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Editorial

Well, here we are with the December edition of CooperWorld and which effectively marks the end of another year. How true is the saying that the older you get, the quicker the years seem to fly by, and it’s an adage that certainly seems to resonate with me!

However, just looking back at this year for a moment, and one of the most positive outcomes we saw for the historic vehicle movement generally, was the DVLA’s instigation of some significant and positive changes to their historic vehicle registration policies. I reported on these changes in a previous edition of the magazine and the fact that they came about as a result of the DVLA undertaking a major review of their existing policies in close consultation with the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. So, we should applaud the Federation for their tireless efforts in achieving the positive policy changes that were needed.

So, what do we have in store for you in this month’s edition? Well, first up, I am grateful to Richard Sign for writing an article on the recent Minis to Ireland tour which, from his account, sounded like it was a very enjoyable experience for those that took part in it. Richard’s article gives an insight as to what you can expect should you be contemplating taking part in one of our club’s future tours.

Sticking with the touring theme, I am indebted to Chris Norburn for sending me his article entitled ‘Around Britain in 20 days’, in which he recounts how he and two of his friends came up with the idea of driving their cars around Britain to John O’Groats and then to Land’s End. As you might imagine, this adventurous undertaking took a lot of planning and preparation if they were to succeed in their endeavour, as you will find out when you read Chris’ article. It may also inspire you to do something similar in your Mini with some friends.

I am sure that like me, many of you enjoy reading the register reports, as they often contain new information and knowledge on all things Mini. This month there was one report that I found particularly interesting, which was Steve Burkinshaw’s Coachbuilt report. Steve has written about Chris Palmer’s recreation of Beatle John Lennon’s Radford converted Mini Cooper, which he entrusted Fred Walters of Nippy Cars to build for him to as close to the specification of the late Beatle’s Mini. The three other Beatles band members of course had similar Radford Minis to John’s, but his seemed to have a few more feature than the other cars had. Steve goes into some great depth as to how Chris went about researching the car and sourcing the rare parts that the original car had fitted to it by Radfords.

Finally, I would like to wish all our members a happy Christmas!

Paul

Paul Sulma  - Editor CooperWorld

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