Sound and Fury Les Foster

Home , Fort Langley, Tsawwassen

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2 MARCH-APRIL 2008 INSIDE THIS ISSUE UPCOMING EVENTS EDITOR’S BIT BRBC Update ...... 10 Tue., May 6, 7:00: Meeting at Join me in a big “THANKS!” to the Executive Meeting Minutes ...... 2 Richmond Frame & Alignment, Roundabout Contributors Fort Langley Run...... 7 7960 River Road, Richmond Honour Roll of 2007: Fred Ben- Garage Tour...... 8 Sat., May 17: VanDusen ABFM; Post- nett, Steve Blake, Joe Carroll, John Happy 70th Birthday, E83W ...... 3 ABFM event TBA on May 6 Chapman, Fred Cirillo, Steve Diggins, Jaguar-Land Rover Deal ...... 6 Tue., June 3, 7:00: Meeting at Roma Les Foster, Bill Grant, Carl Knorr, My First MG ...... 6 Hall, 940 Ewen Avenue, New West Alan Miles, Ken Miles, Pat Miles, Win OECC AGM Nanaimo...... 7 Fri., June 27, 9:00: BRBC ferries to Muehling, Dennis Nelson, Walter Positive Earth ...... 9 Swartz Bay; PM: Comox pig roast Reynolds, Mike Smith, Pat Sparks, Tramcars in Birmingham...... 4 Sat., June 28: AGM in Nanaimo (p. 7) Chris Walker, Karen Whitworth, and VCB AGM Meeting Minutes...... 2 Sun., June 29: VCB meets BRBC for Roy Wilkins. Without them we would- Welcome to OECC...... 10 lunch or picnic (details by June 3) n’t have had a Roundabout! Sound and Fury Les Foster

… a poor player index to the magazine. ver, B.C. The film may premiere at That struts and frets his hour upon the stage After only a modicum of Cannes in May, 2008, and appear in And then is heard no more. It is a tale eyestrain I found what I theatres after that. It will be the duty Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, was looking for: “The Tak- of all red-blooded Sidevalvers to see Signifying nothing. ing of the Stone of Destiny (and hear) it! W. Shakespeare, Macbeth (How small Fords played The actual sound recording session their part”) in the October was both fun and interesting. Appropri- My Thames pickup has strut its hour 2004 Pre War Register by Yvon Pre- ately the sound technician, Pat Haskill upon the stage and it was, indeed, full cieux. This excellent narrative tells the from DBC, showed up driving an older of sound and fury. A Vancouver, B.C. true story of the Stone of Destiny or Ford Probe. Pat followed my Thames sound production company, DBC Sound The Stone of Scone. The subject of Inc., approached the Vancouver Coast many legends, the stone was definitely Branch of the Old English Car Club of the sacred seat upon which Scottish B.C. with hope of finding a Ford E493A kings sat for their coronations and its Prefect whose sounds they could record removal to Westminster Abbey as a for use in a motion picture. An email prize of war by the English King Ed- containing the request from Jeff Davis ward I in 1296 was a sore point for the of DBC Sound was read out at our Feb- Scots for centuries. The Stone of Des- ruary 2008 meeting and as the only tiny’s liberation by four Scottish uni- Ford sidevalve owner present, I agreed versity students driving two 8 H.P. to contact Jeff. Ford cars on Christmas Day, 1950, and I learned that the movie in question, its harrowing repatriation to Scotland “The Stone of Destiny,” already shot on has, itself, become modern legend. location in Glasgow and London, appar- Yvon identified the two vehicles used to ently featured the main characters us- execute the raid and transport the al- pickup from my home in Tsawwassen, ing a Prefect throughout the film. Al- most 400 pound stone as a Ford 7Y B.C. (a southern suburb of Vancouver) though we do have an E493A in the (about 1938) and a newer E04A Anglia. down the hill to the flat Fraser River Branch, the owner, Elliot Sclater, was Having not seen the film footage, I can- delta lands of the Ladner area. We away on vacation and time was of the not say definitely that the 7Y and the drove a few miles out into the farm essence. I explained to Jeff that I Anglia are being represented by an owned an English Ford pickup truck E493A in the movie but this is what (my 1951 E83W steel box pickup) which I’ve been led to believe. used the same engine and gearbox as a Seeking more information I went to Prefect and was generally similar in the Internet where the ‘Playbackonline’ construction. I did caution him that it website told me that the movie stars was probably a bit louder than the car Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting, Human due to its short exhaust system and Trafficking), Billy Boyd (The Lord of lack of interior upholstery! “OK!” said the Rings), Kate Mara (Shooter) and Jeff and a recording date set for Febru- Charlie Cox (Stardust) in Rob Merilees’ ary 13th, a day forecast to be sunny. Infinity Features production directed Meanwhile my excitement was build- by Charles Martin Smith. Co- ing! I recalled reading something about production in the U.K. was by Mob a famous Scottish stone with a Ford Films of London. The budget was put at area and found a little-used road. The connection in the Ford Sidevalve Own- 13 million dollars, none of which, sadly, equipment was simple: a portable re- ers Club magazine, Sidevalve News, a trickled down to me. Post-production corder and a large, muffled, micro- while back. My first step was to use my (this is where my Thames comes in) phone. At Pat’s direction I made many computer to search the comprehensive included DBC Sound here in Vancou- (Continued on page 3)

