ESSENTIAL SURVIVAL MANUAL

New in our book section is this pocket size hardback which as the title suggests is essential reading for Prepper’s and Survivalists or just anyone interested in living in and with nature. The exciting part is that the author Kenn Griffiths will be on our 1948 stand at the Bush Craft Show signing copies of his book. He will also be taking the main stage for a short talk on his career and what lies behind the book.

His talk will take place at 10.30am on Saturday 25th May and he will be signing copies of his book at around 11.15am in our 1948 Original Equipment jurte. The Bushcraft show is a great event and well worth a visit. For all the information visit https://www.thebushcraftshow.co.uk

RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL

Just realised how long it has been since we posted in the news section. We have no excuses although rebuilding the house and working on the farm and outbuildings throughout 2018 did take its toll. Still 2019 is a great opportunity to make New Year resolutions to spend much more time on 1948 Original Equipment.

We have many new products that we will be putting on the website over the next six to eight weeks. There are a good number of new T-shirt designs both kids and adults plus lots of new knives from great makers.

Our range of Kupilka utensils has grown and sales increased as this range attracts ever more followers. They have just added a new firesteel which we will be featuring on our website.

By the end of January, we will announce all the shows we will be attending and supporting in 2019. All the big favourites will of course be on the list, The Bushcraft Show, The Wilderness Gathering, Kelmarsh Land Rover Show and the LRO Show at Peterborough. We will also be at the Adventure Overland Shows. Watch out for the full list to be posted soon.

We hope our very successful hands-on demonstration of knives and axes will again feature at the 2019 shows where we can negotiate sufficient space.

The News bulletins will be much more regular this year and let’s hope we all have good health and prosperity in 2019. That being the case we can all give a little to help others in any way we can. Helping others does not have to be expensive or time consuming but it can be great therapy and make you feel happy.

SHOW GUIDE 2017

We will be exhibiting at the following shows: -

19th February  Donington 4x4 Show

This the first real show of the year and as it is housed in a very warm exhibition hall at Donington Race Track so the weather is not a factor. The show caters for all makes of 4x4s but Land Rovers are always a significant part of the attraction. It is the first opportunity to see new 2017 items from a whole host of  manufacturers and retailers. It is not as big as the outdoor shows but it has a very friendly atmosphere and attracts a good crowd of shoppers. We have our usual stand at this event so the stock we display will be a little limited. If there is anything in particular that you would like to see just give us a call to make sure we bring it along. For more show  information and details see – http://donington4x4show.co.uk

 

23rd April   GBLR Show Stoneleigh

The Great British Land Rover Show is a little acorn that is growing fast. This show held at the National Agricultural Centre at Stoneleigh has grown year on year. The Spring opener is the sibling of the November Christmas Fair. It is an indoor event which it needs to be in April and November when the weather can be wet and cold. The venue is good and the restaurant serves a good breakfast if you want to arrive early before the show opens. We take a reasonable size stand even though it is a one day show. We try to take all the best selling stock but once again phone us before hand if there is a special item you want or would like to see before making a purchase decision. For details on the show see - http://www.greatbritishlrshow.com/home

 

27th to 29th May  Bushcraft Show

This is the first or our bigger shows of the year. Anyone interested in Bushcraft or just being at one with nature will enjoy this event. The venue is superb with woodland,  lakes good camping facilities. The main Tipis are used for guest speakers such as Ray Mears and SAS survival legend Lofty Wiseman  during the day and great live music in the evenings. There is so much to see and do for all the family that a weekend pass is the best way to see the show.

Retailers showcase all the very best outdoor equipment and clothing and survival schools tempt you with all manner of courses from bush cookery, fire lighting, canoeing and many more outdoor pursuits. We love this show and continue to be a show sponsor. If you have any questions on our Frost River luggage collection or knives and axes or just want to browse our book section pay us a visit and say hello. We welcome all customers old and new. You do not want to miss this show. For further information about the show and how to get tickets see – http://www.thebushcraftshow.co.uk

 

3rd & 4th June Malvern Land Rover Show & 4X4 Spares

Nestled under the Malvern Hills the Three Counties Showground is the perfect venue as an opener for the first Land Rover outdoor show of the year. This is very much a club and family show although there are a good number of retailers present selling all the bolt on goodies Land Rover drivers desire.. We will be showing a good part of our standard collection. Always phone in advance if there is a special item you would like to see and we can then guarantee to bring it along for your perusal. Day visitors are always welcome and good discounts on entry and camping are available if you book in advance so don’t miss out take a look at the show website on – http://www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com/malvern-land-rover-show-4x4-spares-weekend

 

21st to 23rd July  Kelmarsh Land Rover Fest

This is the oldest Land Rover show and this is the first time it is moving from its original home of Billing Aquadrome.  The show having passed through a series of title and magazine owners has simply become known by all Land Rover enthusiast and attendees as “The Billing Show”. The original Billing venue was loved and hated in equal measure but the appeal to many Land Rover owners continues to carry the day. The site is now being developed for static caravans so a move was forced upon the organisers. The new venue at Kelmarsh I am sure will take a couple of shows to settle in but we see this as a great opportunity to take stock and improve this great event. Kelmarsh is close to the old Billing site and has already hosted major shows and events. There is a fantastic historic house and gardens to boot and a secure show site without the issues encountered at Billing.  In one guise or another we have exhibited at this show for over 23 years and we will have our three Giant Hat Tipis which some of you will be familiar with, to house our vast range of merchandise. The move to Kelmarsh is a great shot in the arm for this show which has remained very popular with European visitors. We would invite you all to support the new venue and make this much loved show even greater. For more information about the show, tickets and camping visit – http://kelmarshlandrovershow.com.

