VOLUME 13, NUMBER 4 JULY-AUGUST 2008 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Trivia Quiz ...... 10 Teamsters Freight Transportation Tulip Rallye Report...... 2 Museum and Archives, 1580A AGM 2008 Report ...... 10 Welcome to OECC...... 10 Kingsway, Port Coquitlam Austin A-90 Auction Report...... 5 Tue., December 2: Christmas dinner Austin Powers … Title ...... 5 UPCOMING EVENTS Autojumble...... 10 EDITOR’S BIT BRBC 2008 Report...... 6 Sat., September 20: Whistler Run BRBC Song...... 9 (join us on the optional overnight There are still four months of 2008 Davy Jones’ Austin ...... 3 and Sunday tour back home—see left, and fall is a beautiful time of year to enjoy our old English cars. Join us Green Degreasers ...... 4 page 10 for details) 9/20 on the Whistler Run (see p. 10) Iron Man in an Iron Car...... 2 Tue., October 7: Meeting, 7 pm. TBA Sunday, November 2: London to or ferry to the ECAIP the same week- MG TF is Back (in the UK) ...... 3 end. Plan to join us on the London to Nigel Muggeridge Park Bench.....10 Brighton Commemorative Run Tue., November 4: Meeting, 7 pm, Brighton Commemorative Run, 11/2! When the Saints Go Marching In (recently the author became the owner of a 1950 Standard Vanguard pickup utility) Les Foster For many, many years I have kept the faith of all things Thames. I have been almost unwavering in my devotion. Almost. There was that casual fling with Alfreda the Austin. I was lured by her flashy 50s chromium and her tarty two-tone paint. I overlooked her tawdry flaws, her bondo-laden flanks and sagging suspension because she was fun. Pinned to her headliner was proof of her redemption, a medal of St. Christopher, Patron Saint of Travelers. Surely it was a sign of righteousness, talisman against breakdown and protector from the wrath of Girling and Lucas. But it was not to be. In my enthusiastic myopia I had mis- taken St. Jude for Christopher. St. Jude, Patron Saint of Lost Causes, was riding shotgun in the A-55! After it was over I returned to the Ford faith with renewed zeal. I was a born-again, baptized in thermosyphon and ready to cast off my sinful ways. The Unholy Trinity of mechanical brakes, transverse springs and sidevalves was the path for me. I plunged in and became a fisher of men. I ministered to the needy Thames owners of the world. I righted wrongs and I spread the word. And then it happened again. Oh, God, I am so weak! Why do I always fall for the voluptuous curves and the toothy smiles? Cannot I deny myself? Cannot I be satisfied with the honest labour of a real truck? Have I no standards? I have strayed once more. She’s so modern, so fast, so comfortable. She promises everything. Once again I see as in a glass, darkly. When will my scales fall away? For I see not her gaping holes, nor her failed brakes nor her missing parts. St. Jude is with me, guiding my hand in another lost cause! How will I triumph in the end? How will my roster entry stop looking like a Bucket List? There is but one answer: I will form my own Church of Eng- lish Cars! Join me, the Right Reverend Leslie. Send me your donations! Be generous! Help save the little trucks! St. Christopher or St. Jude - when those saints go marching in I just want to be in the vanguard!