Executive Meeting Minutes and also inviting all English pre-war application would include tick boxes to car owners. indicate whether the person prefers – February 19, 2008 The welcoming of new members was contact , the words “Do you wish to be discussed and a procedure has been phoned directly [ ] or emailed [ ] regard- Treasurer’s report: the general opin- developed. Information from member- ing information as to where the next ion of the group was that the club is in ship applications will be sent the Editor meeting is and when upcoming events very good financial shape. A short dis- who will make name tags and add the are happening.” would be added to the cussion of Ladner to Bellingham old information to a “Welcome to OECC” form. How we get an update on current expenses led to resolution. It was asked column in the Roundabout. Welcome member’s desires was not discussed, that the fiscal year be moved from No- packets will be developed and brought but could be handled partially at the vember to November to a year which to the next meeting to be given to the general meeting. follows the normal annual calendar. new members. The packets will in- Ladner to Bellingham 2008 (?) will Steve Diggin’s moved that the treas- clude: have volunteers for a committee solic- urer’s report be accepted, and Fred • A welcome letter from our chairper- ited at the AGM. Volunteers for the Bennett seconded. There was unani- son OECC – BC Triumph Challenge event mous agreement. • A Welcome to OECC brochure from will also be solicited. Christmas party The budget for the next year was the Society with info on all branches will be discussed at the AGM, with discussed and the general summary • Membership cards ideas ranging from a carol ship to was that we have a significant float so • Name tags Roma Hall (upper rooms). that, over the next four years, we might • OECC window decals (inside and In attendance: Ken Miles, Fred Ben- plan to spend a little more than the out) nett, Bart Shaw, Michael Smith, dues bring in and still maintain the • Discount cards Elaine, Lafontaine, Steve Diggins, and desired level of cushion. Some very in- • A recent OECC Society roster Dennis Nelson. Missing due to injury, teresting club events were discussed • Meetings information Steve Hutchens. With seven members with a few remaining alive. One major • A recent Roundabout present, there were usually six conver- addition to the club’s plans for 2008 is If the new member isn’t at that sations underway. an event at HMCS Discovery in Stanley meeting, the packet will be mailed. Park on Sunday, July 20th, with the The phone list and process was dis- Dennis Nelson objective of inviting a second car club cussed, and a revision to the applica- Secretary-Registrar each year (the selection on rotation), tion form was agreed to. The revised OECC Vancouver Coast Branch Vancouver Coast Branch Annual General tannia Shipyard, in thanks for their great hospitality during the Valentine’s Day drive, Elaine seconded, all agreed, and Meeting Minutes – March 4, 2008 Lorna will deliver a $50 donation. The “new members” kit was explained, and the first one Despite the fact that it was hard for the Chair to get the was handed out, and the other four were to be mailed. attention of members, as 20% can't hear and 45% don’t listen, As is the tradition, the entire elected Executive stepped we nevertheless persevered with our annual AGM. Several down in hopes that someone would replace them. As often issues coming out of the Executive Meeting were dealt with. happens, this was a faint hope. Showing that they must get Firstly, plans for the November Branch event were discussed. along, each of the Executives agreed to stand for election Agreement was almost unanimous for planning to not cross again, and no one even tried to get in the way. the border on this run for the next three years, due to the Elected by acclimation: Peace Arch expansion project, which will pressure all cross- Ken Miles: Chair ings. Volunteers for the organizing committee are Steve Steve Hutchens: Vice Chair Hutchens, Bence McIntyre, Italo Cirrilo, and Bart Shaw. Dennis Nelson: Secretary-Registrar Steve Diggins volunteered to organize the OECC-BCTR Elaine Lafontaine: Treasurer Challenge. And for the non-elected positions, we continue with: The Christmas party was discussed, with options ranging Steve Diggins: Meeting and Events Coordinator from Carol Ships to the Sullivan Hall. Italo will check out Steve Hutchens: Newsletter Editor what would be available in the small room at Roma Hall for Richard Taylor: Newsletter Distribution $25 and $35 dinners. Mike Smith: Phone Committee Sunday July 20th event at the HMCS Discovery with a Fred Bennett: ICBC/Aircare Liason guest club was explained. All day event, BBQ available, so David Ballantine: Goodwill & Welfare bring hot dogs for lunch and steaks for dinner. Free-form tim- Past-Chair: Bart Shaw ing is expected. A croquet tournament is planned. OECC pays And with the closing of the meeting, a picture was taken of for the parking and the BBQ facility. The first guest club will the renewed Executive group, some members updated their be the BCTR, followed in the next year by the MOG. No liq- roster information, others paid their dues, and a few glasses uor on the premises, unless you are buying it from their bar. were raised. See the photo of the new Executive on page 10. The treasurer presented the financial results for the year. The club is carrying a “good float.” Lorna Hoare moved that Dennis Nelson the report be accepted, David Ballantine seconded, and the Secretary-Registrar motion was carried. OECC Vancouver Coast Branch Lorna Hoare moved that we make a donation to the Bri-

