North East

Area Focus
North East
Area Secretary: Emma Gordon
Email: northeast@hcvs.co.uk

Our venue is at Bede Lodge Social Club, Finchale Road, Framwellgate Moor, Durham City, DH1 5HL.  Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month, except August, starting at 7pm.
Visitors and guests are more than welcome to come along and join in the fun! 

12th March - Pop Quiz…with prizes
1st June 2025 - Tyne Tees Run
10th December – AGM and Christmas Party

February Meeting

 

Hello all! And welcome back to another North East meeting, unfortunately I missed tonight’s meeting, I have come down with a lovely sickness bug! After all it is going around at the moment! However, that did not stop our other members meeting up for our monthly catch ups! I must also report that thankfully the room was much warmer than it was last month! Not sitting in coats and hats this time!
This evening’s meeting was a focus on model making an building, some of our members are keen model enthusiasts and have spent many a past time sitting and really paying attention to those little details to get the models just right!
Now these models are something extra special, because they have been hand crafted and modelled into Fire Engines over the top of modelled trucks. Paul bought the model commercial vehicles which are situated underneath to work on and sculpt them into Fire Engines and appliances. The time and effort which Paul has put into these vehicles is phenomenal.
He did state that at one point in his life he unfortunately found himself with a broken leg, of course the leg needed to be rested, so no flying around! Instead, Paul took this time to work on his models, exercising the rest of his body and his creativity but maintain rest in his leg to get it back in working order.
The media in which he used to sculpt and make them into Fire Engines was actually metal, using this method of media has helped preserve the models to stand the test of time. Looking closely at the models (note I am looking at the images) you can see all the tiny details which have been meticulously added!
Paul, they certainly are beautiful, and I wonder if our readers at HC News would like to hear more about them, in an article maybe?
Now, not only did Paul bring along his models, but our very own Treasurer Barry Summers also did. We have seen a peek at Barry’s vast model collection in the past, but these are ones we have never seen before! Like Paul with his Fire Engines, Barry has a keen interest and his eye on showman’s vehicles, we have seen the beautiful models of the show rides, which move! He brought them in around the time the Greatest Showman came to the big screen, as I can vaguely recall referencing it at the time.
In the collection tonight we see various showmanship vehicles from Chipperfield’s Circus this is a British family touring show with a history which has spanned over 300 years. This originates from James Chipperfield with his performing animals at the Thamas Frist Fair of 1684. A full history on the company, the various family members and their achievements can be found on their Wikipedia page. Barry’s models also include other companies carrying loads such as the famous Dodgem rides! (of course, the objective is to dodge the other cars, but where’s the fun in that!) Barry’s models always bring back memories for me from Metroland, that good old place which used to be in the Metro Centre, much fun was had in there! In fact, the name triggers a memory smell for me. As well as the shows at South Shields, funny enough, which are over the road from Bents Park, where we host our Tyne Tees…funny how things come back around!
Barry also brought along, probably one of my favourite models and caught my eye in the photograph, 4 little pastel models of camper vans! I can just see them hitting the road on some kind of adventure or another! As you all know, the time of the converted van is once again in full swing, or fashion as the modern world would say! Who can blame them, I know first hand how fun they are! Everything you need in a little cosy space, Barry are your campers available for my festivals this year??
I would like to thank Paul and Barry for bringing along their model vehicles tonight, it is very much appreciated!
Don’t forget our Tyne Tees Run will be back on the road on the first Sunday in June, we hope to see you there, forms available in the usual places and like always just email me and I shall get back to you! It may not be straight away, but I will reply!

In the meantime, take care and I hope to either see you at one of our meetings or at the Tyne Tees in June! Until then keep safe!
Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

January Meeting

 

Happy New Year Everyone, and what a cold start we have had. It was very cold tonight in our meeting room; however, we carried on like we always do. I must say it is the first meeting we have had where we have had to keep out hats, coats and in some cases gloves on.
Tonight, I took us all back to August where myself, the Chairman and a couple of family members took to the road and took on our own version of the NC500. Probably one of the most iconic road trips…of course, the top one belongs to Route 66. Our Chairman worked come hail or shine on finishing two VW Caddy’s, converting them into camper vans. Carrying everything we needed for the road trip.
We started our trip in Durham and onto Inverness, we then headed west, not east. On this trip we added the Isle of Skye into the mix as well when in the Highlands, why not explore a little more when you can do so. From there we went to Ullapool, then took Clarkson, Hammond and May’s cut across to Lairg. However, I did state here, that if I didn’t rely on Google and reviews then I would have taken the cut out, out and gone along the top. But of course, not visiting up that way myself I thought I would take heed and plan for traffic or anything else may come our way, but not to worry, we know for next time.
From Lairg we travelled to Golspie, Tain and then onto Cromarty where the big oil rigs are. The harbour was rather interesting as well as the lighthouse which is no longer in use. Unfortunately, every time I tried to play the videos it was shutting the whole programme down, so we scrapped that idea and bypassed them. There were some good videos of one of the vans going through the mountain tunnel, the seal in Loch Fleet and of course the leaping salmon at Falls on Shin.
We then went back to Inverness again, then headed to the Tomatin distillery, before our last stop in Pitlochry. It is well worth the visit, if it has always been something on your list of things to do, do it! Everything else can wait, adventures cannot!
We shall see you all next time, hopefully it will be a lot warmer than it was tonight, until then, take care!
Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

December Meeting

 

Annnnnnnnnd we have completed another year! It certainly comes around quickly! Of course tonight we are getting together for our annual general meeting and our Christmas party!
Lovely to see everyone in their best festive clothing, our food table was very long this year and Brenda brought some decorations along to make it look extra special. We had sandwiches, quiche, pies, nuts and other nibbles and of course, the mince pies, which at Christmas is a must have! Although I have now realised that I didn’t actually eat one at the party!
Once everyone had caught up it was time for the speeches, first the Chairman, followed by our Treasurer and then well...me! We have all decided to carry on our roles into next year and we were happily accepted to do so.
Preparations for next year’s Tyne Tees are starting and forms will be going out to you all in the New Year. Of course there will be a downloadable form available for you all on our website. If you have not attended the Tyne Tees before and you would like to come along, drop me an email and I shall send you over a form.
After our formal meeting, we invited everyone to have something from the buffet and whist eating we partook in a little Christmas Quiz, music themed this time. It was quite a challenge, especially when you can hear the song in your head but cannot figure out what it is called.
As we have been so good this year, Santa came and paid us a visit leaving us each with a gift! Thank you Santa!
That wraps up our year in the North and we shall be back next year with another full calendar. We hope to see you at one of our meetings.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and all the best for 2025!
Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

November Meeting

 

Unfortunately, I could not attend our members meeting tonight, but I am looking forward to seeing you all again for our AGM and Christmas Party which is happening next month! This year has just gone passed so quickly! It doesn’t seem long since I was welcoming you all to the New Year!
Thankfully tonight you were all in the hands of Paul and Malcolm, who were hosting and taking the floor tonight. We also had no technical issues, yey! Paul kindly brought along his own projector and screen!
Due to not being at the meeting, I am going to hand you over to Brenda, who put a lovely write up on our Facebook page, so Brenda, Paul and Malcolm over to you all…
Paul who was accompanied by Malcolm who is a train enthusiast had downloaded two videos of the 1999 Australian longest road train! The train consisted of 45 trailers which was taking part in what was to be the successful attempt to beat the previous world record. The record had been set 4 years previously, consisting of 29 trailers, 439metres in length, travelling 4km and the cavalcade of 50 trucks which was used to pull the individual trailers and dollies in the parade through the town of Merredin. This is situated on the Eastern Highway which links Perth with Kalgoorlie.
During the footage a number of questions were raised by our members, these are as follows:
“How did the trailers get hooked up to each other?”
“I wonder how long it took to attach all of the trailers?”
“What special permission did they need?”
“Did anyone count the wheels?”
“How long was the road train?”
“How long did it take to pass a point from start to finished?”
“What would happen if the truck in the middle had a major problem?”
Brenda kindly furthered her research and found this video on YouTube which answers those questions, the video is titled: Worlds Longest Roadtrain – 1999
Thank you to Paul and Malcolm for taking the time to show the videos, answer questions and present. A further thank you to Brenda for posting our evening on our Facebook page!
I hope to see you all again for our AGM and Christmas Party! Until then take care!
Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

October Meeting

 

Where on earth has this year gone! On typing this out, I had to really think which month we were on. Then again, it does get rather confusing when the shops are catering for Halloween, Bonfire Night, Remembrance, and dare I say…Christmas! But not to worry, we are on the month of October and the dark nights are certainly starting to roll in now.
This month we were focusing on what we were supposed to be talking about last time, which was our winter restorations and what jobs we have planned and lined up to get our vehicles show ready for next season. So, no further a due than…on with the show!
Jonathan:
We started with a rather interesting and quite a nerve wracking winter project. This project may be small, but it is a big job, which is going to take a lot of patience and a very steady hand indeed! If something is knocked in the wrong place, then it may turn out bigger than was intended. Here, I am taking about the pin being knocked out from the clutch fork! The trick, to get it back into place, if not then unfortunately the gearbox may have to be removed, to get it back together again. We wish you the best of luck and a steady hand with this one, hopefully a gearbox removal can be avoided.
Paul:
Paul has been refurbishing his starter motor on his beloved fire engine. Ready for when it hits the road and fields again next year! Not only this but Paul has also been looking and sorting through his loft, lately he has been bringing things along to our club nights from days gone by, finding all those memories from adventures passed.
Peter:
As you all know Peter and Barry purchased a Foden not too long ago and has been undergoing a full restoration. Currently, the Foden’s brakes are the focus point for this winter restoration. To help get this Foden back on the road again.
Ken:
Ken has just finished his restoration projects for this year. He has just finished a paint job as well as restoration to his vehicles brakes as well.
Craig:
Does not have a vehicle for restoration, however, Craig is an avid model painter and is currently going to be setting up a little project to show at our club early on next year. He is going to be showing models in their various processes to restoration and going from something to something which is lovely put on display!
Barry:
Nellie is going to be undergoing a water cooling system clean out…wonder if she knows about this yet and how she is going to feel about it, remember from previous times, she does not like being messed with! Barry also has a Lego Land Rover Defender to build, not exactly a restoration project, but it is something which is in line to complete.
Colin:
Just before the season ended, Colin experienced some issues with his brakes. Meaning his vehicle had to miss a show or two. We are happy to hear that this has been sorted and now all is well and rolling…or shall I say braking as they should be.
We hope that all your plans for winter restorations go to plan ready for the shows and events when the season begins next year!
Join us next time when Paul will be presenting the Memorial Run. Until next time, take care and we shall see you soon! Its almost Tyne Tees time!
Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

September Meeting

 

It actually feels like we have not all gathered together at the club for quite some time, usually it feels like the time had flown by!
We hope that everyone has enjoyed their summer break before getting back into the planning for the annual road runs next year. Tyne Tees planning starts officially starts in October!
Now tonight we were going to talk about our restoration projects for the winter, however, we started to look back into the past and things we used to do then. We spoke about the NC500 road trip which we had just taken in August which sparked a conversation about road runs or trips people had taken in the past!
We spoke about hitchhiking and staying in Youth Hostels, going on big trips to watch the motorbikes racing, travelling all the way to Edinburgh to pick up a coat, which was faulty when arriving, but the lady of the shop sent the assistant to the factory which was down the bank to get another one!
Throughout the years, collectively as a group we have had some amazing adventures and we hope that they all continue. Of course, we all have different interests and hobbies alongside the trucks and throughout our lives, we have certainly taken charge of these and wherever possible fulfilled some of them!
Now, next time we will be talking about our winter projects and what we are going to restore, buy, and repair over the winter months, ready for next years session.
Until next time, take care!
Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

 

June Meeting

 

Well, it seems like we have been talking about the up-and-coming Tyne Tees and now, here we are in June, and it has already been a week and a bit since our 42nd run! Now, that has flown over and rather busy!
We had a lot of members in tonight, which was nice to see! We did have a bit of a move around when we first got to the club, as our usual room was being used for an AGM (not ours), so we were offered our old room. I must say, it was rather nice to be back where we used to be! Oddly everyone just sat back in their original seats!
Tonight’s focus was mainly on the Tyne Tees, and we had a bit of a debrief of how we felt it went. We decided that it was the first Tyne Tees we have had in a long time, which was hot from the word go! Usually, it is very overcast and a bit cold in the morning and starts to get out towards the afternoon. However, this time, the sun was shining from when we left the house!
We had a very good turnout of vehicles a good mixture of older and newer vehicles starting to appear, which is nice to see the two coming together. A couple of our vehicles had some small issues, however, in usually Tyne Tees fashion, everyone stopped to help one another! That is something we can always say about our drivers, we always look out for one another, whether on the way there, on the field or on the way home again!
The most important thing is though, that everyone had a nice time, got to spend some time with their friends and people they only see on the run and we got to connect with our drivers once again. We seem to have done well with programme sales this year, which is good and I must say I think this years programme has been our best looking yet! The white and more retro look was a winner! Not to mention the white plaque which went along with it!
Talk then turned to what we would like to do in the future, would we like another event? The drivers have been asking if we host another one, as they would like to come along if so. Would we like to go on a trip out for the day? A camping weekend, how many would like to come and would we bring our old vehicles if allowed. As well as, what else we would like out of the meeting nights.
We then talked about who went to Corbridge Steam Fair at the weekend and who will be going to Newby Hall towards the end of July. We also mentioned that Chester-le-Street have their vintage show on mid-July as well!
Next it was time for refreshment, raffle and to chat amongst us.
We shall see you all next time, for our last meeting before our summer break!
Emma J Gordon

 

May Meeting

 

Tyne Tees Eve: As we all know, the Tyne Tees like all events, begin months in advance, with planning and preparation. Communicating with Police, Councils, Printers, Drivers, Stall Holders and of course, the public who come along to spectate. All the planning makes the event what it is, without that, we would not have an event. For the past couple of weeks our Facebook page was awash with photographs, posts and interactions with our drivers, again it is a very handy tool to have, to keep in touch. Most importantly of course, the vehicles need to be show ready and looking their best! Those last-minute issues sorted (because there usually is one), any touching up of paint, polishing, washing etc… is all part of the preparations.
“Fantastic day again, thanks!”
Alan Marriott
Also, I must stress for the whole week before the Tyne Tees the talk of the weather was BANNED! As you know, the weather before the event, wasn’t the best and we were rather worried that it would be rainy and a bit windy on the day…however, we need not have worried, but we did not know this yet! We tried to relax as much as possible the night before, we spent some time in the garden, before having our teas and then an early night, ready for a busy day the next day.
Tyne Tees Morning:
Soon, the alarms were going off and it was up and dressed ready for the off. Of course, as usually we had our annual Costa coffee before setting off for the day. But guess what? Something new? It was sunny!! Usually, it if very overcast and a little bit drizzly but then clears up. No, we had stunning sunshine from the word go. It was then time to climb into Nellie, although I went in a Jeep Patriot this year and head off down to Durham Johnston to get ready for our drivers coming to the half way halt. The caretaker was there to welcome us into the school. The Facebook page was already full of photographs provided by Brenda from Stockton. There was a good number of vehicles already in and ready to go!
“Great day and the weather just topped it off!”
Wright Trucks
The Vice Chair from Durham County Council arrived to view the vehicles and then to choose one for an award later in the day, at Bents Park. It was lovely seeing the vehicles coming into Durham Johnston again, we had a lot of new faces as well as our regular drivers. Lots of waves and calls of hello came through the windows and of course, the odd beeping of the horn and flashing of the lights here and there. Everyone was in good spirts. No sooner had the vehicles came into Durham Johnston then it was time for them to go and make their way to Bents Park, South Shields. We then packed up our things, gave our thanks to the caretaker and then made our way through. The sun continued to shine down on us as we made our way through, a couple of my colleagues when I went to work the next day, said they had spotted the trucks making their way to South Shields, when they were near Sunderland.
“Brilliant day!”
Paul West
Making our way along the Spire Bridge, we spotted a familiar face waving with their camera, Becky had come down to take photographs and video the vehicles making their way across, we cannot wait to see it. We already have the photographs, and they look beautiful! We were met with a bit of traffic going down to South Shields, of course it was a glorious day, and everyone wanted to make the most of the sun and what South Shields has to offer. Turning onto the field it looked lovely, seeing the vehicle back in their places! We had a good selection of vehicles, both older and newer and as I spotted our judging had already commenced.
“Thanks for an awesome day!”
Jackie Mc
The field was full of friends getting together again after not seeing one another for some time and catching up. Everyone seemed happy and having an enjoyable time when I was walking around, taking photographs and chatting with people here and there. Our new marshal was off taking photographs, at one point I took a brilliant photograph of him lying on the floor taking a picture of a steamer. It did not seem like long before it was time for the awards to commence and it was time for everyone to leave for home again! So, there is nothing else for me to do other than to present the winners.
“Just a quick note to say thank you for another great Tyne Tees Run, we thoroughly enjoyed it”
R. Storey
Tyne Tees Run Awards 2024:
The Awards:
OUTRIGHT CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE WINNER:
S1: George Vardy, Sentinel S4 9207.
RUNNER-UP IN CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE:
B1: David and Ken Warren of Washington, GBB 516K, Leyland Atlantean.
CLASS A AND B DOUBLE DECK BUSES:
B1: David and Ken Warren of Washington, GBB 516K, Leyland Atlantean.
CLASS C AND D SINGLE DECK BUSES AND COACHES:
C2: George Richardson, Leyland Leopard.
CLASS E RECOVERY TRUCKS AND SPECIAL VEHICLES:
E2: C. Todd, Thornycroft Big Ben.
CLASS F FIRE APPLIANCES AND RESCUE SERVICE VEHICLES:
F3: J. Todd, Dennis F8.
CLASS G, H, AND J LIGHT VEHICLES:
H3: Malcolm Stewart, Bedford CA Pick-Up.
CLASS K, L, M, AND N FOUR-WHEELED GOODS VEHICLES:
M3: A. Marriott, Bedford TK330.
CLASS O MULTI-AXLE RIGID GOODS VEHICLES:
O2: Frank Willis, Commer QX Unipower Tipper.
CLASS P ARTICULATED GOODS VEHICLES:
P1: Justin Snowdon, Foden S20.
CLASS R TRACTOR UNITS:
R7: Max and Susan Ward, Scammell S45.
CLASS S STEAM DRIVEN:
S1: George Vardy, Sentinel S4 9207.
CLASS T MILITARY VEHICLES:
T2: John Thomas Bertram, Land Rover Light 4x4 Ambulance.
THE TYNE TEES RUN HALF-WAY HALT AWARD:
R1: Paul Archer, Atkinson Borderer.
THE CHAIRMAN’S CHOICE AWARD:
E1: John Pickers Gill, Morris MRA 1.
New for this year’s awards:
LAST YEAR’S CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE CHOICE AWARD:
R6: Stephen Jessup, Foden S83.
So, concludes this year’s Tyne Tees Run, I would like to thank everyone who is involved in the event, from the Local Authority, Police, Council Elects, Durham Johnston, Queen’s Campus Sports Centre, Stockton Riverside College, venders, stall holders, drivers, their families and friends, volunteers, and of course my fellow committee members and their families and friends for their time in organising and on the day. Until next time!
Sunday 1st June 2025
for the 43rd Tyne Tees Run!
Emma Gordon and the North East Committee

 

 

May Meeting

 

May Meeting Welcome, welcome, welcome…. see, bet you thought it was going to be the story of the three wells!! Well, it wasn’t! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the bank holiday weekend, I went to Flag Fen, they were holding a Viking weekend, held by the Viking Society. It was a lovely day out; they have updated the place since I was last there and nice to see that they have some more artifacts which they have been finding. One enthusiast society member was very proud that they have now been promoted to villager and they are looking forward to working their way up to, actor. Another update which we have for you is that our Tyne Tees Programme proof has come through and it is looking very good this year, so far. We have a couple of other things to go in, then it will be ready to print. We have taken a more ‘retro’ style on the programme this year and take it right back to the beginning when the Tyne Tees was born. We thought it would be a nice little touch and add something a little different. We had a quite fire round quiz about the film Genevieve, as this Sunday the London to Brighton run will be taking place and of course, in the film the cars run the London to Brighton. Everyone soon chipped in with their own questions about the film, which was rather funny as at one point, about 5 questions were asked at the same time, and not all the same, might I add. Each person had a different question. These ranged from:
Q. Who was the actor which drove Genevieve?
Q. What was his characters name?
Q. What was the name of the dog?
Q. What did they win?
Q. What did the wheels get stuck on?
Q. What vehicle was crashed into the back of?
The discussion then changed to tyres, and which tyres our members preferred to use and on what vehicle they chose to use them on. We heard that Michelin tyres are not good for motorbikes, but the Dunlop ones were much better, however, did not last very long. At one point it was all Michelin vs Dunlop and the pros and cons of both manufacturers. I would have to vote Dunlop. I recall going to visit the factory with my grandfather (he worked there) and the factory had a very strong smell of rubber (obviously) it was very overpowering, in fact its now one of those memory smells you get. A bit like when festival toilets are mentioned, I always get a memory smell of them. We then had a quite chat about the Fire Engine which had appeared on a television show and what they were doing to it to restore. A lot of our members recalled the Fire Engine model, which was spoken about, and a lot of talk focused on the engine. I believe the next time I will be speaking to you; we will have ALREADY had our Tyne Tees Run, how scary is that it has come around at speed. Hope to see you on the day, I will be starting out at our Half-way Halt in Durham and then making our way to Bents Park once everyone has cleared our check point.
Until then take care!
Emma J Gordon North East Secretary

 

 

April Meeting

 

Well Happy Easter to you all, I hope you had a lovely bank holiday weekend no matter what you got up to.
We had a trip into London on Good Friday and boy did we walk our
legs off!! Unfortunately, the Elizabeth Line was undergoing maintenance on that day,
and the overground wasn’t running so we missed out on couple of things, but not to
worry, it has been added onto our next trip!

Anyway, let me transport you from London back to sunny (cannot say that the weather has
been rather odd lately) Durham. Tonight, it was lovely to see you all and some of our members who we have not seen for a while, it was lovely to see you again!
We did have our race cars to take out on our track tonight, however, general chat amongst our members rolled on, and sometimes it is just nice to move things to the side and just talk.
We have had a change for our starting point this year, unfortunately our usual starting point is undergoing building works however, we are now in the car park and building at the back of our usual space, which is very handy. We are very lucky to have our start and mid-way in education
settings and of course, during half term this is when that all important building work takes place.
So, we shared this amongst our members and of course gave a general update about how our planning is progressing, as usual it is coming along very quickly, and it will not be long and it will be time to get out on the road again.
Tonight, we had something else on our ‘Finds Table’ Paul kindly brought along the first EVER Tyne Tees Run programme, which I took with me to have a look through, with the promise to bring back next time. He also brought along a leaflet advertising the HCVS
way back when and a manual for Leyland.
Just a reminder that our ‘Finds Table’ is not just for things which we have found, but projects we are working on and aren’t sure where parts can be sourced from, or is you are having a bit of difficulty with something.
Afterall, we are all here to help and support one another!
We hope to see you all at our next members meeting and, in the meantime, please take care and we will see you all soon.
Emma J Gordon North East Secretary

 

 

March 2024 Meeting

 

Welcome to our monthly meeting and how quickly this year is already going!
It does not seem long ago that we were at our Tyne Tees Run last year and this year is swiftly approaching.
It was my turn to take the stage tonight to host our quiz night. This quiz was rather challenging,
although, out of the questions which I was researching, these were the easiest of them!
We had questions about what Underground stations used to be known as. Which American State is known as the Pine Tree State,
clue the horror author Stephen King mainly bases his characters and settings from this state.
We then had easier questions such as, who is the patron saint of travellers? What is Paddington Bears favourite food? Who put butter into the Mad Hatters watch?
We had a quick round of 20 questions, there was some conversing between our members, all encouraged to work the way they would like, in pairs, teams or by
themselves…as long as Google is not involved haha!

