HMS Nelson’s Wardroom (Officers’ Mess), Portsmouth was the venue for this year’s Automotive Achievement Award and Tom Pryce Memorial Trophy conferred by Welsh Motoring Writers.
Presented on behalf of WMW by group patron and former award-winner Richard Woolley (director of advanced design, Land Rover) the Automotive Achievement Award recognises the outstanding contribution to motor car design made by Ian Cameron who retired from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars earlier this year.
Ian Cameron said: “At first I could not imagine what had possessed someone to put me up for this touching award – I did wonder whether Candid Camera was back! In truth, however, I am delighted to accept it in the name of the Rolls-Royce design team. They, after all, are the ones who did the work. As with an orchestra, some designers think it is the chap at the front who deserves the accolades. But it is the team that makes the music and delivers the product so I am indeed delighted to accept this award in their name”.
Presented on behalf of WMW by group patron and former award-winner Richard Woolley (director of advanced design, Land Rover) the Automotive Achievement Award recognises the outstanding contribution to motor car design made by Ian Cameron who retired from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars earlier this year.
Ian Cameron said: “At first I could not imagine what had possessed someone to put me up for this touching award – I did wonder whether Candid Camera was back! In truth, however, I am delighted to accept it in the name of the Rolls-Royce design team. They, after all, are the ones who did the work. As with an orchestra, some designers think it is the chap at the front who deserves the accolades. But it is the team that makes the music and delivers the product so I am indeed delighted to accept this award in their name”.
Group chairman Huw Thomas presented this year’s Tom Pryce Memorial Trophy to HMS Dragon in recognition of the Type 45’s cutting-edge technology, its special relationship with Wales and WMW together with key roles undertaken recently during the ship’s first major deployment.
Captain Iain Lower, CO HMS Dragon said: “On behalf of all the Ship’s Company I am delighted to receive the Tom Pryce memorial trophy for 2013. As a Type 45 Destroyer enjoying one of the Fleet’s strongest connections to Wales we represent a ‘New Era’ Royal Navy and, in fact, have a close connection too with Rolls-Royce.
Captain Iain Lower, CO HMS Dragon said: “On behalf of all the Ship’s Company I am delighted to receive the Tom Pryce memorial trophy for 2013. As a Type 45 Destroyer enjoying one of the Fleet’s strongest connections to Wales we represent a ‘New Era’ Royal Navy and, in fact, have a close connection too with Rolls-Royce.
"Eight months providing maritime security and protection of UK interests in the Arabian Gulf has seen Dragon deploy world-leading warship technology and expertise. Throughout we have been immensely proud of our heritage and Welsh connection - a tangible ethos which makes Dragon an absolute joy to command. Dedication, pride and technical prowess here resonate clearly with the spirit of Tom Pryce. It is an honour to join the ranks of recipients for this award."
Ian Cameron joined BMW in 1992 and played leading design roles with regard in particular to 3 Series, Range Rover and Z8. In 1999 he was appointed to lead the Rolls-Royce Motor Car design team prior to inauguration of the Goodwood plant and resurrection of the marque following BMW’s acquisition. Responsible for both Phantom and Ghost together with all model variants, his insight into the Rolls-Royce motor car and its heritage inspired an authoritative, sympathetic yet contemporary and convincing re-interpretation of its design and lineage.
Ian Cameron joined BMW in 1992 and played leading design roles with regard in particular to 3 Series, Range Rover and Z8. In 1999 he was appointed to lead the Rolls-Royce Motor Car design team prior to inauguration of the Goodwood plant and resurrection of the marque following BMW’s acquisition. Responsible for both Phantom and Ghost together with all model variants, his insight into the Rolls-Royce motor car and its heritage inspired an authoritative, sympathetic yet contemporary and convincing re-interpretation of its design and lineage.
HMS Dragon is the 14th Royal Navy vessel to bear the name. The new Destroyer is the latest in a line dating back to 1647 – the first HMS Dragon was a frigate from Chatham’s Royal Dockyard. In fact ships bearing the name saw Crown service in the previous century – one sailed under Sir William Sydney in the war against France. An array of Battle Honours start with Portland in 1653 (first recorded) to the Arctic in 1944. As with all Type 45 Destroyers, the latest ship’s primary role is air-defence and a raft of hi-tech weaponry ensures a ‘command and control’ range of 70 miles. A flight deck large enough for a twin-rotor Chinook and accommodation for 60 Royal Marines means it has formidable all-round ability. Ship’s company is 190 including aircrew and electric propulsion gives this world-leading 8,000 tonne Destroyer a range of 7,000 nautical miles and maximum speed in excess of 30 knots. On her way back from the Gulf HMS Dragon was diverted to the eastern Mediterranean due to the Syrian situation - the extended deployment continues.
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