mel to meet up with the rest of the members of the MSCCNC An Iron Man in an Iron Car to drive down the coast road to Cambria. Although the drive is Ken Miles, Chairman beautiful with many curves, etc. in the road and great views of the ocean, this year was slightly depressing in that the road Saturday July had just reopened after the bush fires of the past few weeks. As 26th saw some we drove south, the views of the ocean and terrain were nor- OECC members mal but to the left nothing buts ashes and burnt bushes up to attend the annual the road side. ABFM in Belle- Arriving in Cambria, we did one final cleanup of the car and vue, Washington. then attended the Friday night party to register, meet old Attending mem- friends, enter the dart contest and enjoy a drink with some bers were Win and very good appies. Christine Mueh- Saturday morning was the concours show and we were in ling, Ken and Pat tough competition being in Premier Class (All previous best of Miles, Alan and shows and the winners of all previous classes for the previous Mary Lou Miles three years). Saturday afternoon saw us taking part in the car and Roy Wilkins. rally and for the first time we thought we were doing well until All attending the end when we couldn’t find the rally master. Turned out members won trophies: Win Muehling took 3rd place in the that 28 of the 37 cars missed the trick position of the rally Morgan Plus 8 class, Pat and I took 1st place in the Morgan master and were eliminated. Oh well there is always another DHC class, Alan and Mary Lou took 3rd place in the Sunbeam MOGWEST. At the end of the rally our generator was also class and Roy Wilkins took 2nd place in the prewar class. making a really odd noise so we had to set to and strip it out In July Pat and I journeyed to California for annual Morgan and replace it with the spare that we carry. During the eve- event and I include this write up because that it shows one ning there was a barbeque attended by over 70 people, which must be prepared for all difficulties if they are going to do long allowed us to continue to resume old friendships and make runs and that some of these events can be both a lot of fun and new ones. rewarding. Sunday morning arrived and the poker and trivia rally were On Monday July 14th, Pat and I left Surrey for the annual on. The rally took us to several wineries where we were able to MOGWEST event in Cambria, California. The car ran well for taste the local wines and have a tremendous lunch in an old the first seven hours and then started to sputter and miss. restored home. That evening was the final windup with every- Both the car and myself couldn’t make up our minds whether body attending the awards dinner with a dance afterwards. it had a fuel or an electrical problem. We were lucky in that we What a night, Pat and I went home considerably heavier with were able to sputter into our hotel for the night where I could awards for Furthest in a Morgan, Second place in the women’s work along with my first of the day to solve the problem. side of the dart contest, First place in the Trivia Rally and in Turned out to be both. Two lessons to be learned here and they Premier class. are: never use a cork gasket for the bowl in your mechanical The drive home was uneventful but cold. In Oregon, tem- fuel pump (they can shrink) and always carry a test light with peratures normally in the eighties and nineties were in the you to solve your electrical problems (loose wire on the ignition high fifties. side). Two days later we were in Pleasanton, California, with Over the next couple of months we have several upcoming the Tollworthys to do final preparations for Cambria and to events (see the calendar on page 1). I look forward to seeing enjoy many firsts of the day. you at some of these events and hopefully you will come out Friday, both the Tollworthys and ourselves headed for Car- and support your club. MGCCNWC Tulip Rallye, Saturday, April 26 Steve Hutchens

Four OECC cars participated in the 2008 Tulip Rallye in Burlington (just north of Mt. Vernon), sponsored by the MG Car Club Northwest Centre of Seattle: Steve and Liz Blake, Win and Christine Muehling, David and Grant Austin, and, joining me in Celia's '66 Volvo 122-S, Don Voegele (an "old Volvo" friend of mine from Bellingham). It was a beautiful day and the tulips were out the best I've ever seen them. Although there were reports of well over 200 cars, MGCCNWC had several routes through the tulip fields to minimized traffic problems (Tulip Festival traffic can be quite heavy). We met cars coming and going, and had a nice lunch stop. This was one great tour of the tulip fields, lots of other scenic roads, and lots of prizes and awards. There was a huge (HUGE!) group of (I heard someone say 43), mostly new but quite a few vintage as well. There were more English cars than anything else, and the largest group of Alfas I’ve ever seen. The Tulip Rallye attracts all kinds of cars and if you like to see lots of variety on the road, I highly rec- ommend that you put the Tulip Rallye on your calendar for next April. I’m sure that you will not be disappointed!

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 2 Davy Jones' Austin Walter Reynolds

While watching a Nova video tape recently, Linda and I were blown away by the shots of an old Austin being lowered by the US Navy into the Atlantic, off the Newfoundland coast. The video chronicled the US submarine, "USS Thresher". This was the US's first nuclear attack submarine and, shortly into its career was lost with all hands. Through interviews with Navy-types and naval historians, the program's produc- ers were able to piece together the "birth and end" of the sub- marine. Part of the Navy's research into possible resting places of the sub including the releasing of a car into the ocean and tracking its fall. For some reason, probably its advanced aerodynamic de- sign, the Austin was chosen for the water experiment, or else it was the Admiral's wife’s old car that he wanted out of the driveway. Regardless, the viewer sees the car being dropped unceremoniously into the ocean and then plunging out of sight beneath the water. So sad! Here are three photos that I took while the video played. Go- ing, going, almost gone. MG is Back! The details of the video are: AutoweekOnline.com, August 1, 2008 Nova: Submarines, Secrets & Spies - USS Tracker attack subma- (yet another chapter in the MG saga) rine and other US and USSR nuclear submarines. 1999.

MG sports cars are again rolling off the production line in Great Britain. The latest MG TF roadster looks much the same as it did 3½ years ago when MG went bankrupt, but things have changed dramatically since. Now the TF's to body and turn o re d. powertrain are ns t dea pla are o- G's e TF tom made in China H: M th Au AC AS with ai m N and shipped 6 FL ica ngh fro - 8/2 mer ha G pro th A (S d M ut to MG's Nor AIC ire ). B the n. S cqu tive or at Longbridge gai s a o s f ted A ha tom TF tar ve) Au MG ly s plant in central ti ing 00 ual G! anj f 5 act k, M England for (N n o as luc ctio t h od du rke Go paint and final ma e! UK idg assembly. gbr Lon After MG Rover closed, China's Nanjing Automotive Corp. bought the assets of the company and moved the TF's production equipment to China. Since then, the MG's 1.8-liter overhead-cam engine has been overhauled, and the car has been given a few minor cosmetic and structural improvements. The MG TF, introduced in 1995, was one of Europe's best- selling budget sports cars before MG Rover folded. The two-seat convertible will be available starting next month only in Great Britain. Plans to manufacture and sell a hardtop version in the United States never materialized. Response to the reborn MG in England has been strong, according to The Birmingham Post, a newspaper in central England. The paper reported that 70 percent of the first batch of 500 special-edition cars have been sold. MG, which kicked off the British sports car boom in the United States in the late 1940s, dates back to 1923. MGs were last offered in the United States in 1980, but the brand still has a large following here.