After our quiz our Chairman Barry introduced the newest member of our group, the ‘Finds Table’ (as seen on the popular television series The Detectorists.)
This is something we thought we could benefit from;
it does not have to be something which we have found. But could be a project we are currently working on
and need some guidance or need something finding.
There is always someone there who will be able to point you in the right direction or offer some support.
This month on our ‘Finds Table’ (as seen on the popular television series The Detectorists) tonight, Paul brought in HCVS binders
which contained EVERY programme
since the beginning (the second run, as there wasn’t one on the first.) Paul had also brought some plaques along which came from Beamish.
When our area used to go down to the museum and take parts in their events.
Later on this month, we have our whole society AGM, we might see some of you down there! If not, then until the next time!
Take care in the meantime!
Emma J Gordon North East Secretary

 

 

October Meeting

 

It is hard to believe I am here writing again it does not seem long ago since I wrote and
sent in the meeting from September. How the weeks are flying by, it will soon be our
Christmas Party! Best dust off those Christmas Jumpers!
Anyway, as we were driving down to Bede Lodge tonight, the sky looked just like a Bob
Ross painting. Beautiful colours all blending to make a lovely sunset, we only needed to
add in our little happy place to make it a true Bob Ross. Oh, and a big tree! It isn’t a
Bob Ross painting without a big old tree. Speaking of trees there was some talk about
the latest felling of Sycamore Gap, it has now been taken away to be looked after.
Talk then turned to Guy Martain running his series on electric vehicles, running from
Lands End to John O’Groats in Scotland. It would be lovely to get Guy along to one of
our nights, he has done some very interesting series! I really enjoyed the one when he
got to fly the Lancaster Bomber, what an experience that much have been! An amazing
piece of machinery, which is being well looked after and still flies today. From what I
recall there are only three planes left and only one of them can fly. I can always feel a

knot forming in my throat when I see it on the television.

Our talk then turned to Volvo’s and how they are now owned by the Chinese. Which
then turned to the good old Volvo’s. There was never a concern when they were showing
100,000 miles on the clock, they had a good 200,000 miles left to go before they

started to cough a little.

Much fun was had with the cars, thankfully none of them took a trip down the steps
this time, however, I must say it was rather entertaining when the Range Rover shot
off the top of the steps and bounced down! Like that sticker, ‘if you can read this,

please turn me over!’

We were trying to find another driving game called, ‘Driving Game’ where the whole
game worked on a magnet, you moved the lever and that moved the car around the
game. There was a police officer, lollipop sticks and of course the dreaded garage!
Our members had fond memories of trying to park the cars in the garage and suddenly
the car would go shooting forward and pushed the building off the board.
Unfortunately, it was going for a rather large amount of money on eBay at the time, and

that was with pieces missing!
We want the full set, not half missing!

Paul brought a long some memories from way back in 1986/7 in form of HC News books,
although back then they were called, The Historic Commercial. These were the days
when M. J Bamfield was Chairman of the HCVS. The magazine hasn’t changed that
much although there are some new editions such as, there wasn’t an area report or
agenda in each of the books. But we did have our good articles and letters to the

editor.

Speaking of articles, funny enough on opening the February 1986 book, I looked at the
article and it was all about Beamish Museum! The article was about a Thornycroft
Tower Wagon which was undergoing restoration, however, was needed to lift the cables
up for the trams. By the looks of the photographs, they were on the bank, halfway
between the entrance and the Victorian Town, round about the Wagon Way.
My favourite part of Beamish is of course the Colliery Village! Or as we call it the Pit
Village. Which contains the mine, the lamp house which my Grandad helped open as he
was the Chairman of the local history group, the miner’s cottages which are all nice and

cosy with the fires burning away inside.

It is always nice to see something from the past, still in tacked, the magazines have

been looked after.

For now, that is enough from us, join us next time when we will be watching a DVD from

Fred Dibnah. Until then, take care!

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

 

September Meeting

Well hello again all! It has been a lovely summer break (erm, I am not counting the
weather in that, because that could have been better!) Although, I must say we did

have some good days, here and there!

The last time I spoke to you all, I had just come back from Paris. This time I have
came back from BoomTown, BoomTown is a music festival (not quite the music we like,
but there was a MASSIVE game aspect to it all, which we loved!) in Winchester. It is
held in a Nature Park and has been going for 15 years! I only discovered it a couple of

years ago and we were lucky enough to get tickets.

Anyway, the festival is set up into town and each towns have a theme (which matches
the game), whilst we were in Old Town, watching a couple of bands at the Fools Leap
stage. We found something interesting, as we walked up to the area, sitting there, with
no wheel, or chassis, or windows, was a very warn looking Austin K9! Going up to it, I
then spotted two Bedford’s, believe they were RL’s and then a Themes Commer!! How
fascinating to find these vehicles hidden in a festival! (See photos)
Luckily the gentleman who owned them was hanging around and putting information up
about them (lots of information, might I add!) I approached him and asked him, “is this

an Austin K9?”

The gentleman turned around and looked quite taken back and said, “yes, it is!”
I then explained that back home, my dad, our Chairman has an Austin K9 and that I was

the Secretary from the North East Area of the HCVS.

He proceeded to tell me that, he knows Nellie from the magazines she has appeared in
and that he would like to restore the one which was at the festival, but needed to
source parts for her. I wished him luck after recommending some places and we

proceeded to the stage.

Whilst sat down, we then had a HUGE debate about the vehicles being there, the crowd
which were at the festival were younger (younger than me!) and the vehicles did spark
up a lot of interest with them. There were a few people looking at them and looking at

the information as well.

Now, the debate is, have these vehicles been given a new lease of life, being brought to
the festival, and used as various features, such as, seating, or to hold staging?

Or are they been left to rot away, with no real use?

We went with the whole new lease of life, but I would like to know what you all think?
If you would like to join the debate and would like to share your thoughts, please email

me at: northern_dudett87@hotmail.com

Anyway enough from me, back to the show at hand! Our chairman welcomed us all back

to school!! Of all places, thankfully we do not need a uniform!

Tonight, we just had a general chit chat, about our holidays, which shows everyone had

been to, or if they have been doing other things.

Paul was asked to attend an open day and bring along a couple of vehicles. So, the fire
engine went along for the day! However, whilst Paul and a friend were fixing the
ladder, which was stuck in place, the rain began and they got rather wet in seconds (it
was that storm we had that Sunday, I’m sure you all got a taste of that! It was some

storm!)

However, whilst there he came across some rather interesting Police Cars, Paul had an
interesting conversation with a Police Officer about the cars and what they carry now,

compared to what they used to carry way back when!

Barry then mentioned when I was much younger and in single figures if I recall
correctly, we went to, ‘Bike Wise’ which was held by the Police every year and was a big

open day.

I must say the best bit of the day was going on the skid pad in the Police Car! It was
so much fun! Then going out in the back of the Police Car for a ride, all with a Police
Officer of course! It was brilliant and is a shame that they no longer do it now, I am
sure Auto Trader had something to do with it as well, but do not quote me on that. I
have a vague recollection of a t-shirt with Auto Trader written on!
We then opened the refreshments with Peter and Brenda before all departing for

home!

Thank you all for coming along tonight and to our new members and those who have
been members for some time. If you find that you have a Wednesday spare, second
Wednesday of the month, you may like to pop along and see us, especially with the dark

nights coming in and the colder weather!
It would be lovely to see you!

Until next time, when we are going to take the remote-control cars for another spin!

This time, watch out for the road signs, some may just trick you!

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

 

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Tyneside Steam Railway Gala

As a society we were approached some month ago by a gentleman from the Tyneside
Steam Railway Gala, they wanted some commercial vehicles to come along for the day

and make up some of the display.

We were very honoured to be asked to come along to the event and Thomas was invited
and came along to one of our members meeting nights. To talk to our members about

the Gala.

Unfortunately, on the day due to unforeseen circumstances which happened on the
morning, we could not attend the event. However, Brenda and Peter, who we were
attending with, attended, and they really enjoyed their time there.
On display there were quite a few examples of Steam engines throughout the ages,
which have been undergoing restoration. It is lovely to see these magnificent engines
on display and still running today. All because of the enthusiasm and passion the
individuals show and want to keep these alive and steaming along the railway. There is
nothing quite like a steam train! They have a massive impact and certainly catch the

eye of those looking when they pass by.

Hard to believe but just as I typed that last sentence, I heard a trains horn off in the
distance from the train station not far from here! Its almost as if it has known! Did
anyone else see the Flying Scotsman which was parked up in York station a couple of

weeks ago?

Thank you very much to the organisers who invited us along and for their kindness and
the discount we got at various places throughout the day. We do hope to attend in the

future and this time fingers crossed we can also attend!
Thank you to Brenda and Peter for going along!

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

 

 

Spennymoor Gala.

We have been very busy in the month of July and have been invited to a lot of events.
We of course, attended the Spennymoor Gala, which we attend every year. The event

takes place on the first Sunday in July every year!

This year, we took our usually place in the street parade and set away with all the other
vehicles, band, performers, and exhibits. There is something quite magical taking part
in a parade up a street with people lining either side to come and watch, a community

coming together.

We of course, encountered some familiar Tyne Tees faces and it was nice to catch up
with them after our own event. They were in good spirits and really enjoying

themselves.

There was some spectacular puppets on display this year, they seemed to take the form
of Green Men from folk law myths. With colourful free flowing cloaks, they were quite
striking. Another puppet which towered above the crowd was inspired by the famous
painting called, ‘Vertumnus’ painted by the famous Renaissance artist Giuseppe

Arcimboldo.

As well as the exhibits there were a lot of tombola stalls, as well as raffle and of
course, the good old coffee and cake stalls. Down the bottom of the field the fair
ground rides flew around for those who wished to take part. We enjoyed watching the
performers on the stage, there is always something to watch at the Gala!
It was a brilliant day, thank you to the organisers who invited us along for the day and

we look forward to next year’s event!

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

July Meeting

As I write this, I have just returned from Paris, it was a whistle stop tour, due to going
to seeing a band there, which was amazing. Lots of fire on the stage and good to finally

see them live!

We also went to the Eiffel Tower, which has some amazing facts, it is made of a type
of metal, which can sway up to 6inches in the high winds and bends 7inchs around to
avoid the sun! That certainly wasn’t a fact which I was that happy about at just over
1,000ft in the air, however, once my feet were planted firmly back on the ground, it

was rather interesting!

We may have to venture back there one day to see the things which we missed,

however, it was lovely none the less!

Anyway, back to the show at hand. Tonight, Ian kindly hosted our meeting after the
Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and announced that this was the last one
before our summer break for August! We all had a quick look at the Heritage
Commercial magazine which Barry brought in. It contained coverage of our Tyne Tees
Run when we used to host this at Gypsies Green, many years ago now. The image in the
magazine was taken in June 1998, and focused on Fire Engines, Paul’s fire engine, was

covered in the magazine article.
On with he shows Ian!

Whilst Ian was deciding what to host tonight, he looked at his laptop and noticed that
the last time he held this presentation, was back in 2015. Since then, we have gained
some new faces or ones which were not present at the time, so he decided to use this

one for tonight.

Before stating his presentation Ian gave us some background information on when the
magistrates were brought about. Richard I first appointed 'keepers of the peace' in
1195, but it wasn't until the 1361 Justice of the Peace Act came into effect under
Edward III that the title 'Justice of the Peace' was born. The word 'magistrate'
derives from the Middle English word magistrate, a 'civil officer in charge of

administrating laws'.

The Magna Carta also comes into the situation here, Magna Carta was written by a
group of 13th-century barons to protect their rights and property against a tyrannical
king. It is concerned with many practical matters and specific grievances relevant to

the feudal system under which they lived.

I have seen parts of the Magna Carta when I had the privilege of witnessing the
Winter Solstice at Stonehenge in 2019. We went to Salisbury Cathedral after and it
was on display there, encased in a very dark tent with very, very low lighting.
As we know Ian is a retired magistrate and wanted to talk to us about his experiences

in the service, what encouraged him to join and be a part of.

He stated that to first become a magister of course there was the usual interview
process and of course, extensive background checks take place.

Ian left being a magistrate in 2016 and he loved the experience and chances he had
during this time, even being new magistrates’ mentors. Which gave him the chance to

pass on his knowledge and experiences in court.

As well as taking on the role of an appraiser, who assess other magistrates throughout

their careers.

He stated throughout the presentation that the main thing which he learnt that “both
sides” of the story MUST be heard before passing a judgement. This is something
which should be adopted as you cannot look at something from one side, to get a better

picture, you must listen to both, and this clouds your judgement.
The other quote Ian remembers fondly and takes with him is that you, “must think

judicially.”

Ian fondly recalled that this was the first time, he ever experienced a bacon sandwich
with a slice of cheese on top. Sounds terrible, but Ian assured us, it tasted rather

good and is something which should be tried!

Through Ian’s service he enjoyed attending many courts, however, his favourite was
Crown Court and being able to work closely with the Judge. Who he admires and stated
that they have very intelligent people! He tells us that in court, the Judge is the

Chairman, and the Magistrates are the Wings.

Ian stated that Durham Court is the best court he has been in, as it still presents as it
did back in the Dickensian times, the décor has not been changed and still looks the
same. He stated that it gave off a sense of what has been before it, an atmosphere is

present.

Most of us who lives in County Durham know that old Durham Court has the original
tunnel system in where the prisoners are taken down under the court and then

escorted to prison.

In fact, Durham City does have a lot of hidden gems like this hidden around the city.
As you recall from our previous write ups, you just need to look above you to witness
some of the old buildings and businesses which took place there. However, don’t go
diving in the river, leave that to the professionals! If you go to Jimmy Allen’s pub and
down into the cellar, these are old holding cells and does still contain a skeleton, well it
did the last time I was there, that was some years ago now, on a school trip.
Please note, we did not go to the pub on a trip, it was an educational trip to the
Cathedral and the Mill below it, it just happened to make the system of the tour up,

because of the river connections!

When Ian reached his 20 years of service he was presented his award by the Senior

Judge and he says that this was an honour to receive and serve.

Thank you Ian for your presentation tonight, I have really enjoyed it along with
everyone else, we were all engaged and asked questions throughout! Thank you!
I am looking forward to the day you do your experience as a Firefighter!
Paul brought his literary award along tonight, we have been meaning to have them both
together for a picture for a long time now, but I kept forgetting mine! However,
tonight, we had them and took the opportunity to have a photograph!
Well, that concludes our July meeting, I hope you all have a lovely summer, and we shall

see you all back in September!

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

 

 

Well, I hope you are all enjoying the rather tropical weather now! Although, we have
had a couple of downpours the last couple of days! I got caught in one on Sunday night,

I was soaked to the skin in no time!

I cannot believe where the time has gone since the Tyne Tees! It has just zoomed over
and now we are at our June meeting, one more and we will be breaking up for our

summer break and be back again in September!

Before I begin, I must extend my congratulations to Bede Lodge, who this year have

celebrated their 50 th Anniversary!

A lot has happened since the Tyne Tees, we visited Corbridge Steam Rally the weekend
after and saw some fellow Tyne Tees Runners there. I have enrolled on a Neuroscience
course for work, and I am really looking forward to that, it is all about how the brain
develops, which I think will be fascinating! I have also been to see Penn and Teller,
brilliant show, very good at their craft and just all-round good showmen! The card
trick they did with the audience was rather spectacular! Whether it’s a ‘kind of magic’

or not, it was certainly mind blowing!

I have already extended my congratulations to Janet, John, and the team, but I would
like to offer my congratulations again. I think it is fantastic the fund raiser you
organised to raise funds for the Footstep’s Foundation! What a difference it can make
to those family’s lives, just giving whatever, you can give and giving a small charity the
publicity, it needs, especially one who is making a difference to someone’s lives, no

matter how big or small! So, well done!

I take my hat off to you, well, my headphones anyway as I always listen to music when I
am writing these reports…I may have given a secret away there, ha-ha!

I do hope that the Ridgeway went well on Sunday!

Anyway, the formal introductions have been made so I guess it is on with the show, but
then again we got the club and on asking the members if they would like to watch the
1988 Tyne Tees Run, which was on the agenda for the night, they opted to have a chat.
So, that is what we did! We had a debrief about how the Tyne Tees went. It is always
good to have a debrief especially with multiple people who were stretched across the
50+ mile radius. The day went very well indeed and was enjoyed by all, everyone I
spoke to had nothing but praise for us, the organisers. The weather was not as nice as
the day before, however, that was a bonus in a way, we always prefer it a little
overcast, so the wagons are not under stress with the heat, and they could plod along
nicely. However, just before our awards ceremony, the clouds began to split and the

sun was shining down over Bents Park!

In typical Tyne Tees fashion someone was always there if someone needed a helping
hand, anyone offering to help or simply coming to chat to one another. It was nice to
see those from down the country and as well as the Trans-Pennine lads and lasses who

came to join us as well! We do hope that you had a good time, and it would be nice to
see you back again with us next year! Application forms will be sent out in October for

the next event!

I did not realise that I had took so many photographs on the day! I thought I had only
taken a few, turned out I had taken over 100, then added in with Mam, Brenda, and
Barry’s photographs I ended up with almost 190, along with some videos as well! I must
say whilst I was taking pictures of the venders, the sweet man asked me to come back
so he could do a pose for his photograph! This is what I like about the run, everyone
getting involved, stopping to chat to you on the field or on their way out or simply

tooting their horns as they go past!

Paul did bring along his tankard which he won in 2010 for the Literary award, however,
I did not have mine with me tonight, so we could not take the picture of us together.
So, I have made a note to take mine with me to the Committee Meeting which we shall
be having in a couple of weeks. I shall get a photograph of us there and then send it in
for Brian to put into the magazine. It would be nice to see the two awards together!
So, here is where I shall leave you for another month and we shall meet again in print
form in July. Next meeting Ian has kindly offered to host either an eBay Quiz or one

of his other presentations about what he was a Firefighter!

Until then, take care and enjoy whatever you may be doing in that time! Funny, I am
listening to ‘Fruhling in Paris’ (points if you know the band! We are also seeing these in
Paris) think I’ve let another secret out! Its just a can of worms this time! I shall be

visiting Paris not long after our next members meeting.

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

Tyne Tees Eve.
As for any big event the planning and preparation begins months in advance, liaising with the local authorities, police, our drivers, stall holders, volunteers, judges, speaking to and exchanging emails and soon the event is upon us, and it is time to get us all back out on the road again.

Time to wake the vehicles up and get them moving, show ready and fix those little issues they may have developed when they have been in a deep slumber over the winter months.  Of course, like everything there is always that little thing that decides to go, “no thanks” the day before and the toolbox has to come out, that is what happened to our Pickford’s wagon, a little tinkering was needed, Nellie also needed a fix, to her paint work, which needed a bit of a touch up, where she has been resting over the winter, we all need a bit of TLC at times!
However, once she was right as rain again, she casually rolled into Starbucks for a latte and a polish whilst we were visiting, we did have quite a bit of interest and some photographs were taken.  Someone asked about the event and said that they would be coming along on the day!
Not only that but we were regularly posting on our Facebook page during the week, engaging our drivers and sharing information about the day and what to expect.  I personally have found that the Facebook page has reached out a bit closer to those who attend our run.  It just shows that sometimes a “Change of habit” (thank you to the Wrights for the use of the quotation) really does help, moving the society along into the modern world.  We can share photographs, videos, information, and comments about the event as well as keeping in touch through messages and emails.  I was happy to receive a message from our driver who had come the farthest distance, they were tucked up safe for the night at a local truck stop, which I had recommended.

“Polishing now!”
Paul via Facebook

On the Day:

We had the usually early wake up call, before it was time to get ready, have a quick cup of tea and then out of the door.  Of course, once Nellie was packed it was off to the garage for a cup of Costa coffee, before making our way down to Durham Johnston.  Unfortunately, we did have warm weather to start, but then the storm clouds came overhead and stayed there for most of the morning!  Thankfully, something we are used to and all three of us uttered at the same time, “typical Tyne Tees morning weather!”  Which is true, for as long as I can remember the Tyne Tees has always had an overcast morning, least it was dry, the Facebook page had started to gain likes when I said, “Good Morning from Durham!”

Things were going well down at Stockton, our burger van had arrived for the breakfast sandwiches, which our drivers purchased before collecting their numbers from the gentlemen in control and making their way towards us at Durham!

Our Chairman Barry welcomed Durham County Councils Chair to the car park and soon I was very busy waving our drivers in through the door.  In good old Tyne Tees fashion, I had the usual toots, revs, light flashes, and a lot of waves and smiling faces!  Our Chair of Durham County Council had a very nice time walking around and viewing the vehicles which had parked up for a quick breather before making their way to Bents Park at South Shields.  She is quite keen on starting something up in our local area as she said that it is nice to see all of the vehicles out on the road, enjoying themselves!
She was asked to choose a vehicle which she liked and write it down on a piece of paper to be awarded the Tyne Tees Half way Halt Award, at our awards ceremony later on in the day!

“Had a great day, thanks for having us!”
David on the field and via Facebook.

It wasn’t too much longer before our two Sentinels came down the street and into Durham for a rest, this is the first time we have had steam driven vehicles on the run for a long, long time!  It was lovely to see them out of the road and I would like to thank the gentlemen who brought them along, but not only that, the team which supported them during the day, keeping them running, thank you for your hard work!

“Fantastic, brilliant day, thanks to Barry and all the team!”
Malcolm via Facebook.

No quicker had we welcomed them all in, was it time for them to start filtering out again.  As we were waving them off, we received quite a few waves, hoots, and flashing lights as they disappeared up the road and we wished them a safe journey.
Soon, it was time to leave and say Goodbye to the Caretaker and his wife, who called, “See you next year!” as we climbed into Nellie to make our way to Bents Park.

“Congratulations on another fantastic event, a must for me every June these days!”
Brian via Facebook.

We did come across a bit of traffic whilst passing through Chester-le-Street on our way to the big roundabout, but we enjoyed watching the workmen catching all the cones and gathering them all in.  We were not there long before getting quickly on our way again.  We did spot two Tyne Tees Runners behind us as we were moving along, who waved!  From there we had quite a nice and quiet journey through, past Herrington Park which had its outdoor cinema event on and down to the Northern Spire Bridge where we spotted some more Tyne Tees Runners, checking on them to make sure they were alright, they gave us the thumbs up, and we were on our way again.  Travelling right through past the Stadium of Light, where Pink is playing the weekend after, then down onto the coast road!  We have noticed this year that many people were out scattered along the route and taking pictures of the vehicles as they were passing, we also had quite a few waves from people walking by.
Soon, we were waved into Bents Park at South Shields and what a sight it was, when we turned the corner and all of the vehicles in their many shapes and sizes, all parked up together!

“Was excellent, as always! Long may it continue!”
Wright Trucks via Facebook and on the field.

I do not know where the time went on the field, when we pulled in, people were getting their deck chairs our, with their picnics or going off to see friends.  Standing by their vehicles and speaking to those who they may have not seen since last year.  I really enjoyed coming around everyone and saying hello or waving to you from across the field. 
I tried my best to get around and photograph all the vehicles which were on the field so I could pop them on our Facebook page to share with our members.

“Brilliant event and very professionally run”
Carol feedback on the field.

Not long after we arrived then it seemed like it was time for the judging awards to be announced.  Tom invited everyone to come down to the front for the ceremony, just as we were doing this the clouds began to part, and the sun was making an appearance!  Paul took to the mic and gave a speech, thanking everyone for coming along and asking if they enjoyed it, which we received a loud, “YEAH!”

“I just want to say congratulation on the event and I enjoy reading you blog in HC News”

Before I start with the awards, I would just like to extend our thanks to everyone who stops and makes sure their fellow drivers are alright, those who lend a hand, share parts, or tools.  This is what makes our run, being together and uniting as one big family!

Therefore, it is time to present to you the winners of this years 41st Tyne Tees Run!!  A quick round of applause for the winners, I shall pause whilst you cheer as you are reading……cheered? Right, we shall proceed!

The Awards:

OUTRIGHT CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE WINNER:
R16: Allen Wright of Chester-le-Street, S469 TKR, VOLVO FH12.

