's a proportion that get Knighthoods/Dameships at the top end, and some that get OM (Order of Merit) at the other. There's other types of civil honour too and of course a huge long list of military ones. Someone in MJK's position should/would get a knighthood IMO.

Mike

[Kimbers]

Bibs, Kimbers,

I am keen for this - it might help with some international words of support and recognition (always looks good).

My letter has the car stuff out of Bib's post, but is there any MJK Australia-specific things I could add?

Iain

Not really, though Lotus's are exported to Aussie....We even know his name and what he's done over here.....perhaps?

[M Blur]

are we not approaching this the wrong way chaps..

Tony - Gong aside and no doubt it's deserving; why don't we instead unite the Loti fraternity and come up with our own gong 'Chapman order of Distinguised Service to Motoring'... (if family was consenting and sure they would) with the Secretarys of all the major Lotus clubs from around the world. surely that and not sth from a bunch of car hating politicans and 1000 year old empire tradition of haves and have-nots will mean so much more..?

also sth we can help directly influence.. and present it at a special ceremony at the next clan gathering?

Jon

Edited December 2, 2007 by M Blur

[Loose Cannon]

Kimbers

When is the cutoff date for this?

I like to spend a bit of time on a good letter and work/home is v. busy. Is next week OK??

[Kimbers]

Yes thats fine. i have the application here that I have to send the letters in with. There's no rush. But I would appreciate a few more if anyone could see their wy to helping me out.

Thanks

[Tentenths]

I'll also try and get something over to you but it probably won't be until next week.

[Bazza 907]

A really good idea

I'll get one off to you in the next few days

Bazza

[Kimbers]

Thanks to those that have done this already (you know who you are....great letter from the US, thanks. Just a quick request for anymore please.

[Loose Cannon]

On the case Kimbers, just in the middle of changing jobs at the moment. Be there soonest.

[USAndretti42]

Just noticed this.

Will get my writing head on.

Does the letter have to be posted to you or can it be an e-mail attachment in Word to save time?

[Kimbers]

Just noticed this.

Will get my writing head on.

Does the letter have to be posted to you or can it be an e-mail attachment in Word to save time?

Preferably in hard copy signed please mate.

[sandwer]

Another one in the post to you now, Mr Pink....

//R