VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2 Mar-Apr 2011 INSIDE THIS ISSUE UPCOMING EVENTS June 7—Branch meeting, Old Spa- April 10—Fort Langley Run (contact ghetti Factory, New Westminster of Branch Members-Shaw 2 Walter for more info ) June 12, run to Squamish and visit Hearts’N’Tarts 2011 4 April 17 — St. George’s Day show Britannia Mine Museum (Contact British Toy Cars 5 put on by the L.A.M.B. car club. Lorna for more details) The Car Collector 7 Contact Bence or register at June 11-June 27 -California Cruisin’ Made In Dagenham 8 www.lambscarclub.com -Drive to California organized by the Cars 9 May 3 — Branch meeting at Fraser Central Island Branch, contact Marge Branch Meeting Minutes 10 Valley Historic Railway, Surrey at 250-753-9168 or Branch Exec. Meeting Minutes 11 (pending verification) [email protected] for more Welcome To OECC 12 May 21 - Vancouver ABFM info. Autojumble /At The Wheel 12 May 22—Vancouver Whistler Run

Steve McVittie who runs the Celtic Treasure Chest A Message From Our Chairman stores and organizes the St. Patrick‘s Day Parade is LBR—New Route for 2012 ! putting this together. He is also going to do promotion for it and has space in three newspapers and a radio London to Brighton Com- station. memorative Run - A new starting venue, a new route In regards to promoting the L to B to other British car and a new destination owners I hope to start at the Vancouver ABFM. I will venue. The L to B is our ask to have a flyer put in the entrant‘s package. I am branch‘s premier event and sure all this will add up to a very special event which after consulting with other will draw more people . It will be more convenient be- members who have been ing closer to greater Vancouver and closer to the fer- involved with organizing it I ries. have come up with a plan to Steve Diggins, Chairman continue and possibly im- prove the run. The plan is as follows: New Events For Vancouver ABFM

- The starting venue will be Rainbow Station in North This year‘s Vancouver All British Field Meet will take Burnaby. This is a good location closer to greater Van- place on Saturday, May 21st and will honour the Tri- couver than before and is ideal for parking and regis- umph TR6. The show will also pay tribute to pre-1987 tration. There are two good size parking lots adjacent Rovers plus recognize Triumph Bonneville Motorcy- to Rainbow Station. cles. - The route will be east on Hastings up Burnaby Moun- New events for the ABFM this year include the Clas- tain, down Gaglardi Way, up Cariboo Hill on to sic Car Sales Corral McBride which leads onto the Patullo Bridge, down which will take place at wrecker row (Scott Road) on to River Road down to 32nd and Oak St. Ladner Trunk Road and turn east. At this point it (Canadian Blood Ser- picks up the route of last year until coming to 16th vices parking lot) on the Ave. Head east to 216th Street and head south doing day of the show. Also, part of the previous year‘s route in reverse and passing Sunday, May 22nd will the park where we have the pit stop. Ending up on 8th see the debut of the new Avenue heading west we will enter White Rock at the Vancouver Whistler Run. south east end. There had been plans for - Destination Venue - White Rock, east beach. We have a four day Vancouver— an event sponsor, The Celtic Treasure Chest, who will Whistler—Okanagan help with parking arrangements and will also organize tour but this has now a Celtic event to compliment our display of British ve- been postponed to May, hicles. This would include various displays of goods 2012. crafts, dancing and possibly a marching pipe band. This location provides such amenities as fish and chip Details and registration shops, a pub, other restaurants and picnic tables by the forms available at seaside. Yes, just like Brighton. www.westerndriver.com

thump the door pillar on my left when the trafficator Cars of Branch Members wouldn‘t work. I also had to thump one of the head- and their Stories lights before starting off because it didn‘t like work- ing, and because the fuel pump wouldn‘t always work By Walter Reynolds correctly, I had to thump it too. The usual cycle was: Open the bonnet, thump the fuel pump; thump the headlight; start the car and before pulling out, thump the pillar for the trafficator.‖ The Car Collection of Bart and Audrey Shaw

This month we tell the story of Bart and Audrey’s col- lection of cars. Although they have been mainly Brit- ish, one was an Italian.

This then is Bart and Audrey’s story.

Wolseley 6/80(Classic Car Encyclopedia photo)

One good point of the Wolseley was that it had a pull- up rear window blind. The pull cord for the blind ran up the rear window, across the ceiling from the rear and ended at a ring on the ceiling which one pulled towards the front windshield to raise the blind.

We decided that a newer car was needed, one which was easier for Audrey to drive. We bought a 1960‘s Bart and Audrey with the other “top” up (Bart photo) Triumph Herald .

When we got married, I had a company car, but we needed a car for Audrey. We bought an early 1950s Wolseley 6/80.

