VOLUME 20, NUMBER 4 July-Aug 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE UPCOMING EVENTS EDITOR’S BIT Many thanks to all Tour de Silverdale 2 Sept. 1, 2015 at 6:00pm -Rocky of our contributors this month espe- Stewart Farm Picnic 4 Point Run, 2800 Murray St., Port cially Walter, without whom…. Fraser Valley Show 5 Moody. Dinner at Pajos and a short Speaking of Walter, he sends along Rear View Mirror 6 run afterwards Contact person: John his regrets that there is no Members Two Lions Show 7 McDonald (contact info on page 10). Cars article this issue but adds that

July Event 8 Oct. 6, 2015 at 7:00pm -BCIT Shop the schedule for the next four articles New Member Profile 9 Tour, 3700 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, is as follows: Les Foster (Oct. 2015), Member Reports from Overseas 10 B.C. Contact person: Lorna Hoare Allan Reich (Dec. 2015), Dave Welcome to the OECC/ The Boot/ Oct. 17 (Sat.) Annual Fraser Valley Warlimont (Feb. 2016) and Doug At the Wheel 11 Run (more details to come) Courtemanche (Apr. 2016).

“Tour de Silverdale” (story page 2)

“TOUR de SILVERDALE” Street hill. I say planned because when we turned onto Tyler the occupants of a car coming up the hill in- Text by Alan Miles formed us that a tree was down across the road and that further travel in that direction would be fruitless. Photos by Alan Miles (page 2) Our fearless leader Walter then devised an alternate and Michael Speke (page 3) route to our first stop and second “history lesson” on Kenney Ave. Front cover photo: Barbara and Malcolm Tait Our second history lesson concerned the area known as Silverdale, which I’m slightly embarrassed to say I hadn’t heard of. Walter gave another short, very in- Can a car run be educational? I mean, other than formative talk on this subject. I took the following off of learning that one should fill up the gas tank before Wikipedia to save me trying to remember everything starting said run (not mentioning any names, Mr. but it does cover many of the things Walter mentioned Grant). Turns out they can be. in his lesson. Walter Reynolds started his “Tour de Silverdale” run “Silverdale is a semi-rural neighbourhood of the District of with the first of two “history lessons”. Walter gave us Mission, British Columbia, Canada 40 km east an informative talk on Britain’s first motor car and its of Vancouver on the east bank of the Stave River at its con- 56 mile journey which took place on July 5, 1895. More fluence with the Fraser. Noted for its historic Italian Ca- info can be found in Walter’s fascinating article on this nadian community, its economy was farming, fishing and subject in the January/February 2014 issue of the logging based until the general suburbanization of Fraser Roundabout. Valley life in the 1960s and '70s. Of its Italian community, notable offspring include Phil Gaglardi, former BC High- ways minister, and speed-skater Eden Donatelli. Sil- verdale is also notable as the site of Canada's first train robbery, by the "Gentleman Bandit" Billy Miner, and it is there he is supposed to have first used the polite "Hands Up!" in the course of the robbery. The lakeshore residences on the east side of Silvermere Lake are part of Silverdale. Silvermere was created by the dredging of the marshlands in the area.”

Walter addresses the participants at the start of the run

After Walter’s first lesson was complete route sheets were handed out with Walter’s usual proviso that this would not be one of those “divorce rallies”. In other words, no complicated questions to answer, just follow the route and have fun. The start point for the run was the McDonalds parking lot at Harris Road and Keeney Ave. Site of second “history lesson” Lougheed Highway in Pitt Meadows. From there we headed east on Lougheed through Maple Ridge, for a time taking the Bypass and then back on to Lougheed Following our talk we headed out for the second half of to Hayward street where we took a left to continue on the tour which took us along some very nice rural and to Keystone Ave. After driving quite a distance on Key- semi-rural roads in the Mission area. Roads, some of stone we ventured onto Townshipline Ave. which came which were named for Silverdale’s more famous sons to a dead end at Clay St. Here we turned right follow- and daughters (Gaglardi St. and Donatelli Ave.). ing Clay St. until a planned left turn down the Tyler Continued next page...

