Preserving the Legacy News

In the vast and ever-evolving world of digital technology, where information is just a click away, there is something truly special about tangible artefacts that connect us to the past. The Land Rover Owners Club of Southern Africa recognizes the significance of its historical journey and the importance of preserving the Club’s heritage for generations to come.

We are delighted to announce a new initiative aimed at collecting and archiving historical Club information and documents. We invite all Club members who possess letters, general correspondence, newsletters, magazines, and any other materials that chronicle the Club’s history to consider making them available to the Executive Committee for digital archiving and physical storage.

This endeavour was inspired by the exceptional efforts of Jan Voster, a devoted Club member who generously contributed a substantial collection of historical documents. Jan’s contribution came with the stipulation that the physical history of the Club should be cherished and protected, ensuring that it remains an invaluable asset to the Club.

The history of the Land Rover Owners Club is a fundamental aspect that sets us apart from the numerous clubs emerging in the digital landscape. It embodies our rich traditions, shared experiences, and the unwavering passion we have for Land Rovers. By safeguarding our history, we strengthen our identity and preserve the essence of what makes our Club so unique.

It is important to note that this archival project is not meant to replace the previous digitization efforts led by Malcolm Timberlake. The earlier initiative sought to create a lasting digital record of the Club’s history using available sources. Our current project aims to complement those efforts while placing equal emphasis on preserving the physical artefacts that hold immeasurable value.

The Land Rover Owners Club of Southern Africa has always been a community bound by camaraderie, shared adventures, and a deep appreciation for the Land Rover heritage. From its humble beginnings, when Frank Dandridge and Reg Whitley acquired their first Land Rovers and connected through Fischer & Simmonds, the Club has grown into a thriving organization.

The inaugural meeting took place on 26 July 1960, after Bill Siebert, the owner of a safari company in Bechuanaland, shared captivating stories of his journeys and rallies attended in Solihull. Practical advice from J.D. Tracey, the Secretary of the Land Rover Owners’ Club of Great Britain, helped shape the Club’s early days. With eleven founding members who contributed an entrance fee of 5 shillings and an annual subscription of 1 Guinea, the Land Rover Owners Club of Southern Africa officially came into existence.

From that point forward, the Club embarked on a remarkable journey, marked by adventures, safaris, rallies, and cherished memories. The first rally, held on 10 September 1960, brought together seven participants, three marshals, and a crowd of enthusiastic spectators. Land Rovers showcased their capabilities in the fine sand and challenging black mud, captivating the audience and igniting a surge of membership inquiries.

Throughout the years, the Club’s activities expanded to include safaris to Portuguese East Africa, photographic expeditions in the Kalahari Desert, and angling adventures along the ‘Oro’ coast in Mozambique. Film evenings allowed members to share their remarkable footage from safaris across the continent, cementing the sense of camaraderie and exploration.

Club socials, roaring log fires, juicy steaks, and competitive rallies became staples of the Club’s vibrant social calendar. As the years went by, the Land Rover Owners Club of Southern Africa continued to evolve, organizing safaris (now known as long trips), rallies (now called trials), film evenings, technical talks, and away weekends. The enduring bond between members, forged all those years ago, still thrives today, offering unwavering support and assistance to fellow Land Rover enthusiasts.

Now, as we celebrate the Club’s 63rd anniversary, we embark on a new chapter of preserving our history. We call upon each member to contribute their personal archives, allowing us to create a comprehensive repository that reflects the richness and diversity of our Club’s journey. Your letters, general correspondence, newsletters, and magazines carry the stories and memories that define us. By sharing them, you ensure that our legacy lives on.

The Land Rover Owners Club of Southern Africa cherishes its heritage and is committed to safeguarding it for future generations. Let us join hands in this endeavour, bridging the gap between the past and the digital age. Together, we can create a treasure trove of historical knowledge and ensure that the Land Rover Owners Club remains a beacon of tradition, camaraderie, and passion.

Please contact the Executive Committee to contribute to this archival project and help us weave a tapestry of our shared history. Your contribution will be invaluable, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have already played a part in this important endeavour.

Let us preserve our past, embrace our present, and drive toward an exciting future together.