This became Audrey‘s daily driver. However, at the time, she didn‘t have her driver‘s licence. After prac- ticing driving, it was time for her to take the test. The examiner insulted me. He failed Audrey and sug- gested that if she came back with a ―proper‖ car, he would be more than pleased to re-examine her driv- ing.

[Audrey] “I found that the car was cold in the pas- senger seat and complained to Bart. He was fine on his side of the car – he had heat.‖ [Bart] “I lifted up the carpet on the floor of the passenger side at the front and found four holes in the floor. It turns out Triumph Herald Convertible (Motorbase.com photo) that these holes originated from when the car was a right hand drive. When the conversion to left hand What an enjoyable car to own. I could carry all my drive occurred, no one filled in the holes that were left drums in it, with the top down, of course! When we in the floor.‖ bought the car, it needed a valve grind. One of my friends from the pipe band did the work for me. He The Wolseley was not the easiest of cars to drive and was used to working on North American cars. He this wasn‘t helped by its quirks. [Audrey] “I had to

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 2 really enjoyed working on the Herald because once the We have all the Triumph‘s work done at Thistle Motors bonnet was raised he had full access to the engine com- in Ladner (nice and convenient). We‘ve taken the TR4 partment and suspension bits, and, as a bonus, he could on many Club runs and have taken it on two ―Brits sit on one of the front wheel tires as he worked. Round BC‖ runs. Audrey liked driving the Herald and would often take the kids to Deer Lake Park for an outing.

When it came time to replace the Herald, we bought a 1968 Fiat 124 Coupe. This car had a 5-speed transmis- sion and all-round disc brakes. What it also had was a fondness to rust. At the same time as we owned the 124, our daughter owned a Fiat X19.

Restored TR4A. (Bart photo)

With Audrey‘s new knee, we started looking for a Brit- ish saloon car. At the 2010 Fort Langley Run, we looked at Brian Lees‘ Jaguar . We liked what we 1969 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe 1600 cc. (Wikipedia.com saw. As chance would have it, Brian decided to sell the photo.) Jaguar and contacted us to see if we were interested in buying it. We shared the same Fiat mechanic, Frank Clemente.

Because we both had our cars in his care so often, we considered him to be ‗almost‘ a member of the family!

On the first Sunday of November, 2000, we went down to the Ladner start point of the Ladner to Bellingham Run. There we met Fred Bennett and struck up a con- versation. Through looking at all the British cars, we were re-infected with the ―British Car Bug‖. After searching for a British car to buy, but with no real plan as to what make, we found a 1966 TR4A for sale. We bought the car in July 2001, and still own it. The car required a bit of work and we consider that we ―rescued‖ it rather than bought it. A new paint job was called for, along with the removal of some rust spots. The engine was rebuilt from the cam shaft up, and a new stainless steel exhaust system was fitted.

TR4A under restoration. (Bart photo) The Shaw Jaguar. February 16, 2011. (Walter photo)

We went out to look at it. Brian let me take the car to Thistle Motors for a check (the owner owns four Jag- uars), after which we bought the car. As of today (Feb 16th) we‘ve had it for three weeks. In fact, one of our fellow condo owners, after seeing our Jaguar, went out and bought one himself – he will be joining the OECC. At this point we don‘t have much to tell about the Jag- uar, other than, at this time of the year we REALLY enjoy the heated seats! The back-up sensor is a boon too. (cont’d next page…)

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 3

One could say that we‘ve come full circle from our Wolseley days because the Jaguar also has a rear window blind.

And there we have this month’s story. The Cars of Branch Members and their Stories continues in future issues as follows (subject to change): June 2011 – Brian Lees; August 2011 – Steve Diggins: February 2012 – Alan Miles. As this section is for members, contact me if you want to tell us about your British vehicles. Otherwise, the next phone call you get may be from me.

Bart, the proud Jaguar Owner. February 16, 2011.

(Walter photo)

2011 PARTICIPANTS/CARS Hearts 'N Tarts 2011 OECC (7/5) By Steve Hutchens Bruce Smith

Elliott Sclatter Early Valentine‘s Day morning looked pretty dismal, but Hearts 'N Tarts 2011caught a break in the weather. Steve Diggins (at start) Once again this classic run was organized by Steve Blake Alan and Mary Lou Miles

and with invitations to both OECC and MOGNW. Bart and Audrey Shaw

The run departed this year from the Garden Works at Mandeville, 4746 Marine Drive in Burnaby at 11:00. BOTH CLUBS (14/7) Traffic was heavier than perhaps expected, and the cars soon became split up, yet once out of Burnaby urban con- Steve and Susan Blake fusion cars miraculously regrouped in small clusters of Steve Hutchens and Celia Obrecht three and four. The skill of the drivers and navigators Bob and Judy McDiarmid allowed for finding various tortuous routes to Ladner such that the survivors arrived with surprising precision Ken and Pat Miles at Sharkey's around noon. Win and Christine Muehling Participants enjoyed Mike and Rosemarie Powley

lunch at Sharkey‘s Bar John and Setsuko Rennie (at end) and Grill, the two clubs

mixing better than last year when they seemed MOGNW (15/8) to assemble at club- Chris Allen and Pam Mahoney specific tables. Our Les and June Burkholder group dominated Sharkey‘s and, once Laurie and Verna Fraser again, the restaurant Doug and Gill Seager

staff did a great job of Larry and Tina Sharp serving us. As we de- parted there was no Terry Sadler and Val Smith doubt that Hearts 'N Malcolm Sparrow (at end)

Tarts 2011 was a re- Ron and Yvonne Theroux sounding success. Our

thanks to Steve Blake for organizing this classic event.