RUNNER-UP IN CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE:
R13: Keith Baron of Preston, J193 MCM, Volvo F10.

CLASS A AND B DOUBLE DECK BUSES:
B1: David and Ken Warren of Washington, GBB 516K, Leyland Atlantean.

CLASS C AND D SINGLE DECK BUSES AND COACHES:
D1: Craig Smith of Chester-le-Street, R855 PRG, Volvo B10BLE.

CLASS E RECOVERY TRUCKS AND SPECIAL VEHICLES:
E1: Chris Todd of Sunderland, DSA 987, AEC Matador.

CLASS F FIRE APPLIANCES AND RESCUE SERVICE VEHICLES:
F4: Michael Mowby of South Shields, GYL 326, Bedford RL Petrol Carrier.

CLASS G, H, AND J LIGHT VEHICLES:
H1: Mark Kempsey of Wolsingham, RYG 488, Land Rover Series 1.86.

CLASS K, L, M, AND N FOUR-WHEELED GOODS VEHICLES:
N2: Robbie Ralph of Bishop Auckland, 87LD 445, Bedford TL.

CLASS O MULTI-AXLE RIGID GOODS VEHICLES:
O1: Frank Willis of Hetton-le-Hole, 398 JBB, Commer QX Unipower Tipper.

CLASS P ARTICULATED GOODS VEHICLES:
P1: Justin Snowdon of Bishop Auckland, 19 VPP, Foden S20.

CLASS R TRACTOR UNITS:
R7: Simon Tootell of Malton, C695 YSR, Scania P92 MA.

CLASS S STEAM DRIVEN:
S2: Mark Stafford of Houghton-le-Spring, BTD 868, Sentinel S4 9278.

CLASS T MILITARY VEHICLES:
N/A

THE TYNE TEES RUN HALF-WAY HALT AWARD:
R2: Nigel Cook of Consett, XPU 999F, Scammell Contractor.

LONGEST DISTANCE AWARD:
R9: Michael Turner of East Sussex, G546 GTG, Ford Cargo.

THE CHAIRMAN’S CHOICE AWARD:
M2: Alan Marriott of Bishop Auckland, BOW 765C, Ford Thames Trader.


“My son had a great day doing the run with his ERF.  Thanks to all the organisers/volunteers and exhibitors”
HG via Facebook.

So, concludes this year’s Tyne Tees Run, I would like to thank everyone who is involved in the event, from the Local Authority, Police, Council Elects, Durham Johnston, Stockton Riverside College, venders, stall holders, drivers, their families and friends, volunteers, and of course my fellow committee members and their families and friends for their time in organising and on the day. 

Until next time!

Sunday 2nd June 2024
for the 42nd Tyne Tees Run!

Steamers leaving Durham Johnson

Allen Wright with his Best in Show Volvo

 

 

 

May Meeting

Hello everyone, how are we all doing? What on earth is going on with this weather
lately? Hot, cold, hot, cold, we have had sun, rain, wind, AND hail! But not to worry
apparently it is going to be changing soon and we are in for some glorious sunshine.
Tonight, we gathered to celebrate King Charles III Coronation which took place on the
added bank holiday weekend. Brenda did a lovely set up at the front with our
refreshments on and Joan brought along some bite sized Victoria Sponge cakes for us

to enjoy! So, thank you ladies for going that!

Did you watch the Coronation at the weekend? We did set the television up in the
caravan but unfortunately, we could not get an signal, but luckily we recorded it at
home and have been watching it on a night when we have finished work.
The Coronation was a great historical event for us all to witness, for some this is the
first Coronation we have ever seen and it was very interesting watching the ceremony
on the television, seeing how it all happens and the traditions which have come down
since medieval times. We can only imagine the emotions our King was going through on
that day! The salute on the lawns of Buckingham Palace was certainly a nice touch and

quite an emotional watch!

It was lovely to see the procession of the armed forces, which we have not seen a
gathering like that for 70 years since the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. We
also got to see the beautiful golden State Coach as well as the Diamond Jubilee Coach!
The State Coach is over 200 years old; the coach was commissioned in 1760 for King
George III and was built in a London workshop for the cost of £7,562.00. The State
Coach has been used for very Coronation since 1831. Although, it is thought, the State
Coach is NOT made of solid gold, it is made of giltwood, which is a thin layer of gold
leaf over wood and the interior is upholstered with velvet and satin. The roof is
painted with Roman gods and goddesses. The three cherubs on the rood, represents

England, Scotland, and Wales.

As you well know the coach is not the comfiest ride, the suspension is not good and the
seats are not comfortable, unlike the Diamond Jubilee coach which has modern
suspension and comfortable seats, with electric windows and is even air conditioned!
The Royal Family have stated many times that although the State Coach is fabulous it

is not the most comfortable ride.

The Diamond Jubilee Coach was made to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 80 th
Birthday, but because it was delayed for 8 years, it became her Diamond Jubilee Coach.
The coach was built in Australia, it was built to encapsulate the history and heritage of
the UK by incorporating materials from British historical buildings, ships, and other
artifacts. The crown rooftop is carved from the timber from Lord Nelson’s flagship,
HMS Victory, timber segments are taken from many cathedrals and churches across
the UK including Durham, as well as taking timber from Henry VIII flagship the Mary
Rose and Mayflower. This coach also has items from Big Ben, a Battle of Britain
Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane and a Dambusters Lancaster, as well as a musketball from

the Battle of Waterloo and many, many more! This coach is a collection of historical

significance!

It is lovely to see such history being honoured in such a way and taking to the streets
for all to see! Speaking of that, we had a gentleman join us tonight from North
Tyneside Steam Railway and he has invited us to their gala in the summer. He came to
talk about his event and has been to the Tyne Tees Run a few times. It was nice of him
to consider us to come along to their event and represent the HCVS. We very much
look forward to hearing more about the event and hopefully attending this year, it
sounds like an enjoyable day and one which our members will enjoy attention as well.
After all it is good to keep those historical wheels turning in whatever form we can!
As well as celebrating our King’s Coronation, I was awarded the literary award from our
Chairman who was presented it by Fraser Clayton at the AGM in Coventry on my behalf,
unfortunately, I was unable to attend. I would like to thank the Trustees for

nominating me for the award!

Once all the formal things were taken care of, we all got up for a refreshing cup of tea,
a sandwich, and a cake before sitting back down again and talking amongst ourselves.
We had our programmes there for the night, which had just been picked up from the
printers by Barry. They were then taken by our members who needed them for down

on the day of the event.

Speaking of the Tyne Tees, it is not very far away now, only being 3 weeks on Sunday
from me sitting here writing this, which is scary to think, doesn’t seem that long ago
since I sent out the forms. Now I am placing regular updates on our Facebook page, as

well as the usual weeks countdown!

Just a reminder about trophies, if you have a trophy from last year could you please
bring it with you on the day and hand it in at our run control for it to be polished and
then ready to be sent back out again. If you have a trophy and cannot attend the run
this year, get in contact and we shall sort a way to get it back to us, ready for the next
person. We would like to thank you all for your continued support with our event and

we look forward to seeing you in 3.5 weeks!

I shall be standing in my usual spot on the corner of Durham Johnston, waving you all

into the car park!
Until we meet again! Take Care!

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

Emma Gordon receives the Literary Award from Her Father on behalf of the HCVS

 

 

April Meeting

 

February Meeting

Well hello everyone, I hope you are all well and it was nice to see our members this
month at the club! It was a little bit of a cold start, however, once the heating was put

on, then it was nice and toasty!

This month we are having our movie night, and of course, we could not have a movie
night without the annual technological hitches. Before coming to the meeting Barry and
I tried to get the tv and DVD player sorted at home, but it took some doing, we
thought we had solved it, but then it surprised us again and decided to not work.
However, it turned out a quick fix, all Barry did was pick the DVD player up and it over

road the tv and off we went!

Soon out blasted the familiar music of Columbia production company and the title for,
“The Long Haul” staring Victor Mature and Diana Dors appeared! Everyone bunched
together and popcorn was handed out in little teacups as the movie began, warning

there maybe spoilers ahead!

In the picture we saw Victor playing a character called Harry, he was tasked with
driving to Glasgow, which we might add, was a rather quick journey! If only we could
jump all over the country like that! Our members pointed out that Harry seemed to
have power steering in his truck, as some of the tricky turns were very smooth.
Cheering broke out when a brawl in Mac’s Café broke out when a kick sent Harry falling
into the very conveniently opened car door, which saw him comically falling into the

seat, waiting for him.

Various names and makes of vehicles were called out as they made their film
appearance on the screen, along with a lot of, “that looks brand new!” and “he’s lucky, he

has two wing mirrors!”

An, “aww!” was called out when the little dog appeared, before quickly turning into
concern for its wellbeing when it disappeared, but not to worry, the dog soon made

another appearance and was safe and sound.

Harry was then tasked with taking whiskey, “up north” we were very puzzled as to why
he was transporting whiskey to Scotland as I am sure we can all agree that the best

whiskey comes from Scotland!

Luckily the dialogue from the cab of the Leyland Octopus due to the sound insulated
cab, although one member did state that the vehicle could have been electric!
Paul commented that the one window wiper worked a treat when the hose pipe rain
landed on the windscreen, I am pleased that it does not rain like that now! Although, I
have known it be like that before, where it just felt like someone was throwing buckets

of water onto the windscreen.

DUN, DUN, DUN!!! Suspense started when Harry told Connie he wanted to go back to

the good old U.S.A and Connie said that she would not be going with him.
Unfortunately, Harry found himself out of work, he was offered a job for £200.00
however, this was not above board, which he swiftly turned down! Soon, a montage
showed Harry looking for work and sadly, he did not find any. Harry then had no

option but to take the job he was offered.

With a can of fuel and a flick of a match, the old truck was sent down the hill to its

fiery death, it had a very dramatic ending.

One of our members asked roughly how many cigarettes are smoked during the whole

88minutes of the film? Does anyone know the answer?

We also noticed that the drivers were not moving away safely when pulling out into the

road, no mirror, safety, manoeuvre off Harry!

The Octopus certainly gets on some good adventures throughout the film, especially
when it went down the forest track, our members thought that they might be glamping
for the night, before making their way up the tight and winding roads the next day.
The Octopus seems to climb with ease, before being stopped by a 300ton bolder, which
Harry swiftly pushes over the edge, with a quick shove with his shoulder! We also
believe that along with power steering the Octopus was fitted with air brakes, brand
new suspension AND a sat nav as we do not believe a map was shown during the show.
I think the best part was when they wheel needed changing in the water, and it swiftly
floated off down the water. Unfortunately, Harry hurt his arm whilst changing the
wheel, but the good old wet paper towel came out to help, DO NOT QUOTE me on that
a wet paper towel cures everything, although it worked a lot when I was at school!
We did wonder how the Octopus was feeling at the end of the film, coming back with

one wheel missing and being hauled all over the place!

I must say I really enjoyed tonight’s movie and I am pleased that we chose The Long
Haul to watch, I have never seen it before. It is a shame that movie’s like these do not
exist any longer, I really miss the slapstick comedy which was in the good old movies!
Maybe we should make our own movie!!!! All we need is a dashing hero, glamourous
heroine, a rebellious teen, a good team around them, comedy, action, mystery, and

BAM!! We probably have the plot for Cluedo!!

Although, does anyone know how to play that game! The movie is good however and is
certainly a much watch! Lots of twists, turns, deception and references back to the
board game, what’s not to love! You just must be a good detective to solve the mystery!
It was nice to see that we were featured in another magazine for the Tyne Tees! This
is the second time we have featured in a magazine! This time featured in Classic and

Vintage Commercials!

Until the next time we see you all, take care! We shall see you in March for our eBay

Quiz hosted by Ian!

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

 

December Meeting

I think the weather report I usually have is this time, the same throughout the
country, whilst we were travelling down to Bede Lodge the clock on the car was showing,
-4 with the promise of temperatures plummeting to -6 later in the evening.
Although we had a good turnout, a few of our members were missing from our

Christmas Party and AGM.

Everyone this evening was in good spirits and dressed for the occasion in Christmas
jumpers and dresses! We had a Christmas game for our members to have a try of if
they so wished. The object of the game was to drop a candy cane from high up and see
if it would hook onto the line which was below. Honest, it was a lot harder than it
looked. However, Barry our Chairman and Peter came straight over and just threw it
on, when both mine and Brenda’s just bounced back off again, although, we did almost

get a few on!

Soon, it was time for the three to give their speeches, sat at the front in front of
everyone. Speeches were read, jokes were told, here’s the Chairman’s joke for you,

which he heard on Heart Radio earlier in the day!
“What is the most popular Christmas wine?”
(in a whiney voice) “I don’t like Brussel sprouts!”

Before finishing the meeting it was time for Barry to award the Chairman’s Chalice to
someone who has helped out at the meetings or at our annual Tyne Tees Run. This year
however, we had two people to award the Chalice to. One winner was a young lady who
gave up her Sunday and helped with her Dad at Durham Johnston, shadowing and waving
to the drivers coming into the venue. She is very enthusiastic about vehicles and has
her own miniature truck, which is painted the same as her Dad’s. Our Chairman kindly
got her, her own award which she can keep and is engraved with her name and the date
of the run. The second award, who took home the actual Chalice was awarded to Joan

Gordon, Mam to me, wife to him.

Joan/Mam has helped us out for a number of years and when I took over as Secretary,
she has lent a hand more and more, both at the club and at our annual event. So, we as
a Committee thought it would be fitting for her to win the award. It now had a pride
of place at home, and she has promised to look after it. The Chalice was first awarded
in 1987, sadly we have no names for the years 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, so it

was nice to award it again.

BUFFET time! This was a rather strange time, because this was the only time where
EVERYONE was silent, no one spoke whilst they were tucking into a plate of food. Talk

soon returned however, over the mince pies and cream!

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year, where we

shall see you next time!

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

 

November Meeting

It was nice to see you all tonight and what a rather chilly night it was indeed! Next
time we will all meet it will be our Christmas Party and AGM, this will be our first
proper Christmas Party in a while and we are quite looking forward to it!
Tonight, you all had the pleasure of having two Bingo callers, Barry was operating the
Bingo machine, whilst I was calling out the numbers. Although, I could not remember all
the sayings which go with the numbers, however, thankfully the members gave me a lot
of help with this! So, thank you! I was getting better towards the end! Well until I

thought we had a 99 ball and it turned out to be 66!

We said this the last time, we are going to have to write the numbers on the balls
better, as you can hardly see them, well that’s my excuse anyway!
Brenda called for a line and won a lovely selection of chocolates, which she can
celebrate with later! Much later, we were thinking this was not going to happen, Peter
shouted for a house and once all the numbers were checked with the board then he

took the top prize home.

Thank you all for coming along tonight and join us next time for our Christmas Party
and AGM, so dust down your Christmas jumpers and get ready to Rock Around the
Christmas Tree! I wonder if Santa will be making an appearance this year! We shall

have to see, until then!

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

 

A very good evening to all on this rather wet Wednesday night, which is rather fitting,
as we are awaiting the arrival of tonight’s host, we are waiting for Gary Bankhead to
arrive, you may know him from television programmes such as, River Hunters. Gary is
an underwater archaeologist from our neck of the woods, so it is rather fitting that it

is raining on the night we await the arrival of our diver.
So, now interdictions have been made, lets, “Dive into Durham!”

Gary lived not far from us in Pelton Fell, not far away from Beamish Museum, like many
people in the UK and particularly in the North East, Gary came from a family of coal
miners and like us sadly did not know both his Grandfathers due to them passing before

Gary was born, due to mine related injuries and conditions.

Gary has not moved away from his native Durham and lives just a stones throw away
from where we are right now, lovingly referring to Durham as his back yard!
He began by taking us back to April 2007, where he was having a walk around Durham
with his wife. Gary has of course been diving for some time and is a qualified diver,
who enjoy diving in the North Sea and shipwrecks off the Tyne. Whilst walking around
Durham, Gary’s wife asked him when he was going to dive next and where it would be.
His wife mentioned that it might be a good idea to dive in the River Wear, situated
directly under the cathedral and castle, the river may have secrets he could discover.
This ignited the spark in Gary to come back to Durham, but this time with his diving kit
and his brother. Taking their equipment down to the boat house which is situated along
the diver, Gary and his brother got into the river and stated to explore around the
bridge. Unfortunately, they searched around for a while and nothing had been
discovered, they decided to call it a day and maybe come back some other time when

the water conditions were better.

Just as they were getting out, Gary’s brother noticed something lying on the riverbed,
picking it up and inspecting it, it was a trowel. At this point Gary’s brother needed a
trowel to complete some work, so they took it with them. Only when they got home and
giving it a closer inspection did they noticed that the trowel was made from solid silver,
with an ivory handle and engravings on the tool…yes, a relic had accidently been

stumbled upon, on their dive.

On inspection the name, Arthur Michael Ramsey was engraved into it, jumping onto that

famous browsing website, the name was put in and…

Arthur Michael Ramsey, Baron Ramsey of Canterbury. Appointed Bishop of Durham and
Archbishop of York. Something special had indeed been discovered on that lonely
riverbed. Oh, I forgot to mention, he was also the person to crown the Queen at her

Coronation!

Arthur left Durham for some time before returning to live with his wife in a house,
which I am sure many of us has walked past all these years and never knew who has

lived there or the history of the house itself, it’s just there!

Getting the bug for diving in the Wear, Gary returned and found some other pieces
which when researched belonged to the Cathedral. With these in hand, Gary took them
to the Cathedral to see if he could find any more information on them. These finds
along with the trowel would launch Gary on a 2-year dive of the river.
During these 2 years a few artefacts have been found in various places along the river,
more from Arthur Michael Ramsey. Gary found three groups of items at the foot of
the bridge, one pile came from Russia, one from Greece and the other from Japan. The
artifacts were grouped together in the river, from when they were dropped there from

the bridge above.

The bridge above where they were diving has recesses in for pedestrians to stand in
whilst the horses and carts pass them by. Gary said that this was the perfect spot for
someone to stand there and quickly and discreetly drop items into the river and no one

would have known.

About 2ft deep down, Gary recovered coins from 1797, these coins were dated just

after the bridge had been constructed.

Not wanting to focus all his attention on one bridge, Gary decided it was time to move
to the other bridges up the river to see what secrets were hiding around there. He
showed us a very old watercolour painting of Durham and he said that you can still see
the same sky shape today as you could then, only a couple of things have been added or
taken away since, Gary also said that if you look underneath Elvert Bridge, you can see
the old structure underneath. The next time I am in Durham, I shall have to have a
look because again, I will have noticed it, but not really knew that I was looking at the

original bridge underneath.

We then saw a short GoPro clip from a dive in 2010 around Elvert Bridge. The clip
shows Gary in the murky waters of the river, carefully pawing at the riverbed. Slowly a
glint of something starts to appear, another find! This time a corset lacer which had
been tossed into the river at some point a long time ago. When asked how many
artifacts can be found each dive, Gary answered between 80-200 items can be found
each time. He also said that the riverbed is not flat like one would think but seems to

have channels running in the bed.

Gary, then asked us to imagine the bridge lined with market stalls and merchants selling
their items to the people walking past. What would be happening? Who would be selling
there? What would they be selling? Well, thanks to the river, we know what was sold
on some of their stalls, a group of students at the University study all of Gary’s finds
and check the facts against the history of time. Gary himself, now a qualified
archaeologist also studies and produces papers on the artifacts which he discovers.
One such historical fact, is that one of the merchants, who had the largest stall on the
bridge unfortunately, lost all of his stock into the river below. We know this because,
his stock is lying in the river and has been discovered by Gary himself as well as the

innocent being written down in the history books.

Bringing some of his finds up on the screen Gary has found a whole range of items
dating from the Romans to the Tudors, from countries like India, Russia, Japan and
Greece, all evidence that even then we were trading with other counties and a lot of it

was coming to Durham through the river.

Being from Durham and wanting to keep Durham’s history alive he has kindly donated all
his finds to studies, so that students for years to come can view and study the
artefacts which he has discovered lift on the riverbed long forgotten, but now brought
back to the surface and given a new life. A lot of the artifacts can be found displaced
in Durham’s Museum of Archaeology. He is also an external specialist for the Museum

of London Archaeology.

With these artifacts we can discover more people and businesses which operated in and
out of Durham such as we know Durham had blacksmiths (walking up the main street
and look up to the building, you will see the image of a black smith in the stone above),
we had white smiths, silver smiths, gold smiths, leather workers, book binders, cloth
makers, barber surgeons, speaking of barber surgeons, a syringe was found in the river
and had been there for some years, on closer examination and testing revelled that the
syringe contained traces of mercury, which had been used to cure diseases.
If you would like to hear more about Gary’s work in the River Wear and other places

please check out his website: www.diveintodurham.uk

Gary’s book will be published in the next couple of months called: ‘Textile Manufacture,

Taxation and Trade in Late and Post Medieval Durham City.’

Television Series: River Hunters.

I would just like to say a big thank you to Gary for coming along tonight and sharing his
presentation with us as well as his finds in the river. The next time you are in Durham
as Peter says, look up! You never know what you may find, take those set of steps
between the buildings, they lead to other places in Durham, just mind the dark ones as
it gets VERY dark halfway up and rather steep…comes out at the back of the castle.
But I must say, after reading this, do not go diving into your local river, leave it to the
professionals! But it shows that you do not know what history is lying waiting to be
discovered. Photographs are ones I took years ago at the river.

Join us next time for BINGO! Eyes down for a line! Who is going to win that top prize!

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

 

Spennymoor Gala

We were invited to attend Spennymoor Gala along with some of the other members
from the North East! At 11am, we parked up on Spennymoor high street collected our

number and waited for the parade to start.

The parade took us through the street with a marching band, performers, people
dressed up and a mixture of vehicles such as, trucks, cars and buses. The public lined
the streets and cheered and waved as we moved along the high street and up into the

park.

Once parked up it was time to catch up with everyone, before having a look around the
field. The bands took the stage at the top of the field to entertain the public with
music and Irish Dancing. There were quite a few tombola stalls as well as crafts selling
one off homemade gifts. A very interesting demonstration was going on by the
Firefighters. They were cutting a car open with the jaws of life, it drew quite a large

crowd in. As well as fairground rides at the bottom of the field.

There was a HUGE dragon and Her Majesty the Queen, which was very popular, a lot of

people were getting their photographs taken with them.
It was a lovely day and nice to see familiar faces!

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

July Meeting

Well this is the last meeting before our summer break and by the weather forecast the
weather is going to improve next week, especially on Tuesday, it is supposed to get very
hot indeed! So, if you are out and about, plenty of drinks and don’t forget your suncream and hat!

Tonight was the return of our eBay Quiz, which is provided by Ian, luckily tonight we
did not have any technical problems, which we as you well know often run into themfrom time to time.

Now, I do not know if you can recall from one of our pervious quizzes there was a truck
which was sold for a rather large amount of money with a tree growing through the
vehicle? Well tonight, our first vehicle going for auction was a 1950’s Commer which
had previously had ivy growing up the side. The ivy was not there in the photographs
however, it had left a mark behind on the side of the truck, I put a very healthy bid of£30,000…the vehicle sold for £3,000 in the end.

We also had a 2004 Mercedes Bendy Bus for sale, I did not think the bus would have
gone for much money, I remember riding on them going back and forth from the Metro
Centre. I thought it would go for around £5,000 however, the final and winning bid
was, £9,950. I believe it carried around 48 seated passengers and 100 standing! Thebest place to stand was on the bend!

Next, we saw a lovely Rolls Royce from 1929. I learnt something about the badge on
Rolls Royce. I did not know that when the R’s were red, that meant that both men were
still alive, when they went black then that meant that they had passed away!

This did not sell for the £80,000 which I believed it would but sold for £29,000.
A found London bus chassis sold for £5,000. A fully restored Bedford J Type sold for
£12,750 and a Field Marshall went for £8,995, although some of the members insisted
that the Field Marshall should have gone for a lot more money than it did. A 1949
Scammell which had been found in a museum in Lakeland came in at £26, 500. A
Daimler Empress which was 1 of 33, went for £7,495, I thought it would go for£6,000.