 

16th to 20th August  Wilderness Gathering

If we were not trading but visitors and could only go to one show this would be it !  If you want a very laid back weekend and are interested in Bushcraft and all things outdoor, plus natural remedies, living a low impact life and even beyond (hand made willow coffins), enjoy great music, cider and beer and fabulous home made cakes, you and your family will love this event. Some families base their annual holiday on this event and come back year after year. We have seen small children grow into young adults during the years we have attended the Wilderness Gathering. You can let your children run wild and get a fantastic education into the bargain. There are a host of expert workshops that teach everything from preparing game, making jewellery, weaving baskets, blacksmithing, tracking animals and basic survival skills. You will meet so many like minded people who believe the outdoors is a great place to be and you probably will not see a single computer. It should not surprise you that a child when taught how to use a knife safely will spend hours making things and have no desire for console game. It may also help to point out that a stick and a knife is much less cost than a computer game. We will be in our Jurte with our usual array of Bushcraft items and a big range of Frost River packs and accessories. Come and share your thoughts and stories with us either during the day when our shop is open or over a beer in the evening. Please take the time to visit this show's website and see what your summer could be - http://www.wildernessgathering.co.uk/whats-new.html

 

16th & 17th Sept   LRO Show Peterborough

Possibly the biggest Land Rover show on the planet. Taking place on the East of England Showground in Peterborough this is the Land Rover Owner International annual get together. Every year this event seems to grow and the arena attractions get better and better. Once again we have our three Giant Hat Tipis to house our collection and we will have a good range of merchandise available. The showground has tarmac roads and infrastructure as it is a permanent show site. Plenty to see with a grand selection of traders and some stunning club stands. For more information see – http://www.lroshow.com

 

23rd & 24th Sept   Adventure Overland Show

The Adventure Overland Show is an unsung hero in many aspects. You will see a vast array of some of the best overland vehicles from Citroen 2CVs to massive Mann Trucks and everything in between including some military and historic vehicles. It never seems to be publicised enough to attract the crowds although there are always a core of very devoted Overlanders present. If you are thinking of going on an expedition then this is a good place to start your research as there a classroom talks and forums all taking place throughout the weekend. You can get good professional advice from experienced traders and travellers. The Show takes place at Stratford Racecourse and for further information see http://www.adventureoverlandshow.net

 

1st Oct    Newbury Sortout

One of the very best 4x4 and Vintage spares auto jumbles on the planet. More Land Rovers and Ifor Williams trailers than you will ever see anywhere. If it’s parts for any Land Rover you want to restore this is the place to shop. We will be showing a very limited range of regular stock as it will mainly be end of line sale items and some very interesting one off vintage and memorabilia items. You can bag some real bargains at this show. For further information visit http://www.4x4sparesday.co.uk/events/newbury-4x4-vintage-spares-day

 

26th November  GBLR Show Stoneleigh

If you want to buy Christmas presents for any one interested in Land Rovers, Overland Travel or Bushcraft this is where you will find them. An indoor show at the National Agricultural Centre in Stoneleigh. Book early to get the best deals and check out the show website for prices and what is on. Hope to see you at this end of season event. http://www.greatbritishlrshow.com/home

 

POSSIBLY ONE OF THE FINEST KNIVES EVER MADE

The Journeyman Extreme is one of the best knives we have ever had the privilege to handle. 
In England, Master Knife Maker Roger Harrington has designed and crafted this knife exclusively for 1948 Original Equipment.

It is made from the rarest of materials and will doubtless become a treasured collector's piece for years to come.

For details of the Damasteel used in the blade and the 12,000 year old Mammoth Ivory used for the handle visit our web page

 

 

 

REMAINING SHOWS FOR 2015

The back end of the year sees us busier than we have ever been with some old favourites and some new guns on the block.

Sat 5th & Sun 6th September – The Shropshire Truck Show See- http://www.shropshiretruckshow.co.uk/

Who does not love big trucks? I have never driven one but would really like a very large space to have a go. We are trying this show for the first time this year on the basis that it is only one county up from home and we love Shropshire. The event is held on Oswestry Showground and it is packed with family entertainment and star guest appearances. This is a great day out and not just for Truckers as there is so much to see and do as well as dropping in on 1948 Original Equipment and shopping to your heart’s content.

Sat 19th & Sun 20th September – LRO Show Peterborough See - http://www.lroshow.com/

The LRO Show is one of the biggest Land Rover Shows in the world. Every Land Rover enthusiast will know of it even if they have not made the pilgrimage to the East of England Showground. The weekend is packed with fun from great shows in the arena, an off road driving course  to many fantastic Club and Trade stands.  Land Rover will have a stand celebrating the life of the original Land Rover through to its last iteration as the Defender as 2015 is the final year of production for this iconic vehicle. Naturally 1948 will be there – look out for our Tipis. If the weather is kind this is a 'must visit' show that will give you inspiration through winter on that long deferred project you know you wish to build.

Sat 26th & Sun 27th September – Adventure Overland Show at Stratford Race Course See - http://adventureoverlandshow.com/

The Adventure Overland Show is still in its infancy but we believe the concept is sound and its potential vast. The show is designed for those that have done it and want to do more and those that dream of doing it. Any question you want to ask about Overland travel can be answered sensibly by someone on site. You just have to make the connection and share your experience. There are superb vehicles that have been customised as the result of hundreds of thousands of kilometres travelled. Their owners constantly changing things to meet the challenges ahead. Individual 4x4s over time prove Darwin’s theory of evolution. 1948 will be selling essential gear and kit and some you just want regardless of need. Come and visit us and see this year's new items.

Sat 3rd & Sun 4th October – Bear Grylls Festival See - https://www.beargryllssurvivalrace.com/bear-grylls-festival/

This is billed as “A celebration of survival, fitness and the Great Outdoors”, so naturally 1948 Original Equipment had to attend. This is the first big show of this type to be held within Greater London. Bear Grylls has enjoyed massive success as an adventurer and raised large amounts for charity. He regularly appears on TV and as Chief Scout has done a sterling job of promoting Scouting to a new generation. He is now a global name in demanding outdoor challenges. We will be featuring our strong links to Bushcraft in support of this event and hope to tempt many urban dwellers away from computers and play-stations and expand their horizons and possibilities into a love of the outdoors. Tickets will sell fast for this event so make sure you get yours. This is a family day out with a host of things for the kids to try.

Sat 17th & Sun 18th October – Newark Robin Hood Game & Country Show See - http://www.robinhoodcountryshow.co.uk/newark-robin-hood-show.htm

This is another first for us but as we could not attend the CLA this year we felt the need to attend one Game Fair. This is a very well attended show and although late in the season it presents a great opportunity get  ahead on the Christmas present front. There is everything you would expect at a Game Fair with a Gun Dog area, Country zone, Arena events and a Gun and Shooting Hall. We have fortunately been granted space in the George Stephenson Exhibition Hall along with the Gun Makers and Traders. It means that regardless of the weather you can shop in the warm and dry. Our full range of Bushcraft and Outdoor equipment will be on display.