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 4 Kohnstam's Moko firm. 1956 was the big Matchbox British Toy Cars: From sales success year and Yesteryear models were Britain to China launched.

By Walter Reynolds (with reference to an article in Model Auto Review News published at www.zeteo.com.)

In the first few decades following the end of World War II, and on both sides of the Atlantic, names like Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox and Meccano were as familiar with youngsters as were Shreddies, Corn Flakes and Shred- ded Wheat. From the late 1970s to the late 1990s, the British toy car industry followed the experience of the full-sized British car industry in that sales declined, as Ford Capri: Dinky; P6: Vanguard; Tram Car: did production which resulted in lost jobs and, eventu- Matchbox; Birmingham Bus: Lledo; Austin Cambridge: ally the collapse of the both industries. Corgi. (Walter photo) Lesney made so much profit, largely thanks to US dis- This is a brief story of the British toy car industry tributor Fred Bronner that they had to invest it in a which saw its start at the end of World War II and new factory in Hackney or pay it in tax. Meccano re- then its demise in the late 1990s, followed by its re- garded these toys as mere trinkets, beneath their dig- birth in China. nity to consider as competition, yet they were widely The history lesson which follows is described by Brand. distributed and for the first time working-class kids had a little money of their own to spend, and could af-

ford a Matchbox toy. In 1960, Matchbox cut the connec- LESNEY, MOKO and MATCHBOX tion to Kohnstam's Moko company and became a public company.

Lesney was a tiny die- casting firm, estab- lished by Leslie and

Rodney Smith. When Rodney left he was replaced by Jack Odell. Their first zinc die cast toys were sold in Woolworths in 1948, then in 1950, the Ko- rean war led to mate- Matchbox Ford Zodiak Mk IV. (Internet photo) rials shortages. Zinc was forbidden for non- (Richard Kohnstam of Moko then bought the Beatties military use, but in model shop chain from Colonel Beattie and became a 1952 the zinc ban was leading model distributor, as Riko, with a major por- lifted in time for tion of the business being Tamiya radio control mod- Lesney to make and els). sell a million small Coronation coach mod- In 1970 Mattel Hot Wheels hit the market and els for the 1953 Coro- Matchbox suffered a 75% drop in sales. nation. With the prof- In 1982 Matchbox went into receivership. The company its, in 1954 the first was bought by Universal of Hong Kong, and production Lesney Toys. Note plastic- Matchbox toys were moved to the far east. In 1982 Matchbox co-founder made by Lesney, and cast wheels. (Internet photo) Jack Odell founded Lledo (his last name, letters re- distributed exclusively versed), buying much of his own ex-Matchbox machin- in the UK by Richard ery from the receiver. (cont’d next page…) VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 5 In 1999 Lledo collapsed and was bought by Corgi from mechanical models. From 1957 they had die cast bases HCG, Lledo owners since 1996. on all models, and Corgi advertised on television for the first time. Today the differences between Corgi and In 1986 Matchbox bought the Dinky name from Dinky toy cars look minor, but they were big at the Kenner Parker and it was re-launched as the Dinky time, and Corgi was a great success. Collection, but the Dinky brand is not currently in use. Profitability fell rapidly in the 1970s. 1980 saw a £7m Since 1999 Mattel of the USA have owned the drop in group turnover and a loss of £3.5m (the group Matchbox brand, and thus also the Dinky brand name included Playcraft, Wembley playballs etc). 1981 saw as well. another loss of £2.75m. Job losses followed, and it was the same story in 1982. In 1983 the Northampton plant METTOY AND CORGI closed, and everything was transferred to Swansea, but After the war Mettoy had a massive factory complex in the writing was on the wall. In October 1983, Corgi Fforestfach, Swansea, Wales, provided by the Govern- called in the Receivers. ment for wartime production, but their pre-war In 1984 a management buyout set up the Corgi Toy Co. pressed metal ('tin') toys began to look dated when they which was soon taken over by Mattel. 1995 saw a Cin- were re-issued. Mettoy turned to plastics and in 1948 ven-backed management buy out. In 1999 Corgi bought tried making cast aluminium clockwork models for Lledo and Vanguards. Also in 1999, Corgi themselves Marks and Spencer. In 1950 they made some die cast were bought by Zindart of China. clockwork vehicles in different sizes. Once metal re- strictions were lifted, in 1955, the decision was made to take on Dinky head-on. THE END IS IN SIGHT In spite of the tens of thousands of toy industry jobs A pilot model was made exclusively for CWS Soft lost over a three year period 25 years ago, no British Drinks. This was a Bantam. Mettoy then gave Government support was forthcoming for the toy and the order to German toolmakers to produce a series of model industry when companies were in difficulties, zinc die cast vehicles to the best modern standards, unlike automotive, steel, shipbuilding, aerospace or with clear plastic windows, spun metal wheels and the other British industries. This may have been because option (soon after discarded) of friction motor drive. the workforce was largely female and didn't have the support of big trade unions to demand bailouts.