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 3 easier. If allowed to stand for a time, the good for you. That’s not even mentioning dissolved oil products from your degreas- the potential for catastrophic fire or ex- ing job will float on top of the water- plosion! based degreasing solution. It can then be Varsol, kerosene and other petroleum easily skimmed or poured off and dis- solvents are little safer. Use green de- Green Degreasers posed of with your other waste oil. The greasing agents and you will not only feel Les Foster degreaser itself can be re-used multiple better about being environmentally re- times and is safe for the environment sponsible, you will actually feel better. So, you need to clean that oily, grease- once the oily waste is removed from it. Period! encrusted transmission case before you A trip to KMS Tools found me inquir- I took a very unscientific survey of start your rebuild. Do you empty half a ing if their line of parts washers were products on the shelves of local busi- gallon of your lawnmower gas into a pan safe to use with water-based degreasers. nesses and I found that the good are still and grab an old brush or “borrow” some I was surprised to learn that all of their vastly out-numbered by the bad and the paint thinner from the tool shed? Maybe parts washers are sold as being intended ugly. Most parts dealers will have a to- you buy some degreasing spray or plunk for use with the non-toxic products, if ken representation of “green” products, the box into your solvent-filled parts only to save the retailer from any liabil- though one local outlet seemed to offer washer. Or, do you thoughtfully decide ity that might arise from use of the more none at all! The bigger chains carry to use a safe, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, dangerous and flammable solvents. Spe- more selection. Don’t forget that these non-flammable, bio-degradable product cialty washers incorporating hot water products have many applications in the and some good old water? are available from some companies now. home, too, so they can be found at hard- We’ve grown up with the familiar but “Green” cleaners can friendlier to your ware stores, building centres and big-box quite deadly petroleum-derived cleaners. car’s parts. Paint and plastics are far outlets as well as auto-oriented busi- We know they work. If they take your less likely to be harmed by them. nesses. skin off and burn your lungs they must The prices are competitive, too. On a Much information can be had from the be good, eh? The truth is that better recent trip to Canadian Tire I noted that internet and a bit of research there will products exist - better for your health, their 4-liter jugs of an environmentally- arm you with knowledge and names that better for the environment, and better for friendly engine and machinery degreaser will make your shopping for “green” de- your car. was virtually the same price as their pe- greasers that much easier. Non-toxic Modern non-toxic solvents and de- troleum-based product and another well- brake cleaners are available, too. greasers are every bit as effective as the known “green” cleaner was on sale for We are just in the infancy of the nasty stuff and are more versatile. Many about half the cost. The point is that switch-over to safer products of all kinds. of the non-toxic degreasers will perform a going green can actually be cheaper than As these movements are largely con- multitude of tasks from removing the laying waste to Mother Nature! Remem- sumer-driven it’s really up to all of us to accumulated grease on your gearbox to ber, that by diluting these products, search out the products and make the flushing your radiator or even cleaning where applicable, they can be made to go dealers aware of what we want. If your carpet. It’s all a matter of dilution- even further than the petroleum sol- enough people ask about a product you matching the strength to the job by sim- vents, further lowering their cost. can be sure that it will soon be on the ply adding water. One “green” product Health and safety are major motiva- shelf! on your workshop shelf can fill in safely tions for using safe, non-flammable and So, remember - use green stuff to get for a whole range of those dangerous non-toxic cleaners. Bending over a tub of rid of the black stuff! ones. Non-toxic cleaning products are gasoline and inhaling its stupefying va- safer in all respects, very effective, and pours and getting the fuel with its car- the disposal of the waste is friendlier and cinogenic additives on your skin, is not

An email from Les: I purchased some "Simple Green'' which I will test on my Vanguard. I noted that Gerry Parkinson used a spray bottle of it to degrease his son's Chevy engine block. We ARE evolving!