Sun 29th November – The Great British Land Rover Show Donington See - http://www.greatbritishlrshow.com/

At last a Show organiser has realised that Land Rover owners need Christmas presents too. This is a fantastic opportunity to get the perfect present for every Land Rover mad person in your family. If Christmas is not on your agenda then just enjoy the great atmosphere and perhaps treat yourself or scope out what you need to make 2016 an enjoyable year. We will have some great end of season offers and be celebrating our last show of 2015. At the time of writing this advance tickets are at a 50% discount so now is the time to book the day and get your ticket. We look forward to seeing you.

 

LET’S GET READY FOR BILLING

June was a very busy month for us having attended four shows so our body clocks will need a few days to settle down. When you are setting up, working and moving on most weekends the days of the week become totally confused. “Where are we?” is a well worn phrase.

The good news is that we met many of our long standing customers and many new ones in the last month. We have already showcased a number of new T-shirt designs and every single one will be on show at Billing.

To contain all our new items and all our old favourites, plus a big collection of pictures we wish to sell, the Billing Show will see us build our biggest show stand ever. Look out for our big Tipis and be prepared to fight your way through the crowds if you want a real bargain. The show is starting to get back some of its magic and this year is the 25th Anniversary of this great show.

Be there or regret it! Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August For more information and tickets see: -   www.billinglandroverfest.co.uk

FROST RIVER

We have a few new items added to our selection of legendary Frost River products. All are handcrafted using their usual waxed cotton canvas “Tin Cloth” and teamed with premium leather and solid brass fittings. Now is the time to start thinking about any new equipment you might need and you can never have too many Frost River packs. They just get better the older they get.

Summit Boulder Junction Pack	Roll Up Dopp Kit	Arrowhead Roll Top pack

The Summit Boulder Junction pack is one of their most versatile with many pockets and ideal for weekend hikes.

A great accessory for use when travelling for work or leisure is the Roll Up Dopp Kit which takes on the position as your mobile bathroom cabinet. Hang it on a tree or a clothes peg.

For cyclists and commuters as well as day hikers the Arrowhead Roll Top pack is designed for you. Very comfortable to wear and flexible cargo space.

To see all these items visit the Frost River  section on the Luggage tab of our web shop.

NEW SHOW - WILD FOOD & CHILLI FAIR

We will be attending a new show in 2015 at Maldon in Essex on 27th & 28th June. It is the first year of a concept we quite like look the look of as it brings together foraging for wild food, cooking, chilli and of course music. It is also east of London in a part of the world where we have not attended any shows to date.

We hope some of our regular customers will see this as an opportunity to come and look at our products and also find new people who share our love of the great outdoors and wild cooking. There are top name Chefs who will be present and a myriad of foods and cookware.

We think it will be a great weekend and if the weather is good, as it always is in Essex, a good time will be had by all. It will be a great opportunity for any Bushcrafters to view and handle our Frost River range of products as well as our many new items for 2015. Put a note in your diary!

Take a look at the website for more details and tickets www.wildfoodandchillifair.com

Shows

We have already had enquiries about the Shows we will be at in 2015 so here is an interim list. To avoid misleading anyone these are the Shows where you can expect us to have a large range of products across everything we sell on the web i.e. the bigger events. If there is a particular item you would like to see before you buy just contact us before the event and we will make sure we bring it for you to examine at your leisure.

We have not finalised our list of the smaller shows we will be at as yet.  We have to find cost effective ways of working these. Every year one or two organisations format a new Land Rover / Travel / Bushcraft type festival and most are not cost effective for us because the public only have so much to spend. We will post the Auto Jumbles and smaller Shows in a few weeks.

Here are the major events we will be at in 2015 - for more details about each visit their show web sites.

15th February –  Donington 4x4 Show Donington Park Circuit www.donington4x4show.co.uk.

The season opener and one we always enjoy. It is not a big show only one day but it has a good indoor venue so rain or shine it works for everyone and is always well attended. Our stock will be a little restricted so let us know if there is something you want to see.

23rd to 25th May – The Bushcraft Show Derbyshire www.thebushcraftshow.co.uk This year is a new venue for the show,  still in Derbyshire and we all hope it will not be as wet and muddy as last year. We will have a bigger than ever selection of Bushcraft items and clothing and hopefully some demonstrations as well. We are one of the Show Sponsors and hope to see many of our customers at this event.

31st July to 2nd August – Billing Land Rover Fest Northampton www.billinglandroverfest.co.uk The 25th Anniversary of this show so quite a milestone.  I recently found a picture of my vehicle at the very first Billing. We hope to have a good display of Billing History as well as a vast array of merchandise for you. We will launch our new 2015 T-shirt designs at this event. There will be bargains for all the family. Last year's show saw a good improvement in the organisational side and it has started to look like a good family show again. Look out for our big Tipis! Sadly this clashes with the CLA Game Fair. As a result we had to make a choice and who could turn down the oldest and biggest Land Rover Show. Sorry to all our CLA Game Fair customers.

13th to 16th August – The Wilderness Gathering Wiltshire www.wildernessgathering.co.uk If you have children and think they should be running around and not in front of a television this show is a must. It is the most enjoyable and relaxed show we attend. It is more a festival than a show with great wholesome food, good cider and music in addition to expert advice on all things Bushcraft. From dawn until late there is something to do. If you an experienced old hand or a novice to Bushcraft you can be assured of a warm welcome and a weekend you will talk about for months afterwards.

19th & 20th September – The LRO Show Peterborough www.lroshow.com Land Rover Owner are the biggest Land Rover publication and they put considerable effort behind making this event a success. Every year it seems to grow and one or two well known companies who have retreated from the show circuit are once again joining the circus. It is a big show for us and again look out for our giant Tipis.

Mea Culpa

We have not been working on the website as much as we should - 2014 was a mad year and disappeared with the blink of an eye. Balancing shows, web sales and a house build and move did not leave us much time. We did manage to rear and sell our very own Biddlestone Tamworth Pork and Dexter Beef for the first time. Most importantly  after four years of renovation (we thought it would take 12 to 18 months!) we finally moved from our mobile home into two thirds of the house in the last few days of December. We now have space!