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 2 (Continued from page 1) noises as you will if you are out with a soundman! Pat was constantly bemoan- passes up and down the road making ing high flying jets, honking geese, or as much and as varied noise as possi- the wind singing in the power lines that invaded his earphones but were completely unnoticed by me. After a couple of hours of this furious activity, Pat climbed into the Thames’ tiny cab and assumed the semi-fetal position dictated by the lack of a passenger foot- well in order to record the sounds from an occupant’s standpoint. I must say that he was brave and did not exhibit The hobby of old vehicles has the any of the usual fear that many people, ability to take you many places and raised in a world of safety belts and connect you with many things that you airbags, often show when riding in old might otherwise never experience. vehicles. He was quite enthusiastic Some people call our cars and trucks about the sounds he captured- “as loud “time machines”. In this case I’ve been ble. The idea was to collect a wide vari- as outside”, he said. A fitting descrip- hurled back through 1950, to 1296 and ety of sound samples for their lab to tion of the decibel levels of an E83W beyond! work with. To this end I shifted up and interior! The next step was to return I look forward to the movie’s debut down, made slow and ‘high’ (remember home to record a bit of door closing, and I’ve promised my wife that I will this is an E83W) speed runs, reversing, gear shift action, starting and of course, make every effort not to jump up in the starting, stopping, idling and so on. the distinctive “neep, neep” of the theatre and scream, “Listen, that’s my You’ll never be as aware of background Clearhooter horn. truck!!” Happy 70th Birthday, E83W Les Foster March 22nd, 1938, saw the introduc- themes. The grill is a clone of the 1937 with characteristics tailored to the Brit- tion of the Ford Model E83W truck. U.S. Ford trucks and the door window ish needs, the E83W dipped heavily The longest-produced of the famous and beltline treatment was pure 1935 into existing parts bins and it uses a “small Fords” and the only civilian Ford car. Underneath, the E83W has surprising number of parts from its model made throughout the Second been described as a “study in classic bigger American cousins as well as its World War, the last E83W rolled out of Fordisms” and any enthusiast of early British siblings. Dagenham in September, 1957. domestic Fords will recognize the The E83W was an immediate success Ford was just introducing a new but production had barely gotten un- coding system when the E83W was derway when war broke out. The coming out and its model designation truck’s war record was quite impressive translated thus: with service as ambulances, crew · “E” England buses, fire vehicles, and the ubiquitous · “8” 1938 canteen vans that aided Blitz survivors · “3” 10 h.p. engine or fortified aircrews and dockers in · “W” forward control those bleak years. The E83W was sold under the After the war was won, the peace had name “Fordson” until 1952 in Britain to be paid for. The E83W went abroad when the “Thames” name was bor- as the “Thames” to earn cash for the rowed from the export models which “Export or Die” campaign. In Canada had already been using that moniker and the U.S. the Thames ½ Ton sold for a number of years. from 1948 through 1953. Other E83Ws The E83W was a purpose-built went all over the world and, of course, commercial vehicle designed for many continued to be sold in Britain. maximum carrying capacity within Total production was 188,577 over the smallest dimensions and with the nineteen years. best possible economy of operation. It is now seventy years since the Its offset drivetrain made no conces- first of these little trucks was built and sion for a passenger but greatly in- fifty-five years since the last one was creased interior load space and gave a sold in Canada. Probably only a few shorter overall length for big city ma- hundred survive but each one that does neuvering. Being designed as it was in transverse springs, radius rods and me- is a direct link to history in a tumultu- the mid 1930s, it shared many of the chanical brakes common to the make. ous century. Happy Birthday, Mr. then-current Ford design and styling Although a new and distinct design Fordson!

