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- Written by: John Beresford
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As a change from car-themed outings, the club dropped in at the annual show of the Vancouver Island Rock & Alpine Garden Society at Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre.
The show included dozens of varieties of alpine, woodland and bog plants artfully displayed in Bodine Hall. The Society has been a fixture of Victoria’s garden community for many years, having been established in 1921. In addition to the displays, plants were available for purchase.
At the conclusion of the tour, members enjoyed refreshments at Jacks on the Water in Sidney.
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- Written by: John Beresford
- Category: Event Gallery
Mike and Richard Owen generously opened their shop in Sidney for our March “Sunday Drive”.
Departing from Hamsterly Beach, a pleasant afternoon drive up West Saanich Road took a large group of members to Owen Automotive’s premises. Mike and Richard showed us a just-completed Jaguar E Type and an XK 140 having an engine overhaul. Remarkable attention to detail was evident, and the local old English car community is indeed fortunate to have the Owens as a resource, for jobs both big and small.
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- Written by: John Beresford
- Category: Event Gallery
Every couple of years our club is very fortunate to be able to visit one of the world’s premier restorers of Mercedes Benz Gullwings, Roadsters and other prestigious marques, Coachwerks Restorations.
In February Coachwerks Eric Cherneff hosted around 24 OECC members on a tour of their facility. No less than nine Gullwings and Roadsters were to be seen in various stages of restoration, along with examples of Ferrari, Porsche and Maserati. Aside from engine machining and plating, virtually all work is undertaken in the spotless and well equipped facility.
Many thanks to Eric and the management of Coachwerks for an inspiring afternoon visit!
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- Written by: John Beresford
- Category: Event Gallery
A literal last minute change of plan resulted in an interesting afternoon tour of the Provincial Legislature, with around a dozen club members being shown around the public areas of the complex. A most knowledgeable tour guide spoke about the construction of the building, which began in 1893 and was completed in 1897, a process overseen by designer Francis Rattenbury. Though the Legislature was not in session, we were able to view the Legislative Chamber, where so many historic decisions have been made in BC’s history.
At the conclusion of the tour some of the group walked up Government Street to the Bard & Banker Pub for refreshments.
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- Written by: John Beresford
- Category: Event Gallery
For the last five years, our club has held its annual Christmas dinner in the St. Mary’s church hall, catered by Island Culinary Services. On Friday, December 12 some 56 members enjoyed a turkey and ham buffet, a gift exchange and the presentation of the Club’s annual awards. Master of Ceremonies Richard Neville did his usual fine job of ensuring all went smoothly during the evening. Special thanks to the greeting team of Karlic and Sandra and bartender Raymond.
Thanks to all who attended and to those who helped organize both the evening and Saturday morning clean-up!
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- Written by: John Beresford
- Category: Event Gallery
Our November 2025 “Sunday Drive” focussed on a visit to the Art in the Barn Gallery just off Interurban Road, near Camosun College.
Owners Jacqui Austin and Gabriel Taschereau welcomed us to the Gallery, housed in what was once a horse barn, but has since been fully renovated to make a bright and spacious display space. In addition to several smaller rooms, Gabriel’s full-service photography studio includes a computer and large format printer used to create his photographic prints. The Gallery is also able to offer an on-site picture framing service.
The afternoon concluded at Smuggler’s Cove Pub in Cadboro Bay.