All our furniture and belongings have been in store during the renovation  so when the delivery men arrived it was a very special and frightening day. Having lived for four years with very little around us in the mobile home it is surprising how little we now need. As a result we have so much to sell that a series of Car Boot events are a necessity.

One thing that was a joy to get back was all our books. Books are a weakness and it may still take several months to sort them all out but that is something we are looking forward to.

As this is the first News of 2015 and an apology for 2014 we are committing to more stories in 2015. Happy New Year and watch this space!

Two Big Shows to Start the Season

The next May Bank Holiday has two cracking shows which 1948 Original Equipment will be attending.

The first is the Eastnor Land Rover Show and as many will know Eastnor and Land Rover have been inextricably linked for many decades.

This new date for the Show is in our opinion a big improvement as previously it was too close to the LRO Peterborough show.

Mark Woodward has worked very closely with Land Rover Experience and may well be springing one or two surprises. Eastnor is probably one of the most picturesque show sites so let’s hope the weather is kind. It is a favourite venue for many Series 1 owners and there is always an excellent turnout of Classic Land Rovers. www.eastnorlandrovershow.com The Bushcraft Show is at a new venue this year - Catton Hall near Derby. This Show has grown in strength each year and has a great following within the Bushcraft community. What makes this stand out for us is the vast number of extremely talented craftsmen showing and teaching children and adults alike about nature, self sufficiency, making and looking after tools and much more.

There are talks by some of the best experts in their fields gathered from all over the globe. One of our personal recommendations is to watch the demonstrations given by Ben Orford. His skills with knife and axe making are legendary and the way he communicates sharpening is so simple and understandable; well worth taking 20 to 40 minutes out of the day to watch him. www.bushcraftshow.co.uk. Details such as dates, what’s happening  and ticket sales can be found on their websites. We will have our usual array of products plus many new items for 2014.

Frost River DeliveryWe have just received our first delivery of 2014 from one of our favourite suppliers, Frost River. At the end of last year our sales of both the Isle Royale Bushcraft pack and its younger brother the Isle Royale Junior were so brisk we sold out. Chris, the owner of Frost River, was also inundated with orders so we had to disappoint some customers. Frost River then pulled out all the stops and we have just restocked with these great packs and even sold two the minute they came back into inventory. We also operate a special order system for all the items Frost River makes that we do not hold in stock. Their entire range is vast and as we place orders around every 8 weeks, we can always add on a specific item for any customer. We do not charge extra for special orders but we do ask for a 25% deposit as it is not a regular stock item. The balance is only payable once we have the item in our hands and it is ready to send out to you. For those unfamiliar with the brand, Frost River use traditional materials and handcraft some of the finest packs and luggage items in the world. They make great travelling companions and have a lifetime guarantee. Heritage Truck This beauty was spotted at the Adventure Overland Show in September. Although I am a self confessed Land Rover enthusiast I cannot turn a blind eye to this heritage wagon. It has been lovingly built and used as an expedition truck and looks just great.

Toyotas have dominated the South East Asian and Australian market for many years. It is quite rare to see such a heritage vehicle in the UK. The only downside is that they are so rare if you find one the price is quite high. This one has been sourced and imported by

www.theoverlander.org 

First date for 2014

We have just been given the date for The Bushcraft Show in 2014. Make a note in your diary to be at Catton Hall, a new venue for the show on 24th to 25th May.  At this time I expect it is early days to know what will be happening at the show but 1948 Original Equipment will be in our usual Tipi. Last year we were blessed with sun and a fantastic display by the Masai in their red robes and regalia. Let’s hope for similar weather in 2014. We are already sourcing many new items which will be unveiled at this our first outdoor show of the year. For more details see www.thebushcraftshow.co.uk 0 Don’t forget to visit Newbury!

If you have an on-going Land Rover project or are just dreaming about one, a visit to the biggest Land Rover Auto Jumble in England is essential. Hardened veterans would say essential. Over the years I have always obeyed the call but more recently have seen Newbury in a different light - akin to an Agricultural show. For the uninitiated I must point out there are no animals involved at Newbury apart from a few dogs and I seem to remember a lady that appears with ferrets on a lead.  Monmouth is the largest one day Agricultural Show in Wales according to the locals; and a very fine show it is. Everyone turns up in a Land Rover towing an Ifor Williams trailer. There are hundreds of them as far as the eye can see. They then disgorge their goods, mainly cattle and sheep, arrange them beautifully and wait for all their friends to come round.  They talk about whoever is not around at the time or how bad business is at present. They then move around and prod other people's stock and tut-tut about the prices. Everyone wants to haggle. One or two of them gets given Red Rosettes which means they can put their prices up. (Now Mark Woodward should think of introducing something similar at Newbury). Most bring sandwiches in Tupperware boxes and a flask because the catering is, and I quote, “Daylight robbery”. Things happen and people do business  They don’t actually sell or buy hardly anything but it is how they justify the show and a great time is had by all. If the weather is fine it is a family day out. The public are admitted but they are a nuisance as they ask questions and clog up the roads when you want to leave. As the sun starts to fade everyone loads up their Ifor Williams trailer and heads for home having bought something that they did not need and will probably put in the shed or barn. Now I have to say that the Monmouth Show is a good day out and must not be missed, but you see how similar it is to the Newbury 4x4 Spares day. On the assumption that they are different people at Monmouth and Newbury, when combined, they must account for over 50% of the Ifor Williams trailers in the world. It must say something that the two canniest buyers known to man (Farmers and Motor Traders) all buy from this one manufacturer. Well back to Newbury, it is coming soon! - Sunday 6th October. If you want anything Land Rover no matter what age the vehicle you will probably find it at Newbury. Be prepared to haggle but don’t think you will get it on the way out. It will either be sold or you will never find the stand again because there are hundreds of sellers spread over a very big area. It is also a favourite haunt of the European Land Rover restorers with several companies coming over with vans and trucks going back filled to the gunnels.   On reflection I think I will tell Mark I really like the idea of rosettes. www.iwt.co.uk for the legendary trailers www.newbury4x4andvintagesparesday.co.uk for the greatest auto jumble Don’t forget to come and see us at the last Shows of the year!