Now, next came a beautiful Bugatti from 1929, now I thought this would go for around
£75,000. Others did not think that it would go for this much and bid lower.

The Bugatti sold for £1,500,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This then led onto the conversation turning to auctions and how they work. That some
things which people think will go for a lot of money, sometimes don’t. Then things which
seem like they wouldn’t really go for much go for thousands. This brings us to our last

lot, a Volvo F6, the vehicle was sold WITHOUT the crane in the picture…I thought it

would go for around £8, 500. Final bid……£1!

This is the first time that I have made bids which are close to the finishing bid, I am
usually WAYYYYYYYYYY out on all of them, I came close on a few. Congratulations to Bill for getting some bids spot on!

Thank you to Ian for taking the time to find the vehicles on eBay, all the information
and then watching them until they are sold to find out the final bid. Thank you to

Brenda for providing the refreshments!

See you all in September and I hope you have a lovely summer, in the meantime take

care!

Emma J Gordon
North East Secretary

 

 

 

May Meeting

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen and what a lovely evening it is here down at the track today!  All our racers are in and preparing, conferring with their crew on their strategies for the race!

“Drivers, how do you feel the race is going to go today?”
“Well Emma, the drivers are ready, the crew is ready, and we have the weather for it, so in all, I think it is going to be a fabulous race!”
“Just as well as its an indoor race, coz it is racing outside!”

Well, for one thing it is it certainly going to be an interesting time down on the track today!  Now, if you listen closely, you can hear the bass cords, by a famous band, now I heard a RUMOUR it has something to do with a Chain.
Now down to the track!

In true racing fashion the cars were allowed out for a warmup lap, we have to have those tyres heated, we want no blow outs here today Ladies and Gentlemen. 

Its Audi vs Range Rover in this all-out battle to be champion!  Unfortunately, the Range Rover took a couple of tumbles, the Audi snuck in and flipped it onto its roof, however, race footage showed that it recovered not long after that and it was soon in full racing form.  Before then taking a swift trip down the steps in the second around, cheers erupted around the track when this happened, and assistance was swift to follow.  Luckily, the Range Rover took no damages.

A (sort of) quick pit stop was needed for the Audi, even though the Range Rover has had and continues to suffer blows it has ploughed through and is in no need to return to the pit for maintenance, proving what a true racing machine, it really is.

The cheers continue to erupt around the track today, a few feet have almost been ran over and into however, racing conditions and spirits remain high!  It is now time for the final race of the night, all drivers have been head-to-head, now it is an all-out battle, to find our three champions!  A quick practice before a speedy race up the cones and then back down again!

Ladies and Gentlemen the winners take the stand and the crowd erupts with cheers!!

To round the racing off our Chairmen both current and previous take control of the cars to heard in the cones, its definitely a game of precision and speed…well not so much speed, but they have done very well five out of six cones all rounded up!

Thank you for all coming out tonight, it was certainly something a bit different and a little bit of fun!  It certainly was a good laugh!  Join us next time for our 40th Anniversary Celebration!  But not before our 40th Tyne Tees Run, if you are attending we shall see you all on the day!!!

                                                                                    Emma J Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary
                                                                                         

 

March Meeting

Well, hello, hello, hello, how are we all doing?  It was nice to see so many faces at our meeting tonight!  Now, of course we could not start our meeting without having some kind of technological hitch!  Bede Lodge have a projector which drops down from the ceiling and unfortunately, the last person to use it had swapped all the settings and it just did not want to connect to the laptop.  However, with the help of the clubs Secretary (not Emma) the projector was playing ball again and was ready to go!

Tonight, the stage was open doe members to come up and share what they have been doing during the lockdown to keep themselves busy.  Ian had kindly put together a presentation to show what has happened to his Morris Z Post Van which you may real from a previous edition of HC News.

So, on with the show!
Ian started by telling us that he has wanted a project for some time now, however, never got around to doing it, so as a Birthday treat, he found the little Post Van on that bidding site where you buy things and pressed, ‘buy it now.’  Soon the little Post Van was making its way up the A1 from Nottingham and the first slide pictured it on the back of the trailer as it arrived on 3rd August.  Containing in the back of the van all the spare parts which came with it.

As you know starting at the very beginning, is the very best place to start, so this is what he did, beginning his restoration project at the front.  Ian shared with us that his father was a mechanic and an apprentice Mechanic during the Second World War, Ian of course learnt from his father.
The next photograph we saw was the front seat, which had been removed and taken to our Chairman, Barry G to recover, also covered in the edition in HC News.  Whilst the seats were out Ian was able to get inside and carry out a paint job.  He told us that from the inside once the floor panels were removed there is a rather large hole in the floor pan, Ian stated that you could probably take the gearbox out through the hole in the floor, it was very handy for working on things.  Ian also worked on the springs during this time, three of the four leafed springs fixed and fitted back in a dream and of course, there is always one which will not play ball!

Next came the Steering Box, this was something which Ian knew needed some care and attention and with some looking around it was off to Birmingham to be fixed, however, once inspected there, Ian was told that the steering box could not be fixed and was spent back.  Popping onto the internet Ian joined the Morris Forum and soon two gentlemen got in touch with him, offering their help.  Soon, the steering box was packed up and once again off on its travels.  This time arriving where it would be kindly fixed.  The gentleman who has been fixing steering boxes since he was 15 is now 82.  Kindly, he provided Ian with photographs as the restoration was underway.  Once back, the man offered further information, advising Ian that when fitting the steering box back into the van to make sure that the lines on the box both line up at 1p.m.
The Gentleman who advised Ian about the break cylinders was very specific with his instructions, he advised to soak the cylinder in petrol for EXACTLY 3 hours, not a minute more or less.  Of course, this was fixed and freed with no problems at all, just shows that timing is sometimes everything! 

Next, came the all-important body work, the doors were looking a little worse for ware and away they went to a Gentleman for a 16-month overhaul.  Two gentlemen worked on the doors, one concentrating on the woodwork and another on the metal.  Like the gentleman who fixed the steering box, photographs were provided to show the doors progress.  One of the photographs showing the two men working on the doors. 

At the end of the presentations Ian stated that the van has been a pleasure to work on and he cannot wait to get her on the open road, saying, “It puts a smile on his face.”  Ian hopes that she will make an appearance on this year’s Tyne Tees Run.

Members then went on to ask Ian further questions about the Post Van such as, “Where did it spend its working life?” which was in Canterbury.  Another asked if the van was fitted with rubber wings, this van does not, it has mental wings.

From this our members talked about items they have had to have fixed just after the lockdown or on trips during the years, when parts have broken and they’ve either fixed them themselves or the parts have been set away to be fixed.  This then turned to how sensitive new cars parts are and that everything is not a quick fix or that most have to be put onto a computer to see the problem or fault.

Of course, the conversation briefly touched on electric cars and the rise in fuel prices!  Which swung the conversation to how much now iconic and collectable cars used to cost when they first came out.  Peter shared that he bought his Ford Anglia for £9, Barry G purchased a Fizzy, 2 stroke motorbike for £6 and the Secretary’s first car (all the way back in 2005) was £40.  The first two now being rather collectable and I doubt you would find one for that price now!

Thank you to Ian for putting together the presentation, it was lovely to hear how the Morris Post Van has progressed since we first saw it in HC News and of course thank you to everyone for coming along and sharing their stories with us.

Until next time!

                                                                                    Emma J Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

November Meeting

It was lovely to see everyone back together again at Bede Lodge.  Tonight, we decided to have a very informal meeting, seen as everyone had not seen one another for so long.  We thought the best idea was to allow the conversations to flow between our members.

We did have a few announcements to make, mainly the change to the date of the Tyne Tees, which will now be held on Sunday 19th June 2022.  This will of course be our 40th Anniversary of the Tyne Tees and we would you all to join us there, we will once again after completing the run be gathering at Bents Park in South Shields.

Our next meeting will be our Christmas Party and AGM, although scaled back compared to previous years, but we shall have some fun none the less.

See you all on Wednesday 8th December, until then, stay safe.

                                                                                    Emma J Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

 

October Meeting

Just a quick catch up, we have met as a Committee for the first time in months and we are awaiting confirmation from Bede Lodge before starting our meetings up again.  We will post on both ours and the HCVS main Facebook page when we have any further information and a date.

As you all know next year is our Queens Jubilee and Bents Park may be in use for this date.  We are currently in talks about hosting the Tyne Tees on Sunday 19th June 2022 at Bents Park. 
We shall be in contact with drivers soon!

We hope that you are all keeping well and are looking forward to seeing you soon!!

                                                                                   

Emma J Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

 

May Meeting

As they say, “April showers bring May flowers” however, I believe this year April showers, have brought on May showers too!  I have heard however, that we are supposed to be hit with a heat wave soon!

Just before coming on here to write to you all, I thought I would head back to our edits for the Tyne Tees Run for not only this year but last year too!  Although, everything was re-edited to come over to this year, it seems very odd that only the dates have changed.  Everything seems like it has been frozen in time, ready and waiting for when we need it again. 

Speaking of time, next year we will be celebrating the Tyne Tees 40th Anniversary and to make the programme a little extra special I would like some photographs to feature from way back when. 
If you have any photographs lying around of the early days of our beloved run, I would be very grateful if you could scan them and send them to our email address.  I would very much like to feature them, as well as placing a presentation on our North East Facebook page.

Until next time, I do hope you are all keeping well!

                                                                                    Emma J Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

April Meeting

Happy Easter everyone, I hope you all had a nice time, we had a little tea party just the three of us, sandwiches, crisps, some nibbles, the usual!  I hope you all managed to get some chocolate eggs, although they have not stayed in the shops as long as they normally would!

This Easter was not as busy for me as it usually is as this is the time when I go through all the paperwork for our Tyne Tees Run and make sure everyone is entered into the programme before being sent off to the printers.  I would also be organising all the number plates onto the spread sheets as well as all the sign in sheets.  Before sorting everyone’s packs out to make sure they have everything in double and triple checking, usually checking again for good measure!

It is nice to see that we are starting to get some requests and enquiries about how we can help and support people with finding vehicles or using vehicles for upcoming events if they can go ahead for next year, those people have happily been directed to those who can assist further.

We were deeply saddened to hear the news that Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh had sadly passed away at the age of 99. 
Our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and family at this difficult time.

As always keep safe and we hope to see you all again soon!

Until then!

                                                                                 

Emma J Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

 

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February Meting

Unfortunately, I must start this month’s catch up with some sad news.  Due to the current circumstances, we have come to the difficult decision to cancel the Tyne Tees Run this year.  We believe this is for the best to keep everyone safe and well, we would like to thank everyone for their continued support and understanding.

 Back in November we took a little look at Ian’s new project which was the restoration of his Postal Van.  Our Chairman Barry is an Upholsterer by trade and Ian asked if the seats could be recovered by him.  Of course, Barry agreed to this and thus the seats have been given a new lease of life.

Barry has been an Upholsterer for over 20 years now, originally working for a small business before branching off and starting his own.  Over the years he has recovered, repaired, and overhauled many truck, car, bus, motorbike, and van seats, some have been for some of our members and fellow Tyne Tees Runners!

Before the seats were recovered Ian researched what the original seats would have looked like when the vehicle was first put into production.  Before then searching through many leather samples supplied by Barry to see which best fit.  The chosen fabric was originally chosen as brown however, with further research the colour was swapped to black, which fit better with the original look.  The grain on the leather is particularly important when making sympathetic repairs, to not stand out as being brand new. 

When the seats arrive, they were covered in a rather course green fabric, which Ian was not keen on.  First job was to remove the fabric from one seat and leave the fabric on the other, this is so Barry can compare the two as one is being repaired.  He then uses the old fabrics as patterns for the new, before cutting out and sewing can begin.  The seat is also checked over, making sure that any collapsed foams are repaired or replaced.  In seat which contain springs or webbings all this would also be checked at this stage and any repairs or replacements would take place.  With these seats sitting on a metal base, Barry made sure when the seats base and backs were exposed that the metal did not need any repairs.  These repairs would of course then take place, once Ian had been updated about the further repairs, fortunately no repairs like this needed to be carried out and everything seemed sound underneath.

With everything checked over the full recovery of the seats could then take place, completing the metal base, before then adding the seat back on and finally the base.  The seats were finished with pipping to finish the look off.  Before moving onto the second one, using the same method as the first, fortunately like the first seat the second was also in good condition and no further repairs were needed.  Once both seats were finished, they were then given a quick buff before contacting Ian and the seats been sent home.

Once the seats arrived, Ian fitted them straight to his van and sent us an update of how they looked.  I must say that they look the part!  It is always nice to see the finished product back in the vehicle!

Thank you to both Ian and Barry for allowing me to share further stories of the restoration of the Postal Van, we hoped that we would be seeing her at the Tyne Tees Run this year, however, we will see her next year! 
She will be joining the Committee’s fleet of vehicles and I am sure there will be an updated photograph taken to add to our Facebook pages cover photograph!
 

                                                                                   

Emma J Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary
                                                                                         

 

January Meeting


Happy New Year Everyone!  I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, even though it was somewhat different to what we would normally have!

We hoped that we would have been back with our usual meetings this year, however, we are not quite there yet, and we look forward to the day which we can welcome you all back again! 
For now, it is important that we all keep safe!

I would just like to thank you all for the contributions you all made on our areas Facebook page, it has been a great way to keep in contact with our members and keep spirits up!

Join us next time where I will be handing over to our area Chairman, Barry.  Who will be walking us through the upholstery and repairs to Ian’s Postal Vans seating, which we looked at back in November.
 

                                                                                   

Emma J Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

 

December Meeting


Well this has been a funny sort of year hasn’t it?  Hopefully, next year we shall be able to meet and do a little bit more, but I guess we shall see.

I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, no matter what you do, enjoy yourself as much as possible! 

Stay safe and keep positive, we will see you all again in the New Year!

                                                                                              

 

 

 

 

November Meeting

Well hello everyone, how are we all doing?  Well, I hope! 
I do not have much to update you all on!  I could not of course celebrate Hallowe’en in the usual way I would, but the three of us did have a lovely little tea party,  we decorated the conservatory and of course, I took part in the activity which I enjoy the most, which is pumpkin carving!

This month Ian is once again taking the stage to tell is about the toy which he has purchased!  I am sure that we shall see it on the Tyne Tees Run, we are going to need a bigger lens to fit in all the Committee’s vehicles as they have grown since the last photograph!  But the other vehicle could make an appearance for another edition…maybe!

Enough from me, Ian take it away…

I recently hit 65 and I’ve been a member of the HCVS for many years, taking a keen interest in old transport, but I’ve never owned a classic vehicle myself, something which I’ve always wanted to do, but never been in a position to do it, until now.

I was in the Fire Service for over 34 years, so the obvious choice of vehicle for me would have been an old Fire Engine, but to be honest after all that time spent in the Fire Service, I’m pretty much sick of the sight of them.

My dad was an engineer and he also had his PSV license and used to drive buses part time. The buses he drove were the old AEC Reliance’s which were fantastic vehicles. My dad used to look at the buses he drove, not just as a driver, but as an engineer and I always remember him saying that AEC’s were very well engineered and in fact he thought they were over engineered and he used to say that if they wanted a bearing to take a five ton load, they would fit a bearing to take a ten ton load so that there was sufficient margins to take the required loads, unlike the ‘cheap and cheery’ end of the market who would only fit a five ton bearing. So, owning an AEC would have been something I really would love to have done, but I had to be realistic about it and realised that I didn’t have the physical resources to be able to look after something that big. Just finding garage space would have been a problem or even just something like taking a wheel off would require a bigger jack and bigger wheel nut spanners etc, which I didn’t have, so I had to base the type of vehicle I purchased on what I had available to me.

As I said earlier, my dad was an engineer and even though I do not have any formal engineering qualifications, he basically put me through an apprenticeship. This was back in the late 60’s and the cars I worked on back then didn’t have to be plugged into a computer to tell you what was wrong with them. The engineering then was what I would call ‘seat of the pants’ engineering, where basically the car told you what was wrong. You had to listen to it and diagnose the problem from the symptoms the car displayed. It was plugs and points, SU carburettors and an engine, gearbox and back axle, basic stuff.

So, when I decided to buy a classic vehicle, my background played a major part in influencing the type of vehicle to buy.
I have a larger than average garage, so a good workshop space is not a problem. I also have a good stock of tools available to me both AF, Whitworth and Metric and having had an engineering background, I feel as though I had been well prepared for working on a classic vehicle. So, it only remained for me to choose the one for me.

I started by looking on eBay for a classic vehicle (preferably commercial) and it was not long before one popped up that I was interested in. It was a 1948 Morris ‘Z’ type van (ex Post Office Telephones).
I contacted the seller to find out if it was still for sale (which it was) I asked a few questions about it, and once I was reasonably happy, I arranged to go and have a look at it. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was for me. I had a short drive in it and noticed it was far from perfect. The engine started and ran well, but on the minus side, the steering was heavy, and I knew the steering box needed attention. The transmission sounded grumbly, but I thought it would be a great project and it would give me an interest during the winter months. The seller and I had a chat, did the dance, and came to an agreement and I bought the van.
It was delivered three days before my 65th Birthday and I immediately set to and started work on it.

Firstly, when I had a good look round the van, I was incredibly impressed with the engineering of it and how easy it was to work on. Everything had a grease nipple, from the kingpins to the brake and clutch pedals. It was amazing. I was also impressed with the fact that the engine, gearbox and back axle all had dipsticks, the floor panels could be unbolted to allow access to the underside of the vehicle from inside the driver’s compartment, it was just brilliant.

The first thing I checked and adjusted were the brakes, and while I had the van up on axle stands, I had a look at the steering. The kingpins were good with no play at all on them and grease flowed through them easily, but the steering box was not good, it would have to come off and be sent away for refurbishment. Then I moved onto the transmission and found the gearbox and back axle were low on oil (which might account for the grumblings on the test drive). I also found a bolt missing from the front of the prop shaft and the other bolts were loose, which again would not have helped.
Basically, I decided to start at the front and just work my way to the back, repairing things as I went, but what I was amazed at was just how quick the knowledge all came flooding back to me, even though I hadn’t worked on stuff like this for years.

I am in the early stages of refurbishment and overhaul, but I am thoroughly enjoying the journey of getting this van back to something like decent. There is lots to do and it will not be cheap, and I am guessing that there will be times I’ll wish I’d never set eyes on it, but up to now I’m loving it! Wish I had done it years ago.

Thank you Ian for sharing your story with us and we hope to hear how the van is coming along as you progress with repairs and getting her up and running!
Join us next time where the Chairman is taking the stage to tell us about his craft!
In the meantime, stay safe everyone!

 

                                                                                   

  Emma J Gordon
          North East Secretary
         Ian Ferguson
                        North East Committee

 

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October Meeting

Welcome everyone to our spooky edition for the North East.  September has been quite a long month!  One which has brought new restrictions to our area in the form of a Local Lockdown.
However, October is here, pumpkin spiced lattes have made an appearance, yum, yum!  The nights and mornings are getting darker and the leaves are starting to turn those beautiful Autumn colours, which I love!

Now, in my past meetings (I did say a couple of meetings ago that this would be the last time hosting one like this, but here I am again!)  I think this one is definitely the last!
We have covered looks which includes Sculpt Gel creating the Chelsea Smile, Gelatine creating boils and then using that again with Cotton Balls to create a burn which did not quite go according to plan, but that happens!  Finally, our last one we discussed home made prosthetics, prosthetics which are more on the expensive side in the form of silicone or foam and tattoo transfers.  Our members came up and painted in a wound which I had already applied on myself.  We also discussed the shelf life for the products which I use, this also stands for an paints, or makeups they all have a use by date!

This time we are going to have a look back on some previous looks of mine, which I created on my hand!  These include, exposed bone, severed hand and other ooie, gooie things!

As always I must start with our warning!
which I had already applied on myself.  We also discussed the shelf life for the products which I use, this also stands for an paints, or makeups they all have a use by date!

This time we are going to have a look back on some previous looks of mine, which I created on my hand!  These include, exposed bone, severed hand and other ooie, gooie things!

As always I must start with our warning!

**WARNING!**
These images and descriptions may cause distress to those reading and looking.  Please note, these are created using makeup products and are based on or simulate wounds.
These are created for both entertainment and educational value.

I ALWAYS think of Jackass when I type that warning and can hear Johnny Knoxville reading it out…just me? Okay, on we go.

Finger Bone:

This look was created using a few materials Sculpt Gel, Polymorph Plastic, paints, and Ben Nye Scab Blood. 
First, I melted a few Polymorph Plastic pellets in boiling water, once melted I then moulded them into the shape which I wanted.  If the plastic starts to turn firm, then you pop it back into the boiling water to melt and then once again begin sculpting.  Once I had the correct shape to look like a bone shard.  I taped my ring finger down at the back, before mixing equal part of A, B and C, to make the Sculpt Gel.  Before adding this where my knuckle is and shaping it and adding the plastic bone I had made previously on the top.  Before adding more gel around the plastic to secure.  Now, it is a good idea to have someone on hand to hold the piece in place whilst you are waiting for it to dry, but it can be done on your own.
This is where I ran into a little problem as I had made a joint in the bone, which snapped off as I was sculpting the gel however, I did not have glue to hand and it is not a good idea to dip it back into the boiling water so close to your skin, safety first!

As the sculpt gel was firming up, I used a flat metal tool to add in the detailing of the knuckle creases and then added jagged skin markings around the wound.  Once dry I then painted with foundation to match my skin tone before painting with reds, browns, and blacks to add depth to the wound.  Once that was complete then I added a small amount of Ben Nye’s Scab Blood. 

The wound does not take very long to complete and looks highly effective!
Exposed Bone:

Once again using my left and the materials which are stated above, this time using basic red knitting wool, liquid latex, a bruise wheel and liquid fake blood                     .

This time I used an eye liner pencil to line out where I would like all the bone to lie and where I would like the wound to start and over lap too.  Once this was down, I then went on to use Polymorph to sculpt out three bones.  Thankfully whilst drying one of the pieces developed a crack, which actually made the wound look that much better once it was all together.

When dry, I lay the bones down on the back of my hand, securing with a piece of tape, again it is a good idea if you have someone with you to hold them in place for you, but again can be done on your own, just be patient!

I then mixed Sculpt Gel using equal parts of A, B and C and then spread this around the wounds, creating all the peeled back skin.  As I was going, I used the sharper end of my tool and make all the little wrinkles and things which would occur if skin had been pulled back.  Use that popular internet site for reference pictures!

Here I took a quick tea break as I needed to wait for things to dry before moving onto the next part…feel free to grab a cup of your favourite liquid now…I shall wait!!

We refreshed?  Let us keep going.  As I was having my tea, I took small pieces of wool and picked them all apart severing the threads apart.  I then painted in between the bones using reds and browns, red for the lighter parts and brown/black for under the bones where it would be darker as the wound is deeper.  Once I was happy with the colour (you sometimes spend more times going back and forth with the colours than doing the bigger jobs.  I then used a small bit of liquid latex and added this on top of the paint, before adding the wool and pulling this over the top of the plastic bones I had attached at the beginning.  Smudging some of the paints up onto the bones is good to as it makes the wound look more realistic.  Whilst this was drying, I went in with my foundation and blended the sculpt gel into my skin tone, before adding bruising using the bruise wheel.  I added liquid blood to this look but for some reason it went a little funny on the top and seemed to form little pools.

 One reflection doing this again, I would use a different kind of blood as I was not happy with how the blood work turned out but very happy with the overall look.  I always like to look back on my work and see what can be changed or what may have been done differently.
Severed Hand:

This look is taken from my favourite horror comedy of all time, which is Idle Hands.  Anton a lazy teen quickly learns his hand has become idol and is now killing those around his hometown.  In the hopes of stopping the monster his hand has become, he cuts it off…first with a bagel cutter (it does not work) before cutting it off with a kitchen cleaver.  The hand then makes it own way around the town to search for a pure soul to send to hell…honest it is rather funny!

