Members in the News 2015

13th-15th November Classic Car Show NEC
Three of our members on club stands

It’s All Bob Lord’s Fault!

Eleven years ago we moved house, just around the corner from Bob. Lynn had inherited the house
from her father, who before he retired had been a Technical Service Rep for Joseph Lucas. The
garage was full of old Lucas parts and technical manuals from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.
I had seen Bob’s Jaguar, Rolls Royce and Austin driving past, so good idea, I’ll ask him if he
knows anyone that wants them. Two or three car loads later we had a clear garage and I had
made a very good friend.

But after seeing his cars I soon caught he bug and managed to talk Lynn into buying our first
Classic Car a 1973 white MG Midget, which came from Chesterfield. The previous owner had
spent a lot of money on it, then decided to move to South Africa!
It did not take long to realise that it was a bit small and a deal was done on a red 1971 MGBGT
typically someone had put a re-conditioned engine, gearbox, prop shaft etc., but failed
to sort the rust problems out, when it would not pass the MOT I bought it for not much more than
the new parts had cost and had it refurbished in Leamington Spa.

Most members will probably remember the “B” as I had this when I first joined SPWCC, again
thanks to Bob but not many will remember the white V8 GT I had, only for about two months,
awful car!
Then came the green MGB roadster, wonderful car, which I kept for several years and only sold
recently as I had problems getting in and out with a bad back, arthritis, which is not going
to get better.
Also some of you will remember the Volvo 142, lovely car but Lynn hated it so it had to go.

Now have the 1972 Saab 96 V4 which I love, its different and gets lots of attention wherever I go.
Have only been to one show down here and seen another. But most importantly I can get in and out.
Being a column change you can slide across and get out either side, which makes getting
into the garage very easy. It’s a real “OLD MANS” car!
What all of these have given me is the introduction to a lot of very good friends, who I would not
have met had it not have been for the cars and the car clubs.

So thanks Bob

Regards to all
John

12th September
Tardebigge Fair & Show

Photo's provided by Yvonne Whatmough

Update from our Southern Member
John Roden visited the Beaulieu Classic & Sports Car Show 22nd August
His SPWCC polo shirt attracted much attention

6th September
Mary Stevens Summer Fete

How the Website can be used to help members and spread the news
From and e mail received

First, please allow me to introduce myself. My wife and I are keen amateur photographers both with our local club and also through the Royal Photographic Society of which I am a Licentiate Member. We took images at the above event earlier this year in Toddington and I have one portrait that I am particularly pleased with (both as a colour but particularly as a black & white print). After editing the image I felt that the gentleman would possibly like a (free) copy for himself/his family but until today I have always drawn a blank on finding him. However this afternoon I had a dedicated search - rather tricky because I struggled with the car model having only the interior details. Anyway I am hoping that it is a gentleman from your club - possibly Mr Geoff Salminen?

If it is indeed Mr Salminen I will get a couple of prints made up and deliver them to him if he would like them - I do hope he would, he was very charming man and with the warmest of smiles which I hope I have captured. A copy is attached.

The reason for my renewed search today is that I would like to enter it into an international portrait competition and for that I should properly get a 'Model Release Form' signed by the 'sitter' - giving the gallery (should it be accepted) authority to display it. I have not entered competitions at this level before - it would be displayed at an exhibition in the National Portrait Gallery if successful. However I did have one - an old car as it happens - go on a nationwide tour last year - so you never know your luck.

Graham Frost LRPS

Pulloxhill, Bedfordshire

Ampthill & District Camera Club www.ampthilldcc.com

In May Alan Bateman's Triumph Roadster was filmed in a forthcoming Father Brown's Mysteries Episode
All photo's and copy by Alan Bateman

The place where filming was taking place was an old military site, the BBC had brought everything they needed, a catering van, a double deck trailer fitted with seats and tables for mealtimes, generators, trailers containing dressing rooms for the actors, and van loads of equipment and props. My contact on site was Nick Turner; he made me welcome, gave me breakfast, and then introduced me to a lovely actress called Reanne Farley. Reanne was to drive my Roadster in some of her scenes, so needed some practice. First of all she could not reach the pedals, so the props people produced a black pad, and a very 50s looking cushion to solve the problem. Next came the gear change, Reanne had never driven with a column change ,and at first struggled to move from first to second, as all of her scenes were on flat ground, she found it much easier to pull away in second. After 2 days, Reanne was quite proficient and was even reversing. I hope they paid her well because I think she would like to buy a Roadster.
For me it was a very enjoyable experience, I would recommend it to anyone who is given the opportunity, the BBC really take care of you and your car.
Other cars used in this episode were a beautiful Talbot Alpine and 2 Wolsey police cars.
The new series of the Father Brown Mysteries is scheduled for January of next year.

Steve Butler
Sunbeam Talbot 10 DHC 4 seater 1938 and Jaguar E Type Series 2