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Points were awarded for the most ingeniously dressed supporters, who had to be arrayed either as snowmen or Christmas crackers.. Thrills and spills provided the spectators at the annual soap box derby on Boxing day with plenty of excitement, with several cars overturning, though, fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. The course, which was an excellent one with a fair gradient and a number of bends, was on Hammerton Street with the soap boxes gathering speed towards the finishing line. It was a little alarming to hear one girl driver speeding over the finishing line shouting “no brakes”, but a number of stewards were on hand to see that the car was halted. There was a record entry for the various events with an international event being held for the first time. The title of Northen Youth Championship was given to the final event of the morning and this was won by Brierfield Boy Scouts, in spite of a valiant effort by the Lucas Youth Club entry. The event was divided into various categories and the event for junior Boy’s Brigades was won by the 1st Burnley company, while the scout junior event was won by 16th Burnley. Police YC were successful in the junior youth club event, and the Girls’ Brigade won the girls junior race. St John Ambulance won the “other” junior race and they were also successful in the Burnley closed event for juniors only. There were some exciting races in the senior events, with carts jockeying for position on the final bend, and this is where a number of soap boxes crashed.
Briercliffe St James’s senior scouts won the Scouts event and Lucas YC, the youth’s group event. St peter’s Church Lads’ Brigade won the class for other senior groups, and the Girl’s Brigade won the girl’s senior event. Lucas YC were successful in the Burnley closed class. In the inter-town event between Wakefield, Burnley and Barrow-in-Furness, the Barrow team won with a simple but very speedy vehicle. The prize for best decorated vehicle was awarded to St Peter’s Church Lads’ Brigade and the Pike hill Garage trophy for the best braking system was awarded to the 16th Burnley Boy Scouts.
The event was organised by the District Youth Team under the direction of youth leader, Mr G Barnett and it was undoubtedly the best effort yet, with a record entry, a first class course and excellent public support. The Mayor, Cllr. J E Parkinson presented the prizes and congratulated both the organisers and the competitors on an excellent morning’s entertainment.