CWK205 (2009)

This weeks free paper, the Coventry Observer, makes a mention of the Midland Vehicle Preservation Society, based in the city. Apparently they were formed in 1969 and have about 100 members. Has anyone heard of them and know what they do?

I was a member of the Midland Vehicle Preservation Society way back in the 1970s, long before I could drive a car let alone run a classic! Used to go along to meetings with a chap called Barry Mapperson who at the time owned LLU987, otherwise know as London Transport RTW497, the 1st bus I worked on restoring. This I did at what was then the Coventry Museum vehicle store at Curriers Close, Canley on a Saturday morning. In return I attended various events on the the bus including monthly MVPS meetings, then held at the Eathorpe Park Hotel, now executive apartments. Access was via a small wooded driveway and each visit meant hanging out the front upper deck wind down windows with a pair of shears or loppers trimming the branches as we went! (On some of the times Barry didn't go I got a lift from a chap whose name I cant recall who had an open top 1932 Alvis)

Believe they now meet on the 1st Monday of the month at Coventry airport, just by the Baginton Oak pub, anyone with a classic vehicle or and interest in them is invited, you can go to 3 meetings before having to commit to membership I think.

I too used to go to their meetings at Eathorpe with a friend of mine Dave Davenport who was at one time an electrician at Harnall Lane. One of there members in the 70s Brian Swan had chassis number 1 Singer Gazelle which was fitted from new with a Singer Hunter engine.
On a warm summer's evening a walk around the cars and a pint was an idillic way to end the day