The British toy industry led the world with all the ma- jor brands up to that time. After this period, the fa- mous brands went to new owners and the jobs were lost to Britain for good.

Now those toy brands that still exist in the market- place are all made in China. The skills no longer exist in Britain, and anyone wanting to make mass market toys or models now has no choice other than to go to the Far East.

Mettoy’s CWS Soft Drinks Karrier Bantam.

In 1956, Mettoy launched Corgi Toys (named for the national dog of their new home in Wales) but with an initially limited range. As with Lesney and Matchbox, Meccano were at first dismissive of this interloper - scornful of the new features (plastic windows, spun silver wheels instead of Dinky's prewar style riveted axles, and opening doors, etc). They rapidly had to play 'catch-up', adding these features themselves, often a year or two later than Corgi. Chinese-made cars. Jaguar S-Type and Classic from Welly Toys. Jaguar E-Type and MGB from the Johnny Light- Retro-fitting the Dinky range with windows was not ening Playing Mantis brand. (Walter photo) always successful, as their older technology thick cast- Sources: Model Auto Review News at www.zeteo.com. ings didn't look right with plastic inserts. At first and Victus Auctions and the Internet like Dinky, Corgi had tinplate bases on their non-

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 6 His collection of Dinky Toys steadily grew until the The Car Collector day, when he was about 12, his mother did what moth- ers everywhere do to their 12-year-oldsons: she gave By Bruce Deachman, Ottawa Citizen February 27, 2011 his collection away.

Glen Robinson was ―On her own she decided that maybe she should send six years old when he some off to some cousins, and off they went. got his first Dinky toy ―I wasn‘t consulted and I wasn‘t too happy,‖ Robinson in his stocking at recalls. ―And about five years later I went and got them Christmas. Sixty-four all back.‖ years later, the re- tired civil servant still Today, Robinson‘s collection of miniature cars numbers has that initial minia- about 800, most of which fill display cabinets or are ture car, and close to positioned in small dioramas in the basement of his 800 more he's collected, as well as a couple of full-size downtown Ottawa home. ―My wife says it‘s a lot,‖ he vintage ones. jokes, adding, however, that Vicki knew what she was getting into long before they married. All these years later, Glen Robinson still recalls the sheer joy he felt when, as a six-year-old growing up in His family moved to Ottawa when he was 14, and he the small town of Olds, Alta., between Calgary and Red attended Glebe Collegiate and Carleton University be- Deer, he emptied his stocking on a mild Christmas fore a career in the public service took him through morning and out tumbled his first Dinky Toy. four federal departments. He was also involved in the formation in 1965 of the Ottawa Antique Car Club. ―It was called an Iron Horse,‖ he remembers. ―It was a little truck with a trailer on the back. I have never Throughout his adult life, he maintained his interest in seen the real thing — it was electric and was used model cars, continually expanding and improving his around railway stations and warehouses and that sort collection, while also buying and selling other toys he of thing.‖ came across. The Second World War had After retiring in 1995 at 54, he ended less than two years ear- began to spend more time at car lier — Glen was four when he and toy shows, and estimates he first met his father — and the currently goes to about six a British toy manufacturer had year, including one in Hershey, only recently resumed produc- Pennsylvania that‘s so large its tion and begun shipping their 3- visitors have to walk more than scale models to Canada and the 40 kilometres to see all of the U.S. 10,000 antique vendors who set up stalls. ―And then,‖ Robinson adds, ―I had to have another.‖ Now 70 and a father of two sons (Toby and Fraser, Subsequent visits to his grandparents home in Cal- both in their 30s), Robinson also owns a pair of vintage gary, little more than an hour‘s drive from Olds, usu- cars — a 1940 Buick and 1939 Rolls-Royce — that he ally included a visit to Osborne‘s store, where Dinky takes out for drives in the summer, and a wooden tear- Toys were sold for about 25 cents apiece. drop 1947 Fleet Cabin Car trailer — one of only 1,500 ―Every time there was a birthday or some sort of cele- made by Fleet Aircraft in a futile attempt to keep its bration, or somebody gave me some money, or Christ- Fort Erie, Ont. factory busy after the war. mas or Easter, there was always an excitement going ―I just enjoy driving them and going to events and talk- to Osborne‘s and going upstairs and looking at the se- ing to people, sharing my interest in cars with other lection. people.‖ He also used to wander into the local Oldsmobile and His Buick, he adds, was a tremendously popular Ford dealerships in those days, too, and, if he wasn‘t model, and so elicits many stories from people who see first asked to leave, he‘d pick up sales literature for the it. various new models. He still has those brochures, al- ―People often want to reminisce about their father‘s car though he‘s since had to replace the ones that he cut or their uncle‘s car or their first car, and I think I‘ve pictures from to decorate his bedroom — he fondly re- met most of the people whose fathers, aunts or cousins calls 1953 Oldsmobile Starfires and ‗55 Thunderbirds had one of these cars. (cont’d next page…) that were on his walls.

