Bunny Chichester of Wiscombe Park

[iranoff]

I heard of the sad passing of Bunny Chichester from Paul Parker.

Peter Isaac has kindly provided me with the following tribute:

Mrs. Bunny Chichester

It is sad to report the death, on the 2nd February 2011, of Bunny Chichester, of Wiscombe Park in East Devon.

Bunny was the wife of Major Richard Chichester, who started Wiscombe Park Hill Climb in 1958. Richard Chichester pre-deceased her some four years ago.

Bunny was born in 1927, and married Richard, whilst he was still a serving army officer, in 1951.

After he left the army, they moved to Wiscombe Park in 1953. The house had been unoccupied for more than ten years, and Bunny told that, on their arrival, they had to camp out in the Dining Room!

Richard and Bunny then set about improving the run down estate, and with the help of fellow motor sport enthusiast, and old army friend, Major Charles Lambton, they then decided to build the Hill Climb course. An extension to the track was made for the 1961 season, and the course has remained unchanged to this day.

Bunny related that so much time was spent on the planning and laying out of the course, that Richard’s farming duties were often neglected !

Just over two years ago, Wiscombe Park Hill Climb celebrated its’ Jubilee, a mark of the success, commitment, dedication and enthusiasm that Richard and Bunny had put in over all those years.

We would like to extend our sympathy to Bunny’s family of Tim, Janie, and Sara. She will be sadly missed.

Peter Isaac. Managing Director. Wiscombe Ltd.

[maycontainNUTS]

I read the above with a mixture of emotions. Sadness at Bunny's passing, but warmth at my many, many fond memories of Wiscombe Park, Richard, and Charles.

My first visit to Wiscombe was in 1959, at the age of 4. I proudly told my parents "when I grow up I'm going to race up this hill like those men". My parents weren't really motor sport enthusiasts at that time, and probably didn't believe me.

In 1976 I took my newly finished and painted (last minute motorsport.com) 998 Mini Cooper to 2nd in class at the Five Clubs meeting, my first ever hillclimb, and my first ever award.

My Mum and Dad were involved with the Five Clubs meetings at Wiscombe for many years, and grew to know and love Richard, Bunny and Charles well. Often someone else would have to drive home after the hillclimb due to the quality and quantity of the after meeting party! Oh the headaches drinking neat scotch!

RIP Margaret.

Neil Gould.

[maycontainNUTS]

Just found a photo, even in black and white!



My first hillclimb.

[camalot]

That is very sad, I only met Bunny once when filming the front of the house with Wilts,
She was such a nice lady, She will be sadly missed,
RIP Bunny.
Tony

[Mike SWest]

Very sad news, I have competed at Wiscombe for 30 years now so have fond memories of Richard and Bunny over the year and had the privileged of meeting Bunny and seeing a bit inside the house at the awards meeting‘s the last 2 years.

She will be sadly missed at this year’s that for sure.

My sympathy goes out to all of Bunny’s family.

Mike Lee

[porlock]

I first went to Wiscombe in 1978, and am now very fortunate to be involved with events there. Bunny has always been a very Gracious Host when we have invaded her Garden, Driveway, and indeed the House itself. A very sad loss of a very enthusiastic Lady.

Dave