MEET THE CREW

Past President: Brian Chandler
Kootenay Regional Branch – North Saanich BC
I grew up in London, England, my first car was an old Ford pop with mechanical brakes before advancing to all the “luxury, and performance” of a side window MG Midget. In 1973 I came to see the Canadian wilderness “just for a couple of years”, which turned out to be the start of an exciting career in mining; it was a privilege to live and work across Northern Canada and overseas. Throughout, I also enjoyed volunteer leadership roles for a variety of community groups. Later I acquired a Healey BJ7 “basket case”, and became active with the OECC Thompson Valley Branch, then joined the SIB when we moved to N. Saanich. The BJ7 restoration journey is finally complete and I am keen to contribute back to the OECC who gave me so much support and encouragement along the way, it is a wonderful organization.

President: Chris Beresford
South Island Branch – Victoria BC
My interest in all things cars goes back to early childhood, as my brother and I played with Dinky toys and had a wonderful electric slot car track in our basement. My early cars included a Mini Cooper that was well used, and successfully maintained with the gracious assistance of my engineer brother. After other Japanese and German cars, joint ownership of a Standard Vanguard led to a lovely Hillman Minx that was later to become my son’s first vehicle. I joined the OECC South Island Branch in the early 1990s and have been fortunate to play a role as the events coordinator for a number of years. As the Chair of the Society, I recognize the great value that our Club holds to our members, from both the technical and community perspectives. Our cars may have connected us but our friendships keep us together.

Secretary: Susan Jones
South Island Branch – Victoria BC
Susan has been living in Victoria since 1981. She started working for the Province of B.C. in 1989 after completing her Bachelor and Masters Degrees at the University of Victoria. Positions were held in a few different ministries including Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Tourism and Transportation as a policy analyst and planner. She has always like old vehicles because they have more personality than new cars. Her first old English car was a 1964 Austin Healey Sprite followed in quick sequence by the 1963 Sunbeam Rapier and a 1970 Rover 3500. She joined the South Island Branch in 2003 and has been active with the branch, holding positions of Events Coordinator, volunteer at branch events, and is currently the South Island Branch Secretary.

TREASURER: Bill Grace
Central Island Branch – Nanaimo BC
Bill has been living in Nanaimo since 2006 via North Vancouver (2003) and Vancouver (1992). Originally from Halifax he had a friend who owned a TR7 in the early 1980s and so in 1884 purchased his own before reluctantly selling it in 1988 and moving to Ottawa for 4 years. The goal was to buy another and that happened in 2000 with the purchase of a 1980 TR7 convertible which he has owned ever since. Bill also owns a recently purchased 1976 TR7 Coup and has owned a 2005 Jaguar XJR for 6 years. Bill is also the current Treasurer for the Central Island Branch and was the Treasure for the Club from approximately 2010 – 2014.

Club Registrar: Patricia Sparks
South Island Branch
Patricia has done every job in the OECC – at least twice! Patricia and hubby Derrick have MG’s – an MG TD, an MGA and an MGB.

Webmaster: Gerry Parkinson
Vancouver Coast Branch
1932 Raleigh Light Delivery Van, 1969 MGC GT, 1996 MGF
Member of the Vancouver Coast Branch since 1998. I have done the Branch vice Chair/Chairman/past Chair 6 year stint twice, I have been the Club Secretary, and have been the Club Webmaster since 2011. I am a Mechanical Engineer and Car Nut – I have a 7 car garage and there are still 2 cars on the driveway (mostly due to 4 sons and one patient wife). I was born in Vancouver (not Britain) but cheap transport during the UBC years was first a 1967 Triumph Spitfire and then a 1978 MGB, so that is where the British Car interest started.

Regalia: Marilyn Tarry
Central Island Branch
A club member since 2006, when we came to Canada, bringing our 1932 Talbot with us. Roger (Hubby) has been doing a fantastic job of restoring and repairing. We were lucky as we had most of the parts, just in bits. My turn is coming this winter, to make the roof lining and covering, plus the seat covers. Goal for on the road 2018, (we have only had it since 1983).