I did this not long after I took an interest in doing SFX makeup.  I only had a few materials and used latex, cotton, false nails, paints, and fake pound shop blood.  No matter how many looks I have created since, this has always stayed one of my favourites!

I cut the false nails into points and then stuck them to my own nails using liquid latex and wrapped in cotton balls until I got the effect I was looking for.  Once I had this, then I added small bits of latex and cotton around my hand and arm to create small cuts as well as a band around my arm, where it would be severed.  When I was waiting for the latex to dry, I painted my arm at the other side of the band black, so it looked like it was missing when placed against a black background.
Once dry, I went back and forth with green, brown, and black to create that sickly green colour the hand has when it comes out the microwave (they try to cook it!)
When I was happy with this, I painted the nail and other cuts red, added blood and Bob’s your Uncle it was finished.  Adding a black background, the hand looks very effective and appears as if it is detached from the body.  Not idea for a Halloween party but just a fun good look.
Sliced Throat:

Thought I would add this one in as an extra.  Again, this is a look which I did a long time ago when I was experimenting and did not have the more expensive materials which I have now.  I came up with a concept using the Alice and Wonderland, Red Queen’s slogan, “Off with their head!”
I thought what if the Red Queen was beheaded but then through magic her head was stitched back on and she lived once again.

For this I used, liquid latex, tissue paper, red paint, bruise colours, string and fake blood.  I started with an eye liner pencil and placed the line where I wanted to set down my tissue and latex.  I added a small amount of latex down across my neck before laying tissue on top and soaking with more latex.  Now, be careful if you are going to try this one for yourself as when the latex dries it does become very tight on your neck, which can be uncomfortable.
Once I had these layers down, I left it to dry, before painting over with foundation and adding red paint into the cut.  After this, I blended a mixture of light pinks, purples and blues over the foundation to create a bruise.  Once again patience is needed as you go back and forth quite a bit with the colours, before reaching that perfect colour you were looking for.

Cutting small pieces of string, I dipped the ends in liquid latex and then positioned them using tweezers.  Once in place, I painted the edges with red and then added blood for the stitch marks.  To make this look fresh, I could have squirted darker blood into the wound and allowed it to run down my neck.  However, at this time I did not have the correct blood to do this and it would have looked fake using the bright red blood I did have.  As discussed in a previous meeting different shades of fake blood are produced to simulate different wounds….and all leave the skin rather pink after they have been washed off.

Thus, concludes my Halloween segment for this year.  I hope you have enjoyed!  Stay safe this Halloween.  I hear there are a few pumpkin trails happening around our area for the children to enjoy, rather than the usual trick or treating!

Stay Safe and join us next time where Ian is once again taking the wheel to tell us about his latest project!

                                                                                    

Emma J Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

September Meeting

Welcome to September, the dark nights and mornings are starting to arrive, and I must admit (I am one of the very few) but I do like the dark mornings and nights the best!  Plus, my favourite season Autumn AND Halloween is next month, which you all know that I love!

We were hoping that we would be able to have a members meeting this month, however, with all the outbreaks throughout the UK as well as in our local area.  To keep us all safe and well it was best that the meeting did not go ahead. 
So instead as a Committee we have grouped together to bring you a series of ‘book meetings’ instead.

Anyhoo, this month I am going to hand you over to Ian to tell you about his experiences with having COVID-19 and what he has done since recovering! 
So, over to Ian!

Way back in March (before lockdown) I came in one night from my little part time job delivering prescriptions and started with a cough. I thought nothing of it, but when I went upstairs to go to the loo, I got to the top of the stairs and I was really breathless and I thought to myself that this wasn’t right, so I rang the NHS hotline to ask advice. I was told that I had to isolate not only myself, but my family for two weeks. There was no testing for COVID-19 in place at that point, so everything was sketchy and vague. No medication was available, and I just had to ride it out. I had almost three weeks of hell. My sense of taste was distorted, everything I ate tasted metallic and bitter, I was listless and lacked energy. It was an awful time, but eventually I began to recover and come out of the other side. I thought I’d had the Corona virus but was not sure. The current testing regime wouldn’t tell me if I’d had it, it would only tell if I was currently infected and you could only get tested if you were showing symptoms, which I wasn’t at that point as I’d recovered from it, so I couldn’t get a test.
A few weeks later, I heard of a blood test that was available to front line NHS workers that would tell them if they had had the virus. Being classed as a front line NHS worker, I enquired at the pharmacy I work out of as to whether I could get a test to find out if I’d had the virus and after a few days, I was called into the surgery to have a test and within 24 hours, I received a text message from the NHS to say that I had tested positive for antibodies. I asked the pharmacist what that meant and he told me that I’d had the virus and was carrying antibodies which should mean I have some level of immunity to the virus, so it confirmed what I already knew.
Shortly after that, I was contacted by the blood transfusion service to ask me if I would be prepared to donate plasma as I was carrying antibodies. This plasma donation would be used for research to try and establish whether antibodies are a temporary measure or whether they are permanent and also to help those people who were recovering from COVID-19 to produce their own antibodies. I said I was happy to do that and my thoughts on this were that if the boot was on the other foot (and it very nearly was) that someone would step up and do the same for me.
I was told that the body replaces plasma much quicker than it does blood, so that I could donate plasma every two weeks as long as my antibody levels remained high and for the past two months, I’ve been going back to donate plasma as my levels remain high. The blood people contact me a few days after my last donation to let me know if my antibody levels are still at an acceptable level.
As part of the procedure, the blood people tell you what blood group you fall into, and I received a letter to say that my blood group was O negative and that I was one of only 7% of the population that have this group. Apparently, it is the rarest blood group and a very important one as it can be given to anyone in an emergency.
The upshot of this is if you think you’ve had the corona virus and have been recovered from it for over six weeks, try and get the blood test to see if you are carrying the antibodies and if you are, please start donating your plasma as it’s in very short supply and is very important to help both research and those who are recovering from COVID-19 to get better.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Thank you Ian for sharing your experience with COVID-19 and what you are doing in the after math to help!  I think it is always beneficial to hear other peoples experiences of the virus as it may be different from person to person.

Speaking of the virus and what Brian mentioned in his article from last HC News, at this time it is very important to look after both ourselves and others mental health at this time.  Taking the time to do things which make us happy or picking up the phone and calling friends and loved ones.

As a staff at work we used to hand out something called a ‘Well-being Cup.’  This was done in secret and when we were allowed would be placed in a member of staff’s room for them to find.  They would not know who sent the cup and it would be full of little treats or messages.  That person would then pass the cup onto someone they would like to hand the cup onto and so on and so forth.  Another thing which is nice as well as being nice for little ones is a ‘well-being jar’ the jar can be a simple jam jar filled with lights or glitter, with a little ribbon round and can be switched on at night, giving a nice warm glow to a dark room.
Join us next time for our usual spooky month!

                                                                                    Emma J Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary
                                                                                          Ian Ferguson
                                                                              North East Committee

July Meeting

Well, we had our first social distance Committee Meeting, it is the first time we have met together as a Committee since February and it was nice to see everyone again!  We are all looking forward to the next social distance Committee Meeting. We thought we would give you all an update in the magazine, it was decided that as we all know the pubs and social clubs were give the go ahead to open their doors and welcome people back in.  We decided as a Committee that we would give our venue Bede Lodge a few weeks to find their feet with their new way of running, before contacting them to discuss when it would be possible for us to have our Members Meetings once again. 
Once this is all finalised then we shall be in contact with our members to let them know when we are able to return and what the rules of the social club is before we once again attend.  We will also post on our Facebook page, for those on there!
Stay tuned for further information. Stay safe and we hope to see you all again soon!

                                                                                                Emma J Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

August Meeting

I know, I know I can hear you all saying, “What are you doing here? The North East is on their Summer break!”  Well I thought that seen as I do not have anything on at the moment that I would pop on here and speak to all of you!  So, this is just a little something extra!  There isn’t much to report at the moment, I have now finished work for the summer and although I did have a whole summer of events planned, which have rightly been cancelled for our safety!  I have turned to concentrating on my hobbies and interests!  I have caught up with some series on television which I wanted to watch…one being The Tiger King….the less we say about that the better and American Horror Story 1984…again the less we say about that the better!  It is not the best season of the show, but it is a lot better than the last 3 series!

So, for this extra show I thought I would concentrate on other people’s hobbies.  Not long ago at our members meeting one of the Committee mentioned about getting leather workers in to do a demonstration.  Unfortunately, as we cannot do this at the moment, I thought I would use the power of technology and reach out to a newly interested leather worker.  They agreed to meet me via the wonderful world of ‘Whats App’ and stayed for a chat!  If you did not know that little texting and picture sharing app on your phone also has a video option where you can video call other people and we used this method to bring you todays segment!

Here it is, an Interview with a Vamp…..NO!!!  Not an Interview with a Vampire, its an Interview with Ilmars! 
Although, if anyone knows any vampires which would like to be interviewed then send them my way….just not in the dead of night when the window is open….good job I have a fan, to keep me cool!

The air is humid as I sit in my room, it is raining outside I am sitting waiting for the stranger to arrive, the tape is in the recorder and ready to go.  A glass of scotch and a cigarette is sitting waiting on the table…soon, a knock, he is here, the interview has begun!

Louis: “So you want me to tell you the story of my life?”

WAIT, WAIT, STOP! Begin again!  I told you no vampires!!!  Christian Slater I am not!
 
Anyway, it is a rather humid day, the rain is hitting the windows and I sit on my phone with a cup of coffee on the table, the call comes through and is accepted.  On the screen is our leather worker who has agreed to an interview with me!  Pleasantries
and introductions are made before the interview begins!

Emma: “What interested you in the world of leather working?”

Ilmars:  “Around 4 or 5 years ago I became interested in the world of Steampunk, I attended a Comic Con where I dressed in at the time very simple Steampunk attire and it sparked an interest with other people.  Other Steampunkers approached me at the event and they had very elaborate outfits, which were all home made or custom made by other hobbyists!  I then the following year attended something called The Steampunk Asylum, which is held in Lincoln (this year’s event has been cancelled).  Taking inspiration from other people’s outfits and my own research I decided to start making my own things.  There is something quite fulfilling about creating your own pieces and then having other people become interested in them, one off pieces are what people are after now, especially those who attend events!

I started off using craft foam and vinyl to make my gadgets for my outfits, however, they did not hold together well and were not built to last.  So, I purchased some leather and a few cutting tools and I made my first arm bracer, using the leather and bits and pieces which I have found online and in that popular hardware store!”

Emma:  “Where did you go from there?”

Ilmars: “Of course, like all things the bracer had its own problems, things falling off, which of course is all a learning curve and with more research and online tutorials I found more and more ways to make the things I would like too.  My next project was even bigger, I went for a whole leg brace, completely made from leather and bits and pieces which I again found lying around the house, shed and garage.   I soon learnt that I had became what Steampunkers refer to as, ‘tinkering.’  This is where I first discovered stamping and how to stamp patterns onto the leather.  However, I did not have the correct tools, so I used to wet the leather and then lay a cog from an old clock down and tap the pattern in with a hammer.  Since then and when my interest grew, majority of my Christmas and Birthday presents from family has been leather working tools and dyes.

My designs grew too and I ended up making a whole body suit or bracers, I reworked an old gas mask which I bought on that popular selling auction site online.   I then turned to bigger things, I refurbished an old Violin, a pipe, I have made a jet pack with wings which were made out of old fireguards, a made a gun made from the body of an old rifle (it does not work!) and used a trumpet to modify it and then started to make little straps and things to fasten the pieces onto my body, these of course all being leather.”

Emma: “What made you then turn your hand to book work?”

Ilmars:  “Well, I was always looking for something different to do and progress my skills further and I stumbled upon a tutorial online which was a step by step guide into binding books with leather.  So, I went from there!”

Emma: “What was your first book project?”

Ilmars:  “Actually, my first book is a rather special one, I made it for someone’s Birthday present, it is their favourite book of all time.  So, I purchased a First Edition and then designed, cut the templates, then cut the leather, dyed it, then added stamping on which fit the whole genre of the book.  The book also has a closing clasp, which this was the first time I did that and double looped binding stitching around the outside to keep the book together.  Of course, at the time this was all a learning curve and each book which I have produced since has all required a new set of skills.”

Emma: “You sound like you have made quite a few, how many books have you made so far?”

Ilmars: “So far I have made four books and I am half way through my fifth.  I have a very keen interest in fantasy novels so those are the ones which I concentrate on the most.  I have bound the book which I was talking about before, I then bound the Lord of the Rings, which was my first taste of individually stamping letters and I searched high and low for the perfect buckle which fits the theme of the book, it has a very elfish aesthetic to it!  My next book was George. R. R. Martins, “A Song of Fire and Ice” series which of course, you know best as Game of Thrones.”

Emma: “You said that you where half way through your fifth book, how is that coming along and is it another fantasy themed book?”

Ilmars: (Ilmars has started to laugh to himself)
“This book is actually part of a series and I have really pushed the boat out on doing this and have really set myself a challenge.  My fourth book, this one and the next are part of a trilogy series by New Weird author China Mieville.  I had the idea to custom each of the books, so from my knowledge of the series the cover of the book is stamped, dyed, and decorated with embellishments which fits the each one.  Once the books are complete then I am also making a presentation box for them all to fit in.  The box will also be decorated to match the theme of the overall feel and theme of the series.”

Emma: “Does this series tie in with your love of Steampunk?”

Ilmars: “Yes and no, the characters live in a very dark, clouded but industrial world.  Where everything is gas powered or steam powered, which matches the theme of Steampunk.  However, they also bring a more industrial vibe to them, so they are more like how the band Rammstein dress this is described more as Industrial Metal and how they present themselves on stage, very industrial, coal miner era, lots of science experiments, things like that!  But also, with a quite modern way of thinking.”

Emma: “How long does each book take to complete?”

Ilmars: “A lot goes into the whole designing of the book first before I have even begun to start making them.  A lot of research online, I like the book to be coloured according to their theme, so The Scar is blue because the story is based around a floating city of boats on the sea.  I then of course, buy all the leathers, any tools I need, the front piece of the book has to reflect what the novel is of course about, I used 24k gold leafing on the letterings and some of the stamping, so that needs ordering.  Then comes the whole template cutting, finding First Editions or special editions of the books to go inside, I work only with hard backed copies so sometimes those come from America which takes longer.  Then of course, there is the whole stamping, dying, gluing, stitching of the books before they are complete!  I would say it takes around 60 hours to complete each one!  That of course varies depending on how elaborate the book is.  I think I surprised my neighbour one day, when I turned up at her door asking for nail varnish remover as that is what gets the gold leafing off the leather and the glue, that was definitely interesting.”

Emma: “I have to ask, do you have anything else in the pipe line?”

Ilmars: “I do yes, I have set myself the challenge of binding all of the Harry Potter novels!  However, that was not my idea, and someone talked me into doing that one!  That will not be getting started this year, as the one I am on with now is a pretty big project in itself!”

Emma: “Would you like to make other things in the future?”

Ilmars: “Yes, I have recently made a wallet as a gift, so I would like to make more of that sort of thing, I really would like to try and make some sort of bag or satchel.  I also have a keen interest in making more home like items so clocks, lamps that sort of thing!”

I would just like to say a big thank you to Ilmars for taking the time to chat with me today about his hobbies and interests and I wish him well in his new and future projects!  I hope you have enjoyed this extra segment and if you would like to feature in future HC News Members Meetings, then please get in touch with me and we can arrange something!  Stay safe everyone, wear your masks and I will see you next time!
                                                                                                       Emma J Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

i

TYNE -TEES RUN CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

 

April Meeting

ATTENTION: We have had to interrupt our usual broadcast to bring a message from the North East Chairman.

Unfortunately, due to the recent outbreak we have had to suspend all of our Members Meeting and Committee meetings until further notice.

Our annual Tyne Tees Run has also been cancelled for this year, we tried to hold out hope that this would be all over and we could host the run.  Sadly, we recently got confirmation that our event would have to be cancelled for this year!

However, we’re coming back, we WILL return and will meet again on the road!

Take care, Stay Safe!

                                                                                                Barry Gordon
                                                                                    North East Chairman

 

 

March Meeting

Not much to update you all on this time round, February passed very quickly and now we find ourselves in March.  Once again in time for another one of our Members Meetings, the third of the year, already!

This time we are going to transport ourselves to May of 1976, you may time travel the way you wish, hop in your Deloria, take the Doctors Police Box or take a leaf out of Sabrina’s book and make a magic time ball.  Me, I am going to jump into my trusty Telephone box and dial the correct number to get there.  Before I close the door, I must remind you please do not forget if like me you are travelling by telephone box, to dial one number higher to return to our time!! 

Right we are off, we are in the month of May of 1976, deep in the heart of Texas.  The field we are standing on is vast and before us trudging across the fields are 9, 10 ton, combine harvesters, each combine costing around $27,000, each combine is fitted with the latest machinery and luxuries which includes air conditioning, cutting wheat for the next 7 months across America.  At the helm is Dale and his wife, who run the operation.  Quickly the shot moves to the team coming down the road in a circus as it is called, travelling in convoy are 9 trucks and trailers carrying the red combines, pick-ups, cars and caravans for the families to stay in over the 7months.  These combine harvesters and the team will travel from Texas to Canada during the harvest, along with many other harvests which are happening at the same time throughout the country.

Now that the Texas Green has turned yellow, it is time to set to work.  As we well know Texas weather is very unpredictable, one good storm couple wipe out a whole field in seconds, farms who can afford the crop to be cut will be cut as soon as the green fields turn yellow.  Unfortunately, some farmer has to wait and gamble the weather before they can afford to hire a team to cut the crop.
It usually takes Dale and his team a couple of days to unload and set up the combines.  The combines are then checked to make sure they’re in working order, if they are not checked and something happens then this could set Dale back a couple of more days as repairs are made.

Months before Dale and his team arrived he put out advertisements and posters looking for worker to come and join him on this year’s crop run.  The men and woman whom have joined him are a mixture of experienced works who have been on the field before to young men aged 18-19 who want to begin in the trade and will learn as they go, which includes driving and operating the heavy machinery, something they have not done before.
The video skipped to an interview of some of the workers, some of them have come fresh out of factories and regular jobs trading them in to 7 months on the field.  They all said that they enjoy the freedom of working outdoors, in the fresh air, although they did admit that the long days are tiring.

Before the first day’s work on the field begins, Dale has invited the whole crew and their families to come to his caravan for a feast cooked by his wife.  Tomorrow the hard work begins and there may be hardly any time to grab a bite to eat!  The image fades of the crew tucking into their feast and good conversation.  Soon an image of early morning appears, the sun is rising over a Texas field and the combines are already at work, moving across the field cutting the crop.  Dale is seen in his truck, as manager of the whole operation it is his job to make sure the machines are working correctly, and everyone is doing what they should be.  Dale can radio the men in the combines and warn them of something they may not be able to see.

By the end of the day, two combines are out of action, one had been turned around the corner too quick, which pulled a panel and blades off the front.  The other had ran over a stone, if you can call four massive pieces of concrete a stone!
Dale is on the phone to suppliers close by asking if they can send the parts out to fix the machines, unfortunately the parts will not reach them for a couple of days, bringing 9 combines down to 7.  Dale loses approximately $20 per hour, per combine for each machine which is down.  On average 9 combines will cut between 80 and 90 tons of wheat per hour.

Throughout the images good old Texas songs were playing, I could just picture a cowboy sitting on his wooden front porch, guitar in hand, strumming away.  Now, during the video I did hear quite a few of the members humming along to the songs.  I believe most of the humming came from our Treasurer and our Chairman!  Maybe a night of Stars in their Eyes is in order!

Soon it is June in Texas, which brings with it more problems, in the form of the hot sun.  Temperatures have soared into the 90’s and the continuation of the long hours.  However, it is time for Dale and his team to pack up the machinery and their lives and move once again across the country this time to Kansas.

Right this time we are going to take another trip however, I think it is only fitting to step into the spinning house in the twister, just make sure we don’t drop it on anyone when we land!  Watch it Dorothy!
This time we have landed in the good old America West, I studied this for my GCSE’s along with Medicine Through Time, the Assassination of JFK and the movement of the IRA in Ireland, I must say all very fascinating subjects!
Dale and his crew moved across the great plains of America which not too long before was were the new settlers came from all over the country and the world to set up home in America.  The settlers were given their land for free if they had lived on that plot for 5 years or more.  Building mud and clay houses, they used dried Buffalo dung as a heat source, raising their families and farming.  The video stated that many people believe that the first American settlers was in fact the cowboys however, it was the farmers whom came first (actually it was the Native Americans but we will just skirt over that!)
When the Russian settlers arrived in America they brought the wheat crop to Kansas and planted it which took to the soil and was then transported across the country via the new developments of the railways.  This also made cattle drives easier, the farmers and cowboys being able to transport their cattle to, far off auctions or to swap with other farmers and settlers.

Dale and his crew have completed their 600mile drive across country to Kansas, traveling at 30km for 3 to 4 days, the commentator said that Dale does not like to admit that he gets tired however, of course that kind of cross country driving will tried anyone with little to no rest.
Dale also admitted that he does not like his crew to stop for food, it wastes valuable time on the fields with the crop.  Majority of the time the crew eat as they’re cutting the crop.  However, when the men do need to take a break, the women step in and take over the cutting.
The women said that they do not mind this task, as it gives them a chance to do what their husbands do.  They also said however, that there is a lot to look out for, you must watch where the combine is going for stones, oil and water pressure needs to be monitored as well as all the cutting equipment.  But they do have a radio to keep them company as well as an air-conditioned cab.  Dale said that he likes the women driving, they don’t get as much work done in the time, but they are more careful with the combines and have a rate of less breakages than the male drivers, let’s not add anything more to that comment!

One woman we have mentioned but have not talked about is Dale’s wife, she also has a very important job in the business.  Not only does she cook and keep everything running she is also Dale’s secretary, which we have in common with one another.  Here is where the similarities stop however, I do not travel across country thousands of miles to work nor do I have to travel late at night to collect parts for the combines when they have broken down.  Dale’s wife works from six in the morning until midnight 7 days a week, 7 months of the year, between the months of May and December.  Okay, looking at it, we have nothing in common!

Soon it is time to move again, this time to Montana, there are almost at the end of the season, as the circus pulls along, the lead vehicle thinks he has made a wrong turning and gotten lost.  He decides to make a U-Turn with the trailer and it unfortunately gets bogged down in the mud.  Once the rest of the crew arrives, they do everything they can to get the vehicle back on the move as soon as possible, which they do.  This time the crew are driving 300 miles a day, setting off at 2a.m. after as soon as the last load was added to the trailer.

By September the team have arrived at their final destination, Canada.  Here the land is much vaster and emptier!  Unfortunately, like Texas’ unpredictable weather Canada’s is of course predictable and winter is setting in quickly!  Meaning as much wheat needs to be cut as soon as possible, the race is against the weather.  This time the wheat is not getting shipped all over the world for bread.  This wheat will end up in New York and is used as bird seed.

The last 1,000 acres are left, and these should be complete by 3 or 4….in the morning.  However, the screen goes black and the next thing we know, snow is being wiped off our screen!  The snow has come and stopped the harvest, but the crew is out, dusting off the combines and ready to cut the last of the crop.

When he final cut is made, it is time to pack everything up and travel 2,000 miles back across country to where they began back in May in Texas.  The crew is very tired off the 7 months, working 7 days a week for minimum of 18hours per day.  But they’re in good spirits and talking about next year’s crop.  The crew make around $700 per month on the crop drive.

All those months on the road and now its time to go home!

Thank you to Dick for bring the DVD along for us to watch, I do hope you manage to find a list of the songs which they sing during the video.  The Chairman then gave a quick quiz, which the members answered the questions quickly and with confidence!

I hope you all remembered to dial one number higher to get back to our time zone!

See you next time where Ian shall be bring along his famous eBay Quiz, bring your bidding hats along.  Remember no bid is too big or too small!  Just recall the rotten truck in the field with the tree growing through it!!!