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 3 horsebus operated in Birmingham. According to the Dic- Tramcars in Birmingham tionary of Birmingham, by Showell, the first bus service commenced in 1828, operated by a fishmonger named J. Walter Reynolds Doughty. It ran from the “White Horse” public house at Snow Hill to the “Sun” public house on the Bristol Road. WOW. What a nostalgia rush at the January meeting However, another source states that the first bus to oper- seeing the Birmingham tramcars outside the Austin fac- ate in Birmingham was Mr. J. Smith’s horsebus which tory in Steve Diggins’ movies. While I don’t have many rec- commenced in 1834 and worked between the “Swan” public ollections of the Austin factory itself, I have a few fond house and the Bristol Road tollgate. The private bus opera- memories of “riding the rails” on the tramcars. Though I tors were responsible for the development of services until know it was nothing personal, the trams were taken out of the late 1860’s. service shortly after I started riding on them. Between 1860 and 1903 there was a lot to Birmingham’s public bus history, but I am going to skip that to deal specifically with tramcar history. The Birmingham Corporation Act of 1903 empowered the Corporation to operate tramways in addition to con- structing them (prior to 1903, the Corporation could only build them for lease to private tram operators). On Janu- ary 4, 1904, the Birmingham Corporation Tramways De- partment commenced operation of a service of tramcars (using an overhead electric system) from Steelhouse Lane to Aston Brook Street with twenty open-top bogie cars, five of which survived in a somewhat modernized form until 1949.

Birmingham Tram at Pebble Mill Road in 1951

I have an interest in public transit, especially British and specifically that of Birmingham and the surrounding areas. I even have a small Dinky and Corgi bus collection:

One of original batch of Birmingham trams in 1904

Birmingham Corporation operated a network of tram- Clockwise from top: Wolverhamp- ways in Birmingham from 1904 to 1953. It was the largest ton 1930 Guy, London 1910 Tram, narrow gauge tramway network in the UK, built to a B’ham 1968 Mertobus, B’ham 1931 gauge of 3 foot 6 inch. The system was the fourth largest AEC, B’ham 1920 AEC Open Top, tramway network in the UK after London, Glasgow and 1959 Midland Red M1 Motorway Manchester. At its peak, there were a total of 843 trams in bus, three West Bromwich buses the fleet, with a maximum of 825 in service at any one from 1930s time. There were 40 tram routes which consisted of 80½ Of course, there are several London Transport types in miles (129.6 km) of tramway. 20 depots garaged the tram the collection and one London tramcar (above), which, ig- fleet. noring its red and cream livery, could be an example of one Although the City had powers to operate motor omni- of the tramcars seen in the Austin movie. buses (as well as trams) from 1903, it did not do so until While some of the place names I mention in this article 1913. The first motor omnibus service was an extension of may not mean anything to readers not familiar with Bir- the tramway service from the Selly Oak tramway terminus mingham, they are included to provide a foundation for the to Rednal. Later a service, mainly for employees at the parts that deal specifically with the Austin factory at Austin factory and offices in Longbridge, was operated Longbridge. from Selly Oak to Rubery. World War 1 interfered with the There is some disagreement regarding when the first progress of the motor omnibus expansion into the City’s VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 4 routes due to existing buses being requisitioned by the fleet following the end of World War 1. They operated on War Office, to new bus production being diverted to the routes not serviced by tramways. Between 1929 and 1939 War effort and, later in the war, by petrol shortages. As (the start of World War 2), post boxes were fitted to the such, the tram fleet sustained the majority of Birming- rear of City buses and trams. They were emptied by Post ham’s public transit needs until after the war. (The City Office employees at the various terminals. owned a number of Tilling-Stevens motor omnibuses which Birmingham, being an industrial area, had its share of were exempt from the War Office requisition and which air raids during World War 2. When the tram lines were were operated throughout the war, except for the period damaged by enemy bombing and tram services could not May to August 1917, when due to fuel shortages three of be diverted, buses were called in to operate shuttle ser- the eight routes they serviced were shut down.) vices on each side of the damaged track until they were Bus and tram route extensions commenced shortly after repaired. the end of World War 1 and continued throughout the 1920’s. The most important extension was the projection in October 1923, of the Bristol Road tramway from Selly Oak to Northfield followed by a further extension to Longbridge in December, 1923, and then on to Rednal in April 1924.

Harborne Lane Depot during tram to bus conversion, 1952. Following World War II, the City increased its buses conversion program. The buses came from the likes of AEC, Daimler, Tram 623 at Longbridge, Leyland and Metro-Cammell. The fleet by the Austin factory. 1952. of trams and trolley buses, therefore, were slowly closed down. Rednal is situated 8½ miles from the City centre at the foot of the Lickey Hills. These hills are a great playground The final tram route was closed July 4, 1953 and, for Birmingham people and the tramway itself gave a pic- though not realizing it at the time, I am grateful that I was turesque ride, passing for most of the way on sleeper track able to ride on a vehicle that was soon to become obsolete. between dual carriageways on a tree-lined road. Birming- Post script: In the 1990s, trams returned to Birmingham ham was the pioneer of this type of reserved tramway. in the form of a commuter rail system called The Midland Metro. The system used, in part, abandoned railway lines. The Midland Metro is operated by Travel Metro which, in turn, is part of the UK Bus Division of the National Ex- press Group PLC. Travel Metro operates bus lines in Dun- dee, the West Midlands, London and Coventry. Gone though is the blue and cream Birmingham livery which has been replaced, alas, with the pink and silver livery shown below.