BRBC Wagonmaster:
Alan and Mary Lou Miles
Vancouver Coast Branch
Alan and Mary Lou Miles have been members of the Old English Car Club Vancouver Coast Branch since 2004 and have participated in every Brits ‘Round BC since 2008. Alan was the editor of the VCB newsletter, The Roundabout, for eight years and continues his roles as Communications Co-ordinator and branch website editor. Alan and Mary Lou like to drive their old British cars (which currently include a 1962 Sunbeam Rapier and a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine) on as many runs as possible and are looking forward to organizing a great route for BRBC 2020. We highly recommend you consider this tour which is set to begin on June 25, 2020. It’s a great way to get out and see the province and enjoy fellowship with fellow OECC members. Members will be kept updated as details of the tour are finalized.
Branch Directors

Richard Neville
South Island Branch
I joined the OECC SIB in 2013 after acquiring my ’58 TR3A. This loosely knit group of English car
aficionados is an excellent source of sociability and technical knowledge and I look forward to continue
driving and learning together. One of my first memories is being allowed to “steer” our 1950 Prefect in
New Zealand. The roads were much quieter in those days! The majority of my life has been spent on
Vancouver Island; however I did live for one year in Ottawa. While there, on a road trip to Montreal our
mid-engine Fiat caught fire and burnt to the ground! I also have lived in Taiwan and with the many
earthquakes and other instabilities can hopefully remember not to take things for granted. To
appreciate and learn from earlier designs, care and maintenance, while recollecting on this time in
history that will be known for its obsessive single use and disposable solutions will perhaps be part of
this club’s legacy.

Paul Stopp
Central Island Branch
Mechanical Design Engineer grew up in Oxford, England, whilst in the UK worked for British Leyland at the Cowley Body Plant Engineering Drawing Office. Emigrated to Canada in 79 working in Windsor, Ontario, for Chrysler Special Products Division. Later moved to the Vancouver area originally working on contract for Boeing Aircraft. Remained in the area working as Engineering Manager for sheet metal and structural metal fabricators. Later retiring to the island for the last three years living in Nanoose Bay. Have been with the club for just over a year as I enjoy British cars. I have renovated and restored my own two cars: a 69 Triumph GT6+ (14years), and a 59 MGA Roadster (4 years). Always on the lookout for a third!

Gerry Parkinson
Vancouver Coast Branch
1932 Raleigh Light Delivery Van, 1969 MGC GT, 1996 MGF
Member of the Vancouver Coast Branch since 1998. I have done the Branch vice Chair/Chairman/past Chair 6 year stint twice, I have been the Club Secretary, and have been the Club Webmaster since 2011. I am a Mechanical Engineer and Car Nut – I have a 7 car garage and there are still 2 cars on the driveway (mostly due to 4 sons and one patient wife). I was born in Vancouver (not Britain) but cheap transport during the UBC years was first a 1967 Triumph Spitfire and then a 1978 MGB, so that is where the British Car interest started.

Phil Park
Thompson Valley Branch
Bio Please Phil

Cliff Blakey
Kootenay Region Branch
1957 Hillman Husky Mark 1
Cliff is the founder and first Chairperson of the Kootenay Region Branch.
Past Presidents
Ian Cox 1986- 1996 (Founder)
Dave Pollard 1996 – 1997
Derrick Sparks 1997 – 1999
Robert Brodie 1999 – 2001
Patricia Sparks 2001 – 2003
Dennis Atkinson 2003 – 2005
Steve Diggins 2005 – 2007
Wayne Peddie 2007 – 2009
Steve Hutchens 2009 – 2011
Candy Francis 2012 – 2013
Ken Miles 2014 – 2015
Trevor Parker 2016 – 2017
Stephen Way 2018 – 2019
Brian Chandler 2020 – 2022
Chris Beresford 2022 – Present
Picture of OECC Executive – next time they get together!
