Edwina Overend

Ian Sowman · 16 Nov 2003, 21:32 (Ref:785225)

I have just heard that Edwina Overend died earlier today. For those of you not aware, Edwina was instrumental in keeping racing at Mallory Park after its (thankfully brief) closure in the early 1980s. The Overend family are still heavily involved in the running of the circuit to this day.

Motorsport in the UK - particularly bike racing and club-level car racing - would have been the poorer had Mallory Park not been saved. We have a lot to thank Edwina for.

Condolences to the Overend family.

Andrew Kitson · 17 Nov 2003, 08:13 (Ref:785524)

Terrible news. Edwina was such an important part of Mallory and as Ian says, instrumental in persuading Chris Meek to buy the circuit back in the early 80s.
Condolences to the family and all at Mallory Park.

***Chris Y*** · 17 Nov 2003, 10:27 (Ref:785645)

Very sad to hear the news. Like most people, I think the Overends really made Mallory 'The Friendly Circuit' for spectators and competitors alike. I shudder to think what it may have become without their involvement.

My condolences to her family.

DALY · 18 Nov 2003, 14:55 (Ref:787176)

This was taken from the mallory Park site.
Greatest sympathy to Ron and David and family,

QUOTE;

It is with very great sadness, that we have to report the death of Edwina Overend, managing director of Mallory Park (Motorsport) Limited. Edwina passed away as a result of respiratory problems on Sunday 16 November.

A short appreciation follows:

A visit to Mallory Park in 1966 was the start of the Overend family’s long association with the circuit. Fired with enthusiasm for the sport, Edwina and husband Ron became volunteer helpers, with Edwina ultimately taking on the responsibility of competition secretary for the BRSCC Midland Centre. This led her to meet drivers such as Nigel Mansell and Emerson Fittipaldi in the early stages of their careers, as well as organising races at Silverstone and Donington Park, together with Mallory events.

Edwina was then offered the role as circuit manager at Mallory Park, and she remained in that position until the sale of the circuit in 1983. With Mallory Park facing closure and a future as a housing estate, Edwina contacted her old friend the entrepreneur and successful racing driver Chris Meek, who bought the circuit, leasing it back initially to the BRSCC, then to Mallory Park (Motorsport) Limited. Edwina remained as managing director, assisted by her husband Ron and from 1990, their only son David.

During this period Mallory Park has thrived and is now one of the busiest circuits in the country. Over the winter of 2002/03, a new corner was constructed at the circuit, being named ‘Edwina’s’ in her honour. Unfortunately she did not live to see the completion of the new race control and hospitality suite which is currently being built.

Away from the circuit, Edwina enjoyed family life to the full, with two granddaughters and many nieces and nephews. Edwina and Ron married at St. Mary’s Church Lichfield in 1948 and they celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1998.

Edwina was a life member of the BRSCC and of the British Women’s Racing Drivers Club. She was also a member of the Kirkby Mallory Women’s Institute and an enthusiastic Scrabble player! Born and bred in Lichfield, Staffordshire, one of her early claims to fame was as Lichfield Bower Queen in 1944.

Those who knew Edwina will attest to her warm personality and love of people, as well as clothes and diamonds! However, like most successful people, she could be forceful when necessary, but this only lead to her being held in more respect.

Edwina will be very much missed by many. The Good Lord certainly

threw away the mould when he made her……

PaulSands · 18 Nov 2003, 15:11 (Ref:787194)

That is terribly sad news

I don't think I'm wrong in saying that Mallory would probably not be there any more if it wasnt for her.

RIP Edwina and thank you

mark ch · 18 Nov 2003, 16:11 (Ref:787243)

A sad loss for a great "friendly" circuit and club motorsport.

ascarracinguk · 18 Nov 2003, 16:45 (Ref:787282)

very sad news...rest in peace edwina...lets hope all your hard work carries on with the friendly circuit

Chigley · 18 Nov 2003, 17:42 (Ref:787359)

What tragic news, my condolences to her family and friends.

johnw · 18 Nov 2003, 17:50 (Ref:787372)

What a terrific legacy Edwina leaves. Condolences to Ron and David.

gatekeeper · 19 Nov 2003, 19:44 (Ref:788616)

condolences to Ron and David.

a wonderful person that helped keep motorsport at mallory.

Edwina, you will be missed.

Mark Mitchell · 20 Nov 2003, 11:56 (Ref:789316)

Very sad news.

Fay · 20 Nov 2003, 13:10 (Ref:789458)

She will be missed by all that new her.

Edwina's funeral will take place on Monday 24th November at 12.30pm at St Chads Church, St Chads Road, Litchfield.

Her family have requested no flowers be sent, but that donations be made to The Intensive Care Unit, Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield.

M Greenslade · 20 Nov 2003, 19:05 (Ref:789852)

The joke used to be never come second, if you won, you just got one kiss from Edwina but if you came in second you got two!! What a lovely lady, rest in peace - Balders

greenbean · 21 Nov 2003, 18:42 (Ref:790937)

sad news a great loss to mallory and motorsport condolences to ron and david

Edgar Jessop · 23 Nov 2003, 07:06 (Ref:791910)

I'm so sorry to hear this.

Edwina was kindness itself to me whenever I met her. Let me add my condolences to the Overend family.

gfm · 30 Nov 2003, 18:09 (Ref:799384)

She was a glorious motor racing lady wasn't she? It was always a highlight of signing on at Mallory - to see just how much cleavage was on offer that day!
Bless you and thank you Edwina. RIP

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