NEWS

The Club were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Simon Diffey over the weekend. 

The huge outpouring of love and grief for Simon following this shocking news is proof indeed of his status as a true Club hero. We have lost one of our most engaging members, an exceptional racing driver, and, to many of us, a dear friend. Go to any VSCC event, if you happened across a gaggle of people, occasionally bursting into spontaneous laughter, the chances are that Simon would have been in the midst of it.

And not just VSCC events. Such was his prodigious talent behind the wheel, he was in constant high demand as a driver, being fortunate enough to drive some of the world’s most desirable racing cars at its most prestigious events. Goodwood, Monaco, Spa, he’d done them all.  But reassuringly, he seemed just as happy in the Humber on the Welsh, or indeed helping George fix his Ulster Rep at Brooklands Driving Tests.

He had an easy charm which made him great company. He could regale anyone with tales from his colourful life and was a natural comedian.

He came from a true Club dynasty, the Diffeys’ love of Humbers through the generations being well-known. His brother Jim, another formidable driver and personality, succumbed to cancer far too young. We can only feel for Phil and Jan, the parents of these two remarkable men. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

But all of us will have lost something with Simon’s untimely passing. Somehow, without seeing him around the scene, that scene will be the worse for it, our lives a little emptier. At times like this, you realise that there really are no words, so let us all look back with joy and sorrow on a man who brightened our worlds every time he entered them. And shed a tear for Phil, Jan, Sarah, George, and Christine who have lost so much more.