Previous Club Events Gallery

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LOCI Spring Rally, Bradford-on-Avon
Despite appalling weather a total of 16 Landcrabs attended the spring rally at Bradford-on-Avon reports John Watson. Many of the soggy throng were able to meet with guest of honour Alex Moulton, inventor of – among many other world-leading design ideas – the Landcrab's hydrolastic suspension system.

Uxbridge CHARITY Autoshow
This year saw the Rotary Club of Uxbridge celebrating 21 years of their Charity show. LOCI have attended since around 1991 and once again we were able to field a good selection for the public to see with 15 vehicles in attendance reports John Watson. Note the word vehicles: they were not all cars.

Joseph Barling came along in his recently revived Austin 1800 Utility – one of just a handful of these (Australian built) trucks to be found in Britain. Gordon Purger with Elaine Burt brought along two Wolseleys, these had seen wedding service the day before in nearby Epping.

Several members brought along their families (this is a family show after all) and magazine James McLernon discovered that he had also brought along a broken engine mounting! Yes, the big flat one. The ever-resourceful Brian Humphris just happened to have a new one in his boot. And so, James found out the hard way what needs to be done in order to change the big flat mounting. His recent (and now resolved) problems with Power Steering fluid leaks made for a rather oily engine bay – but it's OK now, most of the oil transferred itself to James!

The weather had us using umbrellas to start off with but fortunately it soon dried up and some sunblock would have been handy in the afternoon. Mr Neale (purveyor of polish) paid us another visit this year (and was as entertaining as ever) but our 'veteran polisher'was away 'gong-hunting'at a show more local to him – well, he does have a six cylinder car! And so, Mr Neale’s sales will have taken a dive this year.

Another successful and enjoyable show, even James was enjoying himself. Thanks to all who came along, also to those who took the trouble to say they would be unable to make it on the day.

LOCI National Rally 2004 @ South Cerney Nostalgia Show
Without a doubt the best turn-out for a National Rally in years, more than 50 cars travelled from far and wide to South Cerney in Gloucestershire for the 40th Anniversary of the Austin 1800 and nostalgia show weekend writes Mark Chivers.

It was a truly cracking event, many members choosing to make a full weekend of it, the scorching temperatures ensuring that everyone went home with a Mediterannean-style suntan.

Noteworth cars included Patrick Gordon's 1965 Austin (reputedly the earliest surviving production model), a "chop-top" hearse, and a trio of overseas entrants – from Holland the Morris 1800 of Ton Mens and the Wolseley 18/85 of Christiaan Linford (the later with an impressive roof-top accommodation unit), and all the way from Sweden the Wolseley of Roger Nasvall.

In addition to the standard vehicles on the Club stand there was a comprehensive turn out of rally cars organised by Ken Green, including both replicas and originals from the 1968 London-Sydney and London-Mexico marathons. In fact, looking at the line-up dominated by the 'Crabs you could be forgiven for wondering if any other cars had actually survived the events!

Special thanks are due to Wessex Secretary Trevor Hope for his sterling efforts in organising what must rank among the most enjoyable National Days in the club's history, helped by good weather and an excellent turn-out. Thanks to everyone who attended.

Some pictures from the day are shown on the right or why not download the 14-image slide show (900kb) in Quicktime format.

Can't see the show? Download the free Quicktime Viewer!

BMC/BL Rally – Peterborough
Inevitably overshadowed by our own National Rally held over the same weekend, we still enjoyed a good turn out at Peterborough notes John Watson.

There was a Club stand for us but its location was by no means apparent and so the eight cars that I saw were scattered around the field. Wayne Nicholls and myself enjoyed the hospitality of the Maxi stand. Colin Pick persevered and found the right place. The Nottingham contingent (Brian Huskinson and Geoff Stacey) were there – saw the cars but not the people. Everybody seemed to looking for some shade.