This coming weekend is probably the biggest Land Rover Show of the year 7th & 8th September LRO Show Peterborough www.lroshow.com Quickly followed by one of the biggest Game Fairs with everything for country life 14th & 15th September Midland Game Fair at Weston Park www.countrymanfairs.co.uk/midland-game-fair

Last but by no means least of the lifestyle shows is the Adventure Overland Show

28th & 29th September Adventure Overland at Stratford Race Course www.adventureoverlandshow.com

And finally the one we all love where we all take a trailer load of stock and return having sold some but bought more. I have never really worked out the theory of this one! This is very popular with European bargain hunters so be prepared to accept Euros.

6th October Newbury 4x4 & Vintage Spares Day at Newbury Show Ground www.newbury4x4andvintagesparesday.co.uk

Tractor World Show Don’t forget we will be at the Tractor World Show on 2nd & 3rd March at the Three Counties Showground, Malverns. Not just with a regular retail stand but also 'Monty' and 'Tommy' on display. Show Organiser Mark Woodward has asked us to exhibit one of the first 1948 Land Rovers “Tommy” and Brockhouse trailer plus a rare Tickford Station Wagon in Expedition guise. For more information about the show go to www.tractorworldshow.co.uk Lets get 2013 started! Well 2013 has arrived and we are just getting ready for the first small show of the year. It takes place at the Three Counties Show Ground at Malvern. The 4x4 & Vintage Spares Day takes place on Sunday 13th January 2013 with the doors open to the public at 9.30 am. This is the second year this has been run by show organiser Mark Woodward. Mark is a great chap and really knows his stuff organising around 30 events per year from small auto jumbles to very large Steam Fairs or Land Rover Shows. Last year's event got the year off to a flying start and was well attended by Trade and Public alike. Mark’s sensible approach to pricing in these difficult times seems to work well for everybody. We will have a range of our best selling 1948 Original Equipment items on sale. This will give you a chance to blow the cobwebs away and start thinking about the work you need to do on your various projects. Or maybe you are planning an overland trip and need more equipment and gear. If everything else fails you can get a jolly good cooked breakfast in the café on site and pass the time of day with old friends. For more information visit www.4x4sparesday.co.uk Hope to see you at the show! Update & 2013 We have been very remiss in posting items on the News Section – mea culpa. We have been concentrating on regular posts for our Facebook page plus entries for our Blog and our News Section has been a rather poor relation. Still, with Christmas and 2013 only just around the corner we thought you might like to know how the Show calendar is looking for the coming year. We list below the Shows that we know about and are considering attending. Our dilemma is that there are too many shows and the overall costs of attending are steadily increasing. We do not want to compromise our offering so we are looking long and hard at those that will give us the best reward for the money we need to invest. In addition we are also looking at the X Factor. This is not some form of audition and I promise that none of our team including Auntie Alice will be singing. We are looking at those Shows we enjoy attending. Those where we need extra security and fencing due to a small minority that seem intent on disruption and theft, and where the showers and toilets are not clean do not fill us with joy.  Harsh words perhaps but it seems to be a trend. By contrast some events such as the Wilderness Gathering are just like a holiday. They are very enjoyable with spectacularly good food, cider, music and friendship. Yes it is always work but life is short and we enjoy talking and socialising with our customers in the evening as well as during the day.   We hope to work with all Show Organisers and influence better and more interesting attractions and raise standards, especially for families. Value for money is so important in today’s climate but so is that mystery ingredient. Some Shows seem to have lost the concept that a happy and content visitor will come again and tell their friends. The dates highlighted in red are those we will definitely attend. The remainder are still under consideration. We would love to attend them all and we will update the list early in the New Year so keep watching.

Sunday 13th January – 4x4 & Vintage Spares Day at Malvern www.4x4sparesday.co.uk

Sunday 17th February – Donington 4x4 Show www.donington4x4show.co.uk

Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd March – Tractor World at Three Counties Showground www.tractorworldshow.co.uk

Sunday 7th April – Newbury 4x4 & Vintage Spares Day www.4x4sparesday.co.uk Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May – Harrogate Land Rover Show Sorry we cannot attend this event.

Saturday 25th to Monday 27th May – The Bushcraft Show www.thebushcraftshow.co.uk

Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th June – The Dunsfold Collection Open Weekend www.dunsfoldcollection.co.uk

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd June – Bristol & West LR Show at Shepton Mallet www.bristolandwestlandrovershow.com

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd June – Wartime in the Vale www.ashdowncamp.webs.com

Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July - CLA Game Fair Ragley Hall

Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July – The Billing Show

Friday 15th to Sunday 18th August – The Wilderness Gathering www.wildernessgathering.co.uk

Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th August – Eastnor Land Rover Show www.eastnorlandrovershow.com

Saturday 7th to Sunday 8th September – LRO Show at Peterborough www.lroshow.com

Saturday 28th to Sunday 29th September – Adventure Overland Show, Stratford Racecourse www.adventureoverlandshow.com

Sunday 6th October – Newbury & Vintage Spares Day www.4x4sparesday.co.uk

Billing News Flash 2012

We have just received the following statement from the Billing Show Organisers. “Due to the ground conditions at Billing Aquadrome the Billing 2012 Show in association with Land Rover Owner International magazine will now be postponed to Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th August 2012. Any customers who have purchased advanced tickets, will automatically be transferred to the new date and our ticket agent will distribute the relevant information. The hotline number for day tickets is 0844 873 7331; Billing Camping is 01524 781 453; Grange Farm Camping is 01604 890 271. We apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment this may cause - but as we're sure you can appreciate, we have to ensure the site is safe for both visitors and exhibitors alike so that we can put on a great show.We hope you can make the new dates”. 1948 Original Equipment has confirmed to Live and LRO that we will be showing at the new dates. We recognise that this change may make life very difficult for some Traders and Visitors alike. Fortunately we can make the new dates and we want to assure all our customers that we will be putting on a full Show as usual - Tipis et al. We may see some signs of summer over the next period and hope that you will be able to join us on 10th to 12th August at Billing – it is only 4 weeks away!

