October Report - 2025

Lincolnshire Group – October Report 2025

Collingham Show

Despite the weatherman forecasting heavy rain we only experienced intermittent light showers from 12 noon. Austin's were very well represented and the icing on the cake was the view of the new Lancaster Bomber in the distance while watching the show jumping.

October Talk – Nigel Thornley

With Peter Rowlands incapacitated, Tony Johnson introduced Nigel Thornley to talk on “British Motoring and Motor Cars through the decades – Postwar to 1960” What an amazing presentation! Without once referring to notes the facts just kept coming. Immediately after WWII the British Authorities had all the drawings etc to produce the VW Beetle but rejected the opportunity because “it was a poor design which would not last!”

Any car was at a premium and all new cars, generally re-hatched versions of pre-war designs, were, with few exceptions, destined for the export market. As Nigel discussed each year in turn, he not only dealt with petrol rationing, the black market, purchase tax and vehicle excise duty but also the gradual availability of new cars for the home market (provided that a covenant was signed not to re-sell within a specific period to prevent racketeering) and the replacement of low octane Pool Petrol by the familiar brands we know so well. Then came the period when genuine new designs were launched (including the two “New Austin Sevens” the A30 and later the Austin 7 Mini) and the British Motor industry became a world leader.

With numerous mergers many famous marques were preserved but often as a result of “badge engineering”. Many memories were stirred and we realised that we had lived through a most fascinating period of motoring history. For those who missed Nigel’s talk, they missed a treat.  It was good to welcome newcomers Drew Simpson, Graham Owen and Nigel Musham to their first meeting and we hope to see them often in the future.

Paddy Malone

N.E.C. Classic Car Show  -  November 7^th. – 9th

We will again be represented and the National sub-committee is currently, under the direction of Ian Hoole,  working hard on this years exhibition.

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General Meetings   7.30 pm  on Wednesdays,  September  – April    

at Navenby Methodist Church Hall High Street, Navenby.

2025

Wed. 12^th  Nov.         Quiz Night

Wed. 19^th Nov.         12 noon Woodcock Lunch

Wed. 17^th Dec.           Xmas luncheon @ Generous Briton Pub,  - Full     

Tues. 30^th Dec.         Annual A7 Winter Trial

Wed. 7^th Jan.2026     AGM [ We are still seeking a successor for my role ! - Pete Rowlands]

Wed. 11^th Feb.          Talk by Mike Credland :-

                                 Aviation Connections to Lincolnshire in WW2 – “Fighter Command”.

Wed. 11^th March      International Shoebox Race Night

Woodcock luncheons, Burton Waters 12 noon :-

3^rd Wednesday of every  month September – June

2026 Austin Rally, Stonehurst Farm & Museum 29^th – 31^st May