Editor’s Note: At least some of us are evolving. I feel like a stone age heathen, having just converted my parts washer from biodegradable cleaner to a petroleum-based solvent. Reading Les’s article, the failure of my experiment with earth-friendly cleaners may have been due to the product I selected. It was labeled “Bulldozer” brand, so I reasoned that it had to be tough. Recommendations on the bottle gave suggested dilution rates for various applications, and al- though I used a dilution rate a bit stronger than listed for my application the results were less than stellar. A word of caution if you use a detergent-based product in your parts washer: it can cause rust. When I drained my parts washer I found more than a little. Also be sure to dry parts cleaned with these products well, as they, too, can rust. With Les’ encouragement, I went to simplegreen.com. An amazing variety of products is available. In addition to standard Simple Green, there are many special versions, including Extreme Simple Green Precision Equipment Degreaser which looks interesting. For details of this (or any other) product, download the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for comprehen- sive information. Specialized versions of Simple Green may be harder to find but could be worthwhile. I pledge to give Simple Green a chance! Thanks, Les, for the encouragement!

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 4 Austin powers to Britian’s worst ever car’ title Alastair Dalton (submitted by Mike Smith from news.scotsman.com) Published Date: 17 July 2008

The car is so loathed that the Top Gear team use it for spoof wood-built Hillman Imp, with 10.6 per cent. stunts. But now the has added to its cult anti- Mat Watson, editor of iMotormag.co.uk, the online motoring hero status by being voted Brit- magazine which commissioned the ain's worst car. “In the face of superior alternatives from survey, said the Allegro marked The model – once Britain's fifth Europe and the Far East, cars like the Austin the last gasp for Britain's once best-selling car – beat other ve- Allegro were the final nail in the coffin for pre-eminent car manufacturers. hicular horrors such as the Morris the once-dominant British motor industry.” He said: "In the face of superior Ital and Austin by taking alternatives from Europe and the nearly a quarter of the votes in a Far East, cars like the Austin Al- poll of 4,000 people. Despite 642,350 Allegros being sold, it was legro were the final nail in the coffin for the once-dominant reviled for rust, poor build quality and the rear window's ten- British motor industry. The Allegro was full of promise and dency to pop out. expectations, but ultimately failed to de- Early Allegros even sported a "quartic" liver." squared-off steering wheel, which was de- Mr Watson added that the "pug-faced" signed to make steering easier and providing Hillman Imp proved little better as it was extra room for the driver's legs, but this was "built as a rival to the Austin , but price, quickly dropped. build quality and reliability let this over- The car featured in a se- engineered car down." However, they were ries of hit 1970s TV shows, including The successful racing cars, dominating the Brit- Professionals, Doctor Who, The New Aven- ish Saloon Car Championship – now the gers and The Sweeney. The police even British Touring Car Championship – from bought 657 of them. More recently, it appeared in Little Brit- 1970-72. ain. Auctioneers said that well-preserved or low-mileage cars Despite the last Allegro rolling off the production line 25 from the 1970s attracted high levels of interest, despite their years ago, there are looks. more than 1,000 still The “Lack of Honour” Roll: Tim Naylor, a spokes- registered in Britain. man for British Car The Morris Ital – 1. Austin Allegro (1973-1983) 24.9% 6. Rover 200 (1984-2005) Auctions, said: "Cars described by critics as 2. Morris Ital (1980-1984) 23.4% 7. (1981-1984) from the 1970s are "gormless" – took sec- 3. Talbot Sunbeam (1977-1981) 11.5% 8. Rover 800 (1986-1999) much more fondly ond place with 23.4 4. (1947-1968) 10.7% 9. Morris 1800 (1964-1975) remembered than in per cent of votes, with 5. Hillman Imp (1963-1976) 10. Triumph TR7 (1974-1981) previous years. Cars the Talbot Sunbeam often unloved in their third with 11.5 per cent. The equally unlovely Austin Princess day are getting a rose-tinted glow. Even the Allegro has a col- was next with 10.7 per cent of votes, just ahead of the Lin- lectors' club. It shows ugly ducklings can turn into swans." MARKET: 1949 Austin A-90 Atlantic Convertible By DAVE KINNEY

Bonhams Greenwich Concours d'Elegance June 8, 2008

Left-hand drive. 2,660-cc, 88-hp, inline four-cylinder. Column-shift four- speed manual. White with burgundy leather and tan cloth top. Excellent paint and brightwork, there's no pitting to be found, including on the small bits. BF Goodrich "Long Miler" tires have some white rubber leaving the whitewalls, but still plenty of tread. The leather burgundy piped with white trim looks more like what you might find on a period Bentley than an Aus- tin. Excellent dash includes fully restored gauge faces. This has to be this planet's best Austin A-90, and now the most expensive as well.

SOLD AT $55,575 This car was the subject of a 1995 AutoWeek Escape Roads. If cute could be packaged, it would look like this Austin. Its art deco/baroque/what-were-they-thinking styling looks more like a built-to-life-size scale toy model than a serious attempt at a car. After World War II, steel was scarce in the British Isles, and export-or-perish was the order of the day. The styling was in many ways Britain's interpretation of what North America wanted in a postwar car. With room for five and a power top and windows, it was not as well received as the British sports cars of its era, the MG TD or the Austin Healey 100/4. More than 10 years since its restoration, the car still presented fresh. If you want to know the maximum price in 2008 for an A-90 convertible, here it is.

