Ken was born in Charlton (SE London) in 1932. His earliest memory is of waking up in the back seat of his Dad’s Austin 7 after a day at the seaside. Throughout his childhood, he was surrounded by Austin 7s owned by various members of his family. Ken’s father was a machinist/toolmaker at the Woolwich Arsenal. He was always involved in projects around the house and garage, including building a caravan and a sidecar from scratch, whilst on a break from Austin 7s (to which he would return). The sidecar was built to Ken’s design. With WWII fully underway, Ken moved around the Country, to avoid the terror of the London air raids.
1950 saw a call up from the RAF, for what turned out to be 2 years national service. Ken had been working in radio shops, learning how they worked as he went along. This led him towards the role of radar mechanic at RAF Wartling in Sussex. A mad moment saw him purchase a ropey 1927 Chummy.
So Ken’s life had already been shaped – Austin 7s, an engineering education from Dad and a career in radio and TV repairs, but he needed someone to share it with.
As soon as Ken was ‘released’ from service, he set to work on converting the poor Chummy into a sports special. It was on an early test run on the Isle of Sheppey, that Ken and a friend saw a young lady struggling with a bike at a stile. They stopped, and assisted Eileen – and the rest, as they say, is history. Ken was 22 years old, when he joined the 750 Motor Club in 1954. The special (now christened Bambi, by Eileen), was to see instant action, in the form of the 1954 Walsingham Trial. It will be forever in the record books, that they beat Colin Chapman and Hazel Williams that day. Bambi saw another 4 years of trials, sprints, driving tests and everyday use. But the family was growing, and a move to Stevenage New Town resulted in a need for a bigger car. A dodgy Box was soon replaced with a Ruby Tourer. At this point, Ken attended the second ever meeting of the North Herts Centre of the 750MC. He also attended the last one: tinged with disappointment, but happy that the Centre is safe under the umbrella of the PWA7C.
More kids followed resulting in a move to a split screen Morris Minor convertible, then a Traveller. In 1963, Ken still managed to find time to build Klipspringer, a 1929 Austin 7 built to the latest 750 trials regulations. It was painted yellow and black, to reflect the North Herts Centre colours, at a time when inter-centre rivalry was encouraged. Ironically, Klipspringer’s first event was not a trial, but a static rally - the first National Austin 7 Rally at Beaulieu. A momentous day, but tinged with sadness, as Ken recalled an end-of-day meeting with Holly Birkett. Ken said the day was too short: Holly replied that life was too short. Holly was to die the next day, in a plane crash. Beaulieu was to become a very special place for the Cookes.
Klipspringer produced so many happy memories for all the family. The friendly nature of the trials fraternity, where everyone could get involved. There were times, when the car would be carrying Ken, Eileen and all 5 kids. Many of us had our first driving lesson in this car. Both Ken and Eileen managed to put it upside down on several occasions. One time, Ken was filmed by Mum, rolling the car at a driving test at British Aircraft Corporation’s car park in Stevenage. Don’t understand how they always survived unscathed. It is with some regret that Klipspringer was eventually sold to a German enthusiast, that we have since lost touch with. Unfortunately none of the family were in a position to take on the ownership at the time.
The whole family embraced all aspects of the 750MC – trials, racing, driving tests and Austin 7s (of course). In 1965, Ken purchased a 1930 Chummy, in need of restoration – this was not going to be a quick project. In 1971, there was a change at work: TV engineers (of which Ken was one) were given permission to use their Company vans for personal reasons. With the A7 Golden Jubilee fast approaching, the Traveller was sold and a 1932 Box was bought from Ken Streeter for £20. Not the tidiest of Sevens, but Springbox was to hit the road soon afterwards, allowing the Cookes to take part in the more normal aspects of Austin 7 activity. Highlights of those early years, were the Longbridge Rally and the Bristol Austin 7 Club’s holiday in Skye. Friends made for life.
Ken was a loyal and committed member of the 750MC, holding many roles within the North Herts Centre, whilst becoming a board member and ultimately a Vice President. His Seven Rumblings, in the bulletin, were legendary. He would organise many events, including Eurotours, but the highlight was when he headed the organising committee for the 750MC National Austin 7 Rally at Beaulieu for 9 years. Ken embraced all Austin 7 clubs, so it was fitting that he would be one of the early 750MC representatives within the Austin 7 Clubs’ Association.
What of the Chummy? In 1975, sad news in the Cooke family, resulted in some inheritance, that would fund the completion of Dingo. In a fit of madness, Ken entered for the 750MC Brookland’s Centre’s run to San Marino in 1976. With all the family flat out on the car, it was finished only a few weeks before the event. Dingo looked beautiful, and it would become an integral part of the family – with even more importance after Ken’s passing. It’s a little bit worn out now, but it’s provided 170 000 miles of fabulous adventures, not to mention the friends that have been made along the way. Without doubt, the standout trip, was Route 66. The mere mention of those numbers (66) would produce a smile on Ken’s face. Ken and Eileen would never tire of talking about this amazing adventure.
It would seem that Ken’s whole life was just Austin 7s, but I can tell you that family was very important to him. He loved to see the family growing, and would be so welcoming of all new members. Cycling was something that he got enjoyment from. A member of the Cyclists Touring Club in the early 1950s, Ken and Eileen were still going out for 5 mile rides as recently as this year. He loved his modern jazz (this wasn’t passed on to his children!). He retained a passion for all motorsport, particularly motor racing. Ken and Eileen would always watch the Grands Prix, but it was Le Mans that they enjoyed the most, first attending in 1982. It gave me great pleasure to be able to show them behind the scenes, as my work sent me in this direction.
The last event that gave pleasure to Ken, was the Centenary. He could (just about) have made it to Moreton for the Saturday, but didn’t want to attend without his companion of 70 years, as Eileen was briefly in hospital that week. I was at Moreton, with my car, but managed to hatch a plan where I could also drive Dingo to the event. It was with immense pride that I drove Dingo that weekend. I made it my duty to send messages back from the rally, but the reality of how many friends had been made, was incredibly poignant. He watched the live stream, and repeatedly viewed the Prescott event. We even played it to him in his final hours. I’m sure he was smiling inside, as the twin cam made its music.
It is hard to believe how much Ken packed into his 90 years of living, this obituary barely scratches the surface. He will be much missed by all, particularly Eileen and their 5 children, 12 grandchildren and countless great grandchildren. I wonder what would have happened if they had left that young lady to struggle over the stile by herself. Ken is still wearing his 750 Motor Club tie with pride.