Tony Clipstone, the owner of J/R 649, the earliest known running  J-type in the world, lost a courageous battle against cancer in Adelaide on the 15th July, 2012. He was 68.

Clipstone had a lifelong love of his beloved Morris vehicles and was the proud custodian of a Z van, a Minor van, an LC3 and an LC5. But his prize and passion was J/R 649.  The LC5 fitted Tony’s madcap sense of humour as it enabled him to exercise his passion for the character of Claude Greengrass from the television program Heartbeat.  His exploits at rallies and parties dressed as “Claude” were renowned.

It will forever be to Tony’s credit that J/R 649 has been preserved in original condition and unaltered. 

Tony Clipstone was defined by his wit, humanity and sincerity.  By profession he was a pharmacist.  All comers were greeted with his openness and engaging personality. They were far too droll if they left without a smile.  In the late ’90s, Tony ventured from his comfortable Adelaide home to live and work in the UK, as a pharmacist in North Wales.  As an Aussie, he was able to entertain and bring a smile to the most crook (Aussie speak for unwell!) of Poms. Most found this bloke far too much fun and returned to his counter with any excuse for another remedy.  He made friends easily and made all feel valued.

His farewell will be at Meadows, in the Adelaide Hills, and it is expected that the place will be overflowing.  J/R 649 will of course, take pride of place. Tony Clipstone touched many; a  gentleman whom it was an honour to have known. Tony is survived by his wife Wendy and mother Peg. Peter Bateman

J-owner Mike Slaney writes to inform us of the loss of another Australian J-owner and enthusiast, Chris Jackman, owner of an ex-Cripps Bakery J, now liveried as Jackman McRoss Bakers, which can be seen at http://www.jtypevan.com/morris-commercial/chassis-numbers-not-known/. Chris died suddenly at home, aged 42. He was a talented chef and mad about classic cars. 

Five Js and an Austin 101 line up at Ardingly over the weekend of the 8th/9th July. Well done to all the owners, this is a great sight to see!

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I took 5003 NX along to the Father’s Day Event at Wythall Transport Museum. Which means that it’s now less than a year until the 65th Anniversary get-together in 2013. It’ll be at Wythall again, they did such a great job of helping to host the ’50th and ’60th. And being Father’s day on the Sunday there’ll be classic bus rides to be enjoyed, as well as other attractions. Forget counting the days ’til the Olympics, this is the one to get excited about!

Gaydon Classic Commercial Show, 2012. Very mixed weather was the main aspect of Saturday at Gaydon, whilst the sun broke through on the Sunday and made for a great get-together. Vans in attendance were J/Bs 5003 NX, 495 YUB, 8444 UA, 949 BYY and 749 VRF; whilst flying the flag for the Austin side of the Register was 101 van, 585 TFM.

Members and owners/enthusiasts in attendance included, in no particular order, Bob Wall, Ray Herritts, Ray Kings, John Davies, Pam and Bob Mulholland, Dave Raven, Peter and Helen Smith, Dennis Bradley and Harvey Pitcher.

To see further photos go to the gallery at www.jtypevan.com/home/2012-gaydon-classic-commercial-show/

At least two Morris J/B vans have enjoyed the Jubilee Celebrations over the first weekend of June. Roland Turner’s OBL 432 was used as advertising run up to the local village party on Saturday afternoon and evening, whilst the Pitcher family’s 5003 NX stood on display outside Birmingham Council House for a weekend of celebrations. Are there any other vans out there that took part in the Royal Celbrations? If so, we’d love to see photos which we could add to this blog.

Charlie Grahn in Canada has sent this photo showing the state of play with his restoration. It’s really coming along! Check out the side-valve gallery (by clicking the Morris~Commercial badge on the right) to see what it looked like before work started, some eighteen months ago. Brilliant work Charlie, on a very rare Canadian survivor.

Check out Charlie’s bog at http://www.victoriajvan.blogspot.co.uk/

A few days ago, Register member James Hewett sent in a greetings card new to me, by well-known designer and illustrator Emma Ball. It is a lovely addition to any collection of J-type ephemera!

Emma has a website at http://www.emmaball.co.uk/ where I found another card with a similar drawing on it and also a 2012 Calendar. Since the calendar was for sale at a reduced price I ordered one, and the other card. The items turned up a couple of days later, beautifully packaged in a carton that made it impossible for the postman to bend; neatly wrapped in tissue paper were the items themselves. I was so impressed.

Let’s hope Emma adds more J-type designs into her range.

To J-type owners and enthusiasts everywhere. All the very best for 2012!

It’s always nice to receive Christmas cards, and even nicer when they reflect our hobbies. Here are the motoring-related cards that have been sent to Register-HQ so far.