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 5 Brits ‘Round BC 2008 Celia Obrecht (Photos from http://www.oecc.ca/brbc-photos/Index.htm thanks to Pat Sparks) The night before BRBC found Steve and I loading trip note- Doug and Judy Unia who hosted us for the night. books and large bags of event shirts in our Morgan. Thank heavens for the newly installed luggage rack we got from Bob Nanaimo to Lillooet, Day 3 McDiarmid! We couldn’t have managed without it. Day three showed us the value of keeping one’s folding chairs handy. The BRBC group was able to put out chairs to Victoria to Comox, Day 1 sit in the only spot of shade while waiting to load the ferry to Day one of the tour began with Vancouver Branch partici- Horseshoe Bay. The ferry was one of the new German-made pants ferrying from Tsawasssen and gathering for a delightful models and was so quiet we could hardly notice engine noise. garden party lunch hosted by the South Island Branch at the The park where we planned our picnic lunch, Porteau Cove, home of Pat and Derrick Sparks. The day was perfect and we was filled with other sun seekers who had the same idea. Wal- enjoyed spectacular views of the islands and Mount Baker. It ter Reynolds helped the initial BRBC arrivals find parking. Later BRBC arrivals found the park completely full and a quick “executive decision” was made to head up to the Britan- nia Beach where there was ample parking and a delightful little park in the style of an old fashioned town square.

John Chapman, Alan and Mary Lou Miles, and Pat Miles join Gail Cox and others for lunch in this fantastic setting was hard to pull ourselves away, but we had places to go. The responsibility of leadership navigation weighed on me when I directed Steve to make a quick, but wrong turn only to be fol- lowed by several others. We all regrouped at Bowser and all After lunch we headed into the mountains; Whistler, arrived at Comox where some stayed in the Anco Motel and Pemberton, and the Duffy Lake Road, on what turned out to be others stayed with friends. Frank DeCarlo provided a sumptu- the hottest day of the run. Some said the temperature reached ous pig roast and unique entertainment. 44 degrees! Considering the age of our vehicles it was a testa- ment to both luck and preparation that only three experienced Comox to Nanaimo, Day 2 difficulties and that two of them completed the entire run any- We headed south to Nanaimo on 1A where we enjoyed sun way. In the late afternoon we gathered at the Mile 0 Motel in dappled with shade, and picturesque coastal views. The Cen- Lillooet and wandered down the street for great food at Dina’s tral Island Branch went all out to host the AGM. (See the

AGM article by Adele Hedges on page 10.) Steve and I enjoyed Greek Restaurant. We ended the evening with a parking lot the AGM and also had the treat of catching up with our friends party at the motel.

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 6 Lillooet to Williams Lake, Day 4 heard later that there were fireworks visible from the motel Day four continued almost as hot as the previous day, so parking lot and then lightening and rain, but this was while most chose to start through the rugged hills towards Clinton in we caught up on our sleep, lulled by the hum of the air condi- the cool of the morning. Pat and Ken Miles regretfully re- tioning unit. turned to Vancouver. Two drivers unintentionally took the same turn towards Lytton as the Miles, but realized their mis- Prince George to where? Day 6 take and caught up with us later. Several stopped at the his- The day began smoothly. By now our group was in a com- torical museum in Clinton and the group as a whole gathered fortable groove with touring. We knew and accommodated our at Chasm Provincial Park where many had picnic lunches. In variations in traveling style. Some of the styles represented Williams Lake our motel was conveniently located between the were: 1) Leave early, drive steadily and arrive early; 2) Sleep late, drive fast and arrive whenever; 3) Drive with spirit in a radio-coordinated convoy; 4) Drive independently, periodically joining up with like minded folks at points of interest. The style that fit Steve and me best was to leave at a moderate time of morning and then stop at as many interesting spots as possible, finally arriving among the last cars. On day 6, headed to Jasper, we followed our usual routine, and were surprised to find almost all the cars that had left ahead of us or passed us were stopped at the Chevron Station in McBride, the only town enroute. The road to Jasper had been closed by a landslide. All but the four earliest starting cars congregated for lunch at the McBride City Park providing an impromptu car show for the local citizens while Steve can-

Visitors’ Centre, which hosted a Show & Shine Car Show for us and the Laughing Loon Pub where we had dinner reservations.