New Items

We have just added a large number of new products to the website. These include new T-shirt designs which also feature our Collectors' Series No.1 - The Tray Back and No.2 - The Tickford. In addition we have new Ladies' T-shirts plus knives including the fantastic FireKnife with integral FireSteel in the handle.

New luggage, both Casual and The Real Thing, plus various accessories and kids' clothing all boast new product offerings.

Two special items are worth highlighting, first we have a fantastic hat for new babies available in both pink or blue with a print design and the legend Born a Land Rover Fan. Secondly is a great gift for the kids to give to Mum or Dad. It proclaims that the children cannot be held responsible for any damage, mess or noise made by their Parent or their Land Rover.

The Wilderness Gathering Following on from a successful Bushcraft Show (apart from the rain and cold temperatures!) we have been spurred on to take a trade stand at the Wilderness Gathering in Wiltshire 16th to 19th August 2012. We have been visitors to this show for a number of years but we have now decided to take the plunge and have our first trade stand on site. We will be in our usual giant Tipi so we will be easy to recognise. This is their 10th Anniversary Show and regular followers of 1948 Original Equipment will know that we have promoted the Wilderness Gathering as an exceptional family event with many new things for your children to try out. They will also learn much about the world around them and how we should work with nature and have fun as a way of life. Check out www.wildernessgathering.co.uk and view their video; it gets our five star rating. Auntie Alice, our predictor of weather, has promised us sunshine! Facebook We have launched a new format Facebook site for 1948 Original Equipment. We place on this pictures and stories about the people and friends we meet and most importantly post pictures of great vehicles. Please come and see us by clicking on the Facebook link on our home page of this website. If you like what you see, please click on "Liked". We want to get our "LIKES" rating as high as possible - so please tell your friends! 2012 Show Update Please find below the shows we hope to be attending. We still have to finalise some arrangements but we thought it time we published our proposed calendar.  You will see that for the first time we will be exhibiting at the 2012 Bushcraft Show held at Elvaston Castle in Derbyshire.

Date

2nd to 4th June.    The Bushcraft Show at Elvaston Castle, for more information see www.thebushcraftshow.co.uk

23rd & 24th June.    The Bristol and West Land Rover Show at the Bath & West Show ground in Shepton Mallet.This is a new event but promises to be a good regional show. For more information see www.bristolandwestlandrovershow.com

27th to 29th July.    The Billing Land Rover Show – the oldest and best known Land Rover Show in Europe. Despite its critics still a great gathering of Land Rover enthusiasts. The location at Billing Aquadrome has a Marmite effect on most people. It certainly works for families with lots to do and see www.billing.lroshow.com

17th to 19th August. The Wilderness Gathering – this is truly a family event, your children will love it. If the weather is good this is a premier show. It showcases long forgotten ancients skills and puts Bushcraft into a modern setting. Experts in all fields are on hand with practical advice and hands-on demonstration. The event has Story Telling, Tracking, Foraging, Tool Making, Shelter Making, Stargazing  - the list goes on and on. This is a show with a difference and it gives you the knowledge to make a difference in the world around us. For more information visit www.wildernessgathering.co.uk 25th & 26th August.    The Eastnor Land Rover Show – Land Rovers return to their spiritual home for the first time in a number of years. It offers fantastic scenery with a good off road driving course. We are really looking forward to this event. For more information see www.eastnorlandrovershow.com

8th & 9th September.    The LRO Show Peterborough at the East of England Show Ground. This is the last big show of the season and there are lots of promises that this will be much better than last year. For more information see www.peterborough.lroshow.com

30th September.    The 4x4 Land Rover Spares and Vintage Rally at Newbury Showground. This is a great end to the year and the perfect time to get all your parts for the winter builds or restoration. It is probably the biggest Land Rover auto jumble in the world and attracts visitors from across Europe and beyond. For more information see www.newbury4x4andvintagesparesday.co.uk

One out one in

We have just heard that the Land Rover Max Show is cancelled but there is a new show at the Shepton Mallet Show Ground called the Bristol & West Land Rover Show. It is being organised by Mark Woodward of Newbury 4x4 Spares Day fame, hot on the heels of his relaunch of the Eastnor Show (see below). Take a look at www.bristolandwestlandrovershow.com

Coming Soon

We have new stock from our friends Frost River. These are some of the best outdoor packs in the world and all are hand crafted in Duluth on the shores of Lake Superior. Watch our web site around the end of March to see some exciting new products. One bag in particular we think will be a big success is the Isle Royale Jr which is specifically designed with Bushcraft in mind. Its signature twin vertical pockets are ideal for water bottles and a central sleeve will carry our woodsman axe. If you see us at a show ask to see this exceptional pack. You will be tempted!

A Land Rover Show returns to Eastnor Castle

As it is on our door step we are delighted to note that Mark Woodward has worked with the Eastnor Castle  Estate and Land Rover Experience to bring a Land Rover show back to its spiritual home.  The dates are Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th of August. It is in the heart of the Malvern Hills set in a stunning location and I am guaranteed by Mark that local ales and cider will be on sale.

Mark is committed to making this a family show to remember. Full details of everything on offer as well as Advanced Tickets can be found on www.eastnorlandrovershow.com. His web site is easy to follow and with plenty of information, so this is definitely a date for your diary.

If you read our blog you could decide to make a short holiday break in Herefordshire. Think of visiting The Weston’s Cider museum, canoeing on the Wye or visiting Hereford Cathedral to see the Mappa Mundi.

We look forward to seeing all our customers and friends at the Eastnor Land Rover Show and perhaps sharing with you a glass of Wye Valley Brewery’s finest!

Power cuts - no problem

Another great item we have recently introduced is a classic storm lantern made by FEUERHAND in Germany. They first developed this lantern in 1902 and have been making them ever since. It is what we now consider an old fashioned oil lamp but it is one of the best forms of lighting you can buy. Ideal for camping or late night barbecues it offers 20 hours of light on one tank of fuel. The flame is fully adjustable and burns without noise. You are bathed in ambient yellow light  and not dazzled as some lamps do.

