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Four Generations of
Bedford
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With origins going
back to mechanical transport before 1890, when a red flag was
carried in front of vehicles using the highway, it is not surprising
that as a family the Shoplands have collected a number of vehicles
over the years. The families interest in Military Vehicles stems
from employing them in the Timber Business, for example the
`Y-type' AEC lorries of the Great War Period through to an ex-Naval
Bedford TL today.
The idea of collecting Military Vehicles started
from a desire to show future generations the tools that were
used, in what Winston Churchill described as `Their Finest
Hour,' when Britain and her Empire stood alone against tyranny.
Beside the pleasure of restoring the vehicles, their use and
display is a testament to their design and helps to teach
people of the of armed conflict.
At present the collection numbers between
30 and 40 vehicles housed in Clevedon, Somerset. It comprises
of mainly Bedfords, Chevrolets, Crossleys, AECs, Austins,
Jeeps and Champs. There is also an artillery section together
with ongoing restorations that include Staghound and Fox armoured
cars, brought back from Australia. A number of pre-war cars
relating to the wartime era are also kept.
Information as to sources of spares, parts,
manuals and wartime artefacts etc are gratefully received.
New vehicles are purchased if they compliment the collection.
Occasionally surplus items are for sale.
Visitors are welcome by arrangement with the
custodian, J.H. Shopland Esq. M.A..
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1942 Staghound A/C
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