Birmingham trams en-route to Lickey Hills in 1951.

The Lickey Hills route is the part that I remember; often wondering how the tram got between the car lanes and also wondering how the trams didn’t hit each other as they passed. On good weather bank holidays it was usually necessary to bring tramcars from all over the tram system to enable Birmingham’s privately-operated a 30 second service to be given to clear the crowds (beats Midland Metro in 1999 livery Metro Vancouver transit all to heck, eh?) Sources A branch tram line was opened from Longbridge to • My memory Rubery on February 8, 1926. • “British Bus Fleets, No.14, Birmingham City” by Ian Allan, Buses started being introduced in to the City’s transit 1967 • Internet, including Wikipedia.com VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 5 car to me - it looked like one too! The however, as the car pulled back in a MY FIRST MG following year I look a three month jerky fashion under acceleration, es- Robin Yellowlees trip back to the UK and ordered a pecially climbing, caused I later dis- Western Classics, March 1993, two- tone grey and green model to be covered, by oiling of the plubs. But Vol 2, Issue 2, p. 21 picked up at the factory. One of the this flaw, which persisted as long as I most exciting days of my life was the owned the car, could never dampen I was 22 when I was demobbed near day the phone rang to say my car was my special pride of ownership of this the end of 1945 and it wasn't long be- ready at Cowley and that I would be car and I was hooked as an MG fan fore I started thinking of a car (my met at the Oxford station and driven for life! first). Across the street from us lived In September of that year, the MG Mr. Begg, partner in Begg Motors, the and I traveled to Victoria where I de- Chrysler-Plymouth dealer on Georgia cided to seek my future selling Eng- Street, so I put a $100.00 deposit on a lish cars. The MG helped me to make new l946 Plymouth 5 passenger coupe friends and I soon joined the British and became thirty-fifth on the waiting Sports Touring Club. At that time, list. After waiting fruitlessly for six mine was the only MG of its kind un- months, I received a call from Mr. til our firm ordered a maroon saloon Michelmore, sales manager at Oxford in early 1950 which we eventually Motors (later sold to a Mr. Morris on Salt Spring Plimley's) on Burrard Street, to say to the factory to pick it up. There were Island. From September 1949, I had that the first shipment of Morris cars two identical cars being worked on, joined Victoria Super Service and was had arrived and that he was giving mine with biscuit upholstery and the very busy selling Morris and MG and first refusal to customers who were other, ordered by an Indian Prince, a few Rileys as well. Morris owners before the War. Mr. with green upholstery. My pulses My sale a manager, John Scruton, Begg was delighted to refund my de- were racing as the two young fellows had ordered a green 1 1/4 litre tourer posit and thus I became the owner of were polishing my car with Opollo in 1949 and I fell for this model. I de- a new very black Series M Morris Ten polish and a Nuffield technical fellow cided to sell the saloon and order a Saloon, not a car to send my pulse introduced himself and started ex- new YT for myself, which I ran for a soaring, but in 1946 a car, any car, plaining all about the car to me. year and which happily is a survivor was a prize and I was a very happy Eventually it was all over and I got and is cared for today by no less a per- young man. in and drove off with much waving sonage than your (and my) club Presi- However, in 1946, MG introduced and good wishes. I was completely on dent, Wayne Watkins! their first all-new post-war car, the 1 Cloud Nine and have never felt that Somewhere on the Island there may 1/4 litre saloon. I read the Autocar high on any car since. Reality soon be a 1 1/4 litre Saloon still hiding; I road test and it sounded like a dream surfaced before reaching London, certainly hope so. I have never forgot-