VOLUME 20,NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 2 The tour finished up at the Mission Springs Pub on the Lougheed Highway where we all enjoyed a great meal, great refreshments and great conversation. Chairman John McDonald gave a short talk thanking Walter for or- ganizing the run and all for attending. Turnout for the run was excellent with 16 cars taking part, most being VCB members, but with several LAMB (Langley Area Mostly British Car Club) and Rover Car Club members also taking part. Twenty nine people sat for lunch. It was great to see some newer members there including Robert and Pam Burns in their 1978 Triumph Spitfire and ace camera man Michael Speke in his 1974 Jensen Healey (if I’ve forgotten anyone, my apologies). Also noteworthy, we gained two new members on the tour. Welcome to Da- vid Vervaet and Teresa Evancic who attended in their very cool Land Rover Defender Light. All in all another very successful run put on by Walter Reynolds and I’m sure all attending would join me in thanking him for all of his hard work. Putting on an event like this takes a lot of effort and judging by the attendance of his last two runs (the other being this year’s Fort Lang- John McDonald addresses the crowd at the ley Run) this is something that branch members are want- Mission Springs Pub ing. Thank you Walter!

VOLUME 20,NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 3 Stewart Farm Picnic 2015 By Walter Reynolds

On a sunny and hot August 4th evening 32 Vancou- ver Coast Branch members and guests met at the Historic Stewart Farm in Surrey for the Branch's 2015 Annual Picnic. Included in the 32 were sever- al Triumph Register members. We had invited the Triumph Register club as a way to reciprocate the invitation they extended to us to attend their 2014 BBQ. The Farm's parking lot was jammed with old British cars. I counted 17 at one point. A special car in attendance for a short while was the 1951 Daimler Barker Special of Dave Warlimont.

While at first they didn't realize it Brian Lees and Richard Taylor were dressed almost identical and even sat together like they were twins!

Once food was devoured, I made a few announcements regarding the November 1st London to Brighton Run and Lorna detailed upcoming events (Rocky Point Park Run, Port Moody, Sept. 1st; BCIT Shop Tour, Oct. 6th and the October 17th Annual Fraser Valley Run). Once that was over I tried to corral the four members present who had signed up for the "Man from UNCLE" movies pass- es. This was because we had to provide Warner Brothers with a photo of as many of the pass holders as possible, in front of a British car. Once I had the four together, I realized one had walked away. "Like herding cats!" one observer quipped. The photo, included here was taken by Sarah Wilson in front of her TR 250.

Next on the agenda was the run to White Rock which was led by Ken & Pat Miles. All the British cars participated in the run and we must have made a pretty sight driving along in groups, waving to passers by.

Statistically speaking, this was the third year in a row where we've had hot weather for the picnic; it's the second in a row where the tide has been in and no beach visible, and this was probably the most people we have had to the picnic, (2014's group pho- to showed 19). Interestingly neither of the 'twins' is in the photo and also missing is the photographer, Sarah Wilson!

Once again, a successful event and thanks to Lorna for look- ing after the details.

VOLUME 20,NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 4 Fraser Valley Classic Car Show Text and Photos by Walter Reynolds

In sharp contrast to last year when the very first Fraser Valley Classic Car Show was held in pouring rain, year two, on Sunday, July 19, 2015 was a swel- ter. It was a gezillion degrees all day long. Thanks to the event being held at the Atchelitz Threshermans Association’s property in Chilliwack there were lots of places to hide from the heat.

From the Vancouver Coast Branch were Bence & Helen McIntyre (1964 MGB), Steve and Susan Blake (1937 Chevy 1/2 ton pick up truck), Clifford Jones (1969 Ford Cortina estate wagon), me (1963 Rover P5 3 Litre) and, newly back in the fold, Italo Cirillo (1961 Austin Cambridge estate wagon). Steve’s Chevy pick-up won first place in its “Domestic” class while the Reynolds Rover was Runner Up in its “Import” class.

The Fraser Valley British Motor Club did an outstanding job of organizing this event. Tasty food was pre- pared by the Thresherman’s Kitchen volunteers.