Williams Lake to Prince George, Canada Day, Day 5 This was a perfect day for top-down touring. We wouldn’t have minded if there had been more distance between Wil- liams Lake and Quesnel. Our first group stop was LeBourdais Park in Quesnel where we intended a lunch stop and a rendez- vous with cars from Prince George. We discovered that the park was the centre of Quesnel’s Canada Day festivities, filled celled reservations in Jasper and Norm Hall worked with the with people and excitement. We enjoyed lunch on the perime- Travel Centre to find accommodations for our large group in ter of the activities and proceeded north after a detour to the the very small town. British Sweet Shop on the road to Barkerville. Between rooms at a ski lodge (opened off-season for us), a In Prince George we had a barbeque at the Railway and For- small Sandman Hotel, and a group of cabins, we all found ac- estry Museum, generously hosted by the Northern Interior commodation although we were unable to contact any of those Branch of the club. After dinner there was a Show & Shine who went on ahead due to lack of cell phone coverage. That that included other Prince George car clubs as well, and then a evening some of us enjoyed a campfire, some a parking lot drive when the mosquitoes became too earnest. Steve and I party, or both if we so chose. Some enjoyed our unexpected stop so much that there was talk of a planned rest day in a future BRBC.

McBride to Lake Louise Village via Jasper, Day 7 Today we regrouped with the cars that had been ahead when we stopped in McBride. These folks had detoured south to find rooms in Vailmount. The landslide, which we passed in a single lane, was impressive. We added kilometers to our day in order to rejoin our planned schedule for Lake Louse Village and our reservations at the Lake Louise Inn. The Ice Fields Parkway was a splendid drive and even with added distance there was time for at least a few tourist stops for those who were so inclined. Steve and I drove up a rough road to Mt. Edith Cavelle with Norm & Joyce Hall and Alan & Mary Lou Miles. The reward at the end was a most spectacular moun- tain practically our laps. The famous mountain parkway took a toll on some of us: one car broke down temporarily, one car limped in with electrical problems, and one speeding ticket was dispensed. Pat Jones provided an ingenious fix to the broken down car, his second save on that particular vehicle.

Lake Louise Village to Revelstoke, Day 8 U.S. Independence Day was sunny but the weather was pre- dicted to turn. Cars went in small groups to explore the area. We joined forces with Pat & Derrick Sparks, Alan & Mary Lou Miles, Pat Jones & Elaine LaFountaine, Clayton Sach (from Edmonton), and Al & Irene Thompson to explore Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. We succeeded in our goal but also explored a lot more of the right bank of a road- side near Moraine Lake than we in- tended because our Morgan’s oil cap blew off. The cap was found by Al Thompson much forward of where we thought it had landed, and the occa- Ken and Lorraine Finnigan for their many contributions to sion was promptly memorialized in restoring old English cars over the years. Wayne Peddie pre- verse by Irene Thompson who wrote sented a Winkworth bell from the OECC to the Kamloops Vin- verse throughout the trip (see page tage Car Club to help in bringing the Austin ambulance back 9). The weather turned rainy be- in truly original style. Linda Harris presented a BRBC friend- tween Golden and Revelstoke, the ship quilt to us, Celia and Steve. Linda sewed the quilt which only rain that occurred during driv- has an English car theme and was signed by almost all of the ing time on BRBC 2008. BRBC participants. Then we were treated to the much antici- By the time we reached Revelstoke pated vocal performance of Irene and Al Thompson, backed by our Morgan was making a grinding a the OECC Singers (see page 9). Soloists and back-ups per- noise from the rear axle calling for some parking lot wrench formed Irene’s BRBC 2008 song, which recorded our trip in work led by Bill verse for posterity and filled the shop with wit, laughter and Grant who joined music. Afterwards some toured through Kamloops while oth- the tour at that ers visited with friends old and new. evening. Norm Hall’s TR7 Kamloops to home (or Hope), Day 10 needed a new This was the day after the official end of the event, but no alternator, and one seemed to be in a hurry to break up the group. However, Octagon Motors some people had more pressing needs to get home than others. shipped one Our group stayed mostly intact past Quilchena on 5A and into overnight deliv- Merritt where we lunched at the A&W. Then we separated ery from Vancou- into three smaller groups; one continuing on 5A to Princeton ver. At dinner and on Hwy 3 through Manning Park, another heading for that evening, Spence’s Bridge and the TransCanada, and the third picking Steve and I were honored by Robert Atkins and the other up the Coquihalla to the TransCanada. We were in the 5A to Brits who sang the U.S. National anthem, leaving off singing Princeton group and found that stretch of road to be among the before “the unpleasantness” about “bombs bursting in air.” most scenic of the trip. Some interesting looks were directed our way. Those who could linger regrouped at the Skagit Motor Inn in Hope. This is a favorite stop for BRBC; it and the Riverland Revelstoke to Kamloops, Day 9 Motel are the only two accommodations that have been booked The new alternator arrived as promised and was installed for all three BRBC events. The Skagit Motor Inn sits quietly gratefully. We had only a short distance of touring that day so off the main route through Hope, shaded by tall Douglas Firs. Steve and I shopped in the farmers’ market with the Miles and The management provided us with a table, set in the grass walked through the historic homes area of Revelstoke where behind some of the units, and several of us went to town to we met Bill and Susanna. We left town together and had a lazy pick up food. Our picnic included fried chicken and fries (Celia lunch in a small park on the shore of Shuswap Lake. In Kam- and Steve), pizza (Norm and Joyce Hall), an ice cream cake loops we arrived at the Riverland Motel in the late afternoon (Dave Harris), and numerous snacks and appetizers that ap- and relaxed in the shade watching the river roll by us. The peared “loaves and fishes" style from the depths of vehicles. Thompson Valley Branch put on a yummy barbeque with All this came at the bargain price of $7.50 per couple. steak, chicken and Lorraine Finnigan’s delicious homemade After supper Robert Atkins took center stage and applied carrot cake. the skewer of his tongue to several of our tender spots. We After dinner we toured across the river and ended up at the lingered on until the darkness and chill forced us to retreat to location of an Austin ambulance that is being restored by the our rooms. Kamloops Vintage Car Club. Since Kamloops was the official The next day many of us breakfasted together, said our final end of the BRBC 2008 Tour, we had festivities and presenta- good byes, and headed reluctantly for the real world. And we’re tions. Wayne Peddie presented the OECC Montague award to looking forward to BRBC 2010!