In addition, I saw a tidy Austin 1800S and we gained a new member – Ian Spooner from Dereham in Norfolk – who had only just acquired a very tidy Wolseley 18/85 in (we think) Wild Moss. Another Austin S belonging to Michael Boucke from Aachen in Germany was on the 'German Cars'stand. It was brought over by son Alexander who we usually see two or three times a year.

Arriving in modern cars were Tony Bennett, Steven Desborough, Tony Jordan and Phil Mellor. Apologies to anyone I have missed.

Finally, the flypast this year consisted of a Dakota and a Hurricane – impressive stuff but not quite the same as the sound a Lancaster makes!

Bath time for crabbers at LOCI Spring Rally
Just to prove that sunshine IS possible at a LOCI Spring Rally the first photo shows sunlight glinting from the early arrivals' front bumpers writes John Watson.

Meeting at the Charlotte Street Car Park from 10am onwards, arrivals trickled in until eventually we had a baker's dozen in attendance. Most crabbers went off to explore Bath prior to the advertised rain, which arrived bang on time.

Past experience of these West Country events ensured we were all well prepared with the umbrellas!!

Many thanks to Wessex Secretary Trevor Hope for organising the event.

Chiltern Hills Vintage Vehicle Rally
Set in the shadow of the Chilterns and just a couple of miles from the market town of Aylesbury, this was a new rally for me notes John Watson.

For one reason or another, the Austin has not seen a lot of action this last year and so it seemed a good idea to give it some exercise. The rally venue, Aston Clinton, is just off the A41 road – well known to me and about 55 miles from home – enough to blow out the cobwebs.

Like many others, this rally raises money for local charities and I have to say it was a very nice show. With the better part of a thousand entries (in various categories) there was plenty to see. Equally important was the provision of entertainment for those with interests other than 'motors'.

Three of our cars were there: the Mk.1 Austin (in Persian Blue) belonging to Dave Wittering of Milton Keynes – we don't get to see a C-plate (1965) very often. James McLernon and daughter Zoë with their Mk.2 Morris from Bicester (Zoë does a good job of keeping Dad under control!). And then there was my Mk.2 Austin.

All had a good time and I have to say that I am surprised that more people don't attend these local rallies, although doubtless, there are those who do.

Why not let us know of your own exploits? If you are lined up for a rally later in the year then do let the editor and/or webmaster know – someone else might like to come along!

Winter bites but Landcrabs roll to Bristol Classic Car Show 2006
This year’s Bristol Classic Car Show went off to a shivery start on a cold windy January weekend reports Lindsay Henning.

Our stand was in the Mendip Hall, although heated for the event it was decidedly chilled if someone left a door open.

We had a bigger stand this year to accommodate our themed display of a 1960s car plant producing Austin 1800s. We all dressed as workers in overalls and quality inspectors in white coats, like a theatrical performance, props had to be found, and many were borrowed from club members’ workplaces to create a factory resemblance.

Visitors to the stand had much enthusiasm and wanted to chat about 1800s, even if they owned an 1100, Austin 3ltr or any other BMC product. One visitor said he drove his 1800 all the way to the North Cape in Norway in the early seventies.

For those of you who remember the early years of the club your memories might include JAD 615D, a Maroon B colour Morris 1800 belonging to a founder member of the club.

Well, a chap came onto the stand and said he now has Richard Horwood’s old car. Straight away I was able to describe JAD 615D and I said it’s good such an important car has come to light. This car’s television appearance some 15 years ago (disguised as an Austin for an exhibition) is remembered as it unfairly attracted an unworthy comment from a television presenter.

Returning to the subject of our stand, Jim Bloomfield’s very well presented Cumulus Grey Austin 1800 won a highly commended award. Our stand narrowly missed 3rd place in the Best Stand Competition.

There seems to be much effort from the 50 or so Club Stands at this show to entertain the public as well as exhibiting their much admired classic cars.

You may have seen the pictures of the LOCI stand at November’s Restoration Show in the last issue of Landcrab News. This was our first appearance at this particular event. We opted for a small stand to give technical advice with a display of cleaned used mechanical parts. Apart from the stand giving off a lingering odour of industrial engine degreaser, the day went well.
Many thanks to Tony Wood who assisted me over the phone to provide the correct and most relevant facts on Landcrab problem solving.