140 cars showed out of 151 that were registered. Around 3,500 people came through the gate, all of whom were given a “People’s Choice” ballot, the winner of which was a 1960-something Ford Mustang.

This is definitely an event to add to next year’s calendar for the third Sunday in July.

VOLUME 20,NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 5 REAR VIEW MIRROR

Admittedly this isn't the best photo but it's kind of interesting. It shows Fry's Corner, Surrey in the 1940's. This is the intersection of 176th St. and Fraser Highway and Harvey Road, home of the Honeybee Centre nowadays. The photo shows a Morris 8 two door saloon and a couple of domestic cars at a gas sta- tion/store. Notice the overhead traffic signal! Apparently the gas/station store was established by William Fry in 1925 and stood until 1968, giving the corner it's name.

Seen at the Vancouver Maritime Museum recently as part of a display on the changing modes of shipping: an 1960 Austin A40 Farina being unloaded in Van- couver harbour.

Submitted by Les Foster

VOLUME 20,NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 6 Two Lions Car Show

Text by Chris Green Photos by Chris Green and Les Foster

Our 2nd annual Two Lions British Car Show was a great success!

The weather was stellar making it easy to get up early and give a quick wash to the Spitfire and get on the road. I was excited to have my car running and in the show this year.

Breakfast was served, water station set up, hats and sunscreen, check, ready to enjoy a fine British enthusiast day with old friends and new. The early bird Ken Miles was placard #1, he was already parked when I got there. Chris from the Two Lions was actively providing the tables and tents, volunteers were parking cars and the lot was filling with shiny metal and chromed British representation. In total 37cars were on display. Many distinc- tive and original cars to see, the mint green Aston Martin, a la James Bond (People’s Choice Award winner be- longing to David Price), I was amazed once I really started to look at it. The little original Morris 1000 converti- ble, in robin’s egg blue, ADORABLE. Healey, Rapier, Jag, Triumph (3 Spits this year) Austin, MG, Rover, Mor- gan …and more.

The Haggerty People’s Choice award was well voted. Everyone we spoke with was excited to cast their ballot!! Towards the end, a quiet stealth entry of a hulking 1933 Talbot AV 105 Tourer (Owned by our very own Robert Follows) caught most everyone’s attention, and then slipped away unnoticed….

Thanks to all the volunteers, until next year!!!!

(Photo: Les Foster)

VOLUME 20,NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 7

VCB July Event

Text and photos by Alan Miles

July’s Branch event, billed as the VCB Cruise In was held at the A&W restaurant on 102 Avenue in Surrey on Tuesday, July 7th. 17 members attended as well as 3 non members. The cars, of which there was approximately 14 or so, were parked up in the lot behind the A&W, creating our own little car show of sorts.

It was a most enjoyable night of socializing with other members and meeting some new folks as well. Quite a few people stopped by to look at and photograph the cars. A funny moment occurred when one little girl pointed to the window winder on Sarah’s TR 250 and asked her mom “what is that for?”. I guess she’d never seen a manual one before. Made me feel old! All in all, a very nice way to spend a warm July evening. Thanks to Lorna Hoare and John McDon- ald for organizing this event.

VOLUME 20,NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 8 New Member Profile: Mike and Karlie McChesney

Thanks for the opportunity to introduce myself. I’m Mike McChesney of Chilliwack, B.C.. Married to my lovely and very talented wife, Karlie. Jointly responsible for four great kids who don’t depend upon us anymore (well for now). I proudly own a 1967 MGB GT. This was the first car I bought with my own savings in 1979. It was my faithful daily driver until I acquired another car and thought to give the B a rest. I parked the GT with the plan of restoring it someday (a pretty vague plan). Then in 1987, Karlie in a moment of weakness agreed to marry me, resigned to the fact that the little rusty project car behind the tow truck was part of the package deal (sure glad she didn’t make me chose). Fast forward, overtime Karlie observed that the garage in our happy home was filling with car parts and none seemed to be going back together. Enough was enough and a few years ago she finally recommended (I think she used differ- ent words) that I go seek professional help. I took that to mean restoration help (not chancing to ask for clarification) and found a shop which put my baby back together. It’s been great fun and pride ever since.