                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

February Meeting

I’m going to open this write up with a very fitting Nursery Rhyme:

‘The North Wind doth blow and we shall have snow.
And what will poor Robin do then?
He’ll sit in a barn and keep himself war, and hide his head under his wing, poor thing!’

I would also like to say Happy Valentine’s Day and hope the postman brought a lot of cards, flowers and chocolates for you all!
Anyway, enough of that, shall we get on with the show?  Yes, I think we will.

Now tonight is not your normal topic of conversation, especially when it is all about when things go wrong!  Derek kindly came along tonight to present his talk, now you all know by now the North East has about as much luck as Ned Stark in Kings Landing (Game of Thrones reference, anyone?) so of course we started by the breaks being slammed on with the projector and laptop.  Anyway, in our true fashion, we never let this beat us and we simply improvised.  Of course, standing a chair up on a table and then having the laptop on top of that.  Everyone then huddled around to look at the video which Derek has brought along.

Derek got into heavy haulage much like most of our members did, he worked for a gentleman who has a factory and had a close interest in heavy haulage vehicles.  As well as having memories of watching haulage vehicles passing him by when he was a young man.
He recalled Pickford’s visiting Ferryhill often and stopping to change the sprockets on the truck, before carrying on up to the Market Place.

Later in his life Derek had his own haulage company, he recalls doing a job as a favour for a company and whilst the vehicle travelled up Byker Bank, the whole lot came off the back and they lost the load!  But nobody talks about it when things like that happen.

He bought a 100ft trailer from Yorkshire so he could use it to transport cranes and other goods back and forth from London.  On one such trip down, they were waiting at the side of the road for their escort to come.  Only for the escort to arrive and inform them that the trailer was too low for them to go around the roundabout, then under a bridge.  The men took two working days to heighten the trailer just enough to get their escort and be allowed to pass the points.
However, when they reached the bridge, the men then had to let all the tyres down on the trailer so it would pass under the bridge.  Once too low, now too high to go underneath.
A photograph which Derek brought a long, shows a crusher in a quarry, the quarry was in Leicester.  The crusher came from Scotland, weighing approximately 500ton.  Unfortunately, they almost lost the whole lot when they were transporting it from the top of the quarry and down to the floor, below, where it needed to be.
The crusher was removed 3 years later and you can image it was not removed the same way it was put in.  Instead a road was build and the crusher was removed using the newly built road.

The video played and the opening scenes showed a brand new off the press Scania which was purchased for this very job.  It was to pull a trailer containing pieces of ships to the ship yards from the factories.  Of course, this was not plain sailing; the ride to Seaham Harbour wasn’t an easy task.  A footbridge along the route caused a problem and they needed an alternate route.

One of our members asked why they had to transport bits of the ship to the ship yard in a whole piece instead of sectioning it off and then putting it together on arrival.  Simply, it was cheaper for the factory to move it in one piece.
Derek said on these jobs it sometimes too two days for an escort to turn up and sometimes that did not happen at all, thus costing the firm money as you had men who were getting paid, but were sitting with the vehicle at the side of the road.
Now, companies can be hired to escort items back and forth, which make it a lot easier than it was back then.

We calculated that the piece of footage was from 1989, this is of course going off the cars and the fashion of the people who were in the video.
The video showed the Scania struggling to get down the street as on both sides there were a lot of parked cars.  Derek said the people who owned the cars were very reluctant to come out of the houses and move the cars so they could get through.
Derek believes that the footage was shot by one of the ship yard workers at the time.

The truck and trailer had a bit of a struggle getting into the yard however; with a lot of persistence they made it into the yard and were able to unload the goods.

Paul said that now a lot of haulage is transported by sea, rather than by road. 

I would like to thank Derek for coming along tonight and presenting.  Join us next time where Dick will be taking us down the, ‘Yellow Road to Texas.’

                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

January Meeting

Happy New Year, I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas!  I had a lovely time I got the opportunity to visit Stonehenge for the Winter Solstice Festival, it was lovely standing inside the stones and watch the sunrise early in the morning!  I also went to the Pantomime – Oh no she didn’t!  Watched the Lord of the Rings…extended, Game of Thrones and a few Fleetwood Mac documentaries!
But enough of my monthly updates let’s get on with the meeting, shall we?

To kick start our year the right way, Paul took centre stage to deliver a talk on There and Back Again: A Mail Ships Voyage to South Africa…and no it wasn’t The Hobbit for those who thought it might have been.

The ‘Capetown Castle’ was one of 10 mail ships which did the run between Southampton and South Africa, which took 6 weeks.  Two of the Ten ships were constructed right here in the Tyne.  As a mail ship, it could accommodate 500 people, the ship was then called in to help the war effort, where it went into some serious restoration where it could carry 6,000 troops.  When the ship came out of the war, it went back to be a mail ship and restored to its original condition.

Paul displayed quite a few vintage posters to sell the trip to possible passengers.  As well as these beautiful posters were examples of luggage tags, which contained numbers which told cabin staff which bags were to be delivered to cabins and which were to be put into the hold for the remainder of the journey.

Next were images of the interior of the ship itself, these images would be in the brochure when booking a ticket.  The first-class lounge was very luxurious, which also came with an option to have a private steward which of course came at an extra price. 
The first-class dining area carried on the luxuries you would expect in first-class, as well as a five piece band…I wonder what songs they played?
If you required to see the Doctor and if you were a first-class passenger it was 10 shillings, they told me that this was some kind of money!!  Standard would cost you 5 bob!!

Standard or tourist class did not have the same luxuries which first-class did, their rooms were not as nicely finished off as you could see all of the bare pipe work, where in first this would have been hidden from view!
Dining in tourist class was also a little different, instead of little tables spread out  around the room.  Communal benches and large tables were set up, so diners could dine with other families or couples.

Afternoon tea on board would go through 3,000 cakes the baker used to come on board two days before the ship set sail in order to be able to complete all the work ready for the passengers.  1,500 pounds of tea, 24,000 bottles of coke, as well as meats, fruit, vegetables, flour, sugar, coffee and other items.  As well as bakers the ship also had three butchers…they didn’t have a candlestick maker though!

Just like today when you go on holiday an outside cabin was a little more expensive, just like when we today would like a room with a sea view!  An outside cabin meant that somewhere in your cabin you had a porthole, this could mean you had a little corridor running off the cabin and at the end was the porthole.  Bit like the room we paid for in Ibiza, a sea view room…only it was a side on view we got from the third floor…for someone who isn’t keen on heights it wasn’t great, but alright if I looked straight ahead!

The ship had the luxury of a television for the passengers to enjoy however, unlike today the ship only received signal until 12 hours outside Southampton and then the television no longer worked.  Unfortunately, if you wanted to catch the latest episode of your favourite soap, that was not going to happen!

Fortunately to make the journey enjoyable for all on board, this included passengers and staff.  The Officers organised many deck games for the passengers to enjoy.  As well as after dinner dances and fancy dress parties, where the passengers and crew could make their own costumes using crape paper.
One of my favourite looking games was where 6 Officers sat in a row, with a string which was attached to a wooden horse.  The Officers first had to down a pint of beer, before reeling in their horse whoever’s horse got their first won!

Further entertainment was when the announcement came over that the North bound ship would pass the South bound ship.  The passengers would rush up on deck to see the two ships pass one another.  Paul said the signal would go off and the passengers would all wave at one another and talk would go around the ship for the rest of the day about how they were lucky to see the two ships passing one another.  Paul did say that little did they know the two ships had been radioing one another and set their courses so this could happen.  He said that if you were in the correct place when the two ships passed you could then see them both turn back on course away from one another.

The ship also had three swimming pools two up on deck and one below, these of course were open cargo holds.  Paul said that it was always fun, emptying and refilling the pools with sea waters as you can well imagine they got very dirty, very quickly!
Showers and baths were on board for the passengers and crew, all the baths were salt water and the showers were fresh water, from the tanks which were on board.  Paul told us they had special soap to use for the sea water baths so it would foam up when washing, as normal soap does not do this in saltwater.

There were many crew members on board the ship, shown in photographs were of course the Captain, deck hands, concierge, bar stewards, hairdressers, the Master’s Arms (Police), radio officers, carpenters who’s job it was to go and drop and lift the anchor when asked.  On board was quite a few engineers.  Amongst these engineers was a very dapper looking Gentlemen in his ship whites!  Of course, this was our very own Paul!  On the next slide Paul had a list of all the crew on board, their rank and job title.
Soon looming in the distance was an image of Table Mountain as it was known, Paul said that when the cloud sit over the top it was known as the ‘table top.’

Now in those days there were no big posh airports like there is now, instead passenger terminals were the airports of today and the terminal in Durban was very exotic!
Paul said that when the ships used to come into the harbour, there was a place on the mountain side where someone would watch for them coming.  When the ships docked, they would fire a gun, this would let the locals know a ship has just come in.  They would then make their way down to the harbour to see what they could buy off the ships coming in.

As well as gang planks for the passengers to get on and off the ships.  During storms a small basket was used to get passengers to the dock side and then back on the ship again.  Paul said that a lot of the passengers refused to go in the baskets and chose to stay on board.

Included in the slides were a few snap shots of Paul’s adventures around Durban when he was not on board.  These included a rather high looking cable car journey.  Once again not being a fan of heights, I can safely say I would not be going on one.  I’ve been on once at the Heights of Abraham in the Peak District and it was not pleasant.   Especially when you are at the highest drop point and someone asks what would happen if the cable snapped.  I did then refuse to go on one in Latvia, you would of too if you had seen it!!! Instead we walked down and then back up some rather steep steps…would take those any day!! 
Other snaps included various museums, at that time the tallest building in the world, a beautiful flower garden and quite a few cars which the locals were using, these were all UK exports.

Next Paul showed us photographs of the crew working out charts and maps, the ship contained a pole which had a signal box on the end.  This box could measure how many miles the ship had done by measuring the turns of the propellers.  Paul said this could also be calculated using the revs of the engines.  Now one of those engines were very impressive!!  Just think of a large triangle!
Showing the funnels on the ship, Paul said that many people mistake them for just being smoke stacks and they don’t really think they have a job, I thought that’s what they did and did not contain anything.  Paul said that the funnels actually contained two boilers and were very important to the running of the ship.

A Quick History of the RR. M. M. S “Capetown Castle”.

Launched September 1937.
Left Southampton for Capetown, May 1938.
1940, requisitioned for war service.
November 1942, carried troops for the North Africa campaign.
Over the six years carried over 164,000 troops, 6,000 at a time.
Returned to the company in July 1946 and sent to Belfast for refit.
January 1947, returned to the Mail Service.
October 1960, there was an engine explosion killing seven engine room staff.
January 1965, two gold bars were stolen.
In 1965, it was used for extra service to Capetown calling a Madeiran as usual but adding Ascension and St Helena.
May 1966, ran aground at Flushing and was re-floated on the high tide.
August 1967, taken out of service and scrapped in La Spezia.
29 years of service.

Thank you to Paul for sharing with us your experience on board the Capetown Castle!!

Thank you to those who have already handed in their Tyne Tees Run forms, keep them coming!

  Join us next time where Derek will be telling us ‘Why NOT to get into Heavy Haulage!’

                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

November Meeting
Well I definitely think that it is time for big thick socks and cosy jumpers to keep us warm over the winter.  I have already seen quite a few Christmas decorations popping up here and there on my drives to and from work!
 Tonight we were in a different room for our meeting, we were in the show room, which has a staging area, we have a plan for the back drop at our Christmas AGM, next month, just to give it that extra bit of sparkle…that’s if it works, as you well know here in the North East we don’t usually have that much luck with technology!

Tonight we saw Malcolm take the stage, with his presentation of the ‘Vehicle Rally Scene 20 Years Ago.’  Malcolm has come along quite a few times and held talks for us at the club.  Malcolm whom is a vehicle enthusiast has many photographs which he has taken over the years of various, trains, planes and automobiles.  This time however, Malcolm decided to focus on photographs which he had taken in the year 1999 (feels slight weird typing that date a bit like typing 2020.)

Our first slide depicted an old Fire Engine sitting in a shed which is to believe to have been imported from Australia.  I believe the vehicle was undergoing restoration by its owner.
The next slide showed a green coach and a younger Paul, this was taken before the North East took to the coach for their trip to Summerlee Heritage Park, Coatbridge on 23rd May 1999.  Paul was driving the coach and waiting outside for everyone to board so they could get on their way.
During their visit to the Heritage Park, they saw many different vehicles here and there, two trams stood in a shed one from 1904 and the other from 1908.  Including in the vehicles was a rather large locomotive, this came all the way from South Africa.

Now in our next set of slides, came a blast from the past, the 17th Tyne Tees Run, hard to believe that we are now on our 38th.  Way back in 1999 I had never heard of the Tyne Tees Run and look where I am now!
The vehicles brought a lot of discussion from the room, memories of being on the run.  The vehicles which attended and who used to own them or who owns them now.  Sadly, some of the vehicles are not around anymore or have been sold on up to Scotland or down to London.  However, it was nice to see that quite a few of the vehicles are still on the run today, with their owners, but not always the same colour as they were then.
Included in some of the photographs were wagons which have pulled a waltzer to and from the shows earlier on in its life.  One vehicle had gone through quite a transformation during its time, it has been a Fire Engine and ended up as a ballast box, but has been everything in between these two.

The next set of slides were taken at Gateshead Stadium, Malcolm’s brother had roped him into driving the Fire Engine around the stadium as Captain Thunder leaned out the  window and waved to the crowds.  Malcolm had to remove his passengers wing mirror so he could lean out properly.  A few people were unsure who Captain Thunder was, so I think I will have to look him up.

During the presentation a certain truck decided to sneak in on the pictures, a pale blue Austin K9, with a winch and sides on.  A quick call of, “It’s Nellie” from our Chairman was sounded.
Barry quickly got up off his seat and down to the front to closer inspect the number plate, the truck was of course our beloved and flag ship Nellie.  An agreement went around the room, that she looks so much better in her colours which she is known for today.  Although, she still looked smart, it is funny how you can recognise something which looks totally different, we all knew it was her in disguise!!

I never knew there was a Rolls Royce Ice-Cream Van!!  It was a very nice looking vehicle and a lot of people can recall seeing it around from time to time, I wonder if it is still on the road today!

Lastly we saw a lovely photograph of firefighters at Pumpathon, pumping water into the canal and the light has just his the spray at the correct time and created a beautiful rainbow.  Malcolm recalls that the year before at the same event, the firefighters, used four hoses to lift a small boat with the pressure of the jets.  Of course, the boat was roped down so that it could not go anywhere.  Malcolm said it was amazing seeing this boat hover in the air.
To end the presentation Malcolm played us a song which he had on record about firefighters and engines.

I would like to say a big thank you to Malcolm for coming along last night and taking us through the Rally Scene of 1999.  I wonder, can you recall which events you attended in 1999 and how have they changed since?

See you next time for our Annual General Meeting and Christmas Party, I believe we have a big guest coming along, but he only appears once a year!  Hope you have all been good!

                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

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October Meeting
Well, well, well…the story of the three wells!  Not really, that’s for another meeting.  Happy October, one of my favourite months, its Halloween of course, that’s the main reason, Pumpkin Spiced Lattes are out at Starbucks and I am one of those people who like the dark nights!!  Yes, yes, I know, I’m one of those people! 
We entered our usual room tonight to find that we have a new addition, a rather large addition to our room, a snooker table has been installed, it was rather nice!  Tonight, we welcomed one of our regular speakers whom our members request again and again for his fantastic talks, George Nairn!  It was highly requested that we have his talk ‘A History of Pickfords.’

Now I did not know this but George worked for Pickfords of Birtley for 32 years, which is just down the road from us, not far off Beamish Museum.
Pickfords in the North was started by Thomas and Matthew Pickford whom used to transport stone using pack horses for the construction of roads.  As well as covering the local area, they used to venture off down the country and this is where they used to pick up what was known as ‘back loads’ these basically made the job worthwhile as they would bring in some more income.  Soon, the pack horses were not the only mode of transport for delivering and transporting heavy haulage, the barges and rivers were the way forward and of course Pickfords moved with the times and also used this method of transportation as well as continuing to use the pack horses.

One of George’s slides showed an image of a jug decorated with a Pickfords vehicle, he reminisced that he saw this in an auction house and was going to bid, however, it was at the time a little out of price range.  Let’s just say nowadays the jug is worth even more and has a large network value.

Over his time at Pickfords George has seen and photographed many things being transported up and down the country, from small to heavy haulage.  A lot of images showed parts of boilers being transported and then craned with the Pickfords crane into buildings and over walls.  One of the buildings in the pictures was taken at Shotley Bridge which is in Consett.
George shared with us that some of the jobs were a little scary and some of them he was glad he himself did not work on.  As it required cranes and a lot of high lifting to install or drop off the item.  Sometimes lifting very high into the air and then over buildings to be dropped off at the other side!
Although, some of these jobs were interesting George said that he never thought he would have to take something called Wind Insurance out for a job.  But that is what had to be taken out especially when a very heavy piece of machinery is being lifted up and over a wall or a building by a crane!
George fondly remembers the removal of a clock in Wallsend which was transported and then installed at the other side of the street.

Not only did Pickfords carry and heavy haulage but they occasionally delivered some lighter jobs which included vehicles one of the images showed a beautiful carriage being taken from the back of the trailer, just gone down wooden planks.  I recognised this carriage as I have seen it many times before, it is tucked away in a little building at Alnwick Castle and if my memory serves me correctly it was used in some of the scenes in Downton Abbey.  The carriage is beautiful, and I highly recommend that you go and see it if you are ever in Alnwick, as well as checking out the Harry Potter tour and the Gardens which are just fantastic!
Another light job which George showed on screen was a job for one of his friends, he is a sculptor, one image was of a statue being installed into Durham Cathedral.  Pickfords also installed the statue in the Market Square as well as transport a statue to Holy Island, just up the Northumberland Coast.

Now, some of the images showed large items being transported on spacious roads with nothing really around to cause much problems, like some of the ship hulls which needed delivering, or items for the nuclear power plants or even that rather large piece of machinery which now stands proudly at Beamish Museum just outside the Archive Building. 
There was some rather tight deliveries and I mean tight!  One was a part of a ship travelling along the streets of Berwick.  If any of you have been to Berwick before then you will know how tight some of those turnings were.  In one of the images there is a window which is open in the background and there you can see a gentleman with his camera taking a photograph of the transportation.
 Another tight job and I would say the tightest, was of something which is now in the Discovery Museum at Newcastle.  It first came up from London’s Science Museum, to the Town Moor at Newcastle to be displayed.  When the shows had finished Pickfords then picked up the rather long ship called the ‘Turbinia’ and transported it through the streets of Newcastle to its final resting place where it is today.  Along with the removal of a tree and under the watchful eye of the manager whom was in the picture the ship was installed.  As you can image it stands downstairs in the museum, they got it through Newcastle City Centre, sometimes it looked like it was touching building to building on the turns, they certainly weren’t getting it to the upper floors!!!  The Discovery Museum is a free Museum in Newcastle and is definitely worth a look…I promise this write up isn’t for Trip Advisor for the best places to visit whilst in the North East but you know its worth knowing these things!
Pickfords could literally move you house and I do not mean your items…I mean your actual house!

Pickfords have helped both on land and in the sea, did you know they had two boats called, ‘Bee’ and ‘Wasp?’  These boats went back and forth to a small depot on the Isle of Wight.  As well as collecting and transporting soldiers from the beach during the Second World War.
To end his presentation George showed two photographs of Pickfords vehicles which used to attend our Tyne Tees Run, they’re nicely parked up at Chester-Le-Street Civic Centre at the old halfway halt.

I would like to say thank you to George for once again coming along tonight and we hope to see you in the future!!
Join us next time where Malcolm Paul will be hosting the night with his talk titled, ‘The Vehicle Rally Scene 20 Years Ago.’

                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

 

June Meeting

Well the Tyne Tees came and is once again over with, preparations can now start again for next years event, well after a month or so break of course!  Thankfully the weather for the Tyne Tees was not like tonight’s, we once again needed our boats out to travel around, especially if you live in Lanchester!
Anyway, this month we held a Bingo Night now the prizes were sweets, a cup and a bottle of wine, as you can see it was all to play for!

Our Chairman Barry took on the role as Bingo caller and sat front and centre with the machine.  Tickets and pens were handed around and soon it was eyes down for a line.  After the rules of the game were explained.
Of course as is only right, each of the cards where checked to make sure the correct numbers had been marked off before the prizes were handed over.

I did not realise how many of our members knew the slogans which went with the numbers for example, two little ducks, twenty two and so on.  Speaking of the slogans when I researched them before the meeting I read that some of the slogans actually have a meaning.
Number 9: is known as Doctor’s Orders, this is because during the World War 2, Number 9 was a laxative pill given out by the army doctors.
Number 14: is known as The Lawnmower because the original lawnmower had a 14inch blade.
Whereas Number 52: Chicken Vindaloo, was introduced by Butlins in 2003.

Congratulations to Barry S, Brian, Dick and Brenda who all took prizes home.

 

 

Tyne - Tees Run

Once again, the Tyne Tees Run has passed in a blur.  We saw a lot of vehicles pass through Durham Johnston.  We saw a lot of new faces and of course our regular drivers who loyally make the journey year after year!   Not only vehicles but a lot of public came along too.  They had either recalled from last year or had been walking by and asked if they could have a look around.  One little boy went away very happy after seeing a lot of his favourite vehicle which is the buses, he was over the moon that we had quite a few buses on our run this year!
There was even a reunion between a past owner and their vehicle.

We of course did have a couple of break downs along the way, a few clutch problems here and there but in true Tyne Tees Run fashion there was someone there to lend a helping hand.  My very own vehicle toured someone home when they had broken down at the side of the road! 
But that did not seem to dampen the spirits, everyone seemed like they were having a good time and we have had some very positive feedback from both the public and the drivers themselves and more importantly cannot wait for next year’s event!

This year we had something a little different at our awards ceremony.  Not only did the drivers received their usual award but were awarded with a rather nice slice of cake!

The weather of course must have a mention!  At first, we thought it was going to be a little touch and go at times on the morning.  Getting the truck out early in the morning and a few spots of rain did begin to fall.  However, the rain did hold off until the very end…literally!  The last vehicle had just left the field and whoosh! Down came the rain and I mean it poured down!  Didn’t last long though!  Although one of my Committee Members did get rather wet packing up their car!

On behalf of myself and the North East Committee I would like to thank our three venues and the people who made it possible to use them, the staff at both the three councils and police departments.  Our judges, stall holders and marshals who come along in their free time to help us and of course our drivers, without them we really wouldn’t have our event!

Join us next year on the first Sunday in June for the 38th Tyne Tees Run!

                                                                                                                             Barry Gordon
                                                                                                                North East Chairman





Tyne Tees Run 2019 Class Winners.

CLASS A: Double Deck Buses – Group 1
A3: Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society – 1964 Daimler CCG5.

CLASS B: Double Deck Buses – Group 2
B12: Ken Warren – Leyland Atlantean.

CLASS C: Single Deck Buses & Coaches – Group 1
C22: Douglas Scoular – 1961 Leyland Leopard.

CLASS D: Single Deck Buses & Coaches – Group 2
D32: Julie Aylward – 1985 Leyland Royal Tiger 245.

CLASS E: Recovery Trucks & Special Vehicles:
E52: Al Winton – 1992 Mercedes, 814.

CLASS F: Fire Appliances & Rescue Services Vehicles
F64: Ian Davison – 1974 Ford Transit.

CLASS G: Light Vehicles – Group 1
G74: John Humphrey – 1959 Renault Juva Quatre.
CLASS H: Light Vehicles – Group 2
H81: G. K. Mitchison – 1953 Morris Commercial P.V.

CLASS J: Light Vehicles – Group 3
J108: Chris Robertson – 1994 Ford Transit, 190.

CLASS K: Four-Wheeled Goods Vehicles – Group 1
K111: John Gornall – 1942 Bedford OWST Tipper.

CLASS L: Four-Wheeled Goods Vehicles – Group 2
L123: Chris Burr – 1954 Albion Chiefton.

CLASS M: Four-Wheeled Goods Vehicles – Group 3
None in for Judging.