Jaguar-Land Rover deal will be final within weeks By JOHN REVILL, month, British trade union officials tive publicity. The UK is its biggest AUTOMOTIVE NEWS EUROPE suggested Tata Motors likely would Europe market and Jaguar and Land announce its purchase of Jaguar Land Rover employ 16,000 workers in the Ford Motor’s sale of Jaguar and Rover on March 5 or 6. country. Land Rover is likely to be completed in Tata’s bid to buy Jaguar and Land A Ford spokesman said: “These are a matter of weeks rather than days. Rover is not thought to be in danger. complex and detailed discussions and The deal to sell the British luxury Ford and Tata are finalizing details there is still some work before an brands to Indian industrial group Tata such as the future supply of engines agreement.” is thought likely to be completed by the “All partners are committed to en- end of March, a source familiar with HOW NOT TO MAKE MONEY: suring that the final agreement is ro- the negotiations said on Friday. Buy Jaguar for $2.5 Billion (1989) bust and rigorous. We anticipate an The source told Automotive News Buy Land Rover for $2.75 Billion (2000) agreement early this year,” the spokes- Europe that Jaguar, Land Rover and Invest $10 Billion (est) in improvements man said. Ford would continue to have a strong Sell Jag and L-R for $1.7 Billion (net after At the Geneva auto show, Ford of relationship after they were sold to funding worker retirement plans) Europe Chairman Lewis Booth told Tata. Bottom Line: $13.55 Billion Loss (est) ANE: “The talks are going well, but the “This is not just an agreement for deal won’t be completed this week. Ford to sell, but how they will work and stampings for Jaguar and Land There are no major roadblocks.” together in the future. Ford will be sup- Rover vehicles from Ford component Note: The sale is now final. plying things and Jaguar and Land plants. Rover will be receiving things.” Ford also wants to ensure that sell- Learn more about Tata Motors at In January, Ford chose Tata as its ing the brands does not generate nega- tatamotors.com preferred bidder for the brands. Last

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 6 Fort Langley Run 2008 OECC AGM June 28 Doug Bainbridge ([email protected]) Walter Reynolds The Central Island Branch invites you to the OECC AGM on June 28 in Nanaimo. Sunday, April 13, saw as they drove. It didn't help that I was the 2008 running put the wrong street number down for Itinerary: of the Fort Langley one of the questions on one of the routes. 1:00 pm: Mini Monte Rally, (start from Run. Rain hampered From the stories, participants on that Hwy 19, Exit 21 - Northfield) participants en-route route were firm believers in what Walter 3:00-4:30 pm: AGM meeting to Fort Langley, plus had written and searched out the an- 4:30-6:00 pm: Musical entertainment several drivers were swer, some ultimately getting lost in the Chris Walker photo 6:00 pm: Banquet ($35/person, cheques delayed by two acci- process. Sorry. to CIOECC, 2539 Nuttal Dr., Nanoose dents on the No.1 freeway. All things to David Austin and his son Trevor came Bay, BC V9P 9B4 by May 28) add spice to the event. up from Bellingham and made a valiant Twelve British cars were in the park- attempt to complete the route, no thanks Accommodations: Best Western North- ing lot at the start and 23 people partici- to my street number error. For those who gate Inn (1-800-661-0061), 6450 Metral pated, with 4 more arriving for lunch. missed it, the item that was out of place Dr., Nanaimo ; $104 (mention OECC) Those participating besides Linda and I (Rover 2000) were Bence & Helen McIn- tyre (MG Midget), Ken & Pat Miles (Morgan DH Coupe), Alan & Mary Lou Miles and Abbey, the dog (Sunbeam Ra-

Linda Reynolds photo

in the Fort Wine Company store's mar- tini display was the OECC logo. Lunch was at the Fort Pub and what a Chris Walker photo noisy group we turned out to be. Even so, the banter was comforting and the food, when it arrived, was good. Linda Reynolds photo RESULTS: Winners will be announced and trophies and prizes awarded at the pier Convertible), Rick & Penny Free- May meeting by Steve Diggins as Linda stone with Gil Yarrow as passenger and I will be away. As the Roundabout (Jaguar VDP), Gerry & John Chatterton will be available before the May meeting, (Mini), Dave & Chris Walker (Mini the winners will be published in the next Countryman), David & Trevor Austin issue of the Roundabout. (MGB), Steve Diggins with Colin Crabbe Steve Diggins and I are alternating as as passenger (Austin Cambridge), Italo organizers of this event, so the 2009 Fort Chris Walker photo Cirillo (Vauxhall Victor) and Roy Wilkins Langley Run will be Steve's responsibil- (Austin Seven). Also along as guests from ity. As for this year, it was very DR. CARL ADVISES the LAMB group were John & Betty pleasing to see so many cars and Carl Knorr Walkdon (Rover P5). For a change this year, participants Chris Walker photo If you are unfortunate were assigned one of two routes which enough to have a piece of meant that as they left the Fort parking broken key stuck in your ig- lot they had to turn left or right. That is, nition switch, try to get it out the first car turned left, the next car with a piece of wire, perhaps turned right, the third car turned left with a small hook bent on and so on. the end. If this doesn’t work, For the first 10 to 15 minutes the two take the cylinder out and rap it hard on a piece of routes were different, but then they con- wood. This may loosen the remains of the key verged on River Road with about 70% of enough so that you can get it out with a pair of the route being the same. What this did tweezers. If rapping the cylinder repeatedly does- was to mix the cars up more than usual. n't remove the broken key, you can try as a des- Regardless of the route assigned, all perate measure and push the remains of the key participants had to stop at the Fort Wine back in a little which may dislodge it. Then rap it Company store for answers to two of the on the block of wood. It worked for me. If this questions on the route sheet. There were doesn’t work, at least you have the cylinder out so 16 questions, all based on what people Linda Reynolds photo you can take it to a locksmith.