The GT has taken me to Reno, Nevada in 2011 for the all MG meet and to Corvallis, Oregon in 2013 for the MGB meet. Last year I went on the Spring Thaw mystery trip through parts of southern BC to min- gle with other classic car en- thusiasts. I will confess that I have had to work out some bugs on those long trips. I have benefited greatly from the support of other British car enthusiasts to get me go- ing again. Knowing people who unselfishly do all in their power to get our wheels rolling down the road is so incredibly comforting. A great example of my luck is when I broke down on the outskirts of Corvalis on my way to the MGB meet. Within five minutes of having my hood up John Twist hap- pened by in a beautiful MGA and got me going. There is more to this story which I would be happy to explain at another time.

In 2012 I went with a group on an amazing car pilgrimage to England (without the GT). It was a packed 10 days starting with 3 days at the Goodwood Revival (unbelievable). Then a tour of the Morgan Factory, walking the line, appreciating hand crafted cars made by skilled tradesman. Then toured the Jaguar factory in Birmingham to be amazed by the assembly line of robots, being tended by unskilled workers. Visited the British Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon which can’t be fully appreciated in a day (they have a longitudinally sectioned MGB GT). A tour of Frontline Developments to sit in their MG LE 50, a modernized MGB GT supercar (got to sit in it). Stood outside the site of the MG factory in Abington (now apartments) and met some of the guys at the MG Car Club at their club house in Abington. Saw the last MGB produced, displayed in the Abington City Hall museum. Took a Hop On, Hop Off bus tour of Ox- ford where the recording pointed out the site of Morris Garages (I think I was looking out the wrong side of the bus). We finished the week off at Blenheim Palace for the MGB 50 celebration. I have never seen so many MGBs in one place before. The rain didn’t dampen my excitement at all. I would do anyone of those events again if I could.

Well that’s me. I am looking forward to meeting more British car enthusiasts, seeing your cars, hearing your great stories and learning more about the cars that bring us all together.

Cheers. Mike

VOLUME 20,NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 9

Report from Prague

Overseas member Karl Knorr sends in some more pictures of his travels in the Czech Republic .

“A very rusty Spitfire for sale for about $1 500 at a car dealer in Czecho, and MGBs for sale at the same dealer, around $8000 each and in fair condition.”

Report from England By Alan Miles Recently, while on a trip to England, we happened to find ourselves following a early Series Hillman Husky when much to our surprise a Ford Zephyr passed it going in the opposite direction! Also seen, an early Spitfire in the Cotswolds and Prince Charles’ MGC GT at the Museum on San- dringham Estate in Norfolk (along with many other interesting Royal vehicles on display there).

VOLUME 20,NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 10

(Photo) Alan Miles

Participants in this year’s AGM run pose in front of the Quilchena Hotel.

From left to right: Lorna and John Hoare, Bart and Audrey Shaw, Pat and Ken Miles and Mary Lou and Alan Miles. The Shaw's and the Miles’ (Mary Lou and Alan) had to head home after one day due to previ- ously arranged family commitments but John and Lorna and Ken and Pat continued on to the AGM in Kamloops. Thanks to Ken for organizing the run, a great time was had by all.

AT THE WHEEL Membership Secretary: John Chapman Communications Coordinator: Alan Miles [email protected] 604-590-3749 [email protected]—604-272-2145 New memberships and correspondence: Roundabout Editor : Alan Miles Chairperson: John McDonald 7923 144A St., Surrey, B.C. V3S 8C1 [email protected] - 604-272 -2145 [email protected] 604-942-8223 Immediate Past Chairperson: Good & Welfare: David Ballantine Vice-Chairperson: Walter Reynolds Gerry Parkinson [email protected] [email protected] 604-463-6305 [email protected] - 604-980-4120 604-943-3824 Treasurer: Bernie Miles Website Editor: Alan Miles Event and Meeting Coordinator: [email protected] 604-943-0535 [email protected] 604-272-2145 Lorna Hoare Membership renewals: mail to 207-4753 [email protected] - 604-584-2564 River Road West, Delta, B.C. V4K 1 R9

VOLUME 20,NUMBER 4 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 11