This meeting was held after the bringing together of Lincolnshire Motorists in 1900 to form an Automobile Club.
The inaugural meeting of the Lincolnshire Automobile Club, at the Saracen's Head on Friday January 4th 1901 at 3.00pm, was well attended with the Mayor of Lincoln presiding over the meeting.
Mr Wilkinson proposed that an Automobile Club be formed in Lincolnshire, open to owners of autocars and those interested in the automobile movement. Mr Wilkinson urged that there was a need for a club of this kind, and that the county was sufficiently large and strong in the movement to have one of its own. The objects of the club would be to popularise the use of cars in the county; to provide a centre of information and to make the public generally more acquainted with the possibilities of the cars; to support or oppose alterations in the law affecting automobilism, and to take such steps as may be necessary. To defend or take proceedings on behalf of or against members of the club, they had a very capable solicitor who had studied the particular laws relative to the highways. Lectures and demonstrations would have to be arranged and tours, inter-club runs, etc organised. He strongly advised affiliation to the Automobile Club of Great Britain; Mr C Johnson Secretary of the ACGB was present at the meeting.
Mr Johnson took the floor, and in an inspiring speech referred to the growth of the automobile movement in England. He referred to the way in which it was choked off early in the century when England was leading the way, but was pleased to report the once again England was coming to the fore. He emphasized the way agriculturists could benefit from producing alcohol which could be used to drive the cars. This he thought would break down much prejudice. There was a great need of these local clubs, but all should be under one common banner and work together for the benefit of the movement which, after all, was what these clubs were for. The club must not be used for commercial purposes, but be entirely unconnected with the trade.
Mr White seconded the proposal to form a club and this was carried. Mr Foster proposed that an organising committee be elected to appoint officers, draw up rules, etc. This was adopted. Mr Wilkinson was elected as honorary secretary and Mr Wilkinson undertook the duties pro tem.
The Club starts with a membership of about 30, many more gentleman having promised support after seeing the rules etc. It is anticipated that the club will be very useful indeed in many ways.
MEMBERSHIP ONE GUINEA the story continues