Bob Astwood …
Bob was a member of our Chippenham Lions Club, who died towards the end of 2014 and, in the early days, many cherished vehicle owners will have dealt with Bob when they booked their entries. He was also to be remembered on show days buzzing round the field on his electric buggy – checking up on us all.
Bob gave nearly 40 years of service to the community and to Lions, first becoming a member with the Wootton Bassett Club in 1975 before transferring to the Chippenham Club when that club closed.
It was for that reason that we introduced The Bob Astwood Memorial Trophy using the judgement of three wise men who come together for the day. There is no formal or rigorous process for judgement – but more of a leisurely group wander round the field keeping the eye open and talking to owners. In the past the public have appreciated the qualities of a good providence, a fine restoration job and strong involvement by the owner and this has served us well.
Bob’s partner, Pam Ponting, is always pleased to present the trophy.
The 2023 Winner …
This was the eighth time we have presented the ‘The Bob Astwood Memorial Trophy’ for a ‘best cherished vehicle’. To help make this selection, we enlisted the help of three wise men who are regular visitors to the event – Martyn Lucas (Wessex MG), Warren Shirley (Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, Swindon Region) and Michael Childs (also of Wessex MG) and we are grateful for their help in this matter.
Our winner this year was the 1934 Armstrong Siddeley 17 Tourer owned by Stewart Herridge. The judges were impressed by the condition of this vehicle and recognised the historical importance, the restoration work and devotion of the owner to this 89 year old car. Stewart tells us:
This very rare 17 HP tourer is one of only two in existence on the register with this body configuration.
The car was first purchased by a Doctor in Bath in 1934 who used it until 1954/55 and then pushed it into a farm shed in Winsley near Bradford-on-Avon with engine failure where it was found by a Armstrong enthusiast in 1986. By this time, however, the shed roof had collapsed and it had become exposed it to the elements.
Car restoration was assessed and it was found that parts availability was very poor, though the most usable parts were to be found in Australia where Armstrong has sold well until 1939. Restoration commenced in 1992, but did not get finished. When I purchased it in 2008, the lion’s share of the work had been completed to a very high standard, leaving me to manufacture a new fuel tank and to overhaul the very noisy Wilson pre-select gearbox. The gearbox was a specialist job which was undertaken by Paul Leat. The car has performed very well over the past 10 years but you always have to remember that the cable brakes can be tricky until warmed a little.
Luxury motoring and reliability were Armstrong Siddeley’s main objectives as its two main competitors were Rolls Royce and Bentley. Armstrong held a very strong position in the market until 1939 and the outbreak of WWII. With the compulsory takeover of the factory by Hawker Aircraft for the war effort, car production ceased and Hawker Siddeley was born producing airframes and aero engines.
The jacks that lift the car, front and rear, are built into the suspension. The car is fitted with a full lubrication system to oil all steering and suspension components at a hand pump on the dashboard.
… Martin Horton
All Photo Credits: Martin Horton, Copyright 2023
Previous Winners …
2015 was the 1917, Lancia Theta, RG 9540 owned by Roland Grazebrook of The Colerne Classic Car Club
2016 was the 1936, Austin Special Hamblin Cadet, 773 FSM owned by Keith Harmer of The Bristol Austin 7 Club.
2017 was the 1934, Jaguar SS2, UG 9963 owned by Mike Taylor of The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club
2018 was the 1935, Lagonda Rapide 3500 owned by Richard Edmonds (Snr)
2019 was the 1966, Land Rover Series 2A owned by Adrian Paget
2020 event cancelled due to Covid 19 restrictions
2021 was the 1912 Chenard et Walcker Torpedo Bodied Tourer owned by Bunny Lees-Smith
2022 was the 1956 Bristol 405 drophead coupé owned by James Calladine
2023 was the 1934 Armstrong Siddeley 17 Tourer owned by Stewart Herridge