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 7 ―And they remember them; it‘s a link to their past. It making a fraction of the men‘s wage. Classed as gives people a lot of joy to think back to those times.‖ ―unskilled‖ they seek only to be up-graded to ―semi- skilled‖ but even this frightens not only the company but, Which is exactly how Robinson feels about his toy cars. ultimately, the government and tears at their family rela- tionships as well. Unsatisfied with the company-friendly ―There‘s a certain nostalgia aspect to it,‖ he admits. attitude and patronizing treatment of the big union, the ―Every time I go down the basement stairs and look at seamstress‘ union rep, Albert (played by Bob Hoskins), that display of Dinkys, they are a reminder of bygone encourages Rita in a new-found role as a strike leader. times, and also good times in terms of growing up, and Hesitant at first, she soon realizes her own potential and I still have a fondness for them. grows to become a national symbol of woman‘s justice.

―I just enjoy it, that‘s all.‖ The Prime Minister eventually delegates one of his female ministers to diffuse the situation but the Minister (played by Miranda Richardson) stands up for her sex (much to the surprise and horror of the Prime Minister and others) and brokers a deal that gives victory to the feisty Ford Movie Star Fords- “Made in women. Dagenham” Cut into the movie is period newsreel footage. An espe- cially fascinating bit is near the beginning and sets the By Les Foster scene with dramatic black and white scenes of the huge factory on the Thames, 100E‘s rolling off the line and the Just around Christmas time I like- all narrated in stirring newsreel tones backed by was perusing the local movie martial music. Later news coverage of the actual strike is listings when one jumped out introduced, too. Along the way we see Cortinas being as- at me. The listing read, ―Made sembled and at the end we are shown images of the actual in Dagenham‖. Now it is in- people that lived the events. grained in every English Ford enthusiast that the centre of ‖Made in Dagenham‖ is a very entertaining movie on its their universe is located in own merits but seeing it through the eyes of an Enfo en- Dagenham, Essex, England. thusiast adds whole new dimensions. Besides the great What else could possibly be newsreels, the movie employs period vehicles to set the made in Dagenham but Fords? era and many Cortinas and Corsairs are featured. The So you can imagine how my plant director‘s wife (a closet feminist who is tired of being interest was piqued! As soon talked down to and eventually lends Rita her best dress) as I got home I was on the computer, ―Googling‖ the drives a Cortina GT. A few older Enfos can be spotted in movie. I really didn‘t expect too much- why would anyone the background shots and iconic British vehicles are eve- make a movie that had anything to do with Enfo‘s, I rywhere. Throughout the movie there are enough non- thought? Wrong! ―Made in Dagenham‖, I learned, chroni- Ford vehicles to amuse the followers of the lesser makes. cles the 1968 strike at Ford‘s huge works, in which 187 Some scenes appear to be shot in the old buildings of the seamstresses brought Ford to its knees and shut out ―River Works‖. Perhaps as equally interesting to Enfo 55,000 male co-workers in the name of equality. enthusiasts as the cars are the revelations of Ford‘s inter- nal politics. We are given an insight into the psyche of the British autoworker of the day, struggling to be free from a linger- Although Ford of England enjoyed local autonomy, the ing class system and tired of years of post-war austerity movie portrays their executives as having to seek council but intrigued with the tantalizing prospects of great with Dearborn brass. Unable to quell the rebellion locally, change being proffered in the 1960‘s. The women workers Ford U.S.A. finally steps in directly, sends an envoy and are especially ripe for rebellion in this age of revolution- tells the Brits how it will be- or at least how they want it technical, sexual, social, political, and even musical. to be. The Yanks, fearful that this ‖equality‖ notion might infect other regions of their corporate empire, try to bully The central character of ―Made in Dagenham‖, Rita the government by threatening to move their base out of O‘Grady (played by Sally Hawkins), is a typical working Britain (something that has more or less happened now, British housewife. Her husband works in the plant, too. 50 years later) but the feisty woman cabinet minister re- She toils not only in the factory but at home- shouldering buffs them. almost all the domestic duties before and after her shift in an age before women‘s liberation had redefined relation- ―Made in Dagenham‖ combines nostalgia with inspiration ships and family duties. Rita somewhat reluctantly agrees to produce a winning combination that makes it far more to present the seamstress‘ grievances to the union head. than just a ―car movie‖. Probably gone from the theatres The women workers spend their days crammed into an by now, watch for this cinematic gem to appear on DVD at old building that leaks when it rains and is so hot in the your local video store or own it yourself from Amazon.com. summer that they sew in their underwear- all this while