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 8 Brits 'Round BC Verses to OECC Song by Irene Thompson (CIB) (to the tune of There is a Tavern in the Town)

CHORUS: Oh, we are the OECC And we are so free and easy That we wave to total strangers, as we drive on by We love to drive our English car, English car We drive around both near and far, near and far, far, far We have a grand old time with lots of fun Whenever we go on a run, on a run

Verse 1, Sunday the 29th of June Irene Thompson leads the OECC Singers (Darla Millard, Candy Francis, Al The sun was really beating down Thompson, Marge Sabourin, Linda Harris, and Mary Lou Miles) as they sing As we drove from town to town and dance in Kamloops. The Austin ambulance being restored by VCCC We did a slow burn (for which OECC donated a Winkworth bell) is in the background. As it baked us to a turn Made us crispy crunchy brown

Verse 2, Sunday (continued) Verse 8, Tuesday (continued) Verse 14, Thursday (continued) The third day had its share of woe Then that night, the Prince George crew Suddenly we had been hurled Kenny’s car, it would not go Gave us all a Bar B Que In a picture postcard world The tremendous heat Then the Mozzies came It took our breath away Left his engine feeling beat I guess they weren’t to blame When the grandest sight that day And nobody could find a tow They thought they’d been invited too The great Mt. Robson was unfurled

Verse 3, Sunday (continued) Verse 9, Wednesday Verse 15, Thursday (continued) Laura had a big surprise Now the driving was a breeze Through soaring mountains next we went In the jetted tub she lies We gobbled up the miles with ease Those Ice fields were the main event She jumped up with a yell Then we were so shocked Robert went at the double When Oscar rang the bell To hear the road was blocked Got a ticket for his trouble The water spurted to the skies And our tour was in a freeze Then Oscar’s petrol was all spent

CHORUS CHORUS CHORUS

Verse 4, Monday Verse 10, Wednesday (continued) Verse 16, Thursday (continued) The sun was climbing in the sky Seems there was a big mudslide Ken, he had his troubles too As we drove through hills that were so dry Our hopes of getting through now died But this time, knew what to do Then gradually the green We were in a plight So we all came in Came back upon the scene And were forced to spend the night Some even had a swim And verdant forests filled the eye In the village of McBride Then we sat and had a chat or two

Verse 5, Monday (continued) Verse 11, Wednesday (continued) Verse 17, Friday Margie really felt the heat We were treated with such care Steve drove around in Lake Louise When we all sat down to eat Human kindness everywhere His oil cap flew off in the breeze It was time to go We had a slap-up meal A great big wild goose chase She stood up really slow That really was a deal in the forest then took place Cause she got stuck to her seat A pen and pin came from the Mayor But Al Thompson found it with great ease

Verse 6, Tuesday (Canada Day) Verse 12, Everyday Verse 18, Friday (continued) A Boy Scout gave us pins and flags Every night he’s looking for Then the rain got settled in As we ate our lunch from bags A place that’s higher than before Tops went up and folks went in It was Canada Day It’s Robert Atkins “Hat” We didn’t like the stuff We proceeded on our way It only matters that We found the weather rough In little sports cars, what? No Jags?! It’s put a long way from the floor But we took it on the chin

CHORUS CHORUS Verse 19, Saturday Our thanks to Celia and to Steve Verse 7, Tuesday (continued) Verse 13, Thursday I find it so hard to believe No trip could ever be complete We were early starting off All the work they’ve done Without a little something sweet When Oscar’s car gave off a cough To give us this great run And so we made a stop It died without a sound And now it’s time for us to leave At the British candy shop The guys all gathered round And bought ourselves a yummy treat And sorted out, all of the rough

