More than 220 people packed in to Forest Hills Golf Club last Thursday evening (12th February) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Wyedean Forest Rally and to launch the book 'The Wyedean at 40', both events raising money for the Dilke Hospital and West Midlands Air Ambulance.

The evening was organised by Neil Henderson, Martyn Walby and Paul Willetts

Lots of rally stars down the decades mingled with organisers, officials and spectators, past and present. The evening was compered by rallying's funny man Howard Davies.

Prodrive chairman and 1981 world championship winning co-driver David Richards recalled stories of sitting next to the legendary Ari Vatanen and managing Colin McRae in Subaru's golden era.

There were also a presentation of awards to those who had achieved so much over the last 40 years.

David Richards presented Wyedean's clerk of the course Phil Turley with a special award in recognition of his 40 years at the helm, he received a standing ovation when presented with his award.

Twice national champion and four-time British historic champion David Stokes said, "This has been a fantastic evening, its always nice to come back to the Forest of Dean. I finished second in 1975 and third in 1976 but that was as close as I got to Graham".

Regular Wyedean competitor Pauline Nash said: "What a wonderful night, it just goes to show what this rally has meant to people over the years, and the book is just fantastic. Paul, Martyn and Neil are a credit to the community and the sport.

Prodrive chairman David Richards said: "It was a lovely evening and nice to see so much enthusiasm, getting back to grass roots rallying; its where I started and I throughly enjoyed myself."

Wyedean rally sponsor and chairman of Weir Engineering Rob Weir said: "A fabulous night so very well organised".

The evenings co-organiser Paul Willetts said: "Its was a truly awesome night, so many people have got in touch to say they really enjoyed themselves, we could have sold 500 tickets,

"Forest Hills did us proud and looked after everyone very well. The three of us are so pleased it went so well, as a lot of work went into it, and we would like to say a big thank you to those who helped and supported us".

They would also like to thank the evening's sponsors, The Woodman Inn, Calico Interiors, RJ Matthews Transport, Weir Engineering and Weir Laundry Equipment.

Anyone wanting to purchase a book get in touch with Neil Henderson at [email protected]">[email protected].