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 8 Bristol Cars collapses into administration By Tim Pollard, Motor Industry, 04 March 2011 Submitted by David Ballantine

Bristol Cars has collapsed into administration, it emerged overnight. The curio car maker from Bristol just couldn't make ends meet as sales dried up and the company's di- rectors were forced to call in the administrators when it couldn't afford to keep the business alive. Recovery specialists RSM Tenon are handling the admini- stration and hope to find a buyer for Bristol as a going concern. Cars will still be sold and serviced during the process, but a spokesman confirmed that all 20 jobs had already been lost at the Bristol factory, as well as two of the seven in the London showroom. Chairman of Bristol Cars Toby Silverton said: 'It has not been possible for the company to continue to trade in its present structure and, while the decision has been taken regretfully, I am confident that a future for the business will be found.' Bristol Fighter T

Bristol Cars: a potted history

Bristol was founded post-war as the Bristol Aeroplane Company sought to stay afloat in peacetime. It teamed up with AFN which made sports cars, but the company that became Bristol Cars kept its links to air- craft manufacturing throughout its 65 years, with simple aluminium construction and names such as Fighter. Staple models such as the Blenheim have barely changed over the decades. CAR Magazine has long held an affection for the quirky British specialist. LJK Setright was a fan of Bristols for many years and only last year Chris Chilton wrote a feature in CAR Magazine visiting the service centre in Chis- wick, west London. He found a dusty workshop as far removed from the Porsche Centre over the A4 as is possible to imagine. Bristol truly was a car maker from another generation, and that proved an enduring appeal for a small number of fans who lapped up the exclusivity and clubby atmosphere of their handcrafted luxury cars.

The men who ran Bristol

From 1960 the company was run by car-loving eccentric Tony Crook. In a former job in London, he would drive past me each day down Kingston Hill in an imperious Blenheim on his way to work. My head would turn every time. Crook sold the company in 2001 to Silverton, who pledged to continue the company's low-key, low-volume approach from the single Kensington showroom in Lon- don. Although they never officially released sales figures, insiders suggested they were manufacturing barely 100 cars a year. Some analysts suspect that figure was actu- ally far lower. Sadly, it appears the new owner could not keep the busi- ness alive. Joint administrator Tom MacLennan said: 'Unfortunately, while there have been a number of imme- diate redundancies due to the financial position of the company, we are maintaining the sales and service op- erations so customers will continue to be supported. We would urge any interested parties to make contact with Bristol 403 us as quickly as possible and are confident that we can secure the future of this iconic British brand.

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 9 Minutes of the Vancouver Coastal Branch of tioned that this was the 30th annual run and that about the Old English Car Club of BC 200 cars of every description would take part.

Held February 1st, 2010 at Rainbow Station, Burnaby Bart Shaw asked for details of the post Van Dusen Gar- dens All British Field Meet. Ric MacDonald mentioned The meeting was called to order at 7:15 pm by the Presi- that a post meet tour was being organized with nights in dent Steve Diggins who welcomed all those (22) in atten- Merritt and Osoyoos and would have an $875 entry fee. dance. There were no new members or guests in atten- He also urged all who wished to have their cars at Van dance. Steve Diggins then stated that because the secre- Dusen Gardens to register early as they sold out (650 tary had failed to get the dues notices out in a timely fash- cars) last year. David Ballantine mentioned that the Fri- ion the early payment level of $20 annually was being day banquet at Van Dusen Gardens would cost $40 per extended, on his authority, until this evening. He then person and that he had heard some talk of less formal get went on to say that the club was still looking for a new togethers elsewhere which would cost less; but had noth- secretary. ing specific yet.

