THE first book ever to be written about Pendennis Motor Cycle and Light Car Club, Race Around a Castle, was launched in spectacular style at the weekend.

Over 100 people turned up for the eagerly-awaited occasion at Falmouth's Membly Hall Hotel on Saturday evening, and they were in for a real treat as the stars of yesteryear recounted tales about the club and their experiences of the Castle Road Races.

A tremendous amount of work had been put into the launch by author David Saunby, of Falmouth, who not only wrote the book, but whose work behind the scenes ensured it would be an evening to remember for the guests. His book was about the members for the members.

The official guest of honour was Basil Keys, a remarkably fit 88-year-old, who could remember careering round Pendennis in the 1930s and winning his fair share of trophies.

Basil was the first of many guests from that era who spoke of the the road races and what was so evident was how remarkably fit and alert they were. Racers or marshalls, they were in their prime 65 years ago when bikes and safety features were as far removed as man walking on the moon, but each of them came across as a special breed of men.

Alan Robinson, who wrote the foreword for the book and is also a well-known race commentator at Brands Hatch, was MC for the evening and kept it all together with a touch of class. Outside the TT races, the magnificent array of silver cups on display in front of a back drop of posters and road race memorabilia were among the finest he had seen.

Author Dave Saunby, who spent countless hours over many months researching the history of the road races, mainly from reports in the Packet, said there was a story to tell but unless it was done now all those who took part and could remember the races would have passed on. "They knew what it was like," said Saunby. "We can only imagine what it was all about and listen to their stories, but they were there, they knew exactly what it was like."