CLASS N: Four-Wheeled Goods Vehicles – Group 4
N141: Trevor Buckworth – 1979 M Series.

CLASS O: Multi-Axle Rigid Goods Vehicles:
O154: Frank Willis – 1959 Commer QX Unipower Tipper..

CLASS P: Articulated Goods Vehicles
P161: Justin Snowdon – 1962 Foden S20.

CLASS R: Tractor Units
R190: Nick Dodds – 1999 Volvo FH12.

CLASS T: Military Vehicles
None for Judging.

Special Awards & Overall Winners 2018

VEHICLE TRAVELLING THE GREATEST DISTANCE TO THE RUN UNDER ITS OWN POWER (Please note: this is a vehicle which has travelled the greatest distance on the DAY of the event):
C22: Douglas Scoular of Edinburgh.

THE SOUTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL AWARD:
R177: Max Ward – 1981 – Scammell S45.

DURHAM COUNCIL ELECT AWARD:
E44: Barry Gordon – 1955 Austin K9.

THE BEST VEHICLE ENTERED BY A NORTH EAST HCVS MEMBER:
O154: Frank Willis – 1959 Commer QX Unipower Tipper.

THE BEST FIRST-TIME VEHICLE ENTRANT IN THE RUN:
R178: Stephen Jessup – 1983 Volvo F12.

THE CHAIRMANS CHOICE AWARD:
R174: Nick Dodds – 1975 Volvo F88.

RUNNER-UP IN CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE:
C22: Douglas Scoular -1961 Leyland Leopard.

OUTRIGHT CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE WINNER:
R190: Nick Dodds – 1999 Volvo FH12.

 

 

May Meeting

Well I was going to open our members report with news of very good weather!  I know, I know calm yourselves, good weather in the North East…unheard of!  Unfortunately, the weather must have heard my good news as our members almost had to jump in their boats to get to the meeting tonight!  We had an almighty downpour!  At least it wasn’t snow, but there has been rumours of it!
Since last meeting I had a lovely walk in the Peak District, walking from Milldale all the way to Dovedale and back again.  It was kind of like Sam and Frodo from the Lord of the Rings, walking all the way to Mordor and then coming back to the Shire.  Only we were not carrying the one ring to rule them all!  We did, however, face some rather steep steps!  Think the steep steps Sam and Frodo walked up to get past the Black Gate, it’s a shame the eagles were not there to help us out, but we got their in the end and we were rewarded with a nice cup of refreshing tea at the other end, before turning back again!

Anyway, on with the show…and what a show it was!!!!

Tonight for our members we had Part 2 of our Show and Tell night, the first one was such a success we thought we would give it another bash!  First to take the stage was Peter and here is what he had to tell us!

Peter:

Peter, began his talk by informing us that he had brought props, which did spark some excitement between the members, we like a good prop…usually not the type I bring along!
When Peter was a lad he used to work for a company, first as a Foreman and then promoted to Development Engineer, basically if there was a problem to solve, Peter was the guy!
In this case the company which used to deliver for a lets say well known store (clue, the company has two first names!)  The ladies clothing was all falling onto the floor when the delivery men were opening the back of the lorries, finding all the ladies’ garment all over the floor.  Peter was tasked with creating something which would stop this problem from happening!

From there he created a tool which imprinted ribs onto the shoulder parts of the coat hangers, thus when the dresses and tops slid around they should not come off the hangers as the material had something to grip onto.  Peter presented this to his boss and then from there the ribs on the shoulders of the coat hangers were made and produced.  This store has used these hangers for 35 years and only up until 3 months ago stopped using these hangers.
The firm now use dots on the coat hangers to stop the clothing coming off.  I also learned that the neck of the coat hanger is designed from when people throw the clothing back onto the railings and not carefully putting it back.  When the metal hits the railings, the hanger will automatically hook back onto the railing.  This is something I am going to try, but I promise that if it falls on the floor…I will pick it back up!

The first thought was to produce foam pads to slide on the ends of the coat hangers however, this was not a cost effective and very time consuming to get the job done.

I did not actually realise that coat hangers have serial numbers!

Peter (a different Peter, not the Peter from above!):

Now this was not a show and tell but a story he had heard whilst visiting a popular museum.  A lady recalled her Aunt living in a house like the one she was in at the time.  She told the visitors that her Aunts Nephew approached her and asked for some money toward his business.  Now in those days £100 was a lot of money to just hand over, but the Aunt happily gave the money to her Nephew.  When the business was getting started the Nephew came to visit the Aunt and said that she could have her £100 back or have a share in the business.  Now, the Aunt chose to have her £100 back.  The company the Nephew started was…Greggs!

Now this is where we had a little fork in the road, and we drove down here in cars which sometimes were not very reliable, especially if ice was involved and we had an oil leak at one point or were built from odd chains and things.  Then some items fell out of the cars or slide down in the dirt into rather deep holes, occasionally not fitting!
But never mind another one bites the dust and we returned to Show and Tell!

Dennis:

Stepped up and saved the day with tales from the road.  Dennis has many stories about working on the wagons and decided to share a few with us.  Now in a couple some wheels were lost and came flying down the bank, one didn’t pay at the toll booth at the bottom as it went bouncing past!
He recalled the time he was driving along and stopped to help a sheep in the road which was lying on its back.  Unfortunately, when Dennis jumped out the cab of the truck, he forgot that the lock was locked from the inside and had locked himself out!

Colin:

All his life Colin has had a great interest on Motorbikes and used to race them when he was younger.  If a bike part needed repairing, he would take the part down south to this workshop which he knew and was very reliable.  He recalled talking a part there not long ago to be repaired and now the son, who used to be in the workshop when he was knee high is now running the workshop.  Colin said it was nice to know that family businesses are still going, and it is a comfort to be able to take his parts to the same place.

Barry – Treasurer not Chairman:

Have you ever heard of a chicken wearing glasses?  I haven’t and did not know it was possible, it is also not how you picture it either, so get the cartoon image from your head!
When Barry was a young whipper snapper he kept chickens, now one chicken he noticed kept eating the eggs and we all know what is suppose to happen to chickens who eat their own eggs.  But like I wouldn’t Barry did not want to have this chicken let’s say destroyed.  Instead someone advised Barry to get the chicken a pair of glasses.  So, he did, the glasses fixed onto the chicken’s beak and they could not remove them.  The two little ovals came out level with the floor in front above the beak.  There in when the chicken looked to the floor, they could see what they were eating.  The chicken never did eat the eggs again and went onto living a happy life.

Thank you to everyone who came along tonight, to those who show and told or shared and told and of course to those who contributed to that long and winding road in the middle!

See you after the Tyne Tees Run!
                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

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April Meeting

Happy Easter everyone, I hope you are all enjoying your chocolate eggs or chocolate treats!

This month Ian took centre stage and gave us a taster about what life is like as a magistrate and a general over view of a day in court.  Including the running and routines and above all the rules of being in court.  Thank you to Ian for providing us with a second instalment.

Next month, join us for Part 2 of Show and Tell. 
                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

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March Meeting

Hello Guys and Gals, I hope you are all well.  Tonight, Peter provided us with a quiz about how much cars, tyres and services cost way back when!

Twelve years ago Peter attended an auction and he won this box, now this box then went into the garage for many years.  Before one day he decided to empty it.  In the bottom of the box was a copy of the Northern Echo from 1976.  In the paper was an article all about how much things had cost that year.  Every item on the list was local to the Durham area.

Peter decided that this could make a good quiz some day and kept hold of it.  So here we are paper and pencils at the ready and eyes down for the first question.  Now, to start with I must admit I did have to ask if the currency was in pounds and pence, I was forgiven though as most of you know I wasn’t born until 11 years later, how was I to know and General Knowledge just wasn’t coming to me that time of night!

I was also advised by my quiz partner to keep my figures low as things did not cost that much then…I really shouldn’t of listened because things were higher than I placed.  But I must admit I did get a couple of figures only a couple of pounds out, but sadly I got zero out of twenty!

Did you know to service your Jaguar in 1976 only cost £19!! I was sure it was going to cost £40 (at first, I put £60 then changed it), a new tyre for a Mini was £2.98!  A Saab retailed at £3, 000.00, where a Rover 200 retailed at £3, 200.00.  A brand-new Jaguar would cost you a pretty penny at £5,600.00 but at least it wasn’t much for it to be serviced!
                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

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January Meeting

Well may I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year, I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas, I had a quieter Christmas to what I had last year but it was nice to have a long break.

We certainly came back with a bang, this month our meeting was all about Show and Tell, our members were invited to bring along something they had at home, which they would like to share with the group, of course this could be anything!  Each one of our members who braved the stage brought along something different however, when we got to the bottom of it there was a running theme through the whole thing, I wonder if anyone can spot it along the way!  Anyway, enough from me and on with the show!

Colin:
Item(s): Miners Lamp and a Brass Pig:

The miner’s lamp has been in Colin’s possession since 1972/73 and has stood proudly on his mantel piece ever since.  When the mines were working and open here not too long ago, Colin was an apprentice at the colliery in Boldon.  Now during the strikes Colin, being an apprentice at the time did have to attend work, where he was put in the lamp cabin, fixing all the lamps whilst the miners were on strike.  The Gaffer (that’s the Boss) at the time was a very laid-back gentleman by the name of James Trotter who also kept pigs, I think you can see where the brass pig comes into this!  James is someone who Colin held and still holds in high regard and got on really well with.  When James’ lamp was replaced with a new one, his old one was up for grabs now Colin asked if he could have the lamp and it was then given to him, the lamps number is number 32.   Once acquired Colin spent a long time restoring the lamp back to its former glory and spent a good few hours polishing it for tonight’s show!
Colin shared with the group that his Gaffer always brought to work Kitty Cat sandwiches, at the time Colin did not quite believe that is what he was eating, until he saw and smelt for himself.  Yes, you are right he was eating cat food sandwiches.  Pit men always did have a taste for odd things, my Grandfather used to like yellow dog biscuits, it is just something they did!

When Boldon mine finally closed Colin went back and helped to cap the shaft, which he said was a very interesting job and nice to return to where he once worked.
Over the years Colin has many people come to him asking how much he would like for the miners lamp and of course, Colin turned them all down, things like this are priceless and hold very dear memories!

Side Story: Our Chairman’s Father and my Grandfather also used to work down the mines.  When the mine which he was working at, at the time closed all the miners were instructed to throw their lamps down the shaft.  So, we do not have my Grandfathers lamp, but we do have a couple of his helmets!

Dick:
Item(s): Brown Suede Tool Bag, but what did it contain:

Now, Dick started his presentation off apologising that he was going to bore us for the next 7 minutes, before pulling out a rather early looking drill, I am pleased I was sitting at the back, just encase he decided to bore some holes in us!

This first drill Dick believed was factory made and not in a blacksmiths where they would of originally however, did carry markings that it had in fact been forged by hand.  The nick name is the belly brace as to create leverage on the drill itself it was easier to have the drill resting on your stomach, then press all your weight into the drill for the holes to be made.  As well as this he also had a selection of heads, all with different ends and some were used for hard wood, others for soft.  Now, Dick has a bit of a problem with one of the bits, it was blunt.  He passed the piece around the members to see if they could solve the problem of the blunt drill.  Now the outer edge of the drill piece could not be sharped but the inside…question is how do you sharpen the inside of the bit?
The next drill Dick names, the ‘original cordless drill’ now I remember using one of these in woodwork class at secondary school.  I can remember that it was rather hard to keep the drill piece in place and turn the wheel to make it bore a hole.  I do recall slipping with it quite a bit!  Especially when the wood I was working on was balanced on one of those wooden blocks.
One of the drills which Dick had actually was quite a sophisticated piece of machinery, not only was it a drill but it also controls which you adjusted with the wheel.

Some of the suggestions to sharpen the drill bits were, to use files and other tools, along with wire wool and a brush.  As I have mentioned a few times before Dick attends Beamish Agricultural show at the museum every year.  One of his friend’s who also goes may be able to shed some light on how this task can be accomplished, he has promised to come back and tell us what the answer is once he finds out!

Peter:
Item(s): A pig:

You may need to be sitting down for this story as it is rather funny!
When Peter was a ;ad after school and on the weekend he used to help in a relatives haulage company around the yard and then making deliveries.  Now during one delivery they were delivering groceries, they gentleman at the other end had a little bit of a problem.  See they kept pigs and needed to take this pig up to the abattoir however, they did not have a vehicle to do it, so they offered that after they had finished all the deliveries they would come back and then deliver the pig.  Finishing up for the day the lad decided that the pig would fit in the car, so they drove back to the gentleman’s’ place only to find that the pig was not a piglet and certainly was not a small pig, it was in fact very large!!  So large in fact that it hardly fit in the car, but with some elbow grease and sometime later the pig was in the boot and the lads were merrily on their way to the abattoir with the pig.  Now the abattoir is up these rather windy roads with a lot of blind bends etc…  Unfortunately, some way up this windy bank the boot springs open and out shoots the pig!  What do you do now, there is a pig on the loose!  Of course, you get out the car and chase after it!  Up and down the lane they ran after this pig, over and in the fields!  Finally, after a while the pig was once again caught, much to its displeasure and once again safely back in the boot.  BUT, on shutting the boot lid, the lid was broken!  The pig could not stay in there and there was no rope to tie the lid down.  So, with some more elbow grease the pig ends up sitting one the seat, with Peter!  Merrily they travel the rest of the way up to the abattoir with the pig protesting in the back and Peter being covered head to foot in well…you know what!    Once they reached their destination the pig once again shot out of the car!
Since that day the pair have had a standing joke with one another and often purchase pig memorabilia for one another, for Christmas Peter gifted a biscuit tin in the shape of a pig’s head and the biscuits inside were all pig shaped!  The pair have had some rather wonderful adventures together, but I must say this one is one of their top memories!

Side Story: Colin also used to take pigs to the slaughter house in his van, which became fondly known as the Pig Mobile!

Ian:
Item(s): Saxophone:

Now not many people know this about Ian, but he is a classically trained pianist so was his father.  Unfortunately, like some musical teachers one but him off playing the piano and he fell out of love for it, but not music, Ian has always loved music.
A 18 Ian’s musical attention turned to jazz.  Seeing a band at The Pheasant at Pressing Grange, from that meeting with one of the artists they encouraged Ian that he himself could play.  Taking on the challenge Ian found himself his very first saxophone and took it up as a hobby.
As Ian was sharing his experiences on the jazz scene, attending gigs he showed up how the different part of the instrument fit together, what the parts down and how some of the parts in the mouthpiece differ from person to person.  In order to play you must find what is best suited to your mouth, which also makes playing a lot easier.  The instrument is not difficult to play, just difficult to master.  The saxophone Ian brought a long tonight had gorgeous engravings going do the main piece of the saxophone.  The saxophone’s leather pads are made from Kangaroo hide.
Not only has Ian attended Jazz clubs he has also played with an alongside fellow musicians, which he is very grateful and feels blessed to have played with them.
During one of these evenings the gentleman sitting next to Ian sadly dropped and damaged his instrument.  So, purchased another one just to use whilst his was in for repair.  When the gentleman’s instrument was returned, he offered Ian the chance to buy, which he did!
Later, Ian sold this very instrument on eBay and the gentleman who purchased it personally picked it up.  Selma who makes Saxophones keep records of all the instruments they have made.  On selling the instrument did Ian then come to learn that he had his hands on a vintage saxophone.
The saxophone was created by Adolph Sax around the 1840’s and like all instruments over the years has been developed from the original.
Ian likes nothing better than blowing away a few hours in his conservatory, he says the hours fly by whilst he is playing.
Unfortunately, tonight we did not get to hear Ian play, but one day we just might!

Denis:
Item(s): Photographs:

Denis brought along some photographs which he had to salvage from the bin when they were thrown away, not only were there photographs in the discarded paper but cigarette cards too.
The first photograph which was handed around showed Denis at work, the photograph was taken in 1956 and was published in the Northern Echo.  In the picture Denis is raking hay and adding it to the pile on the trailer.  He tells us that the trailer was pulled by a little Grey Fergie which is not seen, there is also two gentlemen standing on the top of the pile.
In amongst all of the photographs was headed paper from Denis’ Uncle Andrew’s Haulage company, the paper is very soft, almost velvety and the heading is embossed, you do not come across things like that anymore and if you do it is not very often!  A photograph soon followed of Uncle Andrew at his coal depot, the wheels of the wagon which he is standing in front of is made of wood.

Next, were coal invoices one dating 1929 and another 1930, they were in very good condition and have definitely being well looked after!  Other photographs included a haulage yard with all the vehicles parked in a neat row and two beautiful steamers.

As you can tell anything is precious to the individual, whether it is a purple rabbit which has been with you since you were 5 and you used to get upset when it was washed and hung to dry by his ears on the line (PLEASE NOTE: It was a toy rabbit!), to a ring someone has had for years, “My precious!” these items are priceless and cannot be replaced!  I would like to thank everyone who brought something along to night and to those who share little side stories along the way!  I think we will have a Part 2 where we can see some other items!

There is still time to get those Tyne Tees Run forms in, please return via post or email.
                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

October Meeting

Our usual Barry did not open the meeting tonight, but our other Barry.  As some of you may know our Tyne Bridge celebrated its 90th Birthday yesterday (11th October).  When the Tyne Bridge Celebrated its 60th Birthday the North East Area was invited along to join a parade along the bridge to celebrate the birthday, sadly this year we were not invited along, but you never know we may be for its 100th Birthday.  I believe that some of the vehicles made an appearance on the television, as well as appearing in the local newspapers!

**WARNING** You all know what is coming every time there is a warning disclaimer!  Please not that some people may find these images and descriptions distressing.  This is all Special Effects Makeup and although is made to look realistic is 100% fake **

Once again our Chairman (the first Barry) happily took on the role of Guinea Pig for tonight’s demonstration, may I add that I did not ask him this time, he just offered to take up the role of victim!
Now this look is rather controversial because some say that it is offensive for people to mimic this happening, as it is a terrible thing, which it is.  However, this is NEVER made up to make fun of ANYONE, EVER!  Of course, I am talking about a burn. 

The burn was created using the same main product as the boils from our last makeup class however, this time the gelatine contained a small amount of fake blood, to colour the gelatine a nice pink colour.  This gave the burn a nice base colour, which could then be built on later.  You can keep the gelatine is natural colour however, the already coloured gelatine also projects the translucent colour that a burn sometimes has.  Of course, this is a burn which has just happened, a healing burn or healed burn would of course look much different.  If you would like a picture of what this looks like, just think of the river of slime underneath the streets of New York in Ghostbusters 2.  Unfortunately, when you played music it did not jump about!

First I layered down a thin layer of gelatine before adding stretched and ripped cotton balls, before layering more gelatine on the top.  Once the arm was covered the way I wanted, and the gelatine had begun to set then I used the tongue depressor to dab the gelatine, which gave it a nice stringed texture and created what looks like melted skin or ligaments which may have been exposed.  This of course can also be created by layering strings of red wool down; the fibres would create the fleshy/muscled texture.  Once this had dried further then I went in with a tool, which our Chairman insisted was a needle, it wasn’t, would I do that to him?

With this tool I poked and pulled holes and hollows into the cotton to deepen and widen the holes which I had already laid down as well as changing the consistency of the gelatine, giving it a more mixed up look.
Once the whole thing had dried totally, unfortunately some had to be removed as it did not set, which can happen, something may of gone wrong in the making process where the ingredients just did not mix properly.  Just like being on the Great British Bake Off, just think Paul Hollywood, telling you that you had a soggy arm and not a soggy bottom!

Once that was removed then I could start on the paint job.  This time I laid down red to start with then went back and forth with browns and blacks to bring depth to the look, making it look more 3D.  As I was painting Paul asked, “Would this fool someone into thinking it was a real burn.”  The answer is both yes and no, the shock of seeing this on someone’s arm would at first make you think that this was real.  However, this is a whistle stop tour and this look would take 3-4 hours to complete, from beginning and end.  The process of painting the look takes the most time, as paints must be added and taken away throughout, this all depends on where you would like the highs and lows to hit.  Not only that but added colours can saturate other, meaning that you have to revisit and paint over.  The more time the better and the real it would become, not only that but you can bring other resources into it, such as using coffee or a gravel effect or doing this on the face rather than the arm.  It is amazing how much the face can be changed using the same products as I used on the arm.  Or completely changing it using more resources such as, eye guards and false nails.

Once the paint job was complete, I applied a light blended coating of foundation across the top, to highlight the high points as well as bring back a skin tone to the look.  I then scrapped some black eyeshadow from its pan and gently swept that across the surrounding skin, to create a charred, smoked effect.  To finish adding a healthy layer of lip gloss over the top to make it nice and…juicy! (you thought I was going to say it, didn’t you).

Our members had some amazing questions to ask whilst this was going on as well as sharing some war wound stories of their own, now I don’t mean injuries they received in the war, but you know what I mean, we are on the same page, well you are if you are reading this!

Remember, remember the 14th November, for Barry (the second Barry mentioned) is going to come up front with some Heavy Haulage.

Until then head over to our Facebook page: Historic Commercial Vehicle Society – North East for further updates and Tyne Tees Run news…they will be soon here!!!  I can hear the printers warming up now!
                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

September Meeting

Well hello everyone, I hope you are all well!  Please bear with me, I have not done this for a while and my writing skills may be a little rusty!  I hope everyone has had a lovely summer!  I have been here, there and everywhere this summer.  I visited Cornwall where I went on a speed boat ride across the waves to see some marine animals.  We were lucky enough to see a Seal, a Sunfish and a pod of Dolphins, the Dolphins were busy hunting fish, so they did not surface as much as they normally would, but it was lovely seeing them anyway!  On coming back, I read an article which said that we are now getting some unusual creatures in our waters now, due to changes and one of those animals was a Sunfish!  The Chairman and I also went to see Iron Maiden, no not the steamer this time, the band!  At Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, as usual a fantastic show!  They opened with a Spitfire on stage just hovering above them, they also had a rather freaky looking angel, but the less said about that the better!

Anyway on with the show, Barry welcomed us all back and asked about our Summers, a lot of our members have been to various shows over the holiday period, unfortunately the weather was not so kind to some of them, but they still had an enjoyable time.

Tonight Paul opened us up with some home videos of past Tyne Tees Run, we visited 1985 and 1994.  The show in those days finished at Gypsy Green, where now we end up at Bents Park, just along the road.  A lot of Fire Engines seemed to come along to the show in 1994.  Paul shared that he recalls the weather being so hot and dry at times that the Fire Engines used to come down and spray water on the dirt path which the vehicles used to drive along, or else there would be rather large plumes of dust!  Not only that but he also recalls that at one point they had to pump water our of Gypsy Green because it was raining that much there was rather large patches of surface water!

Not only was there a lot of Fire Engines and a great deal of buses but there was quite a few unusual looking vehicles used to attend which, sadly we do not get to see on todays run!  I noticed two rather odd-looking yellow vehicles which I was informed was a Scammel.  Imagines of these vehicles brought a lot of conversation amongst the members, recalling those vehicles attending the run.  Not only that, but who owned the vehicles at the time, where they were sold onto if they were and if they had any problems on the run or before!

Suddenly good old static appeared on the screen, we must have had some kind of ariel interruption, we don’t see that now on the television!  The video came back on and jumped right into following a pair of Judges, clipboards in hand inspecting vehicles up for judging.
The judges were having an in-depth conversation about the originality of the vehicles, inspecting the engine, wheels, breaks, horn? And the body.

Barry S informed us that a lot of the vehicles who used to attend then came all the way from down south or right up from the north.  One of the vehicles used to raise money for the Guide Dog Charity.  On either side of the vehicle they had placed those Guide Dog collection banks you used to see in the shopping centres way back when, even I can remember them!