Treasurer‘s report was simply that we had roughly $4000 Bart Shaw initiated a discussion of the 2011 AGM in in the bank and that some 60 some members out of Kamloops with a run up to it. The format appears will be roughly 80 had paid their dues for 2011. a bit different from that of Comox last year, but given the previous successful and enjoyable events put on by the Secretary‘s report – none. Kamloops Branch it should be another good time. A bit of discussion about whether or not the ‗Mini Monty‘ would Events report – none as Lorna Hoare was in South Africa. be restored to the AGM; but no information was available. Steve Diggins advised that the program arranged for Someone mentioned the Father‘s Day Show & Shine at March had fallen thru and so the club would return to Heritage Park in Mission. Rainbow Station for the March 1st meeting and that he would arrange a speaker and/or prepare a program for David Ballantine then began his presentation of Pathe that meeting. News Films of the Earl‘s Court Car shows in England. The films spanned the period mid 1950‘s to the late Steve Diggins advised that the Valentine‘s Day run would happen on Saturday Feb 12 starting at 10:00 am and that 1960‘s. He had down loaded them from ‗You Tube‘. After any interested in it should phone Steve Blake to confirm the films finished David Ballantine mentioned that in the 1950‘s it took someone in the UK usually a couple of years their participation so enough space can be reserved at wait to get a new car as the priority was to export cars to Sharkies in Ladner for the after run get together. earn foreign exchange. Steve Diggins then discussed the St. Patrick‘s Day parade The business of the evening being completed the meeting in Vancouver stressing that we have to be there, March broke up about 9:00 pm. 20th, by 10:00 am for an 11:00 am start. A bit of joking occurred about the fate of English cars in an Irish parade. That the organizers had requested us to supply 2 con- Held March 1, 2011 at Rainbow Station, Burnaby vertibles for dignitaries to ride in and that any and all other cars are encouraged. He also reported that the or- 1). Steve Hutchens handed around a sheet of OECC de- ganizers had not charged us for our participation. Ques- signs for new name tags to find out which was the most tions of how the cars can be ‗signed‘ to advertise the club popular. were raised. A suggestion was made by Steve Hutchens that we purchase some magnetic signs as these have come 2). Dave Ballantine announced that he had become a down in price dramatically. Ric MacDonald mentioned Granddad this week for the third time. some OECC flags he had seen at the AGM in Comox and 3). Bart Shaw brought along a new member, Bernie Miles wondered if those could be had. who owns a Jaguar xj8. Welcome Bernie. Steve Diggins reminded everyone of the April 10th OECC 4).Steve Diggins announced that the new membership sec- th Fort Langley run and the April 17 St. Georges car show. retary was John Chapman. Richard Taylor advised that Gilbert Yarrow had surgery 5).Upcoming events: yesterday; with some teasing that Gil‘s hernia was caused by trying to kick start his old motorcycles. 5th April Club Meeting at Jelly Bean Restorations.

Fred Bennett advised that he would have reports in the 10th April Fort Langley run. Starts at 10:30 in the upcoming issue of the ‗Roundabout‘ concerning the Fort Langley car park. ‗Collector Plate Program‘ and ‗Aircare‘ and that he wel- comed any and all feedback. 7th May Lynn Valley Heritage day 11 am to 3 pm Ric MacDonald mentioned the April Tulip Rally in Wash- 21st May All British Field Meet VanDusen Gardens ington and urged participation. Steve Hutchens men-

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 10 Steve Diggins then presented a film that he found in the tary for distribution to concerning officers - Vancouver Library archives called ―Vancouver Honey- Updating the membership roster moon‖. It was a 1961 Vancouver tourist promotional film - Membership renewals - renewal forms and payments of a newly married couple cruising around the sights of will be sent directly to the secretary for processing Vancouver in a 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. There was lots of - New memberships will be handled by the secretary. This nostalgia for everyone and the film was greatly appreci- would include providing the new member with a member- ated by all. Steve also found some interesting photo‘s that ship package and name tag. he will try to get loaded onto the o.e.c.c. website.OECC - Provide all members with membership cards. Vancouver Coast Branch - Provide updated membership information to our phone committee, editor and club secretary. Lorna Hoare moved Branch Executive Meeting, held March 15, 2011 to accept the new duties of secretary as noted above. Steve Morris seconded. All present were in agreement with no In attendance were Lorna Hoare, Steve Morris, Alan major concerns. The motion was passed unanimously. Miles, John Chapman, Steve Hutchens, Bart Shaw, Colin Thanks to John Chapman who will now be referred to as Crabbe and Steve Diggins. branch secretary and vice chairman. REPORTS Other New Business Treasurer Colin Crabbe reports all is good with over Club swag from the gear box - the club is putting together $4,000 in the club account and no major expenses to be a sample kit of clothing for each branch to display. Steve paid out. Hutchens reports the details and costs of this kit will be Editor: Alan Miles reports the Roundabout is doing fine nailed down very soon. but he is always looking for new articles. All agreed that Vancouver All British Field, Saturday, May 21st. In re- Walter Reynold‘s articles about members were well done gards to an after event get together is concerned all were and very much appreciated. in agreement that last year‘s dinner at Pier 73 pub in Events: Lorna Hoare has been busy locating new meeting Richmond was successful and should be continued. venues. The April 5 meeting will be at HMCS Discovery - club picnic - the date for this will hope- Jelly Bean Auto Restorations in Surrey. The May meeting fully not conflict with a few other events in the month of will be at the Surrey Historic Train Society. Bart Shaw is July. Date yet to be set. helping Lorna secure locations. OECC/AGM Kamloops. At this point in time there is no NEW BUSINESS firm date set. However, July 23, 24 has been mentioned. Lorna Hoare, events coordinator, mentions two concerns. Position of Secretary: John Chapman has kindly agreed to One being the phoning of members not on email and how take on the position of secretary as well as wear the hat of many times should she have to do this? The second being vice chair. This dual role is not to be considered a perma- should we combine meetings with a driving event for nent fixture but a good fit for the present time. The job of some of the summer dates? After a brief discussion it was secretary should be streamlined and simplified in order to decided that Lorna will phone each member only once. focus on the very important aspect of membership. This Members not on email can get club information from a would include updating the roster, renewals and new variety of sources. Regarding club meetings and events we members. Some of the previous secretary duties will be will continue with the traditional arrangement of keeping reallocated as follows: them separate.