Lastly, a special mention to an invaluable vehicle which brings the LOCI show along to these events. I have the use of a 20-year-old Talbot Express Van, which if I were without would make show stands impossible to deliver.

Also, moving everything about to areas for preparation and storage ready for the weekend shows – very much a large ‘Eurobox’ giving service to LOCI, if a little too French for my taste, but I don’t care.

Thank-you to everyone who helped out during the weekend for the Bristol Classic Car Show and the visitors with pleasant comments. Oh! And just to mention the Talbot Van also did that trip through the snow to the North Cape in the Arctic when it was fairly new.

The Prizes:
Best Club Stand – Morris Minor OC South West
2nd Prize – Volvo Enthusiasts Club
3rd Prize – Austin 10 Drivers Club
All stands were good.

Andrew Cowan re-united with the Southern Cross Trophy he won in SMO 974G in 1969 (above) and Rosemary Smith (below)

Overview of the stand (below).

Trials and tribulations fail to dampen LOCI Spring Rally, Bourton-on-theWater
Many thanks to all the members who turned out for the Spring Rally at Bourton-on-the-Water. Fifteen crabs were in attendance along with an Austin Cambridge and a Wolseley 6/110 from the Old Crow Club.

The weather was not exactly spring like but did remain dry most of the day; we did have the odd patch of drizzle.

For a few the rally proved a little bit of a trial with mechanical problems, before and after. Clive Serrell had the dreaded thrust bearing failure days before but with many hours of hard work and the assistance of daughter Claire the family made it.

James McLernon suffered also, as he made his way home his poor old Crab had a head gasket fail. In true BMC style it did get him home.

May I also say a big thanks to my local, still going strong, MG Rover agent, A. E. Wilcox of Wickwar, Gloucestershire and to Sid in the workshop, it was a close call on the MOT, the day before the Rally (not many places still have genuine Leyland parts in stock).

Most members visited the C.M.S.A owned Motor Museum in the village, a lot has been done to improve this already good museum.

With many small cafés and restaurants to choose from there was a good selection of food and drinks to try, it was also a nice day just to stroll along the river, which runs through the village.

Thank you for your support.
Trevor & Wendy Hope.

Crabs Roast at Uxbridge Charity Autoshow
Various factors conspired to make our attendance at this show a little smaller than usual this year; however, we were still able to display a good selection of cars reports John Watson.

The Middlesex Showground is still undergoing redevelopment and once again we (along with many others) were in a side field. I think it’s actually better since there is more room for all.
Twelve cars made it (eventually) and the stand corners were adorned with Lindsay Henning’s excellent BMC rosettes (about 3 feet in diameter) –- these attracted much comment.

The Uxbridge weather was the usual scorcher of a day with lots of sun-umbrellas in evidence. Just as well since Joseph Barling’s gazebo did not make it until later in the day, apparently most of his morning was spent counting the takings from the previous evening’s ‘fleecing’ session with the black cab. We were sorry not to see that (other) Essex Boy (Doctor, Sir David Wilks) but as reported in the last edition of Landcrab News he is abandoning the old girl in favour of a cabin cruiser on the Algarve. Last I heard, the old girl failed to sell and in consequence Sir David is now going for a rubber dinghy (complete with Seagull outboard motor and an umbrella) on Barking Creek. The umbrella won’t be for the sun!

However, I digress. Uxbridge was its usual excellent self with plenty to see and do.
The autojumble was as extensive as usual but in common with everywhere else the parts are just not there in the way they once were. Indeed one of our autojumbling cronies has gone over to selling soft toys – a sign, perhaps of the times. However, seek, and ye shall still find the odd useful bargain or two.

This year we were spared the usual maladies of broken engine mountings or dynamos but a couple of members were unable to attend due to vehicle failings.

