EUROPE had yet to live through the horrors of the Great War when this photograph was taken.
It freezes a moment in time on a beautiful Edwardian summer’s day almost exactly 100 years ago on Sunday, 27 July 1908, when members of the Jersey Motor Association lined up outside Rosel Manor.
In bonnets and boaters, they posed to mark the first annual parade of the Jersey Motor Association, with members proudly showing off the latest motor cars money could buy.
In the centre of the photograph, in the car to the left of the front door (seventh from the left), sits R R Lempriere Esq Viscount, the honorary secretary of the association and squire of the manor. On his left is the Lieutenant Governor, Major General H S Gough, the patron of the association.
The first president, DR E Voisin is in the Swift ninth from the left.
In the line-up is a Cadillac, Humbers, De Dions, a Swift and a Fiat.
This Sunday, in celebration of the centenary, the picture will be recreated by members of the Jersey Old Motor Club thanks to the kind permission of the current residents, Mr and Mrs Lempriere-Johnson. Emma Lempriere-Johnson is the great granddaughter of Mr R R Lempriere.
As it was 100 years ago, the Union Flag will be flown and a suitably attired lady will stand looking over the line-up from an upstairs window. Michael Hannigan, who is organising the photograph, said: ‘The manor has changed remarkably little in the last 100 years, so those taking part in the photograph on Sunday will carry forward a moment in history, keeping alive the passion and fascination of the motorcar.’
The JMA ceased to exist in 1947, when it was amalgamated into the Automobile Association.
Members of the public can view the cars taking part in the recreation of the photograph at the National Trust for Jersey headquarters at The Elms, St Mary between 10 am and 11 am on Sunday.
The car ninth from the left in the picture, belonging to Dr Voisin, has a silver trophy on it. Mr Hannigan would be grateful to hear from anybody with any information on this item.
Mr Hannigan said that he was also keen to hear from anyone who has any JMA badges, paperwork or signs that could help with further research into the association. He can be contacted on 861841 or 07797 859946.