Beware of imitations now made all over the Far East! The FEUERHAND lanterns have a specially constructed leak proof cell for the fuel and is equipped with a thermal heat resistant SUPRAX Globe. This stops cracking through thermal shock when exposed to rain or snow. The burner element has also evolved to stop flickering and shooting from the flame and burns very cleanly. They are lightweight to transport (always transport with the fuel tank empty is a tip we have been given) weighing in at only 530gms

They are also an excellent standby for power cuts and much safer than candles.

When Technology meets Traditional Style

We found Kupilka® items being used by a Bushcraft friend and were immediately impressed by the products design and looks. When we got back to the office we immediately researched the manufacturer in Finland and realised these were ideal products for our store.

Kupilka® products are made from Biomaterial. It is a Thermoplastic Natural Fibre Composites material. (50% wood and 50% Polypropene) It is completely recyclable and all its packaging is made from recycled cardboard.

Natural Fibre Composites are better than plastic as they have better heat endurance and its stiff structure makes it more durable. Compared to wood alone it needs no maintenance and does not absorb smells or liquid and is insensitive to humidity changes making it dish washer safe. Usage temperatures are from -30⁰C to +100⁰C.

It looks like a natural pine trunk product and many customers ask what type of wood it is made from. The attention to detail and quality shines through; each item is  inspired by those essential pieces of gear used by the trappers and reindeer herdsmen who have roamed northern Europe for nearly two thousand years.

See all our Kupilka products in our Personal Gear section under Home & Travel Winter is on the way!

Do not get caught out this winter! Our snow shovels are already selling fast! We also have a great offer for three winter survival aids priced together at a specially reduced price We never know when snow might hit so there is no better time to stow all the necessary gear in the back of your Land Rover. Travel Notebooks used by the greats.

We have added two cracking leather note book covers to our collection. They are teamed up with legendary Moleskine® soft cover books to make ideal travelling or business companions. The leather is carefully crafted and finished to make them look old right from the start. They are soft and a joy to hold. The small version is great for exhibitions and shows where you might want to jot down a few notes but don’t wish to carry anything heavy. This notebook will fit in just about any pocket.

 

We have had these two beauties on test for some time and think they have proved to be a great success admired by all. Yes we know current trend is for some electronic device but the humble note book has so many advantages and is great to keep and cherish and then share with your grandkids.

 

If note books were good enough for Ernest Hemingway and Vincent van Gogh they are good enough for us. Make someone you love very happy with this perfect gift!

Clothing from the Home of Safari

Over twelve months ago we set about sourcing a new bush shirt and shorts from Africa. Why Africa you might ask, when most of the world's clothing comes from the Far East. Well, we thought they might know a thing or two about what works. Historically practical use has always driven design and evolution. This was certainly true in the first half of the last century. The African continent drew explorers from all over the world and it's many climates demanded new products especially in the clothing arena. As a result they developed a real expertise in what was practical and needed. Large trading posts abounded equipping engineers, tourists and explorers alike. Factories established themselves meeting the local demands and eventually exporting around the globe.

Sadly the second half of the twentieth century saw a continent strewn with civil war, apartheid and famine. Politics, trade embargos and corruption in certain areas virtually saw an end to any exports of these great original products.

However one or two facilities remained in moth balls and some kept the skills alive producing items for domestic consumption. After working with our friends Carol and Pete we have now once again established links with one of the old factories and we have just received our first consignment of shirts and shorts.

Now as you might imagine we were not expecting these just at the start of winter but having jumped through hoops to get this first shipment we are not labouring the fact they are five months late. We have taken the positive spin that they are in good time for next spring!

The garments are everything we hoped for and we know they will prove a hit with our customers. They are made just like the originals, great quality fabrics, honestly made and designed for the minimum of fuss and maximum performance when being used on safari. This idea of finding Original Equipment is our reason for being and we hope you share our passion and enjoyment.

2011

Well the Show season has finished and we head towards winter. Very many thanks to all our supporters and customers, because of you we have had a good and enjoyable year. We hope you also enjoyed our Tipis at Billing and Peterborough plus seeing Monty who made his first show appearance this year.

Looking back on the year we think the Show scene has lost something. We live in a commercial world but organisers seem to keep paring back and not investing. We think this reflects in the attendance and the general feeling of not as good as the old days. Talk comes cheap and without getting on a political soap box we want to see some changes. Traders need to see a profit opportunity or they will not keep supporting shows. Visitors are the lifeblood so entrance fees must be realistic and above all shows must offer value for money and present something new.

My challenge to Live Promotions who seem to have quite a monopoly on Land Rover shows is let’s have new entertainment that has never been seen before and give something back to the visitors. We need better arena events taking place all day and into the evenings. We need much more vitality and involvement. This need not cost a fortune it just requires lateral thought and drive. Please can we have, as a matter of course, clean and well maintained showers and toilets kept at their best all weekend? I go to many different types of shows all over the UK and you can see so many good ideas that would be simple to translate into the Land Rover arena. I just wonder if the organisers of all our shows could consider a clean sheet of paper rather than what they did last year.

We have a whole new range of products going on the web for Christmas including, for the first time, our Treadwear Clothing. You will find a great range of T Shirts and Sweats for Children as well as for Men and Women.

Our leather goods with our 48OE logo will make great gifts for family and friends and you do not have to worry about correct sizing.

For that special present what about one of our great watches using light weight titanium and latest technologies they offer great value for a gift that will never be forgotten. Please remember we are always receptive to product ideas and are still waiting for any pictures of our products in use anywhere in the world.

We are gathering together our show dates for 2012 and will be publishing these early in the New Year.

Treadwear Clothing

For those of you who have shopped with us at shows you will be familiar with our range of Treadwear items. Always producing a smile, Treadwear likes to look at a more humorous and easy going way of life. Treadwear will also be known to all Land Rover show enthusiasts for the equally easy going nature of its Irish founders. Their hospitality was legend.

When the baton was passed to us we knew Treadwear would fit superbly well with 1948 Original Equipment. We were not wrong and we have steadily increased the number of clothing items in the range.

We have now launched Treadwear Clothing on this website. You will find a fantastic range of Kids' T Shirts and Sweats at sensible prices. These make perfect presents for your own family as well as those of friends. It is well worth taking time for a quick look.

We also have a Ladies' and a Men's section that will appeal to anyone with a love of Land Rovers. If you really want to ensure a perfect Christmas why not give a Mother Knows Best T-shirt. Enjoy looking around the Treadwear selection and we feel certain you will find at least one present to cross from your list.