Both Brian Humphris and Roy McDonough were without MOT’s. Trevor Hope and Alan Stevens had family commitments and, to his credit, Timothy Brown was attending to an ageing relative.

On my journey home I had a small problem with the Austin. This was brought home to me in no uncertain terms by the Electronic Indicator Unit (I fitted this several years ago). Upon indicating (some of us still do this) right I was greeted with lots of manic clicking (and simultaneous flashing from the green tell-tale on the speedo) from the indicator unit. I suspected a blown bulb but it proved to be a bad earth on the front lamp. If your car is wired (or has been converted to) negative earth, then these electronic units are easy to fit and have the advantage of a constant rate of indication, regardless of voltage drop.

Thanks to those who were able to attend the show and also to those who took the trouble to say that they could not.

LOCI National Rally @ 13th BMC/BL Annual Rally & Spares Day, Peterborough
Almost every rally or show I have attended this year the weather has been kind to me which always makes the day more enjoyable writes LOCI Chairman Clive Serrell. Which brings me onto the National Rally which was held at Ferry Meadows, Peterborough.

The day started with a good run down until we got to Peterborough where signs for Ferry Meadows were almost non existent. I was not on my own several cars had tagged on behind, eventually I found someone walking their dog, asking directions he suggested we should be looking for Nene Park Ferry Meadows. After doing our own classic car run we finally arrived at 9.30 am to find other members that had stayed over night erecting the Gazebo, banners, flags and Lindsay Henning’s large hand painted BMC Rosettes. We then set up the paddock putting the cars in their respective Marques. By this time the sun was really beating down, members were still arriving, most of them had not been to the event before and had experienced the same difficulty as myself finding the park.

The rally being a BMC/BL day there was a fairly large Auto jumble catering for mostly BMC/BL spares. By midday most of the members including myself and Bill Fraser had gone in search of that bargain that would keep our treasured Landcrabs running and continue to give us good reliable service be it for general use or days of pleasure at shows etc. Bill and I returned to the paddock and counted a total of 27 cars.

On arrival members were given a self judging form and Rally plaque, I stood back and watched members walk around with their judging forms making very difficult decisions on who should go home with an award. I walked around myself and found the cars had reached a higher standard, it is becoming more difficult to judge.

One of our well known members travelling all the way from Ireland in his Morris 1800 MK1, Paddy Gordon turned out to be Landcrab Mechanic of the day helping fellow member Nina and Graham Hughes by changing their engine mounting which failed on their journey down from Yorkshire. Nina and Graham thanked him and told others that armed with “a small jack and a get you home tool kit” Paddy achieved this task in approximately 40 minutes – well done Paddy.

With all the self judging forms in, myself and our president Bill Fraser set about counting your votes. Some of the awards were very close as counting came to an end we were faced with a man with a big green microphone – it was the show compere wanting to talk about Landcrabs.

Everyone involved pointed to the member with the knowledge who immediately declined but then gave in and spoke into the big green microphone and did an excellent job. Yes you have guessed it, Joe Barling – well done Joe. At 4 o’clock we presented the awards, after all the awards were presented there was a group photo of the winners Finally I would like to thank my wife and daughter Joan and Claire for organising the tombola and thanks to you all for supporting this – we raised a grand total of £50 for cancer research.

Limo and Austin 1800S just two of a fantastic turn out on the day (above & below)

The winners line up (below).

Robert's car is the Carlton Grey
Morris 1800 MkII on the right
(above & below)

Donor Card GT, Gaydon, Warwickshire
The 2006 'Donor Card Grand Turismo' scenic tour has exceeded all expectations by taking the total amount raised for Cystic Fibrosis to £28,000 in five years.

Organised by the Historic Rally Car Register and Continental Car Tours, the non-competitive tour ran for the fifth time on Sunday 22 October. A field of nearly 60 cars, including many classics from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, took part, with the tour starting and finishing at the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon.

HRCR president and rallying legend Paddy Hopkirk was present at Gaydon to flag the cars away and bring his unique infectious enthusiasm to proceedings.

