As most of those who knew Jim will be aware, he died in June. He had been a member of the Club for many years and was a regular participant at pub meets and rallies, both in this country and abroad. It was typical that when he realised something was wrong while on last Autumn’s Yorkshire rally, he said nothing and his amusing account of the Saturday for last Autumn’s Big End, written in his unique, witty and very readable style, gives no clues. However within a couple of weeks he was in hospital where eventually he was diagnosed with the brain tumour that killed him at the age of only 71. Tributes to Jim have been many, varied and effusive. What follows is a distillation of merely some of the comments and reflections on his life from many of the people who clearly feel his loss greatly. The extent to which he will be missed shows just how he made his mark. His knowledge, wit and kindness plus genial demeanour made him excellent company on every occasion and many of us wanted to be like him. A 1600-mile, eight-day, marathon trip to Switzerland with Jim involved not a cross word, nor a tense moment, and he was an excellent navigator too. He appealed to all ages and leaves a legacy of good memories. He was an intelligent and interesting man, with humane understanding and a vast intellect, which he wore lightly. He had the rare ability to listen to the other side of the argument, a friend who’d offer advice but was non-judgmental. He was knowledgeable and stimulating, … [Read more...]

The GCCG won a Highly Commended Award in the 'Best Live Working on Vehicles at Show' category at this year's National Car Club Awards which took place at the NEC Restoration Show earlier this year. … [Read more...]

Archive copies of Big End magazine are now available by following the 'Big End archive' link. Editions cover from 1992 to date. … [Read more...]

The 2018 National Car Club Awards Dinner and Ceremony will be taking place after the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show show on Saturday 24th March at the NEC, Birmingham. Held in association with Tourism Ireland, supported by Classic Car Weekly, and endorsed by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, nominations are now open and the classic car club community has until Monday 22nd January to nominate who they think these prestigious awards should recognise for outstanding work during 2017. Clubs and members are invited to nominate in a choice of categories that recognise exceptional work undertaken by Classic Car Clubs and contributions made by the enthusiastic people who run clubs on behalf of their members.  Make sure your car club or colleagues receive the recognition they deserve by entering them into the National Car Club Awards 2018. To enter a nomination visit:  www.necrestorationshow.com/awards/enter-awards For a full description of each award that will be presented on the night visit: www.necrestorationshow.com/national-car-club-award-descriptions   The judging panel, which includes FBHVC Chairman David Whale, Classic Car Weekly Editor David Simister, Practical Classics editor Danny Hopkins and David Boyce, Deputy Director of Tourism Ireland, will reveal the shortlist in mid-February.   As a club exhibitor at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show the GCCG will automatically be … [Read more...]