Tommy, Monty & Winston For those of you who are not regular Show visitors we thought you might like to see the three icons that inspired our business. These Series 1 Land Rovers always draw a crowd when we have any one of them in front of our Tipi at major events. 'Tommy' is a very early 1948 Land Rover with canvas top and in the pale green colour of all such early vehicles. All his original parts are fully restored, with matching numbers on chassis, engine etc. Drives as well as any 1948 Land Rover but would not be recommended for any long journey. He is comfortable at 30 to 35 mph! Our rare 1950 Tickford Station Wagon is 'Monty', and he is in original condition. We love driving him and he is very much used and a part of the family. There is much to suggest that this was the very first development that ended up with the classic Range Rover. A split tailgate and more luxury and comfort were the cornerstones of both models Tickford and Range Rover alike. We have spoken with the family that had him from new and used him for family holidays all over Europe in the 1950s and early 1960s It passed from them and we purchased 'Monty' from Nick Baldwin the acclaimed motoring journalist. 'Winston' is part of the Civil Defence SXF series of Land Rovers. He is a 1958 88inch Series 1 Station Wagon that was originally kitted out as a Radio Vehicle. He was also our very first Series 1 nut and bolt restoration from the ground up. Driving him by contrast to early Series 1s is a joy with much better brakes and steering.

The Wilderness Gathering 2011

One great event we have enjoyed and visited on a number of occasions is the Wilderness Gathering. For all fans of Bear Grylls or Ray Mears this is a 'Must Visit' show. The great thing about this event is that it remains true to its roots and is full of wonderful friendly people, all of whom are happy to pass on advice and experience.

This is without a doubt the premier family event for all those interested in Bushcraft and the great outdoors. It takes place at West Knoyle in Wiltshire on August 18th to 21st. It is more a festival type gathering and showcases just about every craft and skill imaginable. One special feature we love is the number of different Bushcraft clubs and hands-on demonstrations for children of all ages. There is so much for them to do and try that games consoles will be long forgotten.

For the parents, there will be hands-on demonstrations of game preparation, knife sharpening, basha boat building and primitive fire lighting to name just a few. All of these skills are there for everybody and anybody to participate in.

There is a wealth of good quality trade stands selling products such as custom knives, tipis, outdoor clothing and primitive tools. The organisers have even laid on a free 'Bring and Buy' service, where you can bring along your used and unwanted kit and they’ll sell it for you.

The catering is within the theme of the event with venison and game featuring on the menus plus organic cakes (quite excellent!) and drinks.

Try your hand at archery or axe throwing during the day and by night enjoy story telling, music and star gazing around the campfire. The woodland and open field camping facilities (with hot showers!) give you the option to visit for the whole weekend or just to attend as a day visitor.

Check out www.wildernessgathering.co.uk or call 0845 8387062 - you really won’t regret it!

The Land Rover Owner Shows at Billing & Peterborough

Sorry we could not make Driffield but we will be at the big two - Billing 15th to 17th July and Peterborough 10th & 11th September.  We have lots of new products all at ‘Show Special’ prices. Come on our stand for a chat and to see how our range of products has developed! In our gallery section you will see included some pictures from last year’s shows - you may even recognise some of the people and vehicles! For more information on Billing & Peterborough shows see www.lroshow.com.

Traditional Tin Mugs Reinvented The British Army had its own secret weapon through two world wars – the ‘British Cuppa’. Tea was an essential ingredient for success on the home front as much as it was overseas. We have brought back an all time classic – the tin mug, the essential ingredient for a classic brew. These enamelled mugs have been made in the time honoured way to our exclusive designs. They are perfect for expeditions and camping as they are virtually indestructible. There are only very few parts of the world where early explorers did not use a similar product. They make perfect gifts and can be used for soups, stews and puddings as well as the more traditional beverage.

Looking for Original Equipment 1

Everything that we stock is guided by our customers. We are constantly looking for new ideas and original products that can be updated. Quality and craftsmanship are key ingredients when we look for new ideas. Do you know of local artisans who make the very best items? If so write and tell us. If you have ideas about pieces of kit and gear that have or could make your overland trip easier or better, once again let us know. If we include anything new on our website that you have suggested to us, we will give the very first one in stock to you as a 'Thank You' gift. Send your ideas by email to: - products@pmlgb.com.  

Looking for Original Equipment 2

We are keen to see any of our products in action. If you have purchased any item from us, please photograph it on your next trip or day out. We would like to see how creative you can be! Anything from a t-shirt trekking in the Andes to a bag in a canoe on the river Wye - we are interested in serious to humorous, your imagination is the only limiting factor! Don’t hold back! - send us your pictures by e-mail. We will publish a selection of these half yearly on this site. Each month the person sending the best picture (in our judgement!) will receive a £50 voucher to spend in our web shop. (This voucher can only be redeemed against products listed on www.originalequipmentshop.com. By sending us a picture you agree to allow Paradigm Marketing Ltd to publish and use the picture on its website, products and promotional material.)

4 x 4 & Vintage Spares Day at Newbury Show Ground

This twice per year event is a Mecca for anyone interested in old Land Rovers. Many of us have been making the trip twice a year for far too long. Both events are run and organised by Mark Woodward (see a little about him in the Friends section of this web site). Everyone seems to take home as much if not more than they bring to sell. But that is the fun of the whole event; you never know what you will find! There is a large contingent of European enthusiasts who buy and sell so there are often some very unusual items on display. We highly recommend these two events that are usually the opening and closing shows of the season. If you have never been it is worth it just to people watch, and see the many homemade devices created to carry heavy vehicle parts around with you.  You will find all things Land Rover and very much more. Don’t be afraid to haggle for spares as prices for most things are negotiable. The dates for 2011 are Sunday 3rd April & Sunday 2nd October. Take a look at: -  www.newbury4x4andvintagesparesday.co.uk for further information. These shows are great fun and 1948 Original Equipment will be there so let’s hope for sun and we look forward to seeing you!

Tommy arrives at his new home!

After being abandoned in Oxfordshire for months through the coldest winter I have ever experienced, Tommy was finally liberated on the back of my trusty Ifor Williams flatbed and introduced to his new home in Herefordshire.