Suddenly, we are transported back in time to 1985, sadly we did not see Marty McFly or Doc on the video but we did see the vehicles going over the Tyne Bridge, which used to be part of the run and sadly is no longer!  The Tuxedo Princess, the floating nightclub was shown just peeking out from under the bridge, our Chairman once recovered that (upholstered).
Our members took a guess as to where some of the vehicles are now, so say they were sold on to other people, some believe they were scrapped, others believe that they’re standing in a barn or a garage somewhere.
Thank you to Paul for putting that together for us, it was very interesting seeing all the vehicles and what 1985 looked like!  I also really enjoyed your last video of how to prepare for the Tyne Tees Run, I may need a copy of that to put on our Facebook page!!!
  If you or anyone you know who used to attend the Tyne Tees Run way back when, please get in touch with us, we would love to know what year you attended and what vehicle you had then.  Get in contact via my email address which is on our Area Focus page or search for Historic Commercial Vehicle Society - North East on Facebook and give us a follow!

Join us next time at Bede Lodge where I will be taking the stage for our usual Halloween Special.
                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

      36th Tyne Tees Run 2018                                                          

I would just like to say a huge thank you to all our drivers who has taken part in this year’s road run.  Without your participation we would be unable to hold our annual event!  Unfortunately, we did receive news that some drivers were experiencing problems with their vehicles this year and either had to fix during the run or leave at home.  I am one of these this year our flag ship ‘Nellie’ almost didn’t make it however, she pulled through in the end, she does enjoy the Tyne Tees!
Thank you to all of the teams who were involved securing our venues from Stockton Riverside College, Stockton Council, Durham Johnston, Durham Council, Bents Park, South Tyneside Council as well as Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria Police.
Our Facebook page seems to be growing from strength to strength, we have received more requests to join and followers are now contributing to the page, sharing photographs and memories of previous Tyne Tees Events!
See you all next year!

                                                                                                                                     Barry Gordon
                                                                                                                        North East Chairman

Now for something completely different!

Reports are in from…

Stockton:
What better way to start a Sunday morning than coming to the Riverside College, receiving a very warm welcome, grabbing a bacon sarnie from the van and having a catch up with friends!
It was lovely to see lots of old faces and might I add lots of new faces too!  Everyone was in high spirits and really looking forward to the day ahead of them!  The vehicles set away not long after arriving!
                                                                                                                                    Peter Summers
                                                                                                                        North East Committee

Durham:
Our half way halt once again went very well this year!  We had a steady flow of vehicles entering the venue with waves of enthusiasm as well as some flashing lights and honking of horns, before parking up to make a wonderful display.  We had a few members of the public who were running, walking and cycling by asking all about the event we had on and what was happening, before entering the gates and spending some time inside.
Our Council Elect was very pleased with the selection of vehicles on show here today and really enjoyed looking around and having the opportunity to speak with some of our drivers.
                                                                                                                              Emma Gordon
                                                                                                                             North East Secretary

Results

CLASS A: Double Deck Buses – Group 1
A2: 140 Preservation Group – 1964 Daimler 140.

CLASS B: Double Deck Buses – Group 2
B12: Mark MacKenzie – 1980 Leyland Atlantean Alexander AW68.

CLASS C: Single Deck Buses & Coaches – Group 1
C22: Douglas Scoular – 1961 Leyland Leopard.

CLASS D: Single Deck Buses & Coaches – Group 2
D31: David Warren – 1964 Atkinson Alpha.

CLASS E: Recovery Trucks & Special Vehicles:
E43: Ken Rodham – 1946 Bedford DWS

CLASS F: Fire Appliances & Rescue Services Vehicles
F61: Paul Pearson – 1938-9 Sigmund Pump.

CLASS G: Light Vehicles – Group 1
G76: John Claxton – 1959 Land Rover Series 3

June Meeting

Hello everyone!  I am going to keep this bit short and sweet as we have a lot to get through tonight.  I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended this years Tyne Tees Run drivers, venders, stall holders, commentators and volunteers! It was a very enjoyable day!
Now, lets jump in out telephone booths, dial that number and travel the circuits of time to the showground.  In the words of Bill and Ted, lets reach out and touch somebody!
Barry Summers took centre stage to introduce tonight’s speaker, who is a very good friend of his John Culine M.B.E.  John has come along tonight to share with us his family history in showmanship as well as talking about the part he plays in The Showman’s Guild.
John was born into a showman’s family, his Father being a showman himself, his Mother a mill girl from Darlington.  A photograph appears on the screen showing a park, a caravan and a tree.  This is the caravan where John was born, in Jubilee Park, Spennymoor Co. Durham.
At the tender age of 11 years old John let King’s Street School, Spennymoor and joined the family business.  He stated that he was born to be a showman, it is in his blood and a showman he would be!
John has many happy memories of his younger days, with his five sisters who were as John says his teachers in many ways.  Spending time together inside the rides when they were on a short break, teaching him all they knew about the world around them.
As mentioned before not only his Father but his Fathers, Father and his Father were all in the showman business.
Grandad Cliff threw knifes and tomahawks at Buffalo Bill.  His Grandmother Alice was a tightrope walker!  In 1890 she tight roped across Bridlington Harbour to raise money for Seagull Lifeboats.  She managed to raise £7 for the fund, the first time she walked across the Harbour though she fell in.  Assessing the situation, she decided to tighten her rope and managed all the way across without falling the week after, she made it into the newspapers!
A beautiful old poster appeared on the screen advertising the many acts and attractions the family had to offer people one of these acts were Prince the Fire Dog.  This poster can be found in the images section of Google if you Google John’s name.
Not only were John’s sisters his teachers but also his Uncles too, Uncle Fred taught him how to sign write the ride, vehicles and containers the family used to transport their lively hoods.  See, a showman’s life is not all lights and music, there is hard work to be done.  As John says a showman needs to be a jack of all trades.  Not only the operation of the rides but driving, moving, restoration and mechanical maintenance must be carried out.
At a local show John met a young lady called Davina who would later become his wife and mother to their daughters, Davina also came from a showman family from Yorkshire.  As a wedding present the newlyweds received a fairground ride called ‘The Octopus.’ 
Multiple photograph littered the screen showing The Octopus through the many stages of its life, John likes nothing better than stripping it all down, giving it a new coat of paint and sign writing.
When war was declared in Britain the showman packed up their things and joined the troops driving tanks or in the trenches doing the bit for King and County.  Those life behind at home also wanted to do their bit for the war effort, so they decided they would like to raise funds to buy an Ambulance.  Sadly, they did not manage to buy one…they managed to purchase twelve Ambulance’s!
During this time John’s Uncle William joined the Durham Light Infantry or the DLI as some of you may know, not long ago our Tyne Tees Run half way halt was held at the DLI Museum in Durham. But enough about Uncle William until a little bit later, this gentleman plays a big part in John’s life.
Not only did the showman raise funds for the First World War, they also raised money for the Second, this time raising enough money to purchase an aeroplane which was sent and used by a Polish Squadron.  Sadly, the aeroplane was damaged not long after its first flight however, was put to good use for other purposes.
It is clear to see that family and his family’s achievements are close to John’s heart, he is very proud of his family and where they came from.  Each member is spoken about with such admiration and love!
Now, returning to Uncle William, John’s Grandmother received a letter stating that William had been reported missing and known to be wounded.  Wanting to find out more his Grandmother sourced out some acquaintance which many have more information from one of their families who were also at war.  His Grandmother found out that William was on a bridge when he was wounded and not long after the German’s appeared, Uncle William never returned home.
Growing up with stories of his Uncle William, John was determined to know exactly what had happened to him on that fateful day, for his family, they had gone all those years without knowing if he was still alive…it was time to find out!
In 1984/85 John found out the William Culine was listed as deceased, the date of his death being 12th April 1918 (keep this date in mind, it pops up again later on!)

In September 1997 John with a friend visited Merville where his Uncle was last seen.  He visited the bridge where his Uncle was patrolling, coving engineers who were working there.  A historian met up with John as well as a local English teacher, where they had a private tour of a museum as well as visiting the bridge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May Meeting

Well Hello everyone!  I hope you had a very enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend and are looking forward to the next one, it will be here before we know it!  My adventures consisted of a water park, where I must add I have a lovely bruise on my arm off the water log and I went to Truckfest however, I shall not bore you will the details however, I did see Todd from Ice Road Truckers now on with the show!
Tonight, Barry brought us Part 3 of his Model Mania series, this time we are focusing on Heavy Haulage, he stated that some of the models have made an appearance before in previous showings however, did have a wide selection which have never been shown before.
The wagons were set out in sections showing vehicles from a few haulage companies starting with Pickfords Removals, actually if you go onto Google Images and type in ‘Pickfords Removals’ two photographs of Peter and Barry’s Pickford’s vehicle show up, both are at shows, one is definitely the Tyne Tees Run (I know this because it’s the picture that I took…goodness knows how it made its way onto Google!)
Barry started with a lovely framed photograph of his and Peter’s vehicle, which I believe was taken when it was pulling into Bents Park on the Tyne Tees.  He has a model which is a close replica to their vehicle however, the model is an O Type Bedford and theirs is a M Type Bedford.  The difference between the O Type and M Type is that one has a 3-ton chassis and the other has a 5.
During the war production of the usual models ceased and a ‘cheaper’ model of the vehicle was produced for the army’s use; these wagons had a flattened front and were fitted with large heavy-duty bars.
In the 1950’s production began again and in came new designs for the Bedford and so the S Type was born and later the Bedford TK.  Barry believes that over half a million Bedford TK’s were produced.
Barry shared with us that his Uncle used to own various removal vans, one of which Barry has a replica of on the table, which we are told was rather rare!  Now on the front line was a very tiny vehicle, a Little Reliant (three-wheeler) or as I like to call them ‘broken cars’ thank my younger self for that!  Showing that over the time Pickfords had quite a variety of vehicles in their fleet, ranging from Heavy Haulage to steam locomotives.
The company did not always use Bedford’s for their choice of wagon they also used vehicles produced by Scammell, Foden and the like.  Barry recalls an early memory of watching the rather large vehicles going down his street.  They had a bit of a hard time going around the corner in those days, not like today where it is a lot easier.  Barry used to watch them from his bedrooms window having to go onto the other side of the road to turn the corner without damaging anything.
Along with Pickfords Barry had vehicles in the livery of A.L.E whom we weren’t too sure whether this company was still around, Sunters and Siddle Cook, whom is now well known as Elddis.  Barry had the pleasure of been invited to a function and talking with Sunters himself, they had a lovely conversation about the heavy haulage in which the company used and what equipment they had, before everything became modernised!!
This brought conversation about a new trailer which had recently been on the television a one which was driven via remote control.  Our members enjoy a wide variety of Heavy Haulage television programs including ‘Ice Road Truckers’ (see Truckfest tided in somewhere), ‘World’s Dangerous Roads’, ‘Outback Truckers’ and ‘Logging the Russian Way.’
Thanks to Dick and Google for looking up about A.L.E it is in fact still a company which is in business today!
Barry then invited everyone to come and have a closer look at the collection, ask questions, handle the vehicles however, no playing races with them!  I would like to thank Barry once again for bringing his collection along tonight for everyone to have a look at and whilst in conversations with him I found out there could be a Part 4!
Now on a different note our Barry likes to play a certain instrument and has taken this up as a hobby of his and has played in various shows I believe mainly in Blackpool.  As you know our Queen recently celebrated her 92nd Birthday at the Royal Albert Hall.  Barry made an appearance as part of the George Formby Society at a prelude to the celebrations at Blackpool and was shown during the program.  Barry is the gentleman on the far left in the bottom corner, there is a gentleman pointing his mobile phone at him.
Thank you to everyone who has entered or enquired about the Tyne Tees Run it is swiftly approaching!  If you follow us on Facebook, you would have seen our count down we are currently on 4 weeks until the event!  If I do not see you before I shall see you there!  Don’t forget to come and say hello!

                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

January Meeting

Wow, I have just noticed as I selected the file marked HC News on my memory stick and made a new file that this is my third year of writing entries for HC News, thought I would share that little bit of trivia with you!

Well I hope you all had a jolly holiday and have come back all refreshed and ready to start a new year!  The highlight of my Christmas was travelling to London to see The Christmasaurus Live by Tom Fletcher, for anyone who doesn’t know who Tom Fletcher is he is a band member from McFly/McBusted and is now a children’s Author.

Anyway enough about that, Barry our Treasurer rang in our very first meeting of the new year with Part 2 of his model series.  This time the table was set in the tradition ‘wagon trail’ which circus’ were set up as back in the day.  With the Big Top tents being at either end with caravans and wagon trains around the outside forming a circle or square.

Barry’s models were in the livery of both Billy Smart’s and Chipperfield’s, Billy Smarts being to the right in green, where Chipperfield’s was to the left in red.  Showmanship has very much been a part of Barry’s life since a very young age.  He recalled being on a trip to London and seeing the circus coming in in convoy.  Another memory he shared was when his Uncle Jack took both Barry and his brother Peter to Darlington as Billy Smarts was in town!  He recalled about seeing the show and being fascinated with the magic that the high wire trapeze artists, animals, clowns and Ring Masters produced under the tents roof.  Unfortunately, by nightfall it was time to leave, but seeing the lights and hearing the sounds as he was walking back to the car with his family, sparked an interest which has never left him!
Prompted by Barry our Chairman, Barry took out a model fire engine which had been tucked behind one of the circus tents, as far as Barry knows Billy Smarts was the only circus which had its own fire engine to hand during the shows.  He had a very informative book which was passed around the members to view.  The book detailed Billy Smarts performances across the ages showing illustrations of their advertisement photographs, promotional photographs, newspaper articles and their performances for Royalty.
Barry recalled a trip he had taken in the seventies to New York, he was staying in Manhattan at the time, he was lucky enough to attend Madison Square Gardens when the famous Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Greatest Show was at the venue.
He recalled how the show ran for two and a half hours, producing a magnificent show on in which he would never forget to this day!  His luck continued however, when travelling down to Washington DC Barry witnessed the famous mile long circus train moving across the country.  Taking equipment, staff and animals from place to place during their tour.

This sparked a memory with Paul who shared that whilst he was at sea, he recalled the ship carrying the cargo for a circus on board.
Speaking of ships, Barry’s luck once again paid out as whilst cruising he had the pleasure of going to see Button’s the Clown holding a presentation on board the ship.  Recalling stories about his life and his experiences in the circus.  One of the memories he shared was of having his shows cancelled as Pearl Harbour had just happened that very day!  Barry’s Mother had a bit of a surprise that night whilst she was playing bingo little did she know that that night she would be sitting next to the gentleman whom was on stage just hours before!
Unfortunately, Barry has not visited a circus in quite a while however, he always thinks about what it would be like to step inside a modern-day circus, would it still feel the same?  What would happen now that all the animals have gone?  Is their new stuntmen or stilt walkers?  None of us could comment on that as neither of us has been to a circus of late and I must admit I have never had the pleasure of going to the circus.
The Greatest Showman staring Hugh Jackman is in cinemas now, telling the story about P. T .Barnum’s life, it is very good!
Thank you to Barry for coming forward tonight and sharing his interests and bringing along his models.  On talking to Barry after his presentation he just might have a part 3 sitting waiting for us!  I see a series coming on!
Once again thank you to those who have handed in their Tyne Tees Run forms both via email and post.  There is still time to hand them in, if you have not got a form and wish to come there is a form available to download from the HCVS website or if you have any questions regarding this year’s event please do not hesitate to contact me!
                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

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February Meeting

Well it is February, Happy Pancake Day, Valentines and Chinese New Year to you all!  This month our meeting fell on Valentine’s Day and what better way to celebrate by attending Bede Lodge and taking a trip down the Beamish Museum cobbles with Malcolm Paul.

Now as you may know Beamish is a large Victorian open-air museum situated in County Durham.  The museum is highly popular and welcomes thousands of visitors each year from all over the world.  The only museum quite like this one in the UK is Blitz Hill in Telford which is part of the Iron Bridge Museums.

The buildings in Beamish are either buildings which have been taken down brick by brick and then rebuilt or they are replicas of buildings in the North East.  Malcolm informed us how Beamish is currently undergoing mass developments installing a new 1950’s town, which will have a Cinema, Police Station and much more! 
Throughout the year Beamish are hosts to many events which Malcolm regularly attends.  He displayed a wide variety of images from his visits to the annual steam event where the legendary Iron Maiden was in attendance…and no not the band but the steamer!  As well as steam events Malcolm has attended many car rally’s, as well as other vehicle events.
Of course some of his photographs showed the transportation which Beamish themselves own and which you can go on to get from place to place whilst at the museum.  These include cars, buses, locomotives and of course the trams!

Coming from either a mining, industrial or farming backgrounds Beamish holds a very special place in the hearts of those in the North East!
Our Chairman Barry, whom I call Dad used to work there before I was born  He shared with the members his memories of installing the cobbles in the 1820’s town, helping to install the large printing press in the printers where you can go and buy a newspaper and lending a hand in the installation of ‘The Hammer’ which is situated at the very entrance of the museums car park.
Dick one of our Committee Members attends The Agricultural Show yearly, giving talks to visitors, children and teachers on educational visits.  Dick also displays and demonstrates items he enjoys making such as whistles and tongs.

Some of our members are Friends of Beamish, pass holders and some have even donated items to the museum for display itself.  Now the museum has a vast amount of archived items which can now be viewed by the public in the large Dunlop building, there is even an Iron Lung in there which is rather interesting as well as other interesting items.

I would like to thank Malcolm and Les for coming along this month and we hope to see you both again for a future presentation!

Join us in March where Ron Henderson will be presenting us with Emergency Vehicles through time!  Once again, I would just like to thank those who have entered their vehicles for the Tyne Tees Run (which is swiftly approaching!) still plenty of time to enter your vehicle! 

                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

 

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March Meeting

Paul gave a very good introduction for our speaker tonight, they have known one another for many years, originally meeting in 1974 and have been firm friends since then!
As the lights in our meeting room were turned off, the screen illuminated picturing an illustration of a Fire Engine, appearing as if a child had produced the slides title page.  Ron took to the stage and gave a little back ground information on how although he was born with a talent to paint, he never picked up the brush until his mid-thirties.  Ron, like many people did fear what he was good at for a good few years before blowing the layer of dust off his watercolour set which had been sitting in a cupboard, for ten years, left but not forgotten! 
The newly undusted water paints went on to paint a drawing which Ron had spotted in Paul house when he came to visit him.  Soon Ron moved from water paints and onto oil paints, now I do not know if many of you know that a small tube of oil paint will set you back around £6+ and the brushes a small one for small details can cost you around £4+ and canvas boards do not come cheap either.
Ron showed a beautiful Fire Engine which he had painted and shared with us a few troubles which he had with the painting.  See the Fire Engine in question had a rather unusual colour, it was an almost purple/brown colour.  Now, I have done this myself and wasted paint, but experimentation left Ron with a pallet covered in a big splodge of muddy coloured paint, which had to be scrapped from the pallet straight into the bin!  As Ron perfected and became more confident with pallet mixing the colour soon came!
As Ron’s paintings became popular and well know, he began to receive commissions for retirement gifts for men who had served in the Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service!  The people would contact Ron, give him a little bit of background information about the person, where they had worked, what vehicles they had worked with etc… 
The next job is to then sit down and plan this all out onto a canvas board.  A lot of his retirement paintings pictured a building or badge in the centre with different vehicles over the years around the outside.  Many of the people whom these paintings were for were long serving people in their field, some serving for 40 years.  Ron will then spend time lining everything up, making sure the vehicle will be sitting in a line, that they balance one another, that the building is set right and above all make sure the lovely clean white canvas is not marked in any way.  As the painting process begins he likes to start in the very top corner and work clockwise around the board, he stated that it takes approximately an afternoon to paint two vehicles.
Ron stated that some of his commissions can become a little bit tricky especially when someone would like something on their painting which is a little unusual.  For example, a painting was done for someone who worked in Hartlepool (some of you might know where this is going!)  The painting pictures, buildings, vehicles, a World War Plane and…the MONKEY!  Here Ron had a little bit of a problem, how could he paint a monkey being hung on someone’s painting, what happened if a child saw it and found it quite distressing however, this is what they person had asked for, so to make light of the subject Ron painted a cartoon monkey at the top instead of a real one!  Now for those of you who do not know about Hartlepool and the Monkey, please feel free to use that search engine we all know and love, Google!  For those of you who DO know what I am referring too, I apologise for mentioning the Monkey!!
Over the years as Ron perfected his skill and gain confidence he does occasional little exercises, some of these exercise paintings have been sold on and some are still in Ron’s possession.  He likes to capture each little detail as much as he can, and you can see the development of this in his works, each nut and bolt is showing, details on gage faces, on the badges which cannot really be seen until really looked at is all pictured in his works.  Ron shared that sometimes after he has painted a painting he would go back and edit bits out because he felt they did not quite work.  He showed us an example of this of the river, with a ship and the series of bridges on the Tyne.  This painting hangs in Ron’s living room however, the ship is no longer in the painting.  Ron felt that it was not proportioned right to the rest of it so edited it out instead.  One exercise is from the Eagle comics, this is one of his favourites as it is an Engine which was in service whilst he was working in the Fire Brigade.
Some of these exercises include, trains, planes, ships, boats, horses, butterflies (although you must paint them quick before they fly away!)  One painting of a Life Boat was commissioned to help raise money, Ron journeyed out it a little boat to take photographs of the Life Boat in action, unfortunately his camera lens had a close encounter with some salt water and sadly it never worked again however, Ron said that it was all for a good cause!
He painted a replica of the famous painting ‘Saved’ for tea towels to be printed.  A Gentleman once bought over 20 paintings of ships which Ron had painted.  Sadly, the gentleman died however, the paints were all sold to a hotel in South Shields and they’re now hung pride of place up the main stairway.  Not only are his paintings in a hotel, he also has paintings in both Newcastle and Heathrow Airports!
Knowing that Ian would be in attendance tonight Ron added in a painting of a Durham Dennis which Ian worked on when he served as a Fire Fighter!
It was lovely to see Ron’s work and you can see the real passion he has for his paintings, he is not afraid to state when something did not go according to plan and sees it all as a learning curve!  I would like to thank Ron for coming along to tonight’s meeting and we do hope to see him again in the future!
You can now find HCVS on Facebook, look for the group Historic Commercial Vehicle Society – North East

 

April Meeting

Happy Easter everyone, I hope you all enjoyed the long bank holiday weekend!  I had quite an enjoyable time, I went to an air rifle shooting range (I best add that it was in a highly controlled environment), a cat show, the garden centre and my new book came which I was quite excited about!  The book however, was not about vehicles but the other v word….vampires!  It did not let me down and I am now waiting for the next one which is out next year!
But enough about my little update, tonight Ian brought along one of his eBay Quizzes.  This time there was twenty vehicles in the quiz, the aim of the game is as follows, Ian shows us some photographs of the vehicles up for auction and then gives us a little bit of back ground information.  Going from that you then have to decided how much the vehicle was sold for, now this can go anywhere from £1 well into the thousands! The key is not to be fooled…especially if the vehicle has been graced with a lot of rot and rust over the years, like the very old but might I say quite original Bedford which has been sitting in a field for quite some time!  Unfortunately, due to its time in the field the weather has not been kind to this vehicle and it was quite rusty!
There was a beautiful Leyland Octopus which went for £12,500.  Now our Chairman had quite a few good guesses, he was on the money on two of the vehicles and only £5 away from the final price for two others!
Unfortunately, like many items on eBay a lot of these vehicles made a reappearance back on the site not long after bidding came to an end.  Probably due to the reserve not being met or someone may have dropped out of the final sale.
As we know Ian was a Fire Fighter for Durham, now one of these Fire Engines on the list was the sister Engine to the very one which Ian used to drive!  In the mix we also saw an ET6, Themes Trader and an Austin K9!
I would like to thank Ian for hosting our quiz tonight as always it is very well received and was especially enjoyed by some of our new members who said that it was nice to see something a little bit different!
In other news as I sit here writing to you all, I have sitting by me our Green Forms for this years Tyne Tees Run which shall be filled in and sent soon.  However, do not worry if you have yet to enter the run you have plenty of time to do so!
See you all next month!
                                                                                                Emma Gordon
                                                                                    North East Secretary

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Tyne Tees Run 2017

Outright concours winner Frank Willis with His Commer TS3

 

 

 

 

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