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 7 VCB Garage Tour Walter Reynolds

On Sunday, March 19, 2008, the second annual Vancouver Coast Branch Garage Tour occurred. This year, it didn't rain! For 2008, we returned to Gerry Parkinson's house to see his new garage and then drove over to Steve and Liz Blake's house to see their car collection. Handily, both garages are within a few blocks of each other. At Gerry's we were treated to a tour of his new The group at Blake’s garage, which wasn't there at 2007's tour, and were shown his framed-in carport which is his main garage, being at- tached to the house. It seems that Gerry and all of his sons have a car restoration job of some sort going on, possibly with Gerry as the main mechanic! One son has a Land Rover which is being fitted with multi- national underpinnings (GM engine, Toyota tranny, etc.). Gerry's faithful MG 1500 was there for us to see as was his new- last-year MGB GT. Following Gerry's place, we drove a few minutes south-west to Steve and Liz Blake's house to view their nine vehicles. I didn't take a head count at Gerry's, but we were at 21 heads when we were at the Blake's. While we were there to see the classic British

Blake's 1949 MG TC

Rover 2000, Ford Prefect, MGB GT, and MGB at Blake's

vehicles in the stable, we also saw their Ferarri and, stealing the show to some extent, Steve's brand new MINI Cooper S Country- man. Even Bart was able to get into the Countryman. Seven vehicles are able to be stored in the garage, with the Mor- gan over the Ferarri on a hoist. The 1930 MG M Type and the 1949 MG TC are stored safely at the rear of the garage. After the Blake's 1930 MG M-Type tour, most of the people went off to a local restaurant for lunch which, I believe was enjoyed by all (I couldn't attend due to prior commitments). We've had two good garage tours in a row, both in Tsawwassen, so it's going to be interesting to see what organizer Steve Diggins comes up with next year.

Morgan DH Coupe and MG Midget at the Blake's Blake's new Mini Countryman S

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 8 Les Foster While looking at a vintage Norton Box household recycling container. your products. Many local depots and motorcycle at the OECC’s Restoration Into it you can place those nastier transfer stations accept almost eve- Fair in Saanich recently, I had a bit items that need special treatment. rything for free as do many retailers of an epiphany. There, stamped into Right now, at least, you are going to like Canadian Tire Stores and oth- a lovely little metal disc were the have to take these accumulated prod- ers. It’s a good idea to confirm indi- words, “Positive Earth.” What a won- ucts to a local depot, transfer station, vidual recyclers before you set out. derful ring those words have today! or participating retailer for safe dis- Some very toxic items such as They suddenly seemed to embody not posal. automotive paint and highly toxic simply an electrical warning but the To acquaint yourself with the chemicals are still difficult to recycle. beginning of a new awareness for our many and quite convenient disposal A few municipalities have toxic hobby. In the face of what might be- sites and what they will or won’t ac- waste collection days and some re- come growing friction between lovers cept, simply sit down at your com- tailers of automotive paints and of automobile heritage and champi- puter or pickup your telephone. The chemicals will accept small quanti- ons of all things “environmentally first step could be to google ties of left-over material. In some sustainable,” a little sensitivity in our “recycling in Metro Vancouver”. This cases they may have to charge a practices could go a long way to en- will get you to the excellent website nominal fee to cover their costs. suring that our hobby itself is sus- that lists what products each Trans- Commercial disposal firms like Ne- tained. It’s really just common sense walta and Safety-Kleen are available and responsible practice. With those INFO SOURCES to dispose of larger amounts for a fee. thoughts in mind, Roundabout is 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253) This is a problem area at the mo- launching the Positive Earth column productcare.org (information) ment. Perhaps we could organize our to help our members be part of the rcbc.bc.ca (information) own annual “Positive Earth Day” to solution not the problem. – Les Foster newalta.com (commercial) gather up these toxic wastes and pay safety-kleen.com (commercial) to have them safely picked up for The nature of our hobby is that we disposal on a communal basis. often generate a certain amount of fer Station or Landfill will take in. The BUD rule is applicable to waste materials. Used oil, oil filters, There are links to other valuable many items: and even empty oil containers are no sites such as www.productcare.org longer accepted in the household gar- which help you find convenient Buy only what you need, bage stream. Neither are paints, means of disposal for almost any- Use it all (or try to), gasoline, and other chemicals and, of thing. Looking up local municipal Dispose safely of any leftovers! course, batteries and tires. There are websites or calling your local city many safer ways available nowadays hall is useful, too. Your ideas for Positive Earth are to dispose of these items. No computer? No problem, just invited. Call me at 604-943-4936 or I suggest you make yourself a “Red telephone 604-RECYCLE (604-732- email me at Box,” my version of the familiar Blue 9253) for directions on where to take [email protected].