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 9 AGM 2008 Report Adèle Hedges (CIB)

Central Island Branch members returned home on Friday after Frank DeCarlo’s Pig Roast in Courtney and met up with everyone at Northfield Road for the start of the Mini-Monte which was organized by Malcolm and Jan Hargrave. This gave our visitors a very good tour of Nanaimo, which ended up at the German Hall for the AGM. Here Dennis & Darla had set up Garden Races which were enjoyed by many. Pictures of some of our cars mounted on sticks and shaking of dice determined the moves. I wonder how many people won with our Jaguar! Larry and Virginia could be heard singing and playing some wonderful songs for our entertainment. I must now commend Doug Bainbridge, Martyn Green and Malcolm & Janet Hargrave and Dennis & Darla Millard for making this a most enjoyable AGM, as well as Larry & Virginia who have since rejoined CIOECC. Of course, our Success! The CIB has fully funded the very own Wayne Peddie for making the actual AGM go so smoothly. $2000 Nigel Muggeridge Park Bench After the games everyone assembled for the Memorial. Congratulations to the commit- actual AGM. Minutes and various reports were tee and the CIB and thanks to all donors! read and then election of new officers. Only two current officers were stepping down, myself as Treasurer and Gerry Parkinson as Secretary. Marie Cedar of CIB is now Treasurer and Pat Miles of VCB, Secretary. Awards were then announced. Francis Muggeridge accepted a post humus award of the OXO cup for Nigel, the winners of the Lord Montagu award was announced – Ken & Lorraine Finnigan of Thompson Valley Branch (later presented in Kamloops on BRBC tour). For those newer members, I would like to mention the Link Award is chosen by members of the branch sponsoring the AGM and Irene Thompson was the most deserving member for all her very entertaining verses of events throughout the year which are performed at our annual banquet and also Irene makes up verses at the drop of hat for other occasions also. Ken and myself were the recipients of the Dennis Smith Memorial Mini-Monte Trophy. Spice of Life caterers provided an excellent buffet and bar service was also good. South Island Branch will be hosts next year. Afterwards everyone assembled outside for a group photo.

AUTOJUMBLE Trivia Quiz English Cars & Parts Les Foster For Sale and Wanted (more ads are at oecc.ca/vcb under the Autojumble menu) What British vehicle of the 1950s is this 1958 MG Magnette MK III. FREE collection of parts with registra- tion. Find a donor Austin or Morris Farina to make a car. Steve Dig- Lucas side lamp on? gins, 604-294-6031. Send responses to 1962 Vauxhall FB Victor. the Editor. FREE—for restoration. Call Rob Currington, 604-532-0035. The answer will be in the next 1970 . RHD. Man- Roundabout! ual transmission with overdrive (rare in North America). Original V8 in pieces. Transmission and drive train out of car. Soft and WELCOME TO OECC WHISTLER RUN OVERNIGHT hard tops. Great 2+2 dark blue body. Stored dry. Manuals. $4,500,

offers considered, or trade for what have you. Jurgen, 604-737-8065 Stephen & Sheila Join us Sept. 20 for the Whistler Run and an optional tour on to Lillooet for a night at the Mile or [email protected]. Morris’ 1998 XJ8 0 Motel ($65 / 1-888-766-4530 / ask for OECC 1977 Jaguar XJ12L. Silver/blue, VGC, Aircared, low mileage. rate) and dinner at Dina’s Greek Restaurant. Should easily qualify for collector plates. Selling due to limited park- Tour home Sunday via Lytton or Cache Creek. ing. All reasonable offers considered. David at 778-737-2941 or Questions? Contact Steve Hutchens, 360-733- [email protected]. (3/4) 3568 or [email protected].

Secretary: Dennis Nelson Phone Committee Chief: Michael Smith AT THE WHEEL [email protected] - 604-599-9032 [email protected] - 604-936-8674 Chairperson: Ken Miles New memberships and correspondence: Roundabout Editor: Steve Hutchens [email protected] - 604-576-8036 10932 Scarborough Drive, Delta, BC V4C 7X1 [email protected] - 360-733-3568 Vice-Chairperson: Steve Hutchens Good & Welfare: David Ballantine Newsletter articles, photos, and other content: [email protected] - 360-733-3568 [email protected] - 604-980-4120 2090 N Shore Road, Treasurer: Elaine Lafontaine ICBC/AirCare Liaison: Fred Bennett Bellingham, WA 98226-7864 [email protected] - 604-591-3332 604-939-1773 / Fax 604-939-1753 Roundabout Printing & Distribution: Membership renewals: Meetings & Events Coordinator: Richard Taylor #73-8190 King George Highway, Steve Diggins - 604-294-6031 [email protected] - 604-298-9346 Surrey, BC V3W 5B7

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 10