It is with great sadness that I must report the death of Rodney Gooch, who worked until fairly recently as marketing manager with Castle Combe Circuit and the late Howard Strawford.
Together they were instrumental in helping establish the annual group driving day as a regular feature of our group calendar and the automotive pr industry’s highlight of the year.
Even when he had ‘retired’, Rodney would attend the driving day to show his face and meet the group members he had assisted over the 34 years of Driving Days.
Current Western Group chairman Robin Roberts said, “Rodney was the very friendly face of Castle Combe to so many group members and his enthusiasm for the Driving Day and supporting the group undoubtedly contributed to its success.
“We were delighted to see him at a few of our social events when he attended as a special guest for his support over the years and his love of the event was evident when he would pop-in even after he retired from full time work at the circuit.”
Thewesterngroup extends its condolences to his family, close friends and colleagues at Castle Combe Circuit.
In a note on the circuit’s website, John Moon wrote, “Anyone who knew this hugely significant stalwart of the circuit team will already be aware of his huge achievements, both as a motorcycle racer, and over the last three decades, as a man who worked tirelessly for the circuit he loved.
“Rodney’s self effacing manner and tremendous humour built him a reputation far beyond the Wiltshire track. His semi-retirement from the circuit in 2018 turned into an inequitable battle with cancer to which he succumbed on 10 April.”
Robin is the longest serving chairman of The Western Group. He’s been vice chairman or chairman for over ten years and oversees the annual Western Group PR Driving Day each summer assisted by the group committee and supported by group members.
He contributes to a number of outlets in Wales and the UK, including the Driving Force editorial syndication agency feeding the biggest regional news and feature publishers in Britain.
Robin specialises in the Welsh automotive sector and motor related businesses with interests in Wales and publishes WheelsWithinWales.uk which covers news, features, trade and motor sport in Wales.
