A memorial to Tom Pryce, the trailblazing Welsh driver, who many marked out as a
potential F1 World Champion, was unveiled in his home town of Ruthin on Thursday, 11 June
2009, a date which would have been his 60th birthday.
Hundreds of people gathered in Ruthin to catch a glimpse of the memorial, including
Tom's family, his colleagues, friends, town councillors and well wishers.
Tom Pryce was tipped for stardom after an impressive performance in his first Grand Prix
in Belgium in 1974.
He was the only Welsh driver to have won a Formula One race. As a member of the Shadow
team he claimed two podium finishes, in Austria in 1975 and Brazil a year later.
But tragedy struck at the South African GP in 1977 when he was killed after colliding at
high speed with a track marshal.
VIP guests gathered yesterday at Ruthin Castle, including Tom's mother Gwyneth, his widow
Nella, old friends and those who knew him during his racing days, including John Watson -
who raced against Tom.
David Richards, chairman of the Tom Pryce Memorial Trust, who happily mingled with guests,
was obviously happy with how the day was progressing.
A guest hoping to emulate Tom Pryce was Hywel Lloyd from Corwen, spoke of his admiration
for Tom.
Around 11.40am, guests were asked to make their way down to Clwyd Street, where crowds
gathered for the unveiling.
The memorial - covered in a disguise of Three Welsh flags stood proud on the gable end of
Clwyd Street and Upper Clwyd Street.
The whole junction transferred within a matter of weeks.
Members of the trust spoke and thanked everyone for attending the event.
David Richards then spoke to the crowd, thanking the trust for all their hard work, and to
everyone else for coming.
"On what would have been his 60th birthday, I'm sorry that his father did not live to
see it," said David.
"I am happy that his mother is here, his wife Nella, colleagues and fellow racers.
"This memorial is long overdue. I would like to thank every single one of you for
finally making this possible," he added.
The unveiling itself was made, on behalf of the family, by Nella.
The largest flag was pulled down, showing the memorial in all its glory to an enormous
round of applause.
Nella looking very happy by what stood before her.
Parts of the memorial were explained, from Gwyneth's house near the trees, the tractor on
the field, to the rabbits near the road.
Another important piece on memorial was the rain cloud "as everyone knows no-one
could beat Tom in the rain."
June, 11 – a day that Ruthin won't be forgetting, and one that has brought pride to
Tom's loved ones and everyone who knew him.
And a well deserved ending for members of the trust who have worked tirelessly on this
project