As well as raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the event is also designed to raise awareness of the need for people to carry donor cards.

London-Sydney Landcrabs gathered at Gaydon (above). Team Landcrab with Paddy Hopkirk (centre). Paddy Hopkirk flags awaySMO227G (bottom)
(Photos courtesy of Robin Shackleton)

Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham
The superb club stand at the show – a "National" themed garage forecourt – was built by Club Member Linsday Henning.

Patrick Gordon from Northern Ireland also attended with a very rare car – a Morris 2200 ‘S’ of which only 5 were made.

LOCI "National" forecourt at the NEC Classic Car Show November 2007
(Photo courtesy of James McLernon)

Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet
Another outstanding creation from the stable of Club Member Linsday Henning – an airport recreation complete with replica British Eagle aircraft and airport staff! Held at the Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

Uxbridge Charity Autoshow
Organised as ever by the Rotary Club of Uxbridge this show continues to be very popular and I am pleased that we are still able to support it reports John Watson.

There is plenty to keep people occupied although in common with many other shows the Autojumble is now somewhat sparse, nevertheless a couple of our members came away with some good bargains.

In addition to the club banner, Lindsay Henning's BMC and British Leyland signs were on display. Lindsay was unable to bring along the Austin owing to brake problems but the famous camper van was there!

We also saw Roy McDonough whose Mark 3 car is presently 'resting' but being a semi-retired 'fleecer' he does have the regular use of an Austin derived vehicle!

The following folk were there:
Joseph Barling, Chingford - Austin 1800 'Ute'
Reginald Cook/Timothy Merritt, Fareham - Wolseley Six
Ken Green, Birmingham - Morris 1800 Mk.2
Lindsay Henning, Chippenham - (Austin 1800)
Tony Jackson, Redditch - Wolseley 18/85 Mk.1?
James McLernon, Bicester - Morris 1800 Mk.2
Wayne Nicholls, Sudbury - Austin 1800 Mk.3
Claire Serrell, Redditch - Austin 1800 'S'
Dave Stretton with daughter Kelly, Barnsley - Wolseley 18/85 Mk.2 auto
John Watson, Welling - Austin 1800 Mk.2

Also there with a very smart Minivan was Paul from Barnsley, pal of Dave Stretton.

Another convivial and harmonious gathering!

Uxbridge Charity Autoshow
This long running show has become a firm favourite for LOCI members and we enjoyed our largest attendance for several years reports John Watson.

The way it works is that I buy ten tickets from the organisers who provide a club area to suit. This year we had a bit more room than usual – just as well since the nine tickets I shifted turned into twelve cars(!) These cars fitted the space almost exactly.

An excellent show as always – Clive Serrell noted more cars (in general) than before but the autojumble has become rather sparse.

Although overcast, we managed to dodge the rain and the sun put in a quite fierce appearance mid-afternoon.

The following were in attendance and I thank them for making the effort:
Joseph Barling, Chingford, Essex Wolseley Six Auto
Reginald Cook/Tim Merritt, Fareham, Hants Wolseley Six
Richard Fox, Wimbledon Wolseley 18/85 Mk2
Lindsay Henning, Chippenham, Wilts Austin 1800
Tony Jackson, Redditch, Worcs Wolseley 18/85
John Lane, Birmingham Wolseley 18/85 Mk2
James McLernon/Steve Orme, Bicester, Oxon Morris 1800 Mk2
Darren Mitcham, High Wycombe, Bucks Wolseley Six
Wayne Nicholls, Sudbury, Suffolk Austin 1800 Mk3
Clive/Joan/Claire Serrell, Redditch, Worcs Austin 1800
Dave Stretton, Barnsley, South Yorkshire Wolseley Six Auto
John Watson, Welling, Kent Austin 1800 Mk2

And so, most of the variants were on show; all we needed was Patrick Gordon's Morris 1800 Mk1!

Lots of interest from the visiting public and lots of photos taken. Thanks again for your support.