-the sending out of the Roundabout will be done by the Steve Morris, club communications director raised a con- editor, Alan Miles, who has agreed to do this. cern regarding our email system meeting privacy guide- lines and should we continue with emails? Discussion fol- -the membership renewal forms will be included in the lowed with the general feeling we were operating within October Roundabout issue. This is a good suggestion from the guidelines and we should continue as before. Alan. Also agreed upon was the events coordinator should pro- -the minutes of meetings will be taken by someone else, vide events and meeting information to the communica- possibly the chairman. Steve Diggins will take care of tions director, branch webmaster and Roundabout editor this. for distribution on a monthly basis. Steve Diggins pro- vided details for new arrangements for the London to Brighton Commemorative Run. There will be a new start- The aspect of vice chair being in charge of selling club ing venue, Rainbow Station in North Burnaby,. The tour swag will be done by someone else possibly the past route will travel scenic roads out to the valley and end in chairman. Steve Hutchens has agreed to carry on with White Rock. We have a local business sponsor who will this. help with parking and organize a Celtic Festival to make our very special. All present were quite pleased The duties of the secretary will be: with these new arrangements. - Correspondence to the branch will be sent to the secre-

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 11

WELCOME TO THE OECC ! AUTOJUMBLE English Cars & Parts For Sale and Wanted See more ads at oecc.ca/vcb under the Autojumble menu

1976 Triumph TR6. One owner for the last 20 years, 104,000 miles, mechanically perfect, all bills available, new tires, collector plates. ICBC agreed value: $15,000.00. $13,000.00 obo. Peter Henderson 604-682-8290

1960 Austin Cambridge original condition, in need of full restoration, located in Edmonton. Contact Peter for more info and pictures at [email protected]

1950 Thames E83W van; original, complete and re- storable; has proper papers; $1500 CDN.

Bernie and Pat Miles, Ladner, B.C. 1953 Thames E83W Estate Car; all original and very rare; missing rear seats but have measurements, 2003 Jaguar XJ8 photos, etc. for restorer to replicate; have both front seats; needs complete resto but could be combined with excellent from similar vehicle (restored many years ago but never used) to make restoration much easier. Has proper papers. $3000 CDN.including second chassis.

1952 Thames E83W chassis; restored and painted in mid-70's but never used; needs minor attention and new paint but is complete with all running gear ex- cept motor. Motor possibly available at extra cost. Papers available. $1000 CDN. Thames E83W steel pickup box and cab corners, etc. Make a pickup out of your van? Rare- $500 CDN. Lifetime collection of Thames E83W and similar up- right Enfo parts; all types of items - send your re- quests. Emile Gaston Padraig LaFontaine Les Foster [email protected] 604-999-4936 Vancouver BC Canada area

AT THE WHEEL New memberships and correspondence: Roundabout Editor : Alan Miles Chairperson: Steve Diggins 604-294-6031 1279 Brand St., Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C [email protected] - 604-272 -2145 Roundabout Distribution: Richard Taylor- Vice-Chairperson: John Chapman 5C4 [email protected] - 604-298-9346 [email protected] 604-590-3749 Immediate Past Chairperson: Steve ICBC/AirCare Liaison: Fred Bennett Treasurer: Colin Crabbe Hutchens [email protected] 360 -733- [email protected] - 604-590-621 3568 604-939-1773 / Fax 604-939-1753 Membership renewals: 864 83 Ave., Delta, Event and Meeting Coordinator: Good & Welfare: David Ballantine BC V4C 2H5 Lorna Hoare [email protected] - 604-980-4120 Secretary: Bill Aaroe 604-942-7746 [email protected] - 604-584-2564 Website Editor: David Austin [email protected] Communications Coordinator: Steve Mor- '[email protected]' 360-752 2200 ris [email protected] 604-574-9833

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 1 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 12