Raymond Mays bronze plaque

This bronze commemorative plaque records: To commemorate The Motor Racing Heritage of Bourne celebrating the Centenary of the birth of Raymond Mays CBE (1899-1980) A veritable giant of motor sport, he put the Town on the World Map of Motor Racing. 65 years of E.R.A. (1934-1999) These voiturette racers became renowned worldwide for success in the classes for which they were designed and built, Successes which continued into the 21st century with Historic Events. 50 years of B.R.M. (1949-1999) The natural successor to the E.R.A. the B.R.M. was aimed at the Formula One World Championships in a determined effort to put British cars in the front line of racing. In 1962, Graham Hill OBE won the Formula One Drivers World Championship in the P57/8 Model. This brought the Formula One Constructors' World Championship to The Town. testament to the dedication and professionalism of a workforce comprised mainly of local people. The Company was acquired by the Rubery Owen Group on November 1, 1952. Sir Alfred and Ernest Owen, along with their sister Jean Stanley took much personal interest in its running. Mrs Stanley and husband Louis later assumed full management of The Company. On August 29, 1999. Bourne saw the return of the Cars associated with the Town. The occasion was marked with a Celebration Dinner and roads were closed off to allow demonstrations of The Racing Cars. This Memorial was financed with the proceeds of this Event.

Raymond Mays CBE was a prominent British motor racing figure who founded ERA and later BRM, significantly contributing to British success in Formula One; his efforts put Bourne on the global motorsport map and led to Graham Hill's 1962 World Championship victory with BRM.