London-Brighton Commemorative Run Update Walter Reynolds, Chair, 2008 London to Brighton Organizing Committee At the March 4 Branch meeting the Executive announced ommended London to Brighton Commemorative Run. The pro- that the Ladner to Bellingham All British Run would be en- posal was approved at the April 1 meeting. The starting point, tirely in Canada from 2008 until at least 2010 due to conges- destination, route and other ancillary issues have yet to be tion at the border. Vol- established, but regular unteers for the 2008 www.lbvcr.com/ updates will be provided committee are Bart www.vccofgb.co.uk/lontobri/ at Branch meetings and Shaw, Steve Hutchens, in the Roundabout. Bence McIntyre, Italo If you have questions Cirillo and Walter Rey- about the London- nolds. Brighton Commemora- The committee met tive Run or have sugges- March 31 and started tions, feel free to pass the process to organize them to any member of the event. The first item of business was to establish the the committee. I am sure we will need additional volunteers to name for the event. Discussion centered around commemorat- help with the actual event, so anyone wishing to help should ing the historic London-Brighton. Hence, the committee rec- feel free to let us know.

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 9 Brits ‘Round BC Update!

BRBC Grows: Over 30 cars will be our tour. At least 29 cars will be in Jasper, the furthest point. One couple is coming from the UK, using an MGB courtesy of CIB friends. Three VCB members are doing all of BRBC and several are doing parts of the tour. Do Part of BRBC: Two loops are good for VCB members. A three-day option would be 6/27-6/29 and include lunch with the SIB in Victoria, the Pig Roast with the CVB Friday evening in Comox, and the AGM with the CIB in Nanaimo. A two-day option would be 6/29-6/30. Meet us at Horseshoe Bay at 12:15 on 6/29, then tour to Lillooet for dinner at Dina’s Greek Restaurant Sunday evening. Return to Vancouver on Monday via Litton and the beautiful Fraser Canyon. Lunch with BRBC: Meet us at Horseshoe Bay at 12:15 on 6/29 then tour north to a picnic or lunch near Squamish.

photos are on our website Auto-

AUTOJUMBLE jumble. (3/26) English Cars & Parts For Sale and Wanted 1962 Vauxhall FB Victor. For 2008 VCB Executive (more Autojumble ads restoration. FREE! Rob Curring- are at oecc.ca/vcb) ton, 604-532-0035. Row One: David Ballentine, Good & Welfare 1970 Triumph Stag. Manual Row Two: Fred Bennett (ICBC/Aircare Liaison), Elaine La- 1958 MG Magnette MK III. A transmission with overdrive (rare collection of parts with registra- fontaine (Treasurer), Ken Miles (Chairperson), Steve Diggins in North America). Original V8 in (Meetings and Events Coordinator) tion. Find a donor Austin or Mor- Row Three: Bart Shaw (Immediate Past Chairperson) and ris Farina to make a car. FREE! Dennis Nelson (Secretary) Steve Diggins, 604-294-6031. Missing: Mike Smith (Phone Committee Chief), Richard Tay- 1958 Triumph TR3A. Looking lor (Round-about Distribution), and Steve Hutchens (Vice for a good home for a low mileage Chairperson and Editor)

WELCOME TO OECC

Stuart and Sharon Rodger pieces. Transmission and drive train out of car. Soft and hard Delta, BC tops. RHD, great 2+2 dark blue 1980 MGB body. Stored dry. Manuals. 604-591-2454 $4,500, offers considered, or trade [email protected] for what have you. Jurgen, 604- 737-8065, [email protected]. Ric MacDonald 1977 Jaguar XJ12L. Sil- Vancouver, BC TR3A in good original condition. ver/blue, VGC, Aircared, low 604-439-7936 RHD. Nice driver. White with red mileage. Should easily qualify for 1965 Morgan 4/4 interior. Extra set of wheels. This collector plates. Selling due to ricmacd@telus.net TR3 has been in our possession limited parking. All reasonable since the late 1960s. From 1974 offers considered. David at 778- to 1994 it was packed in grease WEBSITE UPDATE: Our website (oecc.ca/vcb) evolves! A 737-2941 or and placed on wood blocks. My [email protected]. (3/4) new menu links all OECC branch resources: read branch late husband shipped the car to newsletters, access their autojumbles, find their events, all Hong Kong in 1994, then to Van- Engine parts for Austin- directly from our website. The Meetings & Events pages are couver in 1998. $15,000. Lucie Healey 100-6. Block, crank, etc. current. Suggestions for improving the site are welcome! Ingoldby, 604-921-7768. More Steve Diggins, 604